Crystal Palace have been frustrated in attempts to persuade Kieran McKenna to replace Roy Hodgson but hope the Ipswich manager could take over at the end of the season.
Hodgson continues to face scrutiny following Palace’s recent loss to Chelsea on Monday, which has left them with a five-point lead over the relegation zone. Their next match against 18th-ranked Everton on Monday will be crucial for their survival.
The head of the Palace organization, Steve Parish, reportedly talked to McKenna’s agents. However, McKenna is reportedly unwilling to leave while his team is currently in fourth place and competing for promotion in the Championship.
Parish has long been a fan of the 37-year-old ex-Manchester United assistant, who joined Portman Road in December 2021 and recently extended his contract for four years following Ipswich’s promotion last season. Pursuing McKenna would involve substantial compensation for any club, as he is also being considered as a potential replacement for David Moyes at West Ham if his contract is not renewed at the end of the season.
The decision to replace Hodgson may be postponed until the summer, as Parish has considered firing the 76-year-old multiple times during Palace’s recent struggle with only four wins in the last 18 league games. In the past few weeks, he has reached out to various potential replacements, such as former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper and Julen Lopetegui, who previously coached Wolves.
During the recent match against Chelsea, a group of fans at Selhurst Park displayed banners that criticized the ownership for creating a weak club culture and lack of direction. Similar banners were also shown during previous matches against Brighton and Arsenal, which may have caused some tension in the boardroom.
The upcoming match at Goodison Park on Monday, a place where Palace has not been victorious since September 2014, and the home game against Burnley will be crucial for Hodgson’s future as they are facing teams in the bottom three.
After the loss to Chelsea, Hodgson expressed that there is no sense of satisfaction among the team. He also stated that he believes the players are capable of leading us out of this situation. Their performance against Chelsea only strengthens his confidence and conviction.
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When asked about rumors connecting him to Palace, McKenna stated last week, “I am fully focused and committed to Ipswich and our current season, as well as the upcoming game.”
Source: theguardian.com
