SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
This summer, Steve Parish has a huge decision on his hands, one that could completely make or break the future of Crystal Palace.
Now, we’re aware that may sound dramatic, but it’s true.
We have numerous players out of contract in June. So, whoever comes in needs to make some big calls, and relegation threatens us if too many wrong decisions are made.
The Eagles supremo must decide whether to keep Roy Hodgson, or to place his faith in a new man at the helm.
Recently, the Daily Mail said that both Sean Dyche and Eddie Howe have admirers in the Selhurst Park boardroom, but who will Parish choose?
If he does decide to axe Hodgson, then we’ve weighed up the benefits, and negatives, of the two men who could potentially replace him…
Sean Dyche
In our view, this is the safe, and cheap, option for Parish.
Dyche has proven himself to be more than capable of operating on a shoestring budget, while also grinding out enough points to survive a Premier League season.
The Daily Mail also mention that our finances aren’t great, so perhaps Parish would be tempted to opt for a man who doesn’t require much backing.
However, one negative about Dyche is that his style of play appears similar to Hodgson, which we’re sure will send alarm bells ringing.
Many of the groans from Selhurst Park come as a result of the dire quality of football on offer right now, so Dyche might find himself fighting a losing battle straight away if he instils a similar approach.
Eddie Howe
With the aforementioned point about playing styles in mind, Howe would be the more exciting option, in our view.
The ex-Burnley boss worked wonders with the likes of Ryan Fraser, Josh King, David Brooks and Callum Wilson, who spearheaded an exciting Bournemouth side who knew where the goal was.
He also arrives with a bit more pedigree than Dyche, having once been earmarked for the Liverpool job alongside Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti as The Athletic revealed.
However, there is the chance that he could be more pushy when it comes to demanding some pocket money from Parish.
Howe made numerous big-money signings on the south coast, such as £19 million on Dominic Solanke, £15 million on Jordon Ibe, £25 million on Jefferson Lerma and Nathan Ake for £20 million.
In truth, only the latter was a success.
Eagle Eyed View
From our perspective, we can see Parish appointing Dyche rather than Howe.
In a market destroyed by COVID-19, the Eagles chairman will just be hoping to stay up and continue to reap the financial rewards of top-flight football.
Also, we feel he will want to do so without having to get his chequebook out too much, so a safer pair of hands when it comes to working within a budget will surely be his preference.
