“Challenging” – Palace chairman blocking out external noise as he conducts search for next boss

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has described the club’s search for a new manager as “challenging”.

The Eagles had been in advanced talks with Nuno Espirito Santo. But his demands – along with the feeling he was holding out for the Everton vacancy – saw them scrap negotiations last week.

Palace parted company with Roy Hodgson at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Former Hull, Watford and Everton chief Marco Silva has entered the bookies’ odds but others mooted to be in the mix include Swansea’s Steve Cooper, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard.

Parish told BBC Sport: “It’s challenging obviously, there’s not a lack of people who would like to come and manage Crystal Palace football club in the Premier League. We’re very fortunate with that.

“You have to try and get it right. Outside pressures – I see all sorts of stuff that’s written – the really important thing is we block that out because the only thing that matters in the end is that we win football matches.

“We have to find the right person to help us do that. Not only immediately but will also help us with the young players we want to bring through.

“So, it’s a big decision, these things take longer than you would like them to.”