Joel Ward backs new Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner to unlock the squad's 'quality' | OneFootball

Crystal Palace captain Joel Ward has backed new manager Oliver Glasner to unlock the quality in the squad and “take the club where we know it should be”.

Glasner was appointed at Selhurst Park yesterday after confirmation that Hodgson will step down over health issues.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt manager has signed a two-and-a-half year contract and watched Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Everton alongside chairman Steve Parish and director of football Dougie Freedman in the directors' box at Goodison Park.

Palace moved quickly to appoint Glasner, who led Frankfurt to win the Europa League in 2022, in a bid to ensure they avoid getting sucked into a relegation battle.

The point on Merseyside keeps them five points above the bottom three and Ward is confident they will start climbing the table under Glasner.

Palace fans have been unhappy with the style of football under Hodgson despite the talent in the squad.

Glasner is expected to bring a more progressive approach and it is hoped his style will bring the best out of the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

His first game in charge will be against Burnley at Selhurst Park on Saturday and Ward said: “His reputation proceeds him, with his results and how we goes about things.

“He has got a very good record and I am sure we can hit the ground running.

“Having him at the helm now, he will want to kick on and start taking this club to where we know it can go. You always know when a new manager comes in you get that lift you get, that bounce, that rally.

New era: Glasner watched his new side in action at Everton

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“As a team we know where we have got to go and how to get there and how we can execute it. We know the quality we have and it is about bringing that together and adding little bits. I am sure he will take the club where we know we should be.”

Glasner has been finalising his backroom team. He is expected to bring in his assistant Michael Angerschmid. Paddy McCarthy, who took the team at Everton alongside Ray Lewington, said he had not spoken to Glasner about his future.

Hodgson stepped down after he collapsed during training last week, with the rigours of Premier League management appearing to be take their toll on the 76-year-old.

Parish said Hodgson “has a special place in Crystal Palace history” and Eagles players have praised their former manager.

Jordan Ayew, who scored a brilliant goal at Goodison, said: “When I speak about Roy I get goosebumps. He has been a top manager and a top man. He has made me who I am today, as a player and a man. I cannot thank him enough. He has been so influential on my career, he is like a father-figure to me.