Although Roy Hodgson's future at Crystal Palace is uncertain, departed midfielder James McArthur thinks the veteran coach gave the Eagles new life during his second tenure there.
Hodgson took over at a team that had gone winless in 13 games and was just three points above the Premier League relegation zone two months ago after returning to Selhurst Park on a contract that would last through the end of this season.
After drawing 1-1 with Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Palace won five of their final 10 games under Hodgson to quickly put any relegation battle to rest. They ended 11th, ahead of Chelsea.
Hodgson remained mum following the game when asked if he will remain at Palace for the upcoming campaign.
All the boys thanked him in the changing room," McArthur is quoted as saying on the Palace website. "We don't know what's going to happen next year, but we thanked him for his effort this year," the squad's head coach said. "The coaching staff have been brilliant, and the team are playing with real confidence right now, and he's instilled that in the lads."
The weekend saw McArthur make his 253rd and last appearance for the club, replacing Cheick Doucoure midway through the second half after announcing last week that he will quit Palace after nine years.
Taiwo Awoniyi gave Forest the lead soon after the half-hour mark, but Will Hughes equalized just before McArthur came on as a replacement, resulting in a share of the spoils on the last day of the season.
Although it was (an emotional time), McArthur says, "I was only concerned with trying to get back into the game and win it.
"I don't think we were as good as we have been lately, but Forest are a terrific team that make it difficult for you. It's difficult to tear them down once they achieve that aim.Thankfully, we succeeded in achieving that objective, and we kept trying to set another one. Strong characters can be found in that locker room.
We're one of the league's finest teams for coming back, and we once again shown our mettle.
The draw brought Forest's winning streak to four games towards the end of the season.
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