Favourite emerges to take over at Crystal Palace as Patrick Vieira is sacked

Vieira’s exit was confirmed on Friday, morning, with the Eagles are just three points above the relegation zone.

And former Palace boss Roy Hodgson has emerged as a contender to take on the role for the final games of the season.

Ex-Leeds manager Jeese Marsch and former Liverpool Champions League winning coach Rafael Benitez have also been linked with the role.

Palace chairman Steve Parish told the club website: “It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made.

“Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.

“That said, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by myself, and all of his colleagues.

“He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and respectable 12th-placed finish last season playing some exciting football, which was a challenging and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.”

Three members of Vieira’s coaching staff – Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun – have also left Selhurst Park.

Parish added: “Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.

“We also wish Patrick, Osian, Kristian and Said the very best for their futures.”

Palace say the process to appoint a new manager is under way and they will provide an update in due course. Dean Kiely will remain as goalkeeping coach.

Former Palace and Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison criticised the decision to sack Vieira.

Morrison told Sky Sports: “Personally I don’t think it’s the right call.

“I know the run they’ve been on, terrible without a win since the new year, but I speak to a lot of people at Palace and there’s still been a lot of togetherness.

“That’s down to Patrick because when he comes into the building he’s got that aura about him.

“I know it’s a results-based business and it’s not been good enough.

“But, after Arsenal, the next five or six games are winnable and I would have stuck with him – and I’m not sure what manager is out there that will come in and turn it around.”