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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dom Smith

Roy Hodgson sets out Crystal Palace target after talks with Steve Parish

Roy Hodgson is targeting a top-half finish for Crystal Palace next season after agreeing to stay on as manager.

The 75-year-old guided Palace to 11th place last season, lifting them to comfortable safety with five wins from their last 10 games after he replaced Patrick Vieira in March.

It remains to be seen whether out-of-contract talisman Wilfried Zaha will be at Selhurst Park next season, but Hodgson and chairman Parish believe Palace is a club on the rise.

“I am immensely pleased and proud to be extending my time at Crystal Palace, and I would like to thank the chairman and sporting director for their continued faith in me”, Hodgson said.

“I have spoken with the chairman at length, and we agreed that we must be ambitious in getting the most out of such talent. As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players.”

Paddy McCarthy will remain at Palace as assistant manager, while Hodgson’s long-time deputy Ray Lewington will be the first team coach.

Parish said: “Roy’s record as manager speaks for itself. Appointing Roy for another season will enable him and the squad to hit the ground running for a full pre-season and continue the magnificent momentum that has built up since his return.”

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