The “favorite” to succeed Roy Hodgson in the Selhurst Park dugout at Crystal Palace is Steve Cooper, but talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has informed GIVEMESPORT that a move for a Spanish strategist cannot be ruled out as they are ready to go in a different path.
After the Eagles’ crushing defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, assistant manager Paddy McCarthy had to intervene to remove central defender Joachim Andersen from a heated altercation with away supporters. It was a low point in the team’s season.
As Palace draw closer to an unwelcome Premier League relegation battle, sizable segments of the fan base have turned against chairman Steve Parish and other members of the hierarchy. There is also mounting rumor that the board is considering firing Hodgson in the wake of his dismal run of play.
Cooper willing to succeed Hodgson at Selhurst Park
Although he has been contacted by overseas clubs and Championship team Birmingham City since being fired by Nottingham Forest, Cooper is reportedly amenable to taking over at Palace because he is eager to rekindle his managing career by returning to the Premier League, according to The Sun.
As he continues to enjoy his time away from the spotlight, the 44-year-old was reportedly in the stands for Ajax’s Eredivisie match against PSV Eindhoven last weekend. According to the report, the Eagles have been trying to come to an agreement with him because they know he has other admirers who might try to pounce.
After been fired by Nottingham Forest in December, Cooper is searching for a new challenge. Having led the Tricky Trees into the Premier League through the Championship play-offs during his tenure, he would bring a wealth of Premier League experience to Palace.
Reputable journalist Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that the Welshman is the ‘outstanding candidate’ as the Eagles contemplate changing the head coach. Other possible candidates include former Mainz head coach Bo Svensson, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, and former Wolverhampton Wanderers chief Julen Lopetegui.
Even though it’s known that Palace chairman Parish has seriously considered removing Hodgson from his position following the crushing loss at Brighton, the capital club is having trouble finding a replacement at this point in the season.
After leading the Eagles to safety the previous season after taking over a team lacking confidence under Patrick Vieira, the 76-year-old was rewarded with a new one-year contract; however, their most recent setback has left them merely
Alex Crook – Cooper is eager to return to the dugout after Forest sacking
Although Crook has refused to rule out the possibility of Palace making a move for Lopetegui as he has shown that he is desperate for another Premier League opportunity, having turned down lucrative offers from the big-spending Saudi Pro League, he understands that Cooper has been the leading contender to succeed Hodgson for a prolonged period.
In a boost for the south Londoners, the talkSPORT journalist is aware that the former England under-17 head coach is eager to secure a new role after Nottingham Forest’s decision to wield the axe, while he has no intentions of taking a lengthy sabbatical away from the game.
The 22-year-old, who has scored six goals in just 755 minutes of action this season, is expected to miss a number of crucial games as Palace looks to avoid being drawn into a relegation dogfight. The report suggests that Michael Olise was already doubtful for the Premier League clash after being forced off with a problem during a 3-2 victory over Sheffield United a few days earlier. However, Hodgson has defended his decision to introduce him at half-time.
Because of Olise’s performances while wearing a Palace shirt, he is being pursued by a number of teams. Reputable journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GIVEMESPORT that Manchester United and Liverpool are possible destinations for Olise because a release clause may be activated when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
The winger’s previous contract had a £35 million fee, which Chelsea activated before failing to close a deal last year. It is understood that the Eagles could secure a lucrative sum if any of the winger’s admirers look to take advantage in the coming months.
Olise could face opposition from Manchester United if they want to keep him at Selhurst Park, as the club is interested in making him one of their first acquisitions since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a 25% share during the holiday season.
