To prevent the Premier League underdogs, Crystal Palace, who was saved from relegation by the promotion of Roy Hodgson as their manager, end of the current campaign.
The "only purpose," according to the 75-year-old who replaces the fired Patrick Vieira, is to ensure survival in the English top division.
Hodgson, who managed Selhurst Park from 2017 to 2021, takes over as manager of a Palace squad presently 12th in the Premier League, and after 12 matches, they are three points above the relegation zone—losing streak.
"It is an honour to be allowed the opportunity to join the club again, something I've always felt so strongly about, and vital job of turning the team's fortunes around," Hodgson said in a statement released by the organization.
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At this point, gaining victories and amassing the required points to secure our Premier League position are our only goals."
Paddy McCarthy will be Hodgson's assistant, and Ray Lewington will take over as head coach of the first team.
Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed the former Liverpool and Inter Milan manager back to his childhood club and noted that his background would be vital in the fight against the drop.
"We are obviously going through a very difficult time, but we feel that Roy and Ray, along with Paddy, can help fulfill the urgent need of keeping us in the league," he stated.
With the dismissal of former France and Arsenal midfielder Vieira on Friday, the 2022–23 season has seen nine managerial firings, one fewer than the nine last season, which tied the Premier League record.
Hodgson faces a challenging task in improving a team's performance that has yet to win a game since 2023.
The pressure is on as the season reaches its final months since the lowest nine Premier League teams are only in a difference of four points.
Only 22 goals have been scored in 28 Premier League games this season by Palace, who fell to league leaders Arsenal 4-1 on Sunday. It is the joint-lowest total in the league.
On April 1, Hodgson's first game in charge will be a home encounter against fellow underachievers Leicester.
They travelled Englishman, who commanded his country's team from 2012 to 2016, and most recently served briefly as manager of Watford in 2022.
