Crystal Palace should avoid hiring former Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch as they look to stave off the threat of relegation, former Premier League defender Andy Townsend tells talkSPORT (20 March, 5pm).
With both Leeds and Southampton reaping the benefits of a change in the dugout – Javi Gracia lifting the former up to 14th while Ruben Selles has taken five points off Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham at the latter – will Crystal Palace pay the price for leaving things so late to make an alternation of their own?
Patrick Vieira was sacked on Friday following a run of one win – and six goals – in 14 games. Reports suggesting that Roy Hodgson, 75-year-old Roy Hodgson, could make an immediate return to Selhurst Park hardly paint the picture of a club with a clear progression plan in mind.
Marsch, meanwhile, held talks with Southampton before negotiations broke down over the length of his contract. Would Crystal Palace consider a man who kept Leeds’ head above water less than 12 months ago, Marsch having already proven himself capable of succeeding in a relegation dogfight?
Will Crystal Palace consider former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch
“Marsch? No. No, not at all. I don’t think they need to go for someone like that,” says Townsend, the former Republic of Ireland international. “And with the greatest of respect to Roy, I don’t believe they should be going down that road.”
Townsend, who Chelsea, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough in the top flight, believes that a Palace side thumped 4-1 by Arsenal on Sunday should instead look to a coach capable of building upon the foundations Vieira laid down at Selhurst Park.
“They need to settle themselves down, Townsend adds. “Go and appoint someone with a similar mindset to perhaps the way Patrick wanted to go about his work. They have got a decent team and a good group of young players. I am just very surprised they sacked him
“What they’ve got to make sure is that they appoint someone who is going to interest this group of players. Get the best out of them.”
Crystal Palace, per Sky Sports, are in talks with ex-Borussia Monchenbgladbach boss Adi Hutter. Michael Carrick, however, is committing his future to Middlesbrough.
“No communication (with Palace),” says the Manchester United legend. “I am delighted to be here with this great group of players. (Middlesbrough is) a great club. The supporters have been incredible with me as well.
“I’m delighted to watch the team play like they did today (vs Preston). And hopefully there will be some more of them between now and the end of the season.”
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