Crystal Palace already hunting Roy Hodgson successor with Bundesliga coach in preliminary talks
Crystal Palace are already getting to work on appointing a manager to replace Roy Hodgson this summer and are in initial discussions with a recent German Bundesliga boss, according to a report.
Hodgson first managed Palace between September 2017 and June 2021. He helped the Eagles to establish themselves as regulars in the Premier League, as they were not relegated during his tenure at Selhurst Park.
Palace’s best season in the league came during Hodgson’s first year, as they finished 11th in the 2017-18 campaign.
Hodgson left Palace in 2021 and decided to retire from management. However, he took the Watford job in January last year, where he attempted to steer the club away from relegation to the Championship. Ultimately he was unsuccessful as Watford finished in 19th place on 23 points.
Hodgson was once again expected to retire after leaving Vicarage Road. But he raised eyebrows by returning to Palace recently.
The south London side were on the lookout for a new manager to take over after sacking Patrick Vieira. That came after a 12-match winless run.
Palace chiefs could not find a suitable coach to take over for the long run and surprisingly landed on Hodgson. He has been brought in until the end of the season to try and steady the ship. Palace sit 12th in the Prem, three points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham.
“It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the team’s fortunes around,” Hodgson said after his return was confirmed. “Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status.
Hodgson aiming to keep Palace up, but successor search already underway
“Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester City a week Saturday.”
Palace fans may be surprised to learn that the club are already sounding out potential successors to take over for next term.
And according to Austrian outlet Krone, Adi Hutter is on their shortlist. He is a 53-year-old manager who has been in charge of German teams Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach, as well as Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and Young Boys in Switzerland.
Hutter has decent pedigree, having won the Austrian Bundesliga title and the Austrian cup with Salzburg in 2014-15. Plus, he guided Young Boys to the Swiss title in 2017-18.
His last role was with Gladbach, whom he left at the end of last season. He is described as being ‘hungry’ for a return to management and is now eyeing a first shot at the Premier League.
The report claims preliminary talks have taken place between Palace and Hutter. The two parties have already scheduled in more discussions, too. The Austrian is due to fly to London and meet Palace officials in the next few weeks.
While Palace supporters will be glad to hear that the club are getting to work on possible Hodgson replacements, they may have some concern about Hutter joining. After all, he has never managed in England so may take some time to adapt.
It is clear several other bosses will be linked with the role before a final decision is made.
