Phil SumblerSteve Cooper has been linked with the upcoming managerial vacancy at Crystal Palace after it emerged that Roy Hodgson was to step aside as manager at the end of the season.
“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,” said Hodgson, whose last game at Selhurst Park will be against Arsenal on Wednesday before facing former club Liverpool on Sunday.
“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.
“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.”
The news sparked much discussion immediately about possible replacements with Frank Lampard and Cooper both linked by the media almost immediately.
Official. Crystal Palace confirm Roy Hodgson to step down as manager at the end of the season. 🔵🔴 #CPFC
Frank Lampard is one of the options as new manager, also Steve Cooper is in the list as potential candidate. Crystal Palace board will decide in the next days. ⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2021
The news comes less than 24 hours after Cooper steered the Swans to a first leg play-off semi-final win at Barnsley last night and it would seen inconceivable that he would leave certainly before any potential play off final for the Swans.
A move for Lampard seems a likely one for Palace which would keep the former Chelsea manager in London following his departure from Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
The bookies currently have Lampard at 4/11 favourite with Cooper third in the odds race behind Sean Dyche at 4/1 whilst Barnsley head coach Valerian Ismael is fourth in the running 1t 17/2.
