Dutchman Frank de Boer has been sacked as Crystal Palace manager after just four Premier League matches.
Following a run of four defeats and no goals scored in the opening four matches of the Premier League season, De Boer’s 77-day reign will now go down as the shortest managerial tenure in Premier League history.
His only victory as Palace manager came in the EFL Cup against Ipswich Town.
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In a statement the club said: “Crystal Palace Football Club have this morning parted company with Frank de Boer.
“We would like to thank Frank for his dedication and hard work during his time at the club. A new manager will be appointed in due course and we wish Frank the very best of luck for the future.”
The Dutchman’s departure means Palace will be looking for their seventh permanent manager in six years. Former England manager Roy Hodgson is rumoured to be hot favourite for the job and could be appointed within the next 24 hours.
De Boer, who lasted just 88 days at Inter Milan boss, signed a three-year deal at Selhurst Park and was seen as the right manager to build a long-term structure at the club.
Despite the disappointing early results, The Independent reported that Palace chairman Steve Parish had insisted “we have to stick together”.
Today’s news has therefore come as a surprise to fans and pundits, with some hitting out at the decision.
A “farcical” decision says the BBC’s Phil McNulty.
The Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce says it’s “ridiculous”.
Bleacher Report looked at the funny side…
Not enough time for evolution.
An “absolute disgrace” says former footballer Michael Stewart.
Relegation-bound says the Liverpool Fans Corner.
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