As the search for Ian Holloway’s replacement continues the speculation heightens. Tony Pulis has been labelled as the main contender with other names such as Martin O’Neill, Alex McLeish, Chris Coleman also being thrown about.
But until official announcements are made by the club and the press conference introducing the new manager is called, all of this is essentially speculation. As part of one of the top globally watched leagues the attention Palace get is automatically considerably more than in the Championship.
Add to that the fact that they are struggling at the foot of the table, and stories about their troubles become commonplace in the daily national media.
Keith Millen was quoted in the local press over the weekend as advising the team that they must expect negative stories about them when things are going bad, and this is a salient point. It is also something that should be considered when managerial rumours circulate.
Already being labelled the impossible task, many of the names mentioned are said to be put off by the task facing the Eagles. Despite the position the team is in, anyone considering the job would just have to look at the infrastructure in place to know that there is some stability. The academy is still producing excellent talent that is making its way into the first team and with the money received from what may just be one year in the top flight, there should be finances available to redevelop and improve the club.
Due to Palace’s position, the managerial post is a high profile job that will therefore attract the national media to suggest potential replacements. Some have been quoted as throwing their names into the hat, but until there is an official announcement the best thing Palace supporters can do is take everything they hear with a pinch of salt.
Daniel Smith - @dmsmith1987