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Crystal Palace 'fail with attempt to hire Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna'

Palace 'fail with attempt to hire Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna'
© Reuters
Crystal Palace are reportedly unable to persuade Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna to make a mid-season switch to the club, with Roy Hodgson's future in serious jeopardy.

Crystal Palace have reportedly failed in their attempts to lure Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna to Selhurst Park.

Roy Hodgson's position in charge has become increasingly insecure over the past few months, with Palace looking likely to be dragged into the relegation picture.

The Palace supporters have unfurled banners at many of their recent games, criticising the club from top to bottom.

At their clash with Chelsea at Selhurst Park on Monday, some banners read 'weak club culture and direction', 'weak transfer policy, youth scapegoated' and 'supporters ignored and taken for granted'.

Following just four wins in 18 games, Palace have fallen to 15th, just five points above the drop zone.

Despite being without arguably their four most important players in Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Marc Guehi and Cheick Doucoure, Palace were just minutes from holding Chelsea to a draw on Monday, before losing 3-1 late on.

Palace now find themselves in a similar position to where they were last season under Patrick Vieira, who was sacked after a long winless run that sent them plummeting down the standings.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson pictured on February 3, 2024© Reuters

Hodgson came in and instantly steered the Eagles to safety, but history looks like repeating itself as Palace are sliding down the table once more.

With fans calling for Hodgson to be sacked, The Guardian claim that Palace have failed to persuade Ipswich boss McKenna to make the switch mid-season.

Palace chairman Steve Parish is believed to be hopeful that they can get McKenna to join at the end of the campaign though, having met with the manager's representatives.

McKenna is said to be unwilling to move at this stage of the season, with Ipswich in the hunt for promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Speaking to the media who quizzed him on rumours linking him to Palace, McKenna played down the reports, revealing: "My full focus and commitment is with Ipswich and the season that we're having and the next game ahead."

The Ipswich boss also signed a four-year deal after leading the club into the Championship last season, meaning that a hefty compensation package will be needed to lure McKenna away.

Palace have two huge Premier League games on the horizon which will likely determine Hodgson's immediate future with the club, as they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday, before hosting Burnley a week later.

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Written by
Andrew Delaney

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