Hodgson stands by as De Boer is axed

Dutchman sacked after 77 days in charge

Crystal Palace are preparing to appoint Roy Hodgson as manager after sacking Frank de Boer following only four Premier League matches in charge.

The Dutchman departed yesterday, only 77 days into a three-year contract, after Palace became the first team in England’s top division to lose their opening four league fixtures without scoring since Preston 93 years ago.

It is believed Hodgson is in talks to accept his first job in management since resigning from the England post after Euro 2016.

The 70-year-old was also approached when Sam Allardyce was appointed to succeed Alan Pardew last December, and, after a significant break from football, now looks set to return to oversee Saturday’s home match with Southampton.

Allardyce, who quit his Selhurst Park post in May, revealed last night that he had had a conversation with Eagles chairman Steve Parish about the vacancy.

“I spoke to Steve late this afternoon and said, for me, I wouldn’t be ready to come back,” he told Sky Sports.

“I wouldn’t be comfortable at this moment in time taking a position as a football manager. I’m enjoying my life too much, watching everyone else have the weight of pressure, and there’s certainly huge pressure as we’ve seen with Frank going so early.

“He didn’t offer me the job but he asked, ‘What are your thoughts?’ It was a clever question. I said, ‘If you were to offer me the job at this moment in time, I wouldn’t want to go back’.”

Palace’s board had acted after losing confidence in the 47-year-old De Boer’s ability to improve results ahead of a run in which Huddersfield, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea follow the Saints game.

While De Boer’s time at the south London club remains longer than the shortest term for any Premier League manager – Les Reed’s 40 days at Charlton, followed by Rene Meulensteen’s 75 at Fulham – he oversaw two fewer games.

Palace produced an improved performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley, but previous losses to Huddersfield and Swansea did little to inspire optimism. De Boer’s only victory in charge came over Championship side Ipswich, 2-1, in the Carabao Cup.

“Crystal Palace Football Club have this morning parted company with Frank de Boer.” a club statement read.

“We would like to thank Frank for his dedication and hard work during his time at the club.”

Liverpool will appeal against the length of Sadio Mane’s three-match ban for Saturday’s dismissal against Manchester City.

The 25-year-old was sent off for raising his foot and clashing with goalkeeper Ederson in the 5-0 defeat.

Frank de Boer: saw his team fail to score in four league defeats.