EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace want Michael Carrick to succeed Hodgson

Steve Kay

• 14 Jan 2024 10:00 CST
• 3 min read

Michael Carrick is high on Crystal Palace’s shortlist to succeed Roy Hodgson as manager at the end of the season, FootballTransfers understands.

We are told that Palace were refused permission by Middlesbrough to talk to Carrick when Patrick Vieira was sacked as manager in March 2023.

Vieira was eventually replaced by Hodgson, who returned to Palace for a second spell as manager.

Hodgson turns 77 this year and, amidst a downturn in form in recent months, is not expected to be at Palace past the end of this season.

Palace have already begun searching for a permanent successor to the former England national team manager.

And the London side have thus returned for Carrick, and want to try and entice him away from Middlesbrough.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is very keen to attract Carrick to the club. Hodgson is understood to be working alongside Parrish to find his replacement.

Carrick’s intelligence, calm temperament and meticulousness are traits that are said to impress Palace decision-makers.

We understand that Carrick would jump at the chance of managing in the Premier League, especially if Middlesbrough don’t get promoted this season. They are currently tenth, although only one point off the Playoffs.

Burnley manager Victor Kompany is another name Palace have on their shortlist below Carrick.

Palace must be careful not be dragged into a relegation battle this season as they are currently fourteenth in the table.

Sitting on 21 points after 20 games, Palace find themselves five points above Luton Town in the final relegation spot.

Palace started the season well but a run of eight games without a win saw them slide down the table before they ended the rot by winning their last Premier League match 3-1 against Brentford.

Carrick has established himself as one of the most promising young English managers since being appointed as Middlesbrough coach in October 2022.

He finished fourth in the Championship last term, losing in the Playoffs semi-final to Coventry.

This season he has impressed in leading Middlesbrough to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup where they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg this week.