Crystal Palace are a club who look set to make a big change in the summer, with manager Oliver Glasner set to leave Selhurst Park at the end of his contract.
The Austrian confirmed in January that he would be leaving the Eagles this summer, after a key sale of club captain Marc Guehi was approved.
With his departure, the 51-year-old will undoubtedly enter the club’s hall of fame, after securing their first major trophy with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City last season.
However, the management will have a big job on their hands, with fans no doubt looking for a replacement for July and beyond.
A number of names have been advertised for the soon-to-be vacant management position, but the management is yet to decide who will be chosen to take over before 2026/27.
Looking to replace Glasner at Crystal Palace
Since Glasner’s departure was confirmed a few months ago, a number of managers have been linked with taking over at Crystal Palace this summer.
Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has been admired for his role at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen whether the 62-year-old will leave Getafe this summer.
However, he is not the only Spaniard in contention for the position at the moment, with AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola also being admired by management.
The 43-year-old is in the same position as Glasner at the moment, with his contract at the Cherries set to expire this summer – but it is unclear whether he will sign a new deal.
The Eagles have been credited with an interest in signing Iraola at the end of the campaign, but a deal could prove difficult to complete.
United are also said to be monitoring his progress, as the Red Devils are yet to decide on the long-term future of interim manager Michael Carrick.
The perfect manager for Strand Larsen at Palace
Given Glasner’s achievements at Palace, the importance of the next managerial decision cannot be understated – with the club’s future at stake.
In the Premier League this season, the Eagles are currently sitting in 14th place, just ten points off the relegation zone – a disappointing season considering they have reached the top.
However, the summer and new management appointments give the board the perfect opportunity to take the club to the next level and compete at the highest level possible.
Big money has been spent in recent months, as seen with the record £44m deal to sign centre-forward Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in January.
Although he has netted three goals since joining the Eagles, the appointment of Thomas Frank could allow the Norwegian to reach the next level under his guidance.
The Danish international has already been tipped for a position in South London in recent weeks, but many fans may question his appointment given his struggles at Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the 52-year-old was very successful during his time at Brentford, taking the Championship by storm and building a top-class outfit.
He achieved a 43% win rate during his seven years in the capital, and even helped many players reach the next level in their careers playing under him.
The likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney both starred during his time in charge of Brentford, with the aforementioned duo managing to score at least 20 league goals in a single season.
|
Most PL goals scored under Thomas Frank |
|
|---|---|
|
The player |
Goals |
|
1. Yoane Wissa |
37 |
|
2. Ivan Toney |
36 |
|
3. Bryan Mbeumo |
35 |
|
4. Kevin Schade |
19 |
|
5. Christian Norgaard |
11 |
|
6. Mathias Jensen |
10 |
|
7. Vitaly Janelt |
9 |
|
8. Ethan Pinnock |
8 |
It’s clear that Frank, known as Peter Hall to journalists, is bored of turning strikers into top talent – something he could do with Strand Larsen if he got the job.
Given the £44m investment in the striker’s resources in January, it is vital that the next manager plays to his strengths and gets the best out of him to make the investment worthwhile.
He has already shown briefly that he is capable of leading the Eagles line, and the appointment of Frank may allow him to have the right manager to support him.
His skill in the Premier League would show well to other players in the team, which may increase the club again next season.
While Iraola may remain many fans’ first choice to replace Glasner, Frank’s experience in the division and history with top players should give him a chance before the summer.
Crystal Palace are keen on the British youngster and Man City are keen to agree to a shock sale
He is a “special” player.
