Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on appointing former England manager, Sir Gareth Southgate, as interim manager following their disappointing season under current boss Oliver Glasner. Southgate, who has been out of management since resigning from the England national team after a second consecutive European Championship final defeat to Spain, is said to be the club’s prime target to take the helm until the end of the campaign.
The 55-year-old, who began his youth career at Crystal Palace before progressing to the first team, could return to Selhurst Park as the Eagles look to steer clear of the relegation zone. Southgate’s only foray into club management was with Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009, and it’s uncertain how he might adjust to the vastly evolved landscape of modern club football.
Palace manager Glasner was once a revered figure, having guided the Eagles to FA Cup triumph last season, securing the club’s first major silverware. However, the 2025/26 season has been fraught with challenges, and the team has slumped to 14th place in the Premier League, winning just one of their last 11 league matches.
The pressure has intensified following an early FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield Town, compounded by a 1-1 draw in the Europa Conference League playoff first leg against Zrinjski, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second-best club. Owner Steve Parish is reportedly considering a managerial change before the summer, especially as Glasner is adamant about seeing out his contract despite the dwindling support from fans.
While Southgate holds a strong connection with Crystal Palace, club insiders suggest hesitancy to grant him a long-term contract, as they have earmarked former Spurs boss Thomas Frank as their top choice for the summer. Southgate, also previously linked with Manchester United, could be tempted back to the Premier League by his affiliation with the Eagles.
Although an interim stint may not be what Southgate envisages, his possible appointment could be a strategic move to stabilise the club’s performance, ensuring their Premier League survival. Football enthusiasts await to see if Southgate will be making his much-anticipated return to club management.