Southgate Favoured at Crystal Palace (South London, 2026) 

Key Points

• Crystal Palace seek a replacement for Oliver Glasner, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
• Gareth Southgate, out of work since leaving the England job in 2024, has become the favourite at 3/1 odds per Oddschecker on 22 April.
• Southgate’s odds have been slashed, making a summer switch to Selhurst Park more likely than ever.
• The former Crystal Palace player made 191 appearances for the club between 1988 and 1995.
• Speculation links Southgate to a shock Premier League return, though he has previously stated management is not high on his agenda.

Crystal Palace (South London News) April 23, 2026 – Crystal Palace are actively searching for Oliver Glasner’s successor as the Austrian manager prepares to depart Selhurst Park upon the expiry of his contract at the season’s end.

Why Has Gareth Southgate Become Crystal Palace’s Next Manager Favourite?

Football Insider reported on 22 April that Gareth Southgate has emerged as the new frontrunner to replace Glasner at Crystal Palace, with his odds tumbling to 3/1 according to Oddschecker.

The publication noted that the Eagles require a new manager, and Southgate, who has been continuously linked, is yet to be ruled out of a return to the club. A summer switch now appears more probable than ever following the sharp reduction in his betting odds.

As detailed by Football Insider, Southgate has remained without a managerial role since stepping down as England head coach in 2024 after the Euro final defeat to Spain. The 55-year-old could be poised for a surprise Premier League comeback, with Crystal Palace positioning themselves prominently in the speculation.

What Is the Latest on Oliver Glasner’s Departure from Crystal Palace?

Oliver Glasner is set to leave Crystal Palace at the conclusion of the season, as his contract reaches its natural end.

Football Insider confirmed that the club must now identify a suitable replacement, with the search intensifying as the campaign draws to a close.

Glasner’s exit was anticipated, paving the way for fresh leadership at Selhurst Park.

LiveScore reported on 21 February that Palace had considered Southgate as an interim option amid doubts over Glasner’s immediate future, following a 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League. Although Glasner will depart regardless at season’s end, the club weighed an earlier transition, highlighting the urgency of managerial stability.

Who Is Gareth Southgate and What Are His Odds for the Crystal Palace Job?

Oddschecker data on 22 April listed Southgate at 3/1 to take the Crystal Palace helm, marking him as the outright favourite after his odds were dramatically shortened.

This development, as covered by Football Insider, underscores the growing momentum behind a potential move.

Earlier betting markets reflected broader interest in Southgate’s future. Sportbible noted on 26 January that bookmakers had slashed odds on Southgate replacing a Premier League manager, with Crystal Palace emerging as a prime London-based destination.

Bet365’s 2026 Premier League specials placed him at 4/1 to manage any top-flight club that year, indicating sustained market confidence.

Has Gareth Southgate Expressed Interest in a Premier League Return?

Gareth Southgate has not ruled out a return to management but has tempered expectations. The Sun reported on 3 November 2025 that Southgate opened the door to a Premier League role, though he admitted it was

“not high on my agenda.”

He stated,

“Well, you can never say never because I’ve just seen Martin O’Neill at his age go to Celtic. But it’s not something that’s high on my agenda at the moment. I’m enjoying the work around leadership, I’m enjoying my work with young people, very determined to try and make a difference there. And so no, I’m very relaxed about not being in football at the moment”.

Sportingpedia echoed this on 3 November 2025, with Southgate reflecting on life post-England, focusing on business ventures, mentoring, media work, and youth advocacy amid links to clubs like Manchester United and Wolves.

Why Is Crystal Palace Linked to Gareth Southgate?

Talksport’s Alex Crook, on 27 February 2026, tipped Southgate as perfect for Crystal Palace, his former club, where he played extensively. Crook stated,

“He knows the club well and will command the respect his record warrants.”

Southgate’s history includes 191 appearances for the Eagles from 1988 to 1995, providing a familiar foundation.

Football Insider highlighted Southgate’s potential for a shock Premier League return, noting his absence from club management since Middlesbrough in 2009. The publication linked this to ongoing rumours of his next job.

What Other Jobs Have Been Linked to Gareth Southgate?

Beyond Crystal Palace, Southgate has featured in various markets. The Sun on 3 November 2025 listed him at 5-1 second favourite for Manchester United, despite Ruben Amorim’s stability, and 50-1 for Wolves or Celtic. Freebets on 5 February 2026 included him among candidates to succeed Amorim at United, alongside Glasner.

Talksport on 25 January 2026 reported a key ally tipping Southgate for a summer job, with prior links from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. OLBG’s Bet365 odds on 11 January 2026 had him at 4/1 for any Premier League club in 2026.

Background of the Development

Gareth Southgate’s links to Crystal Palace stem from his playing career at the club, where he featured in 191 matches as a defender between 1988 and 1995.

He departed England management in July 2024 following the Euro final loss to Spain, entering a 21-month hiatus focused on non-football pursuits. Oliver Glasner’s tenure at Palace began in 2024, marked by European qualification, but his contract concludes this season, prompting the search. Betting markets have fluctuated, with Oddschecker’s 22 April update solidifying Southgate’s favouritism amid Glasner’s confirmed exit.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Crystal Palace Fans

This development can provide Crystal Palace fans with anticipation for a managerial appointment rooted in club history, potentially stabilising the squad post-Glasner. Supporters may experience uncertainty during the transition, influencing match attendance and online engagement as odds shift. A Southgate appointment could affect fan expectations by introducing a pragmatic style from his England days, impacting perceptions of attacking play and youth integration at Selhurst Park.