Roy Hodgson, 75, signs one-year contract to manage Crystal Palace

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — After saving Crystal Palace from relegation, 75-year-old Roy Hodgson was rewarded Monday with a one-year contract to handle the Premier League membership.

The deal comes two years after Hodgson ended his first spell on the membership and introduced his retirement from soccer.

“I am immensely pleased and proud to be extending my time at Crystal Palace,” Hodgson mentioned. “I know what a fantastic squad we have here. It’s a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.”

Hodgson, who turns 76 subsequent month, simply can’t appear to stay away from the game.

His departure from Palace in 2021 was alleged to sign the top of his 45-year managerial profession, which noticed him take cost of golf equipment equivalent to Inter Milan and Liverpool, in addition to the England nationwide group.

But he was tempted out of retirement for a brief spell at Watford in 2022 after which once more final season when Palace got here calling with the membership solely three factors above the relegation zone after a 12-match winless run.

He went on to win his first three video games in cost, with Palace dropping solely two of his 10-match stint to comfortably keep away from relegation from England’s profitable high division.

Hodgson, who initially managed Palace from 2017-21, was given a short-term deal when changing the fired Patrick Vieira final season.

Given the gamers at his disposal, he mentioned he doesn’t count on to be concerned in one other relegation combat.

“I have spoken with the chairman at length and we agreed that we must be ambitious in getting the most out of such talent,” Hodgson mentioned. “As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out.”

Palace chairman Steve Parish mentioned Hodgson’s appointment final season “produced a fantastic return both in results and producing some stylish performances,” which included a 5-1 rout of relegation rival Leeds.

“Roy’s record as manager speaks for itself,” Parish mentioned. “Appointing Roy for another season will enable him and the squad to hit the ground running for a full pre-season and continue the magnificent momentum that has built up since his return.”

Over his two spells at Palace, Hodgson has managed 172 video games.