Jordan Ayew's manager Roy Hodgson signs contract extension at Crystal Palace

Published on: 10 August 2018

Jordan Ayew's new manager Roy Hodgson has extended his stay at the club ahead of the start of the new English Premier League season.

Hodgson, 71, took charge of his local club in September 2017 and guided them to safety to continue their six-season stay in the Premier League, recording a respectable 11th-place finish in the process.

The hugely experienced coach is set to enter his 43rd year as a manager since taking the reins at Swedish club Halmstads BK in 1976, which includes stints in charge of four national sides.

Chairman Steve Parish said: “I’m thrilled that Roy has agreed to extend his contract and I know the news will be a big lift to everyone connected with the club. We are looking to build on the hard work and results achieved last season and I believe this is the most important part of making that happen. It’s of course fantastic that Roy has a long connection with the club and I think that understanding the South London mentality is a benefit but make no mistake he’s here because he’s the very best man for the job as we look to take this club forward on and off the pitch.

“I am equally pleased that Ray Lewington has also extended for the same period, putting us in great shape for this season and beyond.”

Speaking after signing his new Eagles contract, Hodgson said: “I am delighted to have extended my contract with Crystal Palace. It is a club that has been close to my heart since I was a youngster growing up in the borough of Croydon, and having stood on the terraces in the 1950s, it is a wonderful thing to be managing my boyhood club all these years later.

“We can be proud of our achievements last season in turning things around despite a poor start, but this year we want to ensure we don’t endure the same struggles. I am thrilled that I have the support of the owners, who believe that I am the right man to help this club move forward and I will do everything I can to make that happen.”

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