Crystal Palace Set to Miss Out on Frank Lampard as Thomas Frank Remains Favourite
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish looks set to be disappointed in his pursuit of Coventry City manager Frank Lampard, with sources indicating the former England midfielder is committed to completing his mission at the CBS Arena.
Parish has long admired Lampard’s managerial capabilities and was keen to explore bringing him to Selhurst Park to replace Oliver Glasner this summer. However, the 47-year-old is determined to remain loyal to Coventry and lead them into the Premier League, with his side already on the brink of achieving promotion.
Despite links with several top flight clubs in recent months, the Sky Blues are confident Lampard will still be in their dugout when next season begins. His desire to finish the job he started makes any approach from South London unlikely to succeed.
Thomas Frank remains the clear favourite for the Palace position. Football Insider revealed last week that the Dane, recently dismissed by Tottenham, has been targeted by the Eagles hierarchy since his departure from the north London club. The 52-year-old was first contacted by Palace in February while still at Spurs, and his work at Brentford with comparable resources makes him an appealing candidate to take the club forward.
Parish continues to assess alternatives, but Frank’s position at the forefront of their plans appears secure. His record of 136 wins from 317 games at Brentford demonstrates the consistent progress Palace seek.
Meanwhile, the club are working to retain key midfielder Adam Wharton amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace are doing “everything in their power” to keep the 21-year-old, having already lost Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi in the past year. Wharton is viewed as integral to their plans regardless of who takes managerial charge.