Next Crystal Palace manager: Contenders to replace Pierre Sage as clear favourite emerges

The Eagles have the worst defence in the Premier League with 24 goals conceded so far, and Sage has run out of time to convince Palace’s decision-makers that he is the right man for the job.With an announcement on Sage’s future imminent, they have already sounded out potential replacements.Standard Sport has assessed who could take over at Selhurst Park next...Strong favourite: Thomas Frank was sacked by Tottenham back in FebruaryAFP/GettyThomas FrankOut of work since being sacked by Tottenham in February, Thomas Frank was one of several candidates that Palace looked at to succeed Glasner in the summer and is the early frontrunner to replace Sage.Read MoreFrank’s reputation is in need of rehabilitation, and it is unclear how much of a toll his torrid eight-month spell in charge of Spurs took, but he remains highly regarded after his work with Brentford.Frank released a statement in June saying he was taking some time out of football before his next job, so the Dane may be unwilling to jump into a role so soon after the season has started.Intriguing option: Kieran McKenna did brilliant work in charge at IpswichPAKieran McKennaAnother manager who stepped away from football over the summer, Kieran McKenna made the shock decision to leave Ipswich after earning promotion back to the Premier League.One of Britain’s most highly sought-after young coaches, McKenna’s decision to spend more time with his family came as a surprise, but potentially hints at the fact that he is not yet ready to get back into management.McKenna’s patient, possession-based style would constitute a dramatic change in tactics for Palace, but the Northern Irishman is comfortable using a three-man defence when his team has the ball.Rival interest: Eddie Howe is fancied by many for the Manchester United jobGettyEddie HoweBringing in former Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would be considered quite the coup for Palace.The Englishman has attracted interest from Manchester United amid ongoing doubts over Michael Carrick’s future and guided Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory in 2025.Howe is actively open to new opportunities, but is said to be willing to wait for an elite, high-profile job, which could leave Palace out of the running.Experience: Sean Dyche would likely steady the ship at Selhurst ParkGetty ImagesSean DycheArguably the most divisive name on the list, Sean Dyche’s pragmatic approach is a far cry from the expansive, counter-attacking football Palace fans have been used to under Glasner and, to a lesser extent, Sage.Dyche’s Premier League experience, especially given that Palace will have one eye on ensuring they stay in the top-flight, makes him an attractive proposition for those in the boardroom.Whether they would be prepared to face the inevitable backlash his appointment would prompt is a different question entirely, though.Who else could be in the frame?Coventry boss Frank Lampard is reportedly under consideration for the Palace job despite signing only a new contract with the promoted Sky Blues in June.Lampard is a long-standing target and one of several other candidates Palace are reportedly eyeing up alongside Kim Hellberg and Vitor Matos, who have led Middlesbrough and Swansea, respectively, towards the top of the Championship table this term.Free agent Vitor Pereira is also said to be on Palace’s shortlist, while Australia head coach and former Palace captain Tony Popovic could be a surprise contender.England assistant Anthony Barry is a risky but potentially intriguing appointment, while former Wolves boss Rob Edwards is well known to Palace sporting director Matt Hobbs.