Crystal Palace to make 'bizarre' Pierre Sage sack decision - 'I don't trust Steve Parish'
Crystal Palace could pull the trigger on Pierre Sage as pressure ramps up on his position after a slow start to the season.
That is despite a recent turnaround in their form following a 4-0 Europa League win against Lech Poznan and a 0-0 draw against high-flying Leeds United at Elland Road.
While the boss has retained the backing of the supporters, who sung his name loudly in a show of support at Leeds, there are concerns about the board's stance.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that he does not have any confidence in Steve Parish and the Palace chiefs to make the right call.
This comes after months of "evidence" of poor decision-making despite what has been the most successful period in Crystal Palace's history domestically and in Europe.
Sage has endured a mixed start to life at Selhurst Park, and despite a recent turnaround in results, there are concerns about his long-term future in the position.
Will Crystal Palace sack Pierre Sage in the near future?
Football Insider revealed on 16 September that Sage is fighting to keep his job at Crystal Palace, with discontent building behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.
Regardless of their recent turnaroun in form, concerns have emerged about the Frenchman's training methods and his treatment of some of his players in recent weeks.
Decisions to drop big names from the squad entirely raised red flags, and while those players have lagrely responded well and results have improved, the board are concerned.
"I think it would be a bizarre decision for Crystal Palace to sack Sage now," Brown told Football Insider.
"It wasn't the best start for him, they were losing games and conceding far too many goals, so there were concerns about those performances and whether they would improve.
"But it seems they have more issues than just that, because results have certainly improved and it seems he is still under pressure.
"I must admit, I have a lot of admiration from Crystal Palace and everything they have achieved, but I don't trust Steve Parish the chairman to make the right decisions.
"There have been a few questionable decisions he's made going back to after they won the FA Cup which I've not been sure about, and this would be another one.
"If they decide to get rid of Pierre Sage now, it just undermines the fans and their trust in the club, to make a decision like that so soon after bringing him in and with the obvious positives.
"But the problem is, it wouldn't surprise me if they did make that decision, and that should be worrying for Crystal Palace."
Who could replace Sage at Crystal Palace?
Amid growing doubts about Sage and his long-term future at Selhurst Park, questions have been asked about who might be among his potential replacements.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 17 September that former Wolves boss Rob Edwards is in contention to become the next Crystal Palace manager in the near future.
The Eagles' sporting director, Matt Hobbs, is a big admirer of Edwards and knows him well from their time working together at Wolves.
Edwards could take his third job in the Premier League at Selhurst Park soon following previous spells with Luton Town and Wolves, both of whom suffered relegation under him.
However, Hobbs believes he could be the right man to replace Sage and is personally pushing for the change to be made if their disappointing start to the season continues.