Iraola top of Palace shortlist for new manager
Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola president Crystal PalaceShortlist of candidates to replace outgoing head coach Oliver Glasner next season.
Glasner, who led the club to its first European final, confirmed his decision to resign in January by leaving Selhurst Park this month.
Palace are at an advanced stage in identifying the Austrian footballer’s successor; Many sources state that Iraola, who announced his departure from Bournemouth last month, is the club’s preferred option to replace Glasner.
In addition to Iraola, Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Lens’ Pierre Sage are understood to be among the candidates Palace are investigating.
BBC Sport first revealed Palace’s interest in Iraola in January. He was also linked with a job at Athletic Bilbao but German coach Edin Terzic was appointed as their manager this week.
Palace are now making concrete moves to persuade Iraola to stay in the Premier League next season.
He is understood to be aware of Palace’s interest and has not ruled out joining the Eagles next season following preliminary talks, according to sources.
It is understood that Iraola, who has decided to leave Bournemouth, is open to staying in the Premier League.
Iraola could be interested in the job at Newcastle but Eddie Howe looks likely to remain at St James’ Park next season, barring an unforeseen change of circumstances.
Chelsea are another option for Iraola, as the Stamford Bridge club are eyeing a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month.
There is a sense that the situation regarding the next manager at Selhurst Park is fluid and that the club are confident they can attract a successful manager if efforts to land Iraola fail.
However, the South London club are also careful to ensure that a new manager is appointed as soon as possible so that the new man can be involved in the summer transfer operation.
The prospect of taking Palace to the Europa League next season could help the club attract one of its main candidates in the coming weeks.
Palace will face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League final on May 27, with the winner qualifying for next season’s Europa League.
