UPDATED: Crystal Palace reportedly identify potential successors for Roy Hodgson.

The board of Crystal Palace has allegedly started compiling a list of potential candidates to replace the beleaguered manager Roy Hodgson.

The team suffered a significant setback with a 5-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League’s early fixture on Saturday, adding to their recent struggles, with only one win in their last 12 matches. This demoralizing loss in North London followed closely on the heels of Palace’s elimination from the FA Cup by Everton, during which Hodgson faced criticism from the away supporters for substituting Eberechi Eze just after the hour mark.

At the Emirates, the fans expressed their dissatisfaction by displaying two banners that reflected their sentiments on the current state of the club. The first banner criticized the perceived squandering of potential both on and off the pitch, attributing it to weak decisions that were allegedly leading the team backward. Another banner was unfurled, stating, ‘no shared vision, no structured plan.’

According to reports from The Daily Mail, even though chairman Steve Parish wishes for Hodgson to complete his contract until the end of the season, external pressures may compel a change. Several names are already being suggested, with Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui emerging as frontrunners, and Kieran McKenna and Bo Svensson also considered contenders for the managerial role at Selhurst Park.

Hodgson acknowledged the fans’ right to express their dissatisfaction through protests, but he maintained his belief that he enjoys the full support of the board.

Hodgson, in his post-match comments, acknowledged the fans’ right to express their opinions, stating, “All I would say is they are totally entitled to their opinion in that respect. I do understand their frustration, even anger and disappointment that things haven’t gotten better.”

Emphasizing the importance of fan support, Hodgson expressed the need for unity to progress and avoid relegation. He stated, “The bottom line is if we are going to go forward and avoid relegation and do well, we need these fans with us. Hopefully, we can keep them on board, and the best way to do that is by winning football matches and playing better than today.”

Highlighting the significance of staying in the Premier League, Hodgson recognized the accountability that falls on the manager when a team is underperforming. He mentioned, “These days, staying in the Premier League is so important, relegation is such a fear for everybody. When a team isn’t doing as well as it should be doing, someone has to be held responsible, and that’s always the manager.”

While expressing confidence in the support from the board, Hodgson refrained from speculating about his future, stating, “That’s a question for them [the board]. If you are asking me if I have ever felt a lack of support from above, then it is no, I haven’t.”

Following their FA Cup exit, Crystal Palace has a 10-day break until their next match against Sheffield United at Selhurst Park, with the team currently just five points above the relegation zone.