Crystal Palace’s summer to-do list: Appoint the right manager, bring in fresh blood and clear out high earners

It is set to be a summer of change at Crystal Palace.

Jack Rosser looks at what is in chairman Steve Parish’s in-tray…

Nail the managerial appointment

The unprecedented stability brought by Roy Hodgson and his staff over the past four years cannot be wasted.

What happened with Frank De Boer serves as a warning of the possible dangers if Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman fumble the appointment a new manager.

Go too conservative, however, and fans will see this summer as an opportunity missed. Whether it be Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche or another candidate - Parish's next appointment feels like a huge moment in his stewardship of the club.

Bring in some fresh blood

Palace have the oldest squad in the Premier League.

Moves to address the age of the playing staff began last summer when the Eagles signed Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson.

Ferguson is yet to play for Palace after a year of injury hell, while Eze is now ruled out into the new season because of an Achillies injury.

Inspiration and impetus is needed in this Palace side, a creative touch in midfield and some fresh legs at the back.

Resolve who stays and who goes

The Eagles have a dozen players out of contract this summer, which puts them in a strong position when it comes to refresh their ageing squad. But some big calls remain.

Players such as Joel Ward, Gary Cahill and Scott Dann are all likely to receive new deals - while it is a good chance to get high earners Patrick van Aanholt and Mamadou Sakho off the wage bill.

Christian Benteke presents an interesting case. Six months ago he would have been out the door, but a strong end to the season means another deal would well be in the offing.

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