Roy Hodgson 'taken ill' during Crystal Palace training, press conference cancelled amid sack rumours

Roy Hodgson’s scheduled press conference ahead of Crystal Palace’s match against Everton has been cancelled after he was "taken ill", with earlier reports suggesting he is set to be sacked.

The Palace manager fell ill during training on Thursday morning amid rumours that former Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner is being lined up to replace the 76-year-old.

Hodgson oversaw his 200th match in charge of Palace in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday – a result which leaves the Eagles 15th and five points clear of the relegation zone.

A short statement issued on the club website read: “Unfortunately, today’s press conference will no longer take place as scheduled as Roy Hodgson was taken ill during this morning’s training session.”

A later statement added: "Following news that Roy Hodgson was taken ill during today’s training session, we can confirm that he is now stable and is currently undergoing tests in hospital. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Roy for a speedy recovery."

The south Londoners are on a sobering run of form which has seen them lose 10 out of their last 16 Premier League games.

Hodgson is currently in his second spell in charge of the club after initially agreeing a short-term deal towards the end of last season, replacing Patrick Vieira.

After steadying the ship at Selhurst Park and steering the Eagles to an 11th-place finish last season, supporter discontent has risen with the club heading for a relegation battle.

He incurred the wrath of supporters after Michael Olise came on as a substitute at half-time when 3-0 down to Brighton, being withdrawn again shortly afterwards following the recurrence of a hamstring injury.

There are widespread reports that Palace have already finalised a deal to replace Hodgson with Glasner.

Glasner guided Eintracht Frankfurt to UEFA Europa League success in the 2022/23 final following a win on penalties against Rangers in the final.

He took the Bundesliga side into the Champions League knockout stages, but a run of 10 matches without a victory saw the Austrian resign at the end of last season.

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