'Small windows for success in football - and this is one for Palace'

Crystal Palace fan's voice banner — [BBC]

Crystal Palace are in the middle of three weeks away from competitive fixtures and the pace of the Premier League schedule. No doubt it is a valuable break, with some warm-weather training in Spain to help fuel this final stretch of league and cup matches.

Yet even with games not happening, there has still been a flow of news and speculation about the future of manager Oliver Glasner, who, as reported, is in talks to extend his contract at the club.

With just over a year left to run on his current deal, it is clear the Austrian has grown his reputation since arriving. English football is often ignorant of coaching successes on the continent until they 'tick the box' here. Glasner has been one of those coaches but now interest in him will likely only develop.

Without intending to steer into hyperbole (while doing so anyway) securing Oliver Glasner may be the single most significant achievement the club could undertake before this summer.

Taking a historical perspective to examine his impact on Palace only lends weight to that thought process.

In the modern era of the club in the Premier League, going back 12 seasons, the team has played 446 matches in the top flight, with 12 men leading from the dugout - three only as caretakers.

When lined up against the records of all those managers, Glasner stands out for several reasons. He's the only manager with more wins than losses (17 against 12) and the only one with a positive goal difference (+18), all while averaging 1.54 points per game.

Having taken charge of the fourth-most league matches in this era, he has already matched the win total of the third, Patrick Vieira, in 24 fewer matches.

His teams have averaged the highest number of goals per game, and only the stellar 26-game spell of Tony Pulis had a better defensive record per match.

Glasner has now convinced us. It may require the club to convince him to stay, and that will likely mean backing him financially and trusting his direction beyond any of those previous managers.

There are small windows of opportunity for success in football, and one is open right now for Palace. The club and chairman may have traditionally been risk-averse, but this coach is worth rolling the dice on.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast

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