Ex-Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson set to retire

Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will retire at the end of this season.

Hodgson, now in charge at Crystal Palace, confirmed the decision ahead of his side’s final home game of the season against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Ironically, the 73-year-old’s last outing in management will be this weekend at Anfield, where he spent an eventful yet short-lived six months at the helm.

He was manager when the club was taken over by current owners Fenway Sports Group in October 2010 following a hard-fought legal battle.

However poor results saw him jettisoned by the American investment group in January 2011 with Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish installed in his place.

“After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top flight Premier League football,” said Hodgson.

“So our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace.

“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.

“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.”

Since leaving Merseyside, Hodgson has won just twice against his one-time employers with the Reds tasting defeat in just nine meetings with him.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could clinch a Champions League qualification spot when they face the Eagles on Sunday for their last outing of the 2020/21 campaign.

As many as 10,000 supporters are set to be in attendance for the game, which will be Anfield’s first with spectators present since December last year.

Last weekend’s last-gasp win over West Bromwich Albion has kept Liverpool in contention for a top four finish alongside Chelsea and Leicester City.