DEPARTED

De Boer sacked after 77 days & four games

ROY HODGSON had to prove he had recovered from his England nightmare before being given the Crystal Palace job.

Hodgson, 70, will be announced as Palace’s new manager on a two-year contract worth £2.5m-a-year with a £1m-plus survival bonus after Frank de Boer was axed yesterday after just 77 days in charge.

The Palace hierarchy wanted Hodgson but were concerned whether he would be scarred by England’s disastrous defeat by Iceland at the Euros 15 months ago.

But the former Three Lions boss impressed Palace with his hunger and enthusiasm without showing any signs of a hangover from his time in international football.

He made it clear he was desperate to get back into club management and the Croydon-born ex-palace trainee has told pals it is like “going home”.

Once Hodgson was lined up, Parish moved quickly to sack De Boer after his disastrous run of four straight defeats without even managing a goal.

The Dutchman’s lawyers are now in discussions about compensation as he wants a pay-off from his £2.5m-a-year contract which he only signed three months ago.

They have yet to agree a compromise but Palace were determined to sack him before the results got worse and pulled the trigger after getting Hodgson after also making an approach to bring back Sam Allardyce.

De Boer said: “Very disappointed about the decision but never the less I want to thank the players, staff and fans for their support. Good luck for the future.”

Hodgson will be in charge for Palace’s game on Saturday.

GOODBYE Frank De Boer was sacked as Crystal Palace boss yesterday after four defeats