Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson is coming under increased pressure following an underwhelming start to the season, and this may lead to a rethink in strategy.
Newly promoted side Luton Town beat Palace on Saturday, and despite picking up a few positive results, performances overall have been disappointing.
Hodgson’s side have managed just 13 goals in 13 league games, and having finally welcomed back Michael Olise from a long-term injury, they now look set to be without Cheick Doucoure, who was stretchered off at Luton.
Fans are far from happy with how things are unfolding at the club right now, despite Hodgson recently calling for them to be more grateful that the club are seemingly in a solid place in the Premier League.
Roy Hodgson facing increased pressure at Crystal Palace
A report from The Telegraph has now claimed that Hodgson is under increasing pressure to improve Palace’s fortunes, with the Eagles 13th in the Premier League.
There is no sense of panic at Selhurst Park right now, with the club 10 points clear of the relegation zone, but given the tough run of fixtures ahead for Palace, they could end up making a mid-season change if results continue to flounder.
There has been a belief at Palace that assistant manager Paddy McCarthy is being lined up as Hodgson’s eventual replacement, with the current boss out of contract at the end of the season, and it is now claimed that they could fast-track this plan should they choose to dismiss Hodgson during the season.
Could Paddy McCarthy replace Roy Hodgson during the season?
The current indications point to Palace sticking by Hodgson unless the threat of relegation becomes a real possibility.
If Hodgson is dismissed in such circumstances, then it will do McCarthy no favours for his managerial career if he has to take over as manager to steady the ship in a difficult situation.
Whether or not the 40-year-old is seen as the long-term manager beyond the end of this season, Palace will have to make a quick decision on what they plan to do with Hodgson.
They should either part ways with the 76-year-old now to give his replacement enough breathing space whilst the side are well clear of the relegation spots, or confirm that they will stand by Hodgson for the rest of the season before McCarthy potentially takes over.
McCarthy was interim boss for one game last season as Palace lost 4-1 to Arsenal after dismissing Patrick Vieira, and if he is to become the manager in the long run, he will need to be given as much backing as possible.
