After accruing 60 points in 35 games during 2015, it’s no wonder Crystal Palace are reportedly opening talks with manager Alan Pardew over a new contract.
[ MORE: Pep to Chelsea? ]
Pardew, 54, took charge of Palace in January after leaving Newcastle United and the former Palace midfielder has led an incredible upsurge in results for the south London side as they currently sit outside the UEFA Champions League spots only on goal difference.
The Guardian is reporting that Pardew is currently in talks with Palace about extending his stay in his native south London.
With Pardew’s current contract having two-and-half years to run -- his current deal is said to pay him $2.2 million per year and is heavily incentivized with regards to securing Premier League safety -- you could be forgiven for thinking what the rush is all about. Well, England is the main reason.
Roy Hodgson, the current manager of the English national team, only has a contract until the end of the 2016 European Championships in France next summer and Englishman Pardew is touted as one of the favorites to succeed Hodgson if he isn’t handed a new deal.
[ VOTE: Should Man United make move for Mourinho? ]
However, Pardew is leading a talented team at an exciting time at Selhurst Park as the Eagles announced investment from American businessmen Josh Harris and David Blitzer -- both now own 18 percent of Palace but co-chairman Steve Parish and the current group of Palace supporting owners will still remain in charge of day-to-day activities -- last week with $75 million made available to expand and update their dated home.
With Yannick Bolasie, Yohan Cabaye, Scott Dann and others impressing, Palace’s 4-4-2 formation is grinding out results and Pardew’s side are tough to beat. They’ve already stunned Chelsea and Liverpool by beating them away from home this season.
Pardew is quickly becoming the most sought after English manager in the Premier League and Palace are right to try and tie him down to a new long-term deal.
