Crystal Palace are a club who look set for a huge change during the summer, with manager Oliver Glasner set to depart Selhurst Park at the end of his contract.
The Austrian confirmed back in January that he would depart the Eagles this summer, after key sales of the likes of club captain Marc Guehi were approved.
Upon his departure, the 51-year-old will no doubt enter the club’s hall of fame, after securing their first-ever major trophy with the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last season.
oliver-glasner-crystal-palace
However, the hierarchy will have a huge task on their hands, with the fans no doubt demanding an adequate replacement to fill the void in July and beyond.
Numerous names have been touted with the soon-to-be vacant managerial role, but the hierarchy are yet to decide who the chosen candidate will be to take the reins ahead of 2026/27.
The hunt to replace Glasner at Crystal Palace
Since Glasner’s departure was confirmed a couple of months ago, a whole host of managers have been linked with taking over at Crystal Palace this summer.
Getafe boss Jose Bordalas has constantly been touted with the role at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if the 62-year-old will depart Getafe this summer.
bordalas-palace
However, he’s not the only Spaniard who’s currently in contention with the role at present, with AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola another admired by the hierarchy.
The 43-year-old is in a similar position to Glasner at present, with his deal with the Cherries set to expire this summer - but it’s unclear if he will sign a new deal.
The Eagles have previously been credited with an interest in hiring Iraola at the end of the campaign, but a deal could be somewhat tricky to complete.
United are also said to be keeping a close eye on his progress, with the Red Devils yet to decide about the long-term future of interim manager Michael Carrick.
The manager who would be perfect for Strand Larsen at Palace
Given the achievements of Glasner at Palace, the importance of the hierarchy’s next managerial decision simply can’t be understated - with the club’s top-flight future at risk.
In the Premier League this season, the Eagles currently sit in 14th place, just ten points above the drop zone - a season of disappointment given the recent heights achieved.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner before the match
However, the summer and new managerial appointment hands the board the perfect chance to take the club to the next level and compete at the highest level possible.
Big money has already been spent in recent months, as seen with the record £44m deal to land centre-forward Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves in January.
Whilst he’s already netted three goals since joining the Eagles, the appointment of Thomas Frank could allow the Norwegian international to reach the next level under his guidance.
The Dane has already been touted with the post in South London over recent weeks, but many fans may be sceptical over his appointment given his struggles at Tottenham Hotspur.
Thomas Frank record at Spurs (timeless)
However, the 52-year-old massively succeeded during his time at Brentford, taking the Bees from the Championship and making them an established top-flight outfit.
He achieved a 43% win rate during his seven years across the capital, even helping numerous players reach the next level in their own careers playing under him.
The likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney both starred during his time in charge of Brentford, with the aforementioned duo both managing to net at least 20 league goals in a single season.
Most PL goals scored under Thomas Frank
Player
1. Yoane Wissa
2. Ivan Toney
3. Bryan Mbeumo
4. Kevin Schade
5. Christian Norgaard
6. Mathias Jensen
7. Vitaly Janelt
8. Ethan Pinnock
It’s clear that Frank, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by journalist Peter Hall, has a nouse for turning strikers into elite-level talents - something he could do with Strand Larsen should he get the job.
Given the £44m investment for the striker’s services in January, it’s crucial the next manager plays to his strengths and gets the best out of him to make the investment worthwhile.
Jorgen Strand Larsen for Crystal Palace
He’s already demonstrated in glimpses that he’s capable of leading the line for the Eagles, with Frank’s potential appointment allowing him to have the right manager supporting him.
His previous ability in the Premier League would also bode well for the other players in the squad, which could see the club once again rise up the table next season.
Whilst Iraola may remain many fans’ first choice to replace Glasner, Frank’s experience in the division and history with centre forwards should give him the edge ahead of the summer.
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