Next Crystal Palace Manager: Lampard favourite as Hodgson retires

Frank Lampard is odds-on to become the next Crystal Palace manager after Roy Hodgson announced he would leave the club at the end of the season.

Former-England boss Hodgson took over at Selhurst Park in 2017, fulfilling a lifetime's ambition to manage the team he supported as a boy. At 73, and with a reputation as one of the most astute figures in the English game, he has decided it is time to step away from management.

Lampard was sacked by Chelsea earlier this season and is reportedly keen to return to management. He previously managed Derby County for one season and took them to the Championship promotion play-offs.

Sean Dyche comes next in the betting at 4/1. He has just secured Burnley's top flight status for another year but may be tempted to south London with the promise of more money to spend on transfers.

Steve Cooper 5/1, who is currently trying to get Swansea into the Premier League via the play-offs, could also be in contention.

Valerian Ismael 15/2, who's worked wonders to get Barnsley into the Championship play-offs (where they play Swansea), could also be on Palace chairman Steve Parish's radar.

After that Scott Parker is 17/2 and Eddie Howe 11/1.

At longer odds Chris Wilder at 25/1 is an interesting one after winning two promotions with Sheffield United and keeping them in the Premier League before it all fell apart this season.

Rafa Benitez 33/1 could be a great fit, with plenty of Premier League pedigree and the ability to strike a rapport with a loyal fanbase. Parish showed by appointing Hodgson four years ago that he's not afraid of to sign one of the game's more experienced managers and Benitez, 61 and out of work, may be tempted.

Finally, what about Palace legend Gareth Southgate 50/1? He is concentrating on trying to win Euro 2020 with England this summer but he will want another crack at club management one day. Too soon? Probably.