Ah, Christmas… A time of goodwill to all mankind.
Unless they’re a manager of an underperforming Premier League football club, that is.
Since guiding Crystal Palace to last May’s Cup Final, Alan Pardew’s struggles at Selhurst Park have been well documented, and it’s now emerged that the 55-year-old has been sacked by the club.
With one league win and eight defeats in their last ten outings, Palace will find themselves hovering just above the relegation zone on Christmas morning, with only a point separating them from 18th-placed Sunderland.
A statement from Palace chairman Steve Parish says:
“I would like to put on record our sincere gratitude for the tremendous service Alan has given us, both in his time here as manager and previously as a player.
“Following a fantastic second half of 2014/15, the 2015/16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record breaking fourth time.
“During his tenure Alan’s hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the club and we wish him the very best for the future.
“With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time.”
Pardew’s team picked up the fewest number of points in 2016 of any current Premier League side. The reaction to him being sacked wasn’t sympathetic at all.
That gif was out in force.
Fuck off Alan Pardew. pic.twitter.com/Y4vTnupADS
— Jack (@jacksb7) December 22, 2016
https://twitter.com/ColmVHayes/status/811954496477732864
https://twitter.com/dylanwalsh_/status/811954460520022016
Alan Pardew. Famous for just one dance pic.twitter.com/kCwdmOHnFm
— Tim Adams (@TimAdams76) December 22, 2016
And his poor record in 2016 was brought up.
https://twitter.com/DeanColleyPT/status/811954347957485568
Because he's a bang average manager. Their record in 2016 with Pardew is genuinely shocking.
— Zed (@ZedKay_101) December 22, 2016
I just heard someone say 'sacking Pardew is harsh, he should have been given more time'. Don't be a spanner…!! pic.twitter.com/RMPaMgRq65
— James Cortazzi (@JamesCortazzi) December 22, 2016
With many arguing that there’s only one man for the job.
Crystal Palace again linked in the papers with a move for Sam Allardyce to replace Pardiola pic.twitter.com/EzTFKUfxEz
— Sponge 🧽 (@isthissponge) December 21, 2016
Big Sam when he gets the call from Palace… https://t.co/TL0sRXrgVu
— West Ham (C)entral 🏆 (@WestHam_Central) December 22, 2016
