Inside Info: It has been a tumultuous week for Crystal Palace so we got to the bottom of it

Hello, Old Friend.

By a_gunzy Sep 15, 2017, 8:00am BST

Burnley v Crystal Palace - Premier League

It has been an interesting week for Crystal Palace with the sacking of Frank De Boer after just four games at the club, and the appointment of ex-England manager Roy Hodgson. So we caught up with our great friends over at The Eagles Beak and their social media guru Dan Crame, for the lowdown on why the defecation hit the oscillation so quickly.

St Mary’s Musings: Frank De Boer has been sacked. Was it a matter of him not being good enough for the Premier League or has the team simply not been good enough?

The Eagles Beak: I don't think Frank de Boer was given enough time to prove his ability in the Premier League so to say he wasn't good enough would be harsh. From my perspective, the players struggled to get used to de Boer's very different style of play of which was a huge change after Big Sam. The appointment of Frank de Boer was very bold and unlike Palace in the first place which meant Selhurst Park was buzzing to see a fresh young manager at the reins. I can see de Boer being successful in the Premier League but at the right club with the right players at his disposal.

SMM: What highlighted Frank De Boer's quick demise at Palace and was this the right decision?

TEB: Apart from not winning a game in his first four Premier League matches and his team not actually scoring a single goal, it seems there were deeper issues behind the scenes between de Boer and Steve Parish. Problems with transfer targets and budgets were quickly highlighted after his appointment leading to the de Boer era collapsing from there on. Reports that he fell out with certain players may not be true but if it was, Parish made the right decision. Additionally, when de Boer arrived at Palace I was one of the many Palace fans very excited with him. However, when it came to motivating players he didn't seem equipped.

SMM: How difficult is it to work for Parish and as long as he's chairman will Palace always be flirting with these tumultuous managerial/board relationships?

TEB: It's hard to say regarding Parish as he has done wonders for Palace since CPFC 2010 took over and saved us from administration. Since he took over with Stephen Browett, Jeremy Hosking and Martin Long, they have always looked after the best interests of the club. I find it hard to fault their decision making due having been in the Premier League for five consecutive years.

Now that our owners consist of just Steve Paris, Joshua Harris and David S. Blitzer, times are changing at the club. Harris and Blitzer have a large say in decision making with Parish so it is fairly amusing that Parish receives a lot of abuse for the board's ideas. I don't think Parish is hard to work with, I think he just wants what's best for Palace and never wants to see us like we were when he took over.

SMM: Southampton seemed to be interested in De Boer during the summer as well. Did we dodge a bullet from what you've seen?

TEB: From what I've seen, de Boer has a style of play that he is used to after being at Ajax for many years. If he'd have made more of an impact when arriving at Palace, it could have been a whole different story so maybe it would have worked at Southampton. It's very hard to tell as no-one saw enough of him.

SMM: Palace opened up the cheque book to bring in Mamadou Sakho. What do you make of their summer business overall, which includes the additions of loanees Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timothy Fosu-Mensah?

TEB: The Mamadou Sakho signing is fantastic for the club, the players and the fans. Everyone wanted him to come back permanently and so did he so why not break the bank for a player who is desperate to play for your club. He was brilliant during his loan spell with us last campaign so if he replicates that form he'll be up there for our player of the season.

The loan signings of Loftus-Cheek and Fosu-Mensah are good additions and will prove pivotal during the season. After watching them both play for us, I'm amazed they are not playing for Chelsea and Manchester United. Another signing we made was Jaïro Riedewald from Ajax. A player I've frequently purchased on FIFA career mode as a prospective world class centre back. I haven't seen him play enough to judge him properly but, it seems he has all the characteristics of a solid central defender and will be someone attacking players will hate.

SMM: Are there any areas that still need addressing?

TEB: We let a handful of fringe players go in the summer like Frazier Campbell, Joe Ledley and Mattieu Flamini just to name a few. This has left us short up front in the striker position and in general squad depth. I'd like to see another striker, goalkeeper and midfielder come in to shore up the side so January could be interesting.

SMM: What Crystal Palace player should concern Saints fans?

TEB: Despite losing our last game, Yohan Cabaye stood out for me. With his expertise in passing, through balls and last ditch tackles, he's my one to watch for you guys.

SMM: Who on Saints is Palace most worried about?

TEB: It would have to be Manolo Gabbiadini. I have a lot of respect for Manolo and watched him play when he was in Italy so know his game and Palace may give him the opportunities to slot one home.

SMM: What makes the Palace-Saints matchup so special? Which recent instalment of this great relationship has been most memorable?

TEB: I will always remember travelling down to St Mary's for our FA cup tie a couple of seasons ago. The game finished 3-2 to us with a goal fest coming in the first half. Thoroughly enjoyed that and got on Match of the Day for my over the top celebrating when we scored our third so it was one to remember!

SMM: With both teams struggling, can this match be a kick-starter for someone's season?

TEB: This game is a must win for Palace. We need to get some momentum going into our next three matches which include the two Manchester clubs away and Chelsea at home. If we don't get something out of you guys, I dread to think what City and United will do to us.

SMM: A prediction for Saturday's match?

TEB: With the point made above in mind, I'm hoping for a strong 2-0 Palace scoreline but then again, anything can happen!

We would like to thank Dan and The Eagles Beak for their time, and as always we look forward to seeing Palace in the FA Cup. Give our friends a follow on Twitter @TheEaglesBeak!