Bosses vying to help the Eagles soar clear of relegation danger

Crystal Palace are hunting for a new manager after Patrick Vieira was sacked following a run of 12 matches in all competitions without a victory. 

Despite that dismal spell, the relegation-haunted Eagles have spent nine straight weeks in 12th place in the Premier League.

But clubs further down the table have gained ground and left the Londoners just three points clear of the drop zone, which prompted chairman Steve Parish to axe Frenchman Vieira.  

Read on as we take a look who may be in contention to replace the former Arsenal midfielder and World Cup winner. 

Roy Hodgson

Former England boss Roy Hodgson spent four seasons in charge of Palace before retiring at the end of the 2020-21 season. 

Vieira's predecessor did not stay away from football for long, with Watford tempting him back to the dugout in January 2022.

Hodgson, 75, once again insisted he was finished with the Premier League following that spell but he may be tempted by the lure of guiding his old club to safety before a more permanent appointment can be made this summer.  

Jesse Marsch

Jesse Marsch has been out of a job since he was let go by Leeds early last month. 

Like Vieira, he has experience managing in both the Premier League and MLS, while he also guided RB Salzburg to the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2020. 

That background could appeal to fellow American and Palace co-owner John Textor, whose multi-club Eagle Football Holdings also have stakes in Lyon, Botafogo and Molenbeek. 

Lucien Favre

Swiss coach Lucien Favre's second spell at Nice came to an abrupt end in January after less than seven months. 

But his two years at the helm of Borussia Dortmund, an outfit known for nurturing young talent such as Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, could also appeal to Palace, a club who have also looked to develop promising players. 

Favre was the first coach in BVB history to go unbeaten in his first 15 league games in charge — he would have just 11 to turn things around at Selhurst Park. 

Ralph Hasenhuttl

Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is among the favourites to replace Vieira. 

Though the Austrian, 55, was sacked following an abysmal start to Southampton's campaign this term, he is no stranger to a relegation battle. 

Hasenhuttl guided the Saints out of danger following his December 2018 appointment before ensuring their survival in every subsequent season. 

He also has a background in nurturing young talent, something that could become even more important if star man Wilfried Zaha moves on at the end of the season. 

Paddy McCarthy

Under-21s manager Paddy McCarthy will take charge when Palace travel to Vieira's former club Arsenal on Sunday.

The ex-Eagles skipper has guided his side to fourth in Premier League 2 Division 1 and will be a familiar face for the fans to get behind. 

He could potentially even see out the season as interim boss while Parish and Co, who are unlikely to want to make a rash decision, determine their next move.