Coppell rules out return to Palace
Published 23:00 01/03/10 By John Cross
Steve Coppell has snubbed an emotional return to Crystal Palace - leaving the door open for Paul Hart to take over.
Manager Neil Warnock left Palace last night and, as expected, was immediately installed as the new boss at QPR.
Former Eagles boss Coppell, who has had four stints in charge at Selhurst Park, was first choice to succeed Warnock.
But Coppell, the overwhelming fans’ favourite for the job, knocked it back, leaving Hart in discussion with Rangers chiefs about being named today.
Palace will get a £1million windfall as compensation from QPR for Warnock, who was on £15,000 a week.
But Coppell, who led Palace to the FA Cup final and third in the old First Division, will leave the club’s fans deeply disappointed and fearful that they are in relegation danger, having been docked 10 points for going into administration.
Hart was axed recently by QPR after a short spell. The veteran coach has also been at crisis club Portsmouth this season and his experience and availability seem set to win him the job.
Palace insiders reveal they are swaying towards putting Hart in charge today as they start a battle for survival in the Championship. Another ex-QPR boss, Jim Magilton, is also in the frame.
Warnock took over at Loftus Road last night and said: "I am delighted to be joining a club with the history that QPR has.
"As a manager, Loftus Road is always a place I loved because of the fantastic atmosphere there.
"Looking from afar, I believe this is the perfect time for me to come in, with the new structure and chairman in place.
"Together we can give the club the stability that it needs. I am really looking forward to the challenge that's in front of me."
Rangers have been chasing Warnock since Lakshmi Mittal became the majority shareholder at Loftus Road last month.
The steel magnate was determined to have the experienced Warnock in charge for Saturday’s Championship game at home to West Brom.
He has already made it clear he wants to bring several Selhurst Park stars with him like Darren Ambrose, Julian Speroni and Neil Danns.
Top scorer Ambrose is expected to follow Warnock immediately on loan ahead of an agreed permanent deal with Palace, who are in administration.
