Chris Coleman could be in charge of Crystal Palace for Saturday’s match

 
CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 10: Wales coach Chris Coleman reacts during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier Group A match between Wales and Serbia at Cardiff City Stadium on September 10, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales.
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Julian Bennetts4 November 2013

Crystal Palace are confident of appointing a manager before the weekend with Chris Coleman emerging as the clear favourite to succeed Ian Holloway.

Keith Millen has taken charge of the last two games since Holloway left by mutual consent.

After Tony Pulis and Martin O’Neill turned the club down, Wales manager Coleman is the leading contender.

Palace, bottom of the Premier League, are aware of the urgency of the situation but believe the new man will be in place for Saturday’s game at home to Everton — and it is increasingly likely that it will be Coleman.

The 43-year-old made 190 appearances for Palace in four years and is keen to return to the Premier League as manager.

Palace chairman Steve Parish wants someone with Premier League experience and, if possible, a connection to Palace — and former Fulham boss Coleman ticks those boxes.

It is thought a number of other candidates — such as Alex McLeish — have contacted the club to express their interest but Palace are closing in on an appointment.

Whoever takes charge will have an uphill battle to save the club from relegation. Saturday’s 2-0 loss at West Brom means Palace have just three points from 10 games and are already six points from safety.

But Mile Jedinak is convinced the new manager has a strong group of players to work with.

“It is a big opportunity [for the new boss],” said the Palace captain. “You have seen enough in the last two weeks to know that it is definitely something worth fighting for. We are not going to give up.

“We are in good hands and I am sure the powers that be will make the right decision. Whatever the club decide to do, we support that. We, as a group, have to stick together as we have been doing.”

Caretaker manager Millen hopes an appointment is made this week and said: “It is not an easy situation, with all the speculation about when the manager will come in and who it will be.

“The players have been focused — I don’t think you can accuse them of not concentrating on the job — but the sooner someone comes in, the better as there will be new ideas, a fresh voice and, hopefully, a bit of luck coming our way.”

Palace are awaiting news on Adlene Guedioura, who is undergoing a scan after damaging his ribs against West Brom.

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