Crystal Palace have signed Roy Hodgson on a contract until the end of the season, announced the club on Tuesday.
Hodgson, 75, replaces Patrick Vieira, who left Palace on Friday after a 12-game winless run that left the club three points above the relegation zone.
Palace are the only team in the league without a win in 2023, having drawn five and lost seven of their games. Their last league win came on December 31, 2-0 at Bournemouth, and they are 12th on 27 points with 10 games to play.
“It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the fortunes of the team around,” Hodgson said in a statement. “Our only goal now is to start winning games and get the points needed to secure our Premier League status.
“Crystal Palace are known for their fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our fans will fight with us, starting with Leicester City’s visit on Saturday of the week.”
Former England, Liverpool, Fulham and Inter Milan manager Hodgson previously managed Palace between September 2017 and May 2021.
Paddy McCarthy, who oversaw the 4-1 Premier League defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, will be Hodgson’s assistant and Ray Lewington will return as first-team manager.
“I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club,” Palace chairman Steve Parish said. “Obviously we are in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and the players, along with Paddy, can help meet the immediate requirement of staying in the league.”
Hodgson came out of retirement in the 2021-22 season to take charge of relegation-threatened Watford on a short-term deal, but failed to lead them to safety.
