BY ANDREW MCSTEEN
After Crystal Palace beat West Ham on Saturday to move up to 40 points in the Premier League and almost-certainly guarantee safety for another season, boss Roy Hodgson took time out to reveal what it meant to him to return managerial duties in South London.
His first spell in charge of his boyhood team saw him spend four years in the SE25 dugout from 2017-21 before a brief period at Watford and then ‘semi-retirement’ as he described it himself.
However, with the South London outfit suffering a worrying run of results under Hodgson’s replacement, Patrick Vieira, the Frenchman was dismissed and Hodgson was brought back earlier this month to maintain their top-flight status – a decision he did not have to think too long about.
“I was enjoying my life,” said a smiling Hodgson. “I love my wife and enjoy her company very much – so there was no problem with that – but it was nice to be invited back into this environment which I obviously have been a part of for so long and still enjoy so much.”
It is a case of job done for Hodgson, fulfilling his sole task of keeping the side up on his return to South London.
But in doing so, the 75-year-old has been praised by his players for letting them thrive and giving them freedom.
The Croydon-born boss admitted it has been a two-way street of positive emotions as he looks to end his time in South London with good memories in the final four matches.
“I would say they’ve given me a boost,” he said. “Meeting this group of players and being able to work with them has given me an even further boost.
“I’ve got another month to enjoy it, which I shall.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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