Former Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is close to finalizing a return to replace Patrick Vieira until the rest of the season. Patrick Vieira, who was ousted on March 17 after only a little more than two years in charge, will be replaced by the 75-year-old. Former England manager Hodgson, who previously coached the Eagles from September 2017 to May 2021, is expected to return to Selhurst Park for a second tenure. Paddy McCarthy, the club’s U21s head coach, was aided by Darren Powell and goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely in the club’s 4-1 loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Palace has remained in 12th position since the beginning of the year, but their recent poor form – 13 games without a win and only six goals scored – has moved them three points clear of the relegation zone with 10 games remaining.
“I don’t think I’ll be putting my name forward for any more tales about Premier League football,” former Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said at the end of last season.
“In my opinion, it was not the correct judgment, and he should not have been sacked. I am aware of their recent record – 0 wins since the New Year. But I talk to a lot of people at Palace, and there’s a lot of coherence here, thanks to Patrick,” Clinton Morrison said. “I get that it is a results-driven organisation, but their recent string of games has been ludicrous. After Arsenal, the next five or six games are all winnable. I would have remained with him. I’m not sure what other manager could go in and make things better. It’s a challenging job, and I have no idea who’s out there. Is he similar to Jesse Marsch? What Palace has come to expect under Patrick Vieira may not be the same as what a new manager brings in and implements.”
When Palace returns from the international break in March, their next six games will be against teams lower in the table. The Eagles last played a side below them in the league on New Year’s Eve 2022, when they defeated Bournemouth, Vieira’s last win as manager.
Leicester (H) – Saturday, April 1, 3 pm
Leeds (A) – Sunday, April 9, 2 pm
Southampton (A) – Saturday, April 15, 3 pm
Everton (H) – Saturday, April 22, 3 pm
Wolves (A) – Tuesday, April 25, 7.30 pm
West Ham (H) – Saturday, April 29, 12.30 pm
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