BREAKING NEWS: Roy Hodgson, 75, returns to manage Crystal Palace after Patrick Vieira's sacking, with owner Steve Parish admitting he needs ex-England boss's 'experience' to save them from relegation

Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace manager until the end of the season.

The 75-year-old replaces Patrick Vieira – who was sacked on Friday – and returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he initially left the club. 

Hodgson spent nearly four years with Palace – who are his boyhood club – between September 2017 and May 2021.

During his time in charge, he guided the Eagles to 11th, 12th 14th and 14th placed finishes, before departing at the end of his contract to be replaced by Vieira.

The former Arsenal midfielder led Palace to 12th and the FA Cup semi-finals last season but was sacked last week after a 12-match winless run that has seen them drawn into relegation trouble                     Roy Hodgson has been re-appointed as Crystal Palace manager until the end of the season

The 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park just under two years after he left the club in May 2021

Hodgson will be joined by his long-time assistant Ray Lewington who returns as first-team coach, while interim boss Paddy McCarthy takes on the role of assistant manager.

Meanwhile, the long-serving Dean Kiely will retain his role as the club’s goalkeeping coach. 

Upon his re-appointment, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: ‘I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club. 

‘We are obviously in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy’s and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and players, alongside Paddy can help fulfil the immediate requirement of keeping us in the league.’

Hodgson added: ‘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. 

‘Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status.

‘Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester City a week Saturday.’

After his latest role, Hogdson’s managerial career has now spanned 47 years after his first role with Swedish side Halmstads BK all the way back in 1976.

         Hodgson replaces Patrick Vieira, who was sacked on Friday after a 12-game winless streak               The former England boss won 54 of his 162 games in charge of the Eagles between 2017-2021