Soccer-Hodgson steps down as Palace manager

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson stepped down on Monday less than a year into his second stint at the Premier League club. The former Liverpool and England boss guided Palace to safety last season but results this term have not met expectations with the South London club 16th in the table.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson stepped down on Monday less than a year into his second stint at the Premier League club.

The former Liverpool and England boss guided Palace to safety last season but results this term have not met expectations with the South London club 16th in the table. The 76-year-old's decision follows back-to-back losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea. The 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Selhurst Park marked Hodgson's 200th match in charge of Palace.

"This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life," Hodgson said in a statement on Palace's website. "I have fully enjoyed my time here across six seasons, as it has given me the chance to work with top class players and staff doing what I love every day.

"However, I understand, given recent circumstances, it may be prudent at this time for the club to plan ahead, and therefore I have taken the decision to step aside so that the club can bring forward their plans for a new manager, as intended for this summer." Hodgson, who has managed 17 clubs and four national teams in Europe and Asia over 48 years, was taken ill during a training session last week and had tests in hospital where he was stable.

Palace visit Everton on Monday when Hodgson's assistant coaches Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington will take charge.

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