Roy Hodgson’s doomed Watford ending set for further brutal twist

Given Roy Hodgson’s longstanding love of literature, he no doubt wanted the final chapter of his managerial career to have a happy ending. Sadly, it is not to be. After a nomadic and eventful existence stretching over four decades, taking in 17 clubs as well as four international sides, the 74-year-old will step into retirement this summer as the man who oversaw Watford’s second Premier League relegation in three seasons. It has been a tough denouement and for Hodgson there comes the prospect of a brutal twist.

Watford sit 19th, 12 points from safety with four games to go, and will be down should they fail to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. Given they have won only two of their previous 23 games and face a side who are far superior despite flatlining somewhat since last month’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, the odds of them being victorious are slim to say the least. This, then, is likely to be it for Watford and when the final whistle blows and the home crowd crow at the demise of a rival, their manager may well reflect on how so much has changed so quickly. After all, 12 months ago he was receiving adulation from Palace supporters having announced his departure from the club after four years as manager. Taking charge of his boyhood team had been a “fairytale” and back then he could not have envisaged his return would be in such nightmarish circumstances.

“I am looking forward to going back,” Hodgson said on the eve of the game. “The reception I get might be different because I don’t think Watford has ever been one of Palace’s favourite opponents. I’m not expecting them to race out and embrace me with open arms. But I’d like to think the Palace fans know the job Ray [Lewington,