Crystal Palace

Ray Lewington leaves Crystal Palace following Oliver Glasner appointment

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 22 February 2024

Lewington leaves Crystal Palace following Glasner appointment

Crystal Palace assistant Ray Lewington leaves Selhurst Park after two spells at the club, following Roy Hodgson's departure as manager.

Ray Lewington has departed his role as Crystal Palace assistant following the appointment of Oliver Glasner as manager.

The veteran coach was Roy Hodgson's right-hand man in many of his managerial roles across the last two decades, but now leaves Selhurst Park after two spells with the club.

Hodgson stepped aside from his role as manager on Monday, just hours prior to their Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park after falling ill in training last week.

While the 76-year-old is now stable and out of hospital, the decision to part ways with Palace is expected to see his managerial career come to an end.

Lewington took charge of the team alongside fellow assistant Paddy McCarthy, as the Eagles left Merseyside with a 1-1 draw.

However, in a shakeup to Palace's backroom, Lewington has left with new boss Glasner bringing in members of his own team, while retaining some of the staff from the previous reign.

McCarthy is staying on in his role, while Dean Kiely will also remain the club's goalkeeper coach, but Glasner has brought in many new faces, including former Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz as a coach.

Crystal Palace new manager Oliver Glasner in the stands with chairman Steve Parish on February 19, 2024 © Reuters

It is Glasner's first role since leaving Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, following a successful spell in charge which saw them claim Europa League glory, while also reaching the final of the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League knockouts last season.

Now at 67, the Evening Standard claims that this will likely be Lewington's final role in coaching, as he is expected to join his long-term companion Hodgson in retiring.

Their close working relationship lasted over 15 years, as Lewington was Hodgson's assistant in his roles as Fulham, England and Watford manager, as well as in their two spells at Palace.

Lewington had nothing but kind words to say about the club in a short statement announcing his departure.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and I am very grateful to all the staff and players I have worked with over several seasons." Lewington revealed.

"I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I wish the club the very best of luck for the rest of this season, and beyond."

Glasner will take charge of his first game in the Palace dugout when Burnley travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday.