Earlier today, big news emerged from the Championship as West Brom sacked Valerien Ismael, a man who came close to joining Crystal Palace.
What’s the story?
Well, the 46-year-old was handed his P45 at the Hawthorns following a run of just one win in eight games.
The Frenchman adopted a five-man backline and saw his side score just 35 goals in his 31 games in charge, which isn’t the greatest given the quality of West Brom’s squad.
In many ways, you could say that Crystal Palace dodged a bullet.
According to The Telegraph, Ismael was under consideration by the Eagles as they looked to replace Roy Hodgson, with Lucien Favre and Nuno Espirito Santo also involved.
Eventually, Steve Parish decided to hire Patrick Vieira, and Ismael left his job at Barnsley to take over the Baggies – surely he regrets doing so now.
According to Sky Sports, Steve Bruce – who used to manage Crystal Palace – is now in advanced talks to replace Ismael at West Brom.
Crystal Palace were right to ignore Valerien Ismael
At the time, many eyebrows were raised when the south Londoners decided to take a gamble on Vieira, but the move has paid off.
The Frenchman has instilled an attractive, possession-based style at Selhurst Park which completely opposes Hodgson’s defensive ethos.
It has been a breath of fresh air, to say the least.
Vieira’s pull has attracted the likes of Michael Olise, Odsonne Edouard, Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen to SE25, where Crystal Palace look a different side to the one sleepwalking under Hodgson.
There was plenty to admire about Ismael’s work at Barnsley, although Parish will surely be glad he decided against hiring him after today’s news.
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