Palace manager market takes a dramatic twist
THE next Crystal Palace manager market was thrown into chaos yesterday when the appointment of Malky Mackay was reported to have fallen through.
Mackay was believed to be on the verge of taking charge at Selhurst Park, only for the deal to stall in a disagreement understood to be over the make-up of the backroom staff.
The former Cardiff boss had been as short as 1-10 with to replace Tony Pulis, while a reported £21,000 was matched on Mackay at 1.01 on Betfair before the news broke.
It thrust Tim Sherwood back to the head of the market after he had drifted to 11-2 with Hills, while Steve Clarke and Martin Jol were also trimmed, with Mackay seemingly out of the reckoning. The Scot was as big as 14-1 with bet365 last night.
Assistant manager Keith Millen, a 9-2 chance, is expected to take charge of the Palace team for their league match at home to West Ham on Saturday, for which the Eagles are narrow 6-4 favourites.
But the managerial uncertainty at Selhurst Park has encouraged a further gamble on Crystal Palace being relegated, with Ladbrokes’ 2-1 the biggest price available yesterday.