Crystal Palace players left 'distressed' after manager Roy Hodgson, 76, was rushed to hospital after falling ill during training while he was facing the sack... as club confirm he'll miss Everton match

Crystal Palace players and staff were left ‘distressed' after boss Roy Hodgson was taken to hospital after falling ill on a dramatic day at the club’s training headquarters .

Having arrived at the club’s base in Beckenham, south London, at around 9.30am, Hodgson suffered the worrying health scare as he took training at around 11am.

The episode unfolded in full view of his squad and backroom colleagues, with many said to have been visibly shaken by the incident.

Hodgson, 76, received instant on-site medical care before being taken to hospital to undergo further treatment and tests.

There was encouragement on Thursday night that Hodgson was making a good recovery but he will not be well enough to take charge of Palace’s crucial relegation clash versus Everton on Monday night - with his trusted lieutenant Ray Lewington and assistant Paddy McCarthy on standby to take charge at Goodison Park.

A statement from the club last night read: ‘Following news that Roy Hodgson was taken ill during today’s training session, we can confirm that he is now stable and is currently undergoing tests in hospital. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Roy for a speedy recovery.’

Sources have indicated Hodgson will give serious consideration to walking away from the sport indefinitely, having return to football after leaving Palace for the first time in 2021, but will seek medical advice before making a final decision.

The pressure and stress on Hodgson had been mounting following a dreadful run that has seen Palace win just three matches in 19.

Hodgson was forced to miss the clash against Aston Villa in September after falling ill, raising concerns over his well-being.

He underwent health tests earlier this season but was given the all-clear to continue working.

Hodgson is an immensely proud man and the difficulties he and his team have faced have been a significant weight on the former England manager’s shoulders.

Indeed, Thursday’s concerning incident occurred on a day that was set to end in Hodgson’s second reign at Selhurst Park being brought to an end.

Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that the club had decided to call time on the veteran coach’s tenure at Palace amid supporter discontent.

Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt, is in advanced talks over replacing Hodgson on an initial two-and-a-half year contract. Former Middlesbrough and West Ham defender Emmanuel Pogatetz could come with him as an assistant coach.

The club’s move for Glasner has provided Palace with a difficult line to tow in terms of trying to secure their new manager but also show the maximum level of respect to a manager who has served the club so admirably during two separate reigns.

Palace sources were at pains to stress on Thursday afternoon that a deal for Glasner was still to be fully completed.

But the expectancy is that the 49-year-old, who was of interest to Nottingham Forest earlier this season, will replace Hodgson, though the timing of any announcement will be dictated by the club’s priority of showing respect to their veteran head coach.

Hodgson was due to hold his pre-Everton press conference at 1.30pm on Thursday before falling ill. There were indications ahead of the media briefing that he would use the opportunity to confirm his departure.

But it is now clear, unless there is an unexpected turn of events, that Hodgson has taken charge of Palace for the final time.

Steve Cooper, Kieran McKenna and Julen Lopetegui were all sounded out in recent weeks as the club sought a replacement for Hodgson. But the trio all had reservations over taking the job mid-season with the path now clear for Glasner, who was recommended by co-owner John Textor, to take charge.