New Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson faces a ‘major challenge’ to get supporters on his side quickly, according to reliable journalist Matt Woosnam.
The Lowdown: Hodgson returns to Palace
It has been confirmed that Hodgson will take charge of the Eagles until the end of the season, replacing Patrick Vieira in the role after his recent sacking at Selhurst Park.
In many ways, the appointment comes as a surprise to many Palace fans, considering the former England manager is now 75 years old and had seemingly retired from management.
Hodgson is now tasked with overturning an awful run of form for the Eagles, with the team not tasting victory in the Premier League since the 2-0 win away to Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve, not to mention losing their last four games.
They sit 12th in the table currently, and while others look more relegation-threatened than they are, they are still only three points above the drop zone.
The Latest: Woosnam highlights ‘major challenge’
Taking to Twitter, Woosnam outlined a ‘major challenge’ that Hodgson faces between now and the end of the season:
“The next Palace manager’s in-tray is looking rather full. Most importantly winning over the fans is a major challenge. Will need to revive a team without belief & in crisis, find a way to get the best out of Zaha &, well, win games again.”
The Verdict: Massive gamble by Eagles
There is no denying that this is a massive gamble by Palace, considering Hodgson’s age and the fact that he got relegated with Watford during his last spell in management, ironically after losing at Selhurst Park.
Eagles supporters are not likely to be enamoured by the news, with a more long-term appointment making more sense, so he has a huge job on his hands.
Fans have lost faith in the team, especially given the defensive manner of the performances under Vieira, having only scored 22 times in 28 league outings this season, and it will may take a lot for that lack of belief to change.
They need to make Selhurst Park the fortress that it used to be in these remaining months of the season, making it a nasty place to go, as Everton did last season, with their supporters almost dragging them over the finish line by creating some great atmospheres.
If Palace’s fans can do the same, as they so famously showed during the 3-3 draw with Liverpool back in 2014, it could go a long way toward Hodgson steering them clear of the drop.
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