Roy Hodgson is making a return to Selhurst Park with the Crystal Palace job, and he’ll be bringing some familiar faces with him. Paddy McCarthy and Dean Kiely are set to remain part of the backroom team, while Ray Lewington has been appointed as his number two. Hodgson’s first stint at Palace was from 2017 to 2021 and, though his time at Watford proved unsuccessful, it’s clear that he maintained good relations between himself and the club. This looks to have been enough for him to be tempted out of retirement, as Hodgson had declared his days in management over when leaving Vicarage Road last season. It will surely be exciting for Palace fans to see their former manager make a return – hopefully this spell proves more successful than his previous one.
There’s a buzz of anticipation and hope as experienced manager Hodgson steps in to take the reins at a critical juncture for Palace. With a managerial career spanning over four decades, Hodgson has successfully navigated the world of football, leading powerhouse teams such as Liverpool, Inter Milan, and even the English national team. Now, with the daunting task of turning the fortunes of a side in disarray following Vieira’s dismissal, Hodgson’s vast experience could very well be the key to Palace’s survival. The once-promising days of the Eagles in the 2021 season, finishing comfortably at 12th place, seem like a distant memory. Recently enduring a 12-game winless streak and an abysmal offensive record in their last three matches under Vieira, the pressure is on for Hodgson to quickly reignite their fighting spirit and steer them away from the looming threat of relegation.
The recent football season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for Crystal Palace, a team that now finds itself teetering on the brink of relegation. The disappointing 4-1 loss on Sunday to Premier League leaders Arsenal only served to underscore their plight, as they saw their winless streak lengthen to a staggering 13 games. This dismal performance in 2023 has placed them a mere three points away from the relegation zone—a startling difference from their seemingly secure position prior to the World Cup break. While the club replaced Roy Hodgson with Patrick Vieira in 2021, it now appears likely that the tables will turn, and Hodgson may be reinstated as manager, supplanting the Arsenal and France legend. However, this change in leadership is not without skepticism; Danny Murphy, who previously played under Hodgson during his tenure at Fulham, has expressed doubt that the experienced manager’s return will necessarily reap significant benefits for the struggling team.
Danny Murphy’s recent statement on talkSPORT about the idea of Roy Hodgson returning to Crystal Palace brings forth some interesting points to consider. While there is no doubt that Hodgson holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, Murphy raises concerns about the potential negative impact it could have on both Hodgson’s legacy and the club as a whole. With the existence of some lingering discontentment relating to the tactics employed during Hodgson’s previous tenure, one must question if this would be a wise move. Murphy, who expresses his admiration and respect for Hodgson, urges the beloved manager to steer clear of this potential drama and stress – not for the team or fans, but for his own well-being. A return to Palace for one more round of applause or expressions of gratitude may not be worth the potential damage to Hodgson’s illustrious career, and perhaps it’s best for him to remain on the sidelines, cherishing the many accomplishments he has amassed over the years.
