November 6 2003

Who will replace the sacked Kember and Bullivant?

Palace Chairman Simon Jordan is now looking for his sixth manager in three years, and speculation about who will succeed Steve Kember has already begun, writes Joe O'Shea.

With Kit Symons in charge for Saturday's clash with Preston and the game against Crewe on Saturday, November 15 postponed due to international call-ups, Jordan will have a two-week window in which to appoint Kember and Bullivant's successors.

Suprisingly, the chairman has given untried novice Symons tacit approval to go for the permanent position himself.

But far more experienced names are already being touted and here the Guardian runs the rule over some of the leading candidates.

Iain Dowie: The early favourite, former Palace striker Dowie has worked wonders at cash-strapped Oldham, was interviewed for the Brighton job, and considered by Jordan before he appointed Kember.

A good bet for the hot-seat, but is under contract, so compensation would be required.

Glenn Hoddle: Pipped to the Reading job by Steve Coppell, the former England and Spurs manager is willing to step down to Division One to re-establish his managerial credentials.

Notoriously unpopular with his players and likely to want more financial backing than Jordan is willing to spend.

Joe Kinnear: The Guardian’s choice - the former Wimbledon manager worked wonders under Sam Hamman, keeping them in the Premiership for years on a tight budget.

Inexplicably sacked by Luton Town this summer, Kinnear and assistant Mick Harford are available, proven motivators and could do the job on a tight budget.

George Graham: Another former Palace player, Graham heads most fans wish-list, because of his title winning track-record with Arsenal, and success with Millwall and Leeds, before failure at Spurs.

May not be willing to drop down to Division One and would cost Jordan, but the defensive master has been out of work for a while and favours London.

Bryan Robson: Another who was linked with Palace last time, the former Middlesbrough manager’s appointment as Nigeria coach has hit a hitch and he has shown interest in Palace. Twice won promotion with Boro, but with the money no object backing of chairman Steve Gibson.

Other names in the frame: Graham Rix, Gerry Francis, Steve Cotterill, Steve McMahon, Stan Ternent, John Aldridge, Paul Merson.