HODGSON, 71, SIGNS DEAL TO STAY AT PALACE UNTIL 2020
ROY HODGSON agreed a one-year contract extension yesterday that will keep him at Crystal Palace until 2020 as he prepares to start his 43rd year as a manager.
Croydon-born Hodgson, who turned 71 on Thursday, signed a two-year deal when he took over from Frank de Boer last September with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
The ex-England manager then led the Eagles to 11th place and takes his team to newly-promoted Fulham today.
‘Having stood on the terraces in the 1950s, it is a wonderful thing to be managing my boyhood club all these years later,’ said Hodgson, who is believed to be paid around £3million a season.
‘ We can be proud of our achievements last season in turning things around despite a poor start but this year we want to ensure we don’t endure the same struggles. I am thrilled I have the support of the owners, who believe that I am the right man to help Palace move forward and I will do everything I can to make that happen.’
Ray Lewington, 61, Hodgson’s assistant, has also signed new terms that will keep him at Selhurst Park for the next two years at least. Hodgson started his managerial career at Swedish club Halmstads BK in 1976 and had to rebuild his reputation after England’s embarrassing 2-1 defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016.
Palace chairman Steve Parish said: ‘ I’m thrilled Roy has agreed to extend his contract. I know the news will be a big lift to everyone connected with the club. We’re looking to build on the hard work and results of last season and I believe this is the most important part of making that happen.
‘It is fantastic that Roy has a long connection with the club and I think that understanding the south London mentality is a benefit but make no mistake, he’s here because he’s the very best man for the job.’
Hodgson added to his squad during the transfer window, signing Spanish goalkeeper Vicente Guaita, German midfielder Max Meyer and West Ham defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate — as well as Swansea forward Jordan Ayew on loan — for a total of about £10million.