Crystal Palace podcaster Dan Cook has provided a further update on the Eagles’ hunt for a new manager, following Roy Hodgson’s departure at the end of the 2020/21 season.
Speaking on his HLTCO podcast, Cook claimed that although there haven’t been any groundbreaking revelations over the course of the weekend, he expects steady progress to be continually made.
Cook also name-dropped Steve Cooper as his ‘standout’ candidate, who he also suggests is the most ‘likely’ to be confirmed as the Eagles’ new manager.
And following a sarcastic tweet sent out by chairman Steve Parish after being instructed to find a manager, Cook felt this was a positive sign of the current state of Palace’s search:
“Whilst we haven’t got any clarity on who it will be, or indeed, when the manager will be announced, that fact does lead me to believe that we are far further forward than we were, say 48-72 hours ago.
“Of course, at the moment, who it’s going to be remains a bit of an answer on a postcard. I would suggest that Steve Cooper is still the standout candidate in relation to, not necessarily his credentials, but in relation to who’s more likely to actually take the job.
“Of course, the speculation surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo continues to swell, but with Everton still looking for a manager following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti in that his name, having been linked so heavily with the Toffees in recent days – I would suggest if it’s a straight battle between ourselves and the club from Goodison Park, we will lose.”
TIF Thoughts on Steve Cooper potentially joining Crystal Palace…
Cooper, who is currently employed by Swansea City, has enjoyed a wide range of experience already during his career. Having previously spent all of his time within youth setups, the Swans were Cooper’s first move into senior football.
However, Cooper’s work at England’s under-17 level could make him an attractive candidate to any club seeking a new manager. Having guided the Under-17s – which included the likes of Jadon Sancho and Phil Foden – to a World Cup success, in a time where the pandemic has had huge financial ramifications on many clubs, Cooper’s track record of working with youth could put him in a good position when Palace come to appointing a new manager.