CHERRIES' relegation rivals Crystal Palace have named Roy Hodgson as their manager until the end of the season.

The 75-year-old returns to Selhurst Park as the replacement for Patrick Vieira, who was sacked on Friday.

Palace's last win under Vieira came at the Vitality Stadium on New Year's Eve, the Eagles defeating Cherries 2-0 courtesy of goals from Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze.

Hodgson, who was in charge of the Eagles between 2017 and 2021, will be assisted by Paddy McCarthy, with Ray Lewington returning as first-team coach.

Former England boss Hodgson takes over his boyhood club with Palace lying 12th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone, after a 12-match winless run.

The former Liverpool and Fulham manager said on the Palace website: “It is a privilege to be asked to return to the club, which has always meant so much to me, and to be given the important task of turning the team’s fortunes around.

“Our sole objective now is to start winning matches, and to get the points necessary to ensure our Premier League status.

“Crystal Palace is known for its fighting spirit, and I have no doubt that all our supporters will fight with us, beginning with the visit of Leicester City a week Saturday.”

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “I would like to welcome Roy and Ray back to the club.

“We are obviously in a very challenging period but we believe that Roy’s and Ray’s experience, knowledge of the club and players, alongside Paddy can help fulfil the immediate requirement of keeping us in the league.”

Cherries visit Palace towards the end of the season, with the two sides currently separated by three points. 

Eagles host their Dorset counterparts on Saturday, May 13, with kick-off currently slated for 3pm.