Why Roberto Mancini is the right man for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have experienced a disastrous year and ultimately that has led to the sacking of Alan Pardew after nearly two years in South London.

He started off well and quickly became loved by the Palace faithful, but that love eventually turned into anger and impatience as The Eagles only managed six league wins in the whole of 2016.

The expected managerial vacancy at Selhurst Park will undoubtedly attract attention from numerous candidates, but there is one who can fulfil Palace’s potential, Roberto Mancini.

He was the man who led Manchester City to their first-ever Premier League title, along with an FA Cup and an FA Community Shield during his four-year reign in charge of the Sky Blues.

He was ultimately rewarded with a new five-year contract in 2012, but despite reaching an FA Cup final and finishing second in the Premier League, the Italian was given his marching orders less than a year later.

Pardew was sacked on December 22 – Photo: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.

Since departing Manchester, Mancini has been in charge of two European giants, Galatasaray and Inter Milan, but is now keen on a return to the Promised Land after unsuccessful spells, and has already expressed interest in the Palace job.

The move could benefit both parties significantly. It would help Mancini get his managerial career back on track, as well as strengthening Palace’s Premier League status.

He has English top-flight experience and has managed world-class players.

The Italian’s managerial ability combined with the potential of Palace’s squad would give them a real shot at Europe in the foreseeable future.