Palace reappoint Hodgson as coach to replace Vieira

Crystal Palace have reappointed Roy Hodgson as manager until the end of the season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday (Mar 21).

The 75-year-old succeeds Frenchman Patrick Vieira, who was sacked last week after a poor run of form left the team three points above the relegation zone.

Palace are the only side in the league without a win in 2023, having drawn five and lost seven of their games. Their last league victory came on Dec 31, 2-0 at Bournemouth, and they are 12th on 27 points with 10 games to play.

Hodgson has been brought in to keep Palace in the top flight, a task he achieved for four seasons in a row with the London club between 2017 and 2021.

"It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me," Hodgson said in a statement. "Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status."

"Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us."

Hodgson's coaching career began in 1976 in Sweden and he went on to manage the likes of Inter Milan, Malmo, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, Fulham, the Swiss national team and England.

His first match in the dugout will come in a home game against Leicester City on Apr 1, following the conclusion of the international break.