CRYSTAL Palace fan and Advertiser columnist ALEX WHITE backs the caretaker to take the Eagles manager's job on a more permanent basis...
YOU can take our manager but you can't take our pride. What an unbelievably spirited performance we saw at the Emirates last week, I couldn't criticise one player for their performance that day.
To lose your boss, your leader and your friend just two days before a game without knowing why must absolutely appalling for a player. Pulis had set up all week in training for this game before bailing out on both the players and the fans two days prior to kick off, it wasn't easy as a fan but to try to pick yourself up as a player in that situation, to remain so cool headed and professional is testament to both the squad of players we possess and the spirit of the club in general. We conceded two goals from set-pieces which is uncharacteristic of us but I think many saw a drubbing coming from this one after the events leading up to the big kick off.
What a mess! It seemed that Malky Mackay was taking over the reins at Selhurst Park but now all eyes are on former Spurs gaffer Tim Sherwood. I certainly love the passion that Tim has for the game but some of the scenes we saw at Spurs last season were quite shocking. As a club we are so reliant on our spirit and team cohesion to get us points on the board and you'd think if Sherwood was to openly criticise our players and question their spirit it could be massively destructive. I had begun to settle to the idea of Mackay taking charge as he seemed the best of a bad bunch and we shouldn't be trying to settle but looking for the 'right man'.
I fear a completely new man might want to change the whole team philosophy on the pitch. We don't have time in this division to experiment and change things - we need points and now. I believe it essential Millen stays on to help continue the success. Hopefully at the very least Keith can be kept as part of the coaching staff. He has remained calm and professional in what is such a tricky moment to deal with. Last season Millen took charge and played a massive influence in keeping us up. Millen helped bring back that die hard Palace attitude to things back and without him in caretaker charge for that month.
Personally Millen is my choice as gaffer; he knows the players inside out and already has their respect. Palace were on the rise under Pulis and under Millen I think he can continue the work Tony was implementing. Sherwood is a more glamorous and well-known name but half a season in the Premier League doesn't make you a top manager and he is just as inexperienced as Millen himself. Millen is Palace born and bred and maybe that is what we need right now to ensure we have a 'solid' season. Millen has had the luxury of the whole of pre-season and working with the boys for the last two seasons which means there would be little integration.
I will stand by any appointment made by CPFC2010 and I will completely back any manager who is in charge of this club. We have struggled to find our man and maybe that is destiny? Keith Millen's red 'n' blue army sounds kind of right.
