Crystal Palace recorded a comfortable win today in their Capital League One Cup 2nd round tie against Walsall. A hat-trick from Dwight Gayle saw the Eagles glide past the Saddlers.
Gayle scored all three goals in the first half before being replaced by youth player Jake Gray in the 61st minute.The Eagles fielded a strong side with the return of veterans McCarthy, Thomas and Murray who all started for the South Londoners.
As the managerial future of Crystal Palace hangs in the balance rumours claim that former West Brom manager Steve Clarke has held talks with Steve Parish over the vacancy. The former Chelsea and Liverpool assistant has been out of work since a dispute with West Brom chief Jeremy Peace that lead to the pair parting ways, and he has made no secret of his desire to get back into the game.
Despite the endless speculation around a new manager at Selhurst Park and reports of unsettlement the players appear to have kept their sense of humour. Palace defender Damien Delaney was asked by one reporter after the Walsall game: "You got a new suit, man?!" to which he responded: "Yep, was about time I upgraded from Primark to be honest".