Harry Diamond
Roy Hodgson will extend his managerial career into a 45th year after signing a one-year contract extension at Crystal Palace.
Hodgson is the oldest manager in Premier League history, but that has not stopped the evergreen coach from extending his stay at Selhurst Park, the 72-year-old signing a new deal to remain at Crystal Palace until the end of the 2020/21 season.
The former England manager has been in charge of the Eagles since 2017 and with the club currently 12th in the Premier League table, Palace announced the news of Hodgson’s extension ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Watford.
Speaking on his new deal, Hodgson said: “I am proud of what we have achieved since I was appointed two and a half years ago, and I look forward to us working together for the foreseeable future.
“Everyone knows how I feel about the club that I supported as a boy, I feel a special bond with the supporters and know that myself, the owners and the players are all working together to achieve the same goal.”
72 – Roy Hodgson will be 72 years and 210 days old when Crystal Palace host Watford at Selhurst Park tomorrow – he is the oldest manager in Premier League history. Evergreen. https://t.co/18KJAySBeo
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 6, 2020
Hodgson has guided Palace to mid-table finishes in each of his seasons in charge, though the veteran coach has signalled his demand for the club to spend on transfers this summer in a bid to progress up the division next season.
“I’m very pleased to sign my extension. The intention was known from both sides but it’s nice to have it done now,” he said.
“People can’t give you assurances [of transfer funds] but everyone at the club is aware of the fact that it would be nice to have some investment in the team and strengthen in some areas. But you can’t offer guarantees because every player has their price.”
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