The Everton-Crystal Palace game at Goodison Park in the English Premier League last night is not an usual league encounter on Matchday 25 in the 2023/2024 Season, as it was the visitors’ first game in the post-Roy Hodgson era following his step-down from the managerial position just days ago; Amidst the reports that Roy Hodgson was going to be sacked and replaced by Austrian head coach Oliver Glasner in the near future, the 76-year-old was taken to hospital after being taken ill during a training session, before the club confirmed his resignation from the spot and Glasner’s appointment as the replacement manager.
Crystal Palace’s Confirmation on Roy Hodgson Stepping Down as the Manager
In relation to Roy Hodgson stepping down as the manager of Crystal Palace, the Premier League outfit released an official statement to confirm the news: “Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Roy Hodgson has stepped down from his post as first-team manager. The Club would like to thank Roy for his outstanding service, in which he managed 200 games across six seasons. The club can confirm that Roy is now out of hospital and doing well. Paddy McCarthy and Ray Lewington will lead the team tonight for the match versus Everton at Goodison Park.”
The club also went on to verify the appointment of Glasner as their new head coach. “Crystal Palace F.C. are pleased to confirm the appointment of Oliver Glasner as manager. The 49-year-old Austrian has signed a deal to become the Eagles’ boss until the end of the 2025/2026 season. Most recently, Glasner managed Eintracht Frankfurt to historic success winning the 2021/22 UEFA Europa League, the club’s first continental trophy in more than 40 years. This was achieved in Glasner’s first season in charge of Die Adler (‘The Eagles’).”
“That campaign saw Glasner’s team go unbeaten in Europe, eliminating Barcelona at the Camp Nou along the way. The following year, Frankfurt went on to reach a German Cup final and the Champions League Last 16, and once again qualified for Europe for the following season. The Austrian also won plaudits for his two seasons at VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, earning the third-highest points total in the club’s history and securing Champions League qualification with a top-four finish,” the club ended their statement on Glasner’s assignation with the new head coach’s managerial résumé.
Roy Hodgson’s Statement on Stepping Down as the Crystal Palace Manager
The 76-year-old Roy Hodgson shared his thoughts over his step-down as the Crystal Palace head coach. “This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life. 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.”
The former manager at Inter Milan, Liverpool and the England national football team also added: “I would like to thank Steve Parish and his American partners for their support, along with my coaching staff and backroom team who have helped me so much along the way. In particular, a huge thank you to my long-term friend and assistant, Ray Lewington; Coaches Dean Kiely and Paddy McCarthy; Plus the excellent sports science, video analysis and medical departments.”
Last but not least, Roy Hodgson gave his thanks to players that he had worked closely with. “My thanks and respect also to the current squad of players who have been a pleasure to work with — they are a credit to the club and themselves. I am certain that our fans will continue to give their full support to the team for the remainder of this season and beyond. I am confident that the season will finish well and I wish the team every success in the weeks, months and seasons to come,” said the man who had a win rate of 33% over 200 games in charge of Crystal Place over two stints.
“This club is very special and means so much to me and has played a big part in my footballing life”
Roy Hodgson releases a statement after stepping down as manager from Crystal Palace ⚽ pic.twitter.com/WXEI3ekixM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 19, 2024
What Happened in the Everton-Crystal Palace Game as the First Match of the Post-Roy Hodgson Era?
Crystal Palace visited Everton at Goodison Park for their first game in the post-Roy Hodgson era and before the eyes of their new manager Glasner, taking the lead in the 66th minute after a quiet first 45 minutes. Jordan Ayew was the scorer for the visitors in this Premier League clash, when his teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta received the ball just outside the penalty box, before substitute Amadou Onana’s challenge that made it travel to the path of Ayew, who then lashed a superb effort that beat England no. 1 Jordan Pickford. The Ghana international even paid tribute to his former manager Roy Hodgson during a match conference.
Crystal Palace’s joy was short-lived as the home team, who are currently in the relegation zone battle, stormed back to make things all square again six minutes before the injury time of the second half was given. Dwight McNeil’s corner set piece delivery from the right flank was mistimed by Sam Johnstone, leaving Everton‘s Onana to rise to the occasion and head the ball into the unguarded net. The Senegalese defensive midfielder made up for his earlier tackle in the game that led to the first goal with an equaliser, and the 1-1 result would stay till the final whistle.
The 1-1 draw in the Premier League allowed Everton to temporarily move out of the relegation zone with 18th-placed Luton Town levelling on points and having another game in hand, whereas Crystal Palace are currently 5 points on top of the drop zone.
