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Hodgson, 75, returns as Crystal Palace manager

Sebastian Frej/MB Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Roy Hodgson has emerged from semi-retirement in a bid to save struggling side Crystal Palace from relegation, the club announced Tuesday.

Already the oldest man to coach in the English top flight, the 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park on a contract until the end of the season, replacing Patrick Vieira, who was fired last week.

"It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the team's fortunes around," Hodgson said. "Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status."

Hodgson previously coached Palace to their joint-second-highest Premier League finish during the 2017-18 season before leaving in 2021.

It's the second time Hodgson has ended his retirement plans early. The former England and Liverpool manager replaced Claudio Ranieri at Watford in January 2022 but stepped down following the club's relegation to the Championship at the end of the campaign. Hodgson said at the time he wouldn't consider any more jobs in the Premier League.

The veteran bench boss first took over Palace in September 2017 as an early-season replacement for Frank de Boer. Palace lost their first seven games of the season but avoided relegation thanks in part to Hodgson's stewardship. The Eagles finished the campaign in 11th place.

Palace are in a similarly dire situation this time around.

Winless in 12 Premier League matches and held goalless more often than not, the south London side suddenly finds itself in the throes of another relegation battle. Palace are three points above 18th-placed West Ham United having played two more games than their London rivals.

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