Roy Hodgson absent from Crystal Palace’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson will not be in the dugout for the Eagles’ Premier League clash with Aston Villa after being taken unwell ahead of kick-off. The 76-year-old manager has not made the trip to Villa Park with the club confirming assistant Paddy McCarthy will take charge alongside Ray Lewington.

‘Unfortunately Roy Hodgson was taken unwell earlier today and is not at Villa Park,’ a club statement read. ‘Roy is in contact with Paddy McCarthy, who will take the team today assisted by Ray Lewington. Roy sent his best wishes to the team ahead of the match. We send our very best wishes to Roy.’

Hodgson’s Return to Palace

Hodgson, one of the most experienced managers in football, left Selhurst Park at the end of the 2021-22 season but returned in March this year following Patrick Vieira’s dismissal. His return was initially on a short-term basis but after guiding the Eagles to a comfortable 10th place finish, winning five of his 10 games in charge, he signed a new one-year deal this summer.

Palace’s Bright Start to the Season

Palace have enjoyed a bright start to the new season, winning two of their opening four games. Villa meanwhile have endured a mixed start to the campaign, thumped on the opening day 5-1 at Newcastle United before securing a 4-0 win at home to Everton. They picked up a second win away to Burnley in late August but went into the international break with a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen how Palace will fare without their manager in the dugout, but they have been unbeaten away from home so far this term. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.