Steve Parish leads tributes for ‘magnificent human’ Roy Hodgson ahead of his Crystal Palace exit

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has led the tributes to ‘magnificent human’ Roy Hodgson while Mikel Arteta labelled their departing manager ‘a legend of the game’.

The club announced on Tuesday that the 73-year-old would be stepping down at the end of the season after four years in charge so he can spend more time with his family.

Hodgson said the timing is right to step away from ‘the rigours of Premier League football’ and bring to an end his ‘responsibilities of being a full-time manager.’

Roy Hodgson is stepping down as Crystal Palace manager at the end of the season

Palace chairman Steve Parish led the tributes to veteran boss Hodgson on social media

The former England boss has had a remarkable career in management, which began with Swedish side Halmstad 45 years ago, and has seen him worked out of nine different countries.

Uncertainty had been hanging over Hodgson’s future at Palace for some time, with his deal winding down and no talks about an extension, before the club confirmed on Tuesday that he would be moving on. 

Ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has emerged as the early favourite to replace him. 

Hodgson leaves Palace with the appreciation of most of the club’s fans, having kept them out of relegation battles for four successive seasons, leading them to two 11th-placed and one 14th-placed finishes while he has guided them to 13th this season.

The 73-year-old is leaving his role as boss to spend more time with his wife and family

Palace have steered clear of the relegation battle for four successive seasons under Hodgson

A number of Palace fans have acknowledged the ‘tremendous’ job he done for their club while chairman Parish hailed him as an ‘outstanding football manager’ following the announcement of his departure.

The Palace chief wrote on Twitter: ‘It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to work alongside Roy, who is both a magnificent human and an outstanding football manager. Not a week went by where I didn’t learn something from him. I’m delighted we will be able to give him the send he deserves tomorrow.’

One Palace supporter said: ‘Thank you Roy Hodgson for giving us the best spell in the Premier League EVER.

‘Frustrating at times but you always knew best. That’s why you’re the gaffer and we are just fans. God bless you.’

Another added: ‘A huge thanks for everything Roy Hodgson has done for Crystal Palace, a tremendous manager who has given the club Premier League stability. 

‘A main on immense integrity and a period in the club’s history we will look back at with great fondness. Thanks Roy.’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was also full of praise for Hodgson after being informed about his departure.  

A number of Palace fans hailed Hodgson for the tremendous job he done over his four years

He said at Tuesday’s press conference: ‘Roy is an absolute legend. What he has done in football, for English football, what he transmits as a manager, as a person, the work he has done at different clubs, I think it is remarkable. 

‘To keep doing it for so long, with the way he has always conducted himself, I think it’s a great example for me as a young coach and he is someone I admire.’ 

Commenting on his impending departure, Hodgson said: ‘After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top-flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace.

‘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. 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta labelled Hodgson a ‘legend’ and said he admired the 73-year-old

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is the favourite to replace Hodgson at Palace

‘I have had so much support from my wife and family throughout my career and I have been contemplating this decision for some time, and now I believe the time is right to consider them and to see what the future holds for me.

‘I have really enjoyed my time at Palace, I have been privileged to work with an outstanding group of professional and dedicated players, most of whom have been with me throughout the four years. 

‘A manager is only as good as the players who perform on the pitch. I have been fortunate that those in my charge have certainly given me that and I thank them for it.

‘I am sure I speak for all the players, my coaching staff and backroom team, when I say I am proud of the work we have done together to retain our Premier League status during this time.’

Palace will now search for a new manager over the summer with Lampard and Burnley boss Sean Dyche frontrunners to be appointed as Hodgson’s successor.