September 27 2002

Jordan and Francis

The Independent has claimed Simon Jordan is becoming increasingly frustrated with Trevor Francis after Palace's poor start to the season.

The article published was as follows:

"Trevor Francis' short reign at Crystal Palace may soon be over. The club's owner, Simon Jordan, is said to be disenchanted with his manager, whose spending spree this summer after the sale of Clinton Morrison to Birmingham has failed to improve the team's form.

"The two men are said to have hardly spoken in recent weeks and Francis could be dismissed by the weekend.

"Francis is on a lucrative contract and any settlement is likely to cost Palace around £250,000. Jordan has been complaining about the cost of running the club this season and has been reluctant to dismiss Francis, who arrived less than a year ago after the acrimonious departure of Steve Bruce.

"If Francis leaves, Jordan will not want to recruit an expensive replacement. The first-team coaches, Steve Kember and Terry Bullivant, took temporary charge after Bruce's departure last year and Jordan may turn to them on a permanent basis.

"However, Jordan may go for Peter Taylor. The former Leicester and Brighton manager, who played for Palace, is currently assisting Barry Fry at Peterborough."

© Independent