Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has admitted that their search has taken longer than first planned, but he has revealed that they expect to announce their new manager at the weekend
The newly-promoted Premier League side parted company with Ian Holloway after their dismal start in top-flight football and they have been searching for the right man to replace him to keep them away from the relegation zone, a task which seems difficult.
Since late October, Keith Millen has been in charge at Selhurst Park, but he has ruled himself out of taking the job on a permanent basis and the club’s number-one target Aitor Karanka has also rejected their approaches by joining Championship side Middlesborough.
Reports have suggested that Iain Dowie and Dan Petrescu are the front-runners and Parish has admitted that an announcement should be made within the next 48-hours.
“We’re getting closer,” Parish told Sky Sports News. “It’s quite fluid at the moment. It’s gone on a lot longer than we thought.
“We’re talking to lots of people, getting lots of references. We are quite close.”
“It’s a difficult decision, and it is important we get it right,” he added.
“We thought we would have somebody by Tuesday or Wednesday. That hasn’t transpired, but hopefully by the weekend, so they have a good week to work with the players before the (Hull City) game.
“Once we get to the point of making an offer, a decision is made. We are not talking to anyone where finances are a problem.
“It would be nice to do it on Saturday. It depends on complications – where they are physically, location. We’ve made no no secret… one or two people abroad. All will be revealed soon.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
