Neil Warnock’s second spell as Crystal Palace manager has come to an end after a run of just three wins in 17 matches.
Warnock, w ho was in charge of the Selhurst Park club from 2007-2010, was appointed as Tony Pulis’ successor when the latter quit back in August. This was always considered to be something of a risky decision by the board, as the 66-year-old has not been in such a position since his 14-month stint at Leeds United came to an end when he was dismissed in February 2013.
The Eagles recorded their first win of the campaign with a surprise 3-2 win at Everton in September, and they followed this up with a 2-0 success over Leicester City the following week. Their next – and last – triumph came when Liverpool were defeated 3-1 in November, but they have lost three of their subsequent six fixtures which has left them in the bottom three.
Palace’s last defeat came on Boxing Day when they found themselves 3-0 down at home to Southampton, before Scott Dann notched a late consolation. And this has proved to be Warnock’s final match in charge of the club, with reports emerging early on Saturday afternoon they he has been dismissed and will be replaced by first team coach Keith Millen, at least on a caretaker basis.
Speaking after the loss against the Saints, Warnock said: “When you lose a game you’re responsible. I have no complaints, at 3-0 down, you’d be very surprised not to get a bit of stick. I thought the players were very good today in the circumstances, they were almost as shell-shocked as some of the fans. If I was a player today I’d blame the manager, it’s always easy to do that. The players know what I feel. We need everyone to be on top of their game. The goals are so poor.”
In terms of a permanent successor to Warnock, Tim Sherwood appears to be the early frontrunner. However, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss was overlooked in the summer after being interviewed, and he may now think twice if approached. Chris Hughton, out of work since being sacked by Norwich City last season, is another option, whilst the reappointment of Pulis has also been mooted.
Are Palace right to get rid of Warnock, or did he deserve more time? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
