Crystal Palace have reportedly added Kieran McKenna to their list of managerial candidates, with Pierre Sage’s position growing increasingly precarious at Selhurst Park, according to Football Insider.

Sage Under Pressure After Brighton Defeat

The Frenchman’s future looks uncertain following a poor run of results. A 5-0 thrashing by Brighton & Hove Albion has intensified scrutiny, and unless performances improve quickly, a change in the dugout could follow. The club have not publicly commented on his job security.

Other Names on Palace’s Radar

McKenna is not the only manager linked with the role. Rob Edwards, Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank have all been mentioned in recent reports, giving the Eagles a varied pool of options should they decide to act.

Why McKenna Could Appeal

The 40-year-old, a former Manchester United coach, is currently without a job after stepping away from Ipswich Town following their promotion to the Premier League. He is understood to be keen on a top-flight role, and his reputation is strong, having previously been linked with both Chelsea and United.

Palace could offer him an established squad and the chance to work in European competition, which may prove attractive as he weighs his next move.

Our Opinion

McKenna’s work at Ipswich was impressive, and his progressive, attack-minded approach would suit a squad with plenty of quality. However, replacing a manager after a single heavy defeat can be risky. Palace’s board may be wise to wait and judge Sage over a longer run of fixtures, though having McKenna as a contingency makes sense.