Steve Parish lining up 'wildcard' move for Crystal, former Palace manager's job – Club adviser

Keith Wyness believes Parish may have a surprise candidate in mind beyond favourite Thomas Frank, but Palace must first diagnose their relegation battle issues.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is reportedly considering a "wildcard" managerial candidate to replace Pierre Sage, according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness. Sage is expected to be sacked in the coming days with Palace bottom of the Premier League at the November international break.

While Thomas Frank, the ex-Tottenham manager sacked in February, is the firm favourite among media and has admirers within the Palace hierarchy, Wyness believes the board must first understand their exact problems before appointing a successor. He suggested Parish may opt for an unexpected name not yet linked with the job, rather than automatically turning to Frank.

Wyness also cautioned against appointing England assistant Anthony Barry, who has emerged as a surprise candidate. Though Barry is highly regarded as a coach and has worked with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Wyness argues Palace need proven managerial experience to fight relegation, and Barry has never held a senior head coach position.