Emile Heskey is backing former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Nuno Espirito Santo to win over Crystal Palace supporters but admits the Eagles job will be a “tough ask for anyone”, speaking exclusively to HITC.
After three hugely successful years at Molineux – and one underwhelming 2020/21 campaign – the man who dragged Wolves from the depths of the Championship to the Europa League quarter-finals is ready for a new challenge.
The Sun reports Crystal Palace have held talks with Nuno, although the Eagles suddenly face competition from an Everton side powerless to prevent Carlo Ancelotti rushing back to Real Madrid at the earliest opportunity.
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And, given the size of the task facing him at Selhurst Park, you could understand why Nuno would opt instead for Everton who, despite last season’s tenth-place finish, have the basis of a very competitive team.
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A staggering 13 senior players are out of contract at Selhurst Park and, with chairman Steve Parish hardly renowned for big spending, whoever takes on the Crystal Palace job will be under pressure to build a new team on a shoestring budget.
“I think Crystal Palace is a wonderful club with a great structure for youth. The only thing I’m worried about is they are losing a hell of a lot of senior players who mean a lot to the squad,” says former England and Liverpool striker Heskey.
“What have they got now, a squad of about 16 players? Most of the mainstays are leaving.
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“Whoever goes in there has got a real big task of turning things around and getting players through the door.
“It’s a tough job for anyone but Palace are a really good club. I think they’re in a good position when it comes to youth. Being in London they bring through some fantastic players.”
Given many Palace supporters grew tired of Roy Hodgson’s restrictive, two-banks-of-four approach, it remains to be seen whether Nuno can win over an expectant fanbase.
There was more excitement to be found in a DC movie marathon than there was at Molineux last season, although Wolves’ high-profile struggles in the final third were largely the result of Raul Jimenez’s long-term absence.
“I think the football Nuno played at Wolves, especially the season when they were in Europe, was fantastic! I don’t see any fans being upset with him coming in,” Heskey adds.
“Wolves spent very well. They’ve invested in the right players and Nuno built a squad that’s able to challenge for the European spots. He’s left them in a better place than when he came in – and that’s all you can ask from a manager.
“Yes, he’s probably a step above (Palace). But the job is still going to be a tough ask for anyone.”
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