Who cares about Iceland... I’m here to keep Palace up
Roy’s promise after England humiliation
IT WAS a world away from the Stade De Nice, where a haunted figure made an awkward resignation speech after England’s humiliating 2-1 defeat by Iceland.
That was just 15 months ago at Euro 2016, but yesterday we saw Roy Hodgson striding into a sunny room in leafy Beckenham beaming, name-checking all and sundry, shaking hands warmly, even waving to those at the back.
Gone was the numb, drawn look of a man who admitted he felt “fragile” after the horrible events in France. Back on home turf in south-east London, where it all began for him, Hodgson insisted he had put those England nightmares behind him and had not rewatched that Iceland debacle.
There are no scars, said Hodgson, no need for redemption. Still in his training gear, he insisted that all he cares about now is Crystal Palace – pointless, goalless and bottom-ofthe-table Palace.
But now it is his. His Palace, his Selhurst Park, where he stood on the terraces and watched Real Madrid help to celebrate turning on the floodlights in a friendly back in 1961.
And he is adamant that becoming the oldest man, at the age of 70, to take on a Premier League job is no problem, because he feels better now than when he was 40.
“I’m not interested in Iceland. It’s a past chapter,” said Hodgson. “Who cares? There might be people in Carlisle who’d like to know, but I’m in south London, Beckenham. The Palace fans reading this are the ones who interest me – what does that say about me, my team?
“It would have been unusual if I had not felt shattered that day. I and my coaching staff cared very deeply. We had high hopes. To lose in the way we did against a team many thought we should have beaten, that was a bad day.
“But it’s well over a year ago now. I’ve had lots of time to get my mind back on track, and it didn’t take me a year. I didn’t question myself. I enjoyed my time with England, it was a huge honour, but it’s over. That time has gone. I’m focused on the next one. Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace, Crystal Palace.
“Of course I’ve watched the Iceland game – but not for about 14 months – and I don’t want to watch it now. It’s got no relevance.
“I’m not that interested any more. What happens in the future is what counts. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to come along. I’m pleased to hear you say I look younger. That’s down to a good few sessions in the gym.” Hodgson was a junior at Palace, though he never got anywhere near the first team and admitted that seeing some of the familiar streets and buildings from his Croydon schooldays on the journey to training has brought a smile to his face.
Undoubtedly, the excellent work he did at Fulham and West Brom, as well as some eight league titles abroad, persuaded Palace that the safe pair of hands Hodgson so clearly represents meant he was the man to replace the hapless Frank de Boer, who was sacked on Monday.
Hodgson said: “I’ve been waiting and hoping to take on a club at a level I want to work at. I’m very excited. It couldn’t have been a better offer for me, going back to my roots, the club I’ve supported from afar. Words like redemption mean nothing to me.
“At the moment I’m feeling as good as I’ve ever felt. There were times in my forties when I felt a lot less physically and mentally adept than I do today.”
Palace face Southampton today and the task ahead is daunting. Huddersfield visit in the League Cup on Tuesday and, after that, the Eagles go to Manchester City, then United – then face Chelsea at home.
But Hodgson is not given to panic and is calling this a 34-game season.
“I believe this team will stay up. I wouldn’t have taken the job if I did not believe that.”