Palace line up Roy Hodgson replacement despite boss being taken ill in training
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson was admitted to hospital after being forced to pull out of Thursday's press conference 35 minutes before it was due to start.
The former England manager had been due to speak with the media, with his team set to face Everton in their next Premier League game on Monday, but the press conference was cancelled at the eleventh hour. "Unfortunately, today’s press conference will no longer take place as scheduled as Roy Hodgson was taken ill during this morning’s training session," Palace said in a statement.
A subsequent statement confirmed Hodgson was in a stable condition undergoing tests at hospital.
Palace sit just outside the Premier League's relegation places, having lost a London derby against Chelsea on Monday. Hodgson returned to the club as manager in 2023, and is under contract at Selhurst Park until the end of the current season.
Hodgson's future as Palace manager has been under scrutiny, with the club linked with former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner. There were claims on Thursday morning that Hodgson was on the brink of being sacked but he was still expected to attend the planned press conference to preview the upcoming game against fellow strugglers Everton.
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The Daily Mail have reported that Hodgson is now 'receiving medical attention' following the incident at the club's training ground. It has also been claimed that 'players and staff were said to be visibly concerned' after it became clear Hodgson was ill.
The Times have subsequently reported Hodgson collapsed during the session, with his assistant Ray Lewington and goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely insisting he was OK.
A number of fans have shared well-wishes on social media. Hodgson, aged 76, is the oldest manager currently active in the Premier League and also the oldest to ever take charge of a club in the competition.
"Wishing Roy Hodgson a swift recovery," one fan wrote. "Best wishes with Roy" wrote another, with a third saying "Thoughts are with you Roy".
Before the incident came to light, The Guardian reported that Glasner has been 'lined up' if Hodgson is relieved of his duties. The 49-year-old Austrian led Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, beating West Ham in the semis and Rangers in the final, but left the club 12 months later.
Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace's Premier League match against Chelsea (Getty Images)Share your messages of support for Roy Hodgson in the comments section
It is understood that Palace have tried and failed to land Kieran McKenna, who is pushing for promotion to the top flight with Ipswich Town. Palace owner Steve Parish, the man who brought Hodgson back to South London, is said to be convinced a change could be necessary with the team just five points clear of the relegation places.
Palace go into Monday's trip to Everton having not won a match on the road since November. That win came against Burnley, the team who they are due to host in their next-but-one game.
Palace suffered a late defeat in their most recent league game against London rivals Chelsea. Jefferson Lerma scored the opener for the Eagles, only for two Conor Gallagher goals and one from Enzo Fernandez to turn the game on its head.
Palace were forced to cancel Hodgson's press conference on Thursday (Warren Little)“The fans expect us to fight, and I think maybe we showed a lack of that in Brighton," defender Chris Richards told club media after the loss. "[Against Chelsea], regardless of the result, they appreciated the fact that we went out there and fought and scrapped for 90-plus minutes.
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“We just have to keep bringing that attitude, that mentality, and hopefully the results start going our way,” he added. The American described the upcoming meetings with Everton and Burnley as "must-win" games, saying: "We're going to really focus on what we did well [against Chelsea] and hopefully use it going forward for the rest of the season."
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