The search continues: The last week at Selhurst

Last updated : 07 November 2013 By Daniel Smith

 

The search is continuing for the next Crystal Palace manager with an announcement expected at some point during the upcoming international break. Plenty of names have been thrown out there and odds with bookmakers have dropped for a few of the potentials, including Chris Coleman and Alan Pardew.

As the wait continues the speculation increases and switches, which certainly makes for interesting viewing as “sources” are quoted as being in the know. What is does seem to strongly suggest is that in these situations the media does not have as much inside knowledge as they think. There is a case for arguing that the longer the process goes on, the more speculative it gets which leads to the big switches and drops in bookmakers odds. In that sense, Palace have played the situation well by taking their time.

Taking their time has also meant there is no major disruption before the final game before the break, so the players have been able to become accustomed to Keith Millen’s style and tactics. This has to be positive.

However, Millen has himself this week been quoted in the local press as saying that it is now time for a new man to come in with fresh ideas. He has also allured to the fact that the players are waiting for this. If they are waiting it could suggest that their minds aren’t fully focused on the task at hand and that there may be some underlying feeling of being stuck in limbo for the squad. The hope must be that this is not the case.

One member of the squad who is not going to be getting involved in the new managers first training sessions will be Adlene Guedioura, who suffered fractured ribs and a partly collapsed lung against West Brom, the club have confirmed. This looks set to see him on the sidelines for a couple of months.

Supporters will be looking to the Everton game on Saturday to provide them with something positive to take into the international break, and we will soon find out how that will go.

Daniel Smith - @dmsmith1987