A number of big names are in the frame to take over from Hodgson at Selhurst Park after he confirmed his four-year stint in charge of the club is coming to an end
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Crystal Palace are on the hunt for a new manager after Roy Hodgson announced his decision to step down at the end of the season.
The 73-year-old’s future has been up in the air for some time as many believed he would take a step back from football in the summer.
In an official statement confirming his impending exit, Hodgson said: “It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace.
“I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full-time manager.”
Thoughts have now immediately turned to who could replace him in the dugout at Selhurst Park. Here are five candidates in the mix.
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Frank Lampard
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Favourite with the bookies and certainly someone who would be a popular pick with the fans – but will Lampard’s return to the hotseat be at Palace?
Lampard did a decent job at Stamford Bridge, particularly with the club’s youth, but ultimately failed to deliver his objectives with a squad that has since gone on to two cup finals under Thomas Tuchel.
He will have nowhere near the same budget at Palace, who are in need of a good rebuild with the contracts of more than 15 first-team players due to expire in the summer, but the club’s redevelopment of their academy could be ideal for Lampard.
However, he was only sacked by Chelsea at the end of January and his wife, Christine, has since given birth to their second child together just two months ago.
As a result he is not thought to be in a rush to get back in the dugout, but Palace could be too tempting an opportunity.
Sean Dyche
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Burnley’s manager continues to defy the doubters year after year at Turf Moor after securing their Premier League status for another season.
And this one has been particularly difficult.
Dyche was frustrated at the small amount of new signings last summer and has had to guide Burnley to survival on a shoestring budget.
That should appeal to Palace’s ownership, who do not have huge amounts of cash at their disposal to reinvest in the squad but would have a bigger pot for Dyche to play with.
Eagles chairman Steve Parish is said to be a long-term admirer of Dyche, who it’s likely would now welcome a fresh challenge too, and Palace could do a lot worse than sticking with a safe pair of hands for the task, although it would require a compensation fee.
Dyche has enjoyed a hugely successful nine-year spell with the Clarets, but a change may be right for all parties.
Eddie Howe
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Heavily linked with the vacant Celtic job, Howe could stay closer to home if he was to move to Crystal Palace after being out of work since he left Bournemouth in August.
The 43-year-old remains one of the brightest young managers in the country despite the Cherries’ relegation last term.
He guided the south coast club through the divisions into the top flight playing an attractive brand of football and boasts a wealth of experience.
As a free agent, Howe’s appointment would be relatively straightforward and taking the reins at Palace would be a solid but suitable step up in terms of club size for him to test his capabilities.
Chris Wilder
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Out of work since he left Sheffield United in March, Wilder revealed he was enjoying a period of reflection in April but would be a contender for the role at Selhurst Park.
He impressed during the Blades’ return to the Premier League last season with an expansive style and gained numerous plaudits for his overall work with the Yorkshire club.
Even his players at Bramall Lane were shocked by his sudden departure despite being rock bottom at the time of his sacking, which tells you in how high a regard he was still held.
Playing spells at Charlton and Brighton are unlikely to count against the 53-year-old.
Rafa Benitez
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The Champions League winner is out of work after he departed Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional in January and may fancy another crack at management in England.
After success spells with Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle in the Premier League, Benitez would fit the bill in SE25 of a manager who could attempt to take the club to the next level.
Experience at both ends of the table – keeping the Magpies in the division, while regularly qualifying for Europe at Anfield – would be a big tick against his name on the shortlist.
Whether Palace have the resources to tempt him could be another matter.
Next Crystal Palace manager odds (supplied by Betfair*): Frank Lampard 4/11, Sean Dyche 4/1, Steve Cooper 5/1, Valerian Ismael 15/2, Scott Parker 17/2, Eddie Howe 11/1, Patrick Vieira 13/1, John Terry 20/1, Dougie Freedman 20/1, David Moyes 25/1, Sam Allardyce 25/1, Chris Wilder 25/1, Rafa Benitez 33/1, Phil Neville 33/1, Laurent Blanc 33/1, Neil Warnock 33/1, Michael Carrick 33/1, Lee Johnson 33/1
*Odds subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
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