Hodgson, 76, leaves Crystal Palace days after falling ill

Roy Hodgson, the oldest ever manager in the English Premier League at age 76, left Crystal Palace on Monday just days after falling ill during a training session amid widespread reports he was about to be replaced.

The former England coach said he made the decision to step aside so Palace could bring forward its plans to appoint a new manager.

Hours later, the club hired Austrian coach Oliver Glasner as Hodgson’s replacement on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season. Glasner led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022 before leaving last year.

“I understand, given recent circumstances,” Hodgson said, “it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead.”

Palace said Hodgson has left the hospital following the training-ground incident on Friday and was “doing well.”

Two members of his coaching staff — Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington — were due to take charge of the team for its league match at Everton late Monday. Palace was five points clear of the relegation zone with 14 games remaining.

Hodgson was in his second spell in charge of Palace, having returned last March to comfortably steer the team to safety in the league after a poor run of form under predecessor

Patrick Vieira.

He was also the Palace manager from September 2017 to May 2021, keeping the London club in the topflight the entire time.

“This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life. I have fully enjoyed my time here across six seasons, as it has given me the chance to work with top class players and staff doing what I love every day,” Hodgson said.

Hodgson didn’t say whether he would be retiring from soccer management. When he left after his first spell as Palace, he said he would not be coming back to the sport — only to be hired by Watford eight months later.