Roy Hodgson signs one-year contract extension as Crystal Palace manager
The 71-year-old former England boss will remain at Selhurst Park until at least 2020
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has signed a new deal to commit his future to the Premier League club.
The former England boss has penned a one-year extension with the Eagles, keeping Hodgson at Selhurst Park until at least the end of the 2019/20 season.
The 71-year-old veteran took charge of the club he supported as a boy in September 2017, inheriting a team devoid of confidence after they lost their first four games of last season without scoring a goal.
That dismal start saw previous boss Frank De beor sacked after just ten weeks as manager and Hodgson – after a slow start – got the Eagles soaring again.
They eventually finished in 11th place, and have rewarded their manager by extending his contract at the South London club.
“I am delighted to have extended my contract with Crystal Palace,” Hodgson said.
“It is a club that has been close to my heart since I was a youngster growing up in the borough of Croydon, and having stood on the terraces in the 1950s, it is a wonderful thing to be managing my boyhood club all these years later.
“We can be proud of our achievements last season in turning things around despite a poor start, but this year we want to ensure we don’t endure the same struggles.
“I am thrilled that I have the support of the owners, who believe that I am the right man to help this club move forward and I will do everything I can to make that happen.”
Crystal Palace get their sixth consecutive season in the Premier League underway with a London derby away at newly-promoted Fulham.
The Eagles made four new signings over the summer transfer window, chairman Steve Parish is eager to see what the team can do this season.
“I’m thrilled that Roy has agreed to extend his contract and I know the news will be a big lift to everyone connected with the club,” the Palace chief said.
“We are looking to build on the hard work and results achieved last season and I believe this is the most important part of making that happen.
“It’s of course fantastic that Roy has a long connection with the club and I think that understanding the South London mentality is a benefit but make no mistake he’s here because he’s the very best man for the job as we look to take this club forward on and off the pitch.
“I am equally pleased that Ray Lewington has also extended for the same period, putting us in great shape for this season and beyond.”