Jump for Roy
ENGLISH FRANK LASTS 4 GAMES Hodgson joy as he nets £2.5m a year to take over from dumped de Boer
ROY HODGSON had to prove he had recovered from his England hell before being given the Crystal Palace job.
The 70-year-old 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 Eagles 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 owner Steve 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 results got worse and pulled the trigger after getting Hodgson after also making an approach to bring back Sam Allardyce.
De Boer said: “I’m disappointed about the decision but nevertheless I want to thank the players, staff and the fans for their support. Good luck for the future.”
Hodgson will be in charge for Palace’s game with Southampton on Saturday and his record with West Brom and Fulham in keeping both clubs up made him an easy choice for Parish.