Veteran football manager Roy Hodgson will leave his position as manager of South London English Premier League (EPL) side Crystal Palace at the end of the current season.

In an issued statement, Hodgson said: “After more than 45 years of coaching I have decided that the time is right for me to step away from the rigours of top flight Premier League football, so our final two matches will be my last ones as manager of Crystal Palace.

“It’s been a particularly rewarding period of my football life and career to have been able to spend these last four seasons with Palace.

“I feel now that at the end of another successful season, in which we have secured our Premier League status, the moment is right for me to step down from my responsibilities of being a full- time manager.”

Hodgson has over the last four seasons kept Crystal Palace in the Premier League as a solid mid-table performer capable of beating the big teams on any given day. He has garnered a good reputation over the years, having managed Liverpool, Inter Milan and the English national side.

Crystal Palace now lies in 13th position in the table. The speculation is Frank Lampard is likely to take the reins after his brief stint at Chelsea. Crystal Palace may well prove a good fit for a young manager looking to establish himself without the pressure of high expectations, such as delivering trophies immediately.

Scott Parker may also be in the running after Fulham were relegated. He is also a young English manager with a good future ahead of him and one who players respond to favourably.

Throughout his 45-year career, Roy Hodgson has won nine titles.