Crystal Palace are ready to target Coventry City head coach Frank Lampard if their preferred candidate for the managerial role turns them down this summer. Lampard is on the Eagles’ list of candidates if they fail to land Andoni Iraola, though they have several other names on their radar. The vacancy came after Oliver Glasner confirmed he was leaving Selhurst Park.
He has just taken Coventry to the top flight, but there is real optimism within the Palace hierarchy that the LMA Manager of the Year award winner would be willing to make the move before next season. The complication, though, is that it could be tough for the south Londoners to prise the former Chelsea legend away from his current deal with the Sky Blues.
The 47-year-old has impressively rebuilt his managerial reputation in the Midlands, having suffered difficult endings at Everton and during his spells at Chelsea. Within a day or two of Coventry’s promotion, Lampard was being linked with vacancies at the likes of Palace and Fulham.
The club aren’t just looking to Lampard and are casting a wide net in their search. Other options include fellow promoted boss Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, as well as Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank. Pierre Sage, who guided Lens to second in Ligue 1 last term, is also thought to be on the list.
Crystal Palace Await Andoni Iraola Decision Before Acting on Lampard
The Lampard situation all depends on the response Palace get from their first-choice candidate in the next few days. The Eagles have identified former Bournemouth boss Iraola as the man to replace Glasner at Selhurst Park. The Spaniard recently left Cherries having opted against extending his stay.
Palace have offered the 43-year-old a role that gives him a significant say in the club’s recruitment operation, and they want a definitive answer from him by the end of the weekend. The urgency is to tie up their managerial business early, ahead of a demanding 2026-27 season.
But there is plenty of competition for Iraola’s signature that could scupper the plan. Palace believe they have done everything possible to convince the manager to pick them ahead of the likes of AC Milan, who have also had talks with him, with just his blessing the final hurdle. If that gets the green light, then the door is open for Lampard to return to management in London.