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Oldest Manager In Premier League History Comes Out Of Retirement (Again) As Roy Hodgson Returns To Crystal Palace

In February 2019, aged 71 years and 198 days, Roy Hodgson became the oldest manager in Premier League history when he took charge of Crystal Palace's 4-1 win over Leicester.

He has retired twice since then - first after leaving Palace at the end of the 2020/21 season, and then again a year later following a four-month stint as Watford boss.

But on Tuesday, aged 75 years and 224 days, Hodgson came out of retirement for the second time when he was rehired by Crystal Palace on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

A club statement posted on social media read: "Roy Hodgson has been appointed Crystal Palace manager until the end of the season.

"Paddy McCarthy will take the role as his assistant manager, and Ray Lewington returns as first-team coach.

"Dean Kiely remains in his position as goalkeeping coach. Welcome back, Roy."

Hodgson, who replaces Patrick Vieira following the Frenchman's firing last week, will be back in the Selhurst Park dugout on April 1 when Palace host Leicester in their next EPL fixture.

That will be Hodgson's 163rd game as Palace manager. He won 54 of his first 162, drawing 38 and losing 70.

Hodgson has managed 16 different clubs during his coaching career, which started in 1976.

His longest spell at one club was with Malmo, where he managed 165 games in over four years.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson pictured in 2019

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson pictured in 2019

Oldest Premier League Managers Of All Time

  1. Roy Hodgson (75 years, 235 days*)
  2. Bobby Robson (71 years, 192 days)
  3. Alex Ferguson (71 years, 139 days)
  4. Neil Warnock (70 years, 162 days)
  5. Claudio Ranieri (70 years, 93 days)

*Age that Roy Hodgson will be on April 1 when he takes charge of Crystal Palace against Leicester City.