Crystal Palace now want 39-year-old to be their new long-term manager

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Crystal Palace are now lining up Paddy McCarthy to be their new long-term manager, with Roy Hodgson expected to stay and train him up.

The south Londoners have been linked with the likes of Graham Potter, Paulo Fonseca, Arne Slot and Michael Carrick as many expect them to move on from the 76-year-old at the end of the season.

Now – however – Roy Hodgson could keep his job, while also showing Paddy McCarthy the ropes.

What’s the story?

Well – according to the Guardian – Crystal Palace want Hodgson to stay at Selhurst Park for one more season after overseeing five wins from his eight games in charge so far this season, since taking over from Patrick Vieira in March.

It is also said that the Eagles then want McCarthy to take over from the experienced Croydon-born tactician for the long-term.

The Guardian add that Steve Parish is exploring other options in the meantime – with Fonseca named in the article – although the Crystal Palace Chairman is seriously considering a move to keep Hodgson for 12 more months.

McCarthy is believed to have been a genuine contender to take over from Vieira despite having no senior experience in management, and came close to being hired before Parish opted for Hodgson instead.

The Guardian also claim that Crystal Palace believe it will be difficult to find a suitable long-term manager this summer with other Premier League sides hunting for a new boss.

Crystal Palace taking a risk with Paddy McCarthy plan

In our view, Parish is taking a major risk in placing Crystal Palace’s long-term future in the hands of McCarthy.

While the Irishman knows Crystal Palace well – he made 151 appearances for the Eagles during his playing career – he has no experience of senior management, aside from one game. The 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in March.

The 39-year-old has only previously coached Crystal Palace’s Under-18 side and also the Under-21 squad.

In a summer where experienced names such as Potter and Brendan Rodgers are available, Parish risks losing out.

For example, if things turn sour under Hodgson next season, and he is sacked before getting the chance to fully train up McCarthy, Crystal Palace could be left rummaging through worse managerial options.

Keep an eye on this situation, as Crystal Palace have some huge decisions to make in the coming weeks with Wilfried Zaha also out of contract.