The 37-year-old has been transformative in his current position.
Despite sitting in 14th place and five points clear of the relegation zone, Crystal Palace’s wheels have completely fallen off this season.
Roy Hodgson’s Eagles have won only six of their 23 games this season, drew six and losing the remaining 11, including crushing defeats away to Arsenal, Newcastle United, and, worst of all, Brighton & Hove Albion.
Along with having the sixth-worst defence in the league, the south Londoners also have the third-worst attack, and with star players Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze set for spells on the sidelines, the immediate future’s not looking bright.
| Crystal Palace’s Mounting Injury List | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Injury | Potential Return |
| Cheick Doucoure | Achilles | 03/06/2024 |
| Rob Holding | Ankle/Foot Injury | 04/05/2024 |
| Michael Olise | Thigh Injury | 06/04/2024 |
| Eberechi Eze | Thigh Injury | 24/02/2024 |
| Marc Guehi | Knee Injury | 24/02/2024 |
| Joel Ward | Thigh Injury | 12/02/2024 |
| Jesurun Rak-Sakyi | Thigh Injury | Unknown |
All of these things combined have left fans feeling understandably frustrated, a frustration that has made Hodgson’s role untenable, and it’s now a matter of when and not if Steve Parish and Co give him the sack.
Palace’s managerial search
It was reported earlier this week that the club seriously contemplated firing Hodgson in the aftermath of their embarrassing derby defeat to the Seagulls on Saturday, but stopped short of pulling the trigger due to the trouble they are having securing a replacement.
A number of managers have been touted for the role, such as Steve Cooper, former Manchester United midfielder and now Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick and even former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.
However, while all three of the aforementioned managers would likely improve things at the club, the best option might be the up-and-coming Kieran McKenna, who has been linked to the club several times over the last few months.
The Northern Irishman has done an unbelievable job for Championship club Ipswich Town, taking them from a middling League One side to one fighting for promotion to the Premier League.
