Roy Hodgson spent the night recovering in a south London hospital after being taken ill while overseeing a Crystal Palace training session on Thursday.
Full respect: Roy Hodgson has received widespread tributes
After undergoing tests, it has been said that Hodgson, the former England manager, 76, was “walking unaided and talking to medical staff”.
It has been reported that Hodgson travelled to hospital yesterday morning accompanied by Steve Parish, the club chairman.
There was some speculation yesterday that Hodgson would announce that he would be standing down as Palace manager at the lunchtime press conference.
News of Hodgson’s plight drew warm tributes from across football.
Damien Delaney, one of the Palace squad when Hodgson first took charge of his boyhood club in 2017, when interviewed on television last night, said, “I would safely say he’s one of the best, if not the best, that I’ve worked with. I wish I was younger when I came across him.
“A superb manager, a superb person.
“Honestly, truly, one of the nicest, kindest men you’re likely to meet. I hope he recovers well,” Delaney said. “He’s served Crystal Palace well in times of need and now it’s up to someone else to take it forward.”
One of the most heartfelt written tributes was from Henry Winter, one of the country’s most respected journalists, the chief football correspondent of The Times, who grew to know Hodgson very well during his spell as England manager.
From the top: Henry Winter posted a glowing tribute to the ex-England boss
Wishing Hodgson a speedy recovery, Winter observed that Palace were likely to part company with their manager, but added, “I just hope Hodgson’s influence on football is properly appreciated. Civilised presence in the mad sporting jungle, brought much-needed perspective to a self-absorbed world. Wise, honest, fun, even his cranky moments are slightly endearing.
“Famously well-read: in PL Reading Stars campaign, Hodgson told kids his favourite authors were JP Donleavy, John Updike and Philip Roth. Not quite Enid Blyton.
“A good person as well as a good coach and manager.
Proud moment: Roy Hodgson and former Olympic athlete Donna Fraser get their Freedom of the Borough scrolls in 2018
“Remarkable longevity, 48 years in management, Mamma Mia was at No1 and Harold Wilson at No10 when Hodgson started in management: 1,269 games, CBE for services to football, trophies abroad, coached Fulham to a European final, took Switzerland to No3 in world rankings, revered in Sweden, respected at Inter Milan.
“Disappointed with Liverpool and England but rescued West Brom, and Palace in 2017-2018 and last season. Always helps younger managers, has often made sane suggestions on how the game could be improved (workload, calendar etc), never hid from media and passionate about working when most managers retired.
“If he is to bow out, wishing Roy a long and fulfilling retirement.”
From our archive: Roy Hodgson, Croydon and the “impossible job”, by Ed Aarons
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Best wishes Mr.Hodgson get well soon ,great manager and a gentleman God bless