EXCLUSIVE: Interest in Palace job mounts amid Hodgson uncertainty

Roy Hodgson Crystal Palace manager

Crystal Palace remain open to the idea of Roy Hodgson staying on for another season, although we understand the interest in the Selhurst Park job has never been higher.

Hodgson has done a stellar job ar Selhurst Park and brought real stability to the club since succeeding Frank de Boer in 2017. He has guided the Eagles to successive mid-table finishes and rarely looking like being dragged into relegation trouble.

Some Palace fans are known to be frustrated with their lack of progress. However, chairman Steve Parish is a big believer in Hodgson’s methods and is seemingly keen for Premier League bliss to continue.

Hodgson though, at 73, is the elder statesman of the Premier League. While told he can continue in charge should he wish, Palace are well aware he could decide to step down. Indeed, the former England boss’ contract expires this summer.

We can reveal that Parrish has a list of successors already compiled. Furthermore, he has been inundated by agents and intermediaries, registering the interest of a number of possible replacements. It is our understanding that at least two current Premier League bosses are amongst those who are keen.

With West Ham heading for a top-half finish, there could be very few Premier League jobs in the capital coming up in the near future. And that only underlines the attraction of Palace even more.


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Hodgson keeping an open mind

Hodgson himself admitted his future is very much on his mind.

“It’s been a long time in football and I have enjoyed every minute and I still am enjoying every minute working with Crystal Palace and with this group of players,” he told talkSPORT earlier this month.

“And especially when you have a couple of good results – it makes you feel even better about things.”

Brighton v Crystal Palace Match Preview, February 22, 2021

Brighton v Crystal Palace Match Preview, February 22, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Brighton and Crystal Palace, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

Hodgson is known as a gentleman of football and one who will try to do the right thing for the club. At the moment, that appears to be him being in charge of the south Londoners.

Whether that remains the case only time will tell. He is non-committal on his future but is wise enough to know that nothing goes on for ever.

“I don’t really want to be in a situation where I constantly have to talk about my future, because to be fair one has to be realistic,” he added.

“It’s been a long time and I am undecided as to what the future should hold for me. But I’m really perfectly happy at the moment to be enjoying the day-to-day. I’m leaving the future to some extent to take care of itself. Maybe things will become clearer to me as the season progresses.”

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