Crystal Palace
Mick Brown
Tue 1 April 2025 9:28, UK
Crystal Palace have been warned to consider other options for the sporting director role amid controversy surrounding Tim Steidten.
That is according to former West Ham senior scout Mick Brown, who worked closely with David Moyes during Steidten’s spell, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the German’s appointment would be a “disaster” at Selhurst Park.
Moyes and later Julen Lopetegui both opted to ban the sporting director from the training ground, and he was instrumental behind their dismissals at the London Stadium.
After Dougie Freedman left his role at Palace to take up a new position overseas, the Eagles’ process of identifying a new director of football began immediately.
Football Insider revealed on 20 March that Steidten is in pole position to take over at Selhurst Park following spells at Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen and West Ham.
However, controversies at all three of his most recent clubs have caused Brown to urge the Eagles to look elsewhere after the “huge” blow of Freedman’s exit.
West Ham
Tim Steidten left his role at West Ham earlier this year. (Credit: Getty Images)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Crystal Palace told to avoid Tim Steidten appointment
Brown previously told Football Insider that Steidten clashed with Moyes and Julen Lopetegui at West Ham, leading to both manager’s departures.
Now, the former scout who remains very well-connected at his former club and has a wealth of experience working closely with top-level managers and directors, has insisted Palace would be making a mistake if they appoint the German.
“*He played a key role in getting Werder Bremen relegated,*” he told Football Insider.
“He was then sacked by Bayer Leverkusen, and there were questions about why he came in at West Ham.
“They got him in against the manager’s will because his agent was pushing and pushing for it – it’s all agent-led with him.
“Crystal Palace will need somebody to replace Dougie Freedman, who has done a wonderful job for them.
“But if Steidten is the type of person they wan’t, then good luck, but I’d be very, very careful.
“The evidence even just while he’s been in England has not been good.
“He wasn’t giving any help to the managers, just interfering. When they won a match he’d be there in and around the players, but was nowhere to be seen when they lost a game.
“Ultimately it was him who got Moyes and Lopetegui sacked after both of them banned him from the training ground because he was getting in the way.
“I wouldn’t have him anywhere near a club of mine.
“Losing Dougie Freedman will be a huge blow to Crystal Palace, so they’re obviously considering their options and looking at who’s available.
“But I think it would be a major disaster for Palace if they appoint Steidten, I’m sorry to say.”
Steve Parish, Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has some big decisions to make. (Credit: Getty Images)
Steve Parish plans to extend Oliver Glasner’s contract
Alongside the appointment of a new sporting director, Crystal Palace are determined to tie Oliver Glasner down to a long-term contract in South London.
After Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig parted company with Marco Rose, speculation is rife that the Eagles’ boss could take over as he remains a key target to replace the German.
However, Football Insider revealed on 25 March that Palace are making progress over Glasner’s new contract and are keen to dismiss speculation about his future.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 7 March that Palace are pushing to agree a deal with Glasner, and talks have already taken place.
For more Crystal Palace and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts