Hodgson in at Palace after changing of the guard
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 they became the first team in England’s top division to lose their opening four league fixtures without scoring since Preston 93 years ago.
Hodgson is already 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 eventually 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.
Palace’s board 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 Saints.
While his time at Selhurst Park 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. Allardyce, meanwhile, has ruled out returning to Crystal Palace
The former England manager said he had spoken to Palace chairman Steve Parish earlier in the day but had no intention of making a quick return to management.
The 62-year-old said: “I wouldn’t be comfortable at this moment in time taking a position as a football manager.
“I’m enjoying my life too much at this moment.
“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’.
“I wish Crystal Palace all the best, and I’m very sad after all the work we put in last season to rescue the team and get 41 points.”