Ex-Leeds Coach Robbie Keane Favourite for Crystal Palace Job 2026

Key Points

• Robbie Keane, a former Leeds United coach and player, has emerged as the leading favourite to replace Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace’s next permanent manager, with odds as short as 7/4.
• Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the 2025-26 season, having informed chairman Steve Parish of his decision in October 2025.
• Keane currently manages Ferencváros in Hungary, where they are competing in the Europa League playoffs.​
• Other contenders include Jose Bordalas at 6/1, Steve Cooper at 6/1, Thomas Frank at 4/1, Sean Dyche at 4/1 or 5/1, and Roger Schmidt at 2/1 or 10/1 across various bookmakers.
• Glasner departs after a successful tenure, including winning the FA Cup against Manchester City last year and the Community Shield against Liverpool.​
• Crystal Palace are struggling in the Premier League, sitting just two points above the relegation zone with poor recent form.​
• Keane’s odds have been slashed dramatically, from longer prices to 7/4 or 8/1, indicating strong bookmaker confidence.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 10, 2026 – Robbie Keane, the ex-Leeds United coach, has surged to become the clear favourite for the Crystal Palace managerial vacancy following Oliver Glasner’s impending departure from Selhurst Park at season’s end [ from original query].

Selhurst Park faces a managerial overhaul as Austrian boss Oliver Glasner prepares to exit after guiding the Eagles to silverware, including their first major trophy in the FA Cup. Bookmakers now install Keane, who briefly coached Leeds United and enjoyed a playing stint there, as the frontrunner amid Palace’s relegation skirmish. This development, reported across multiple outlets, underscores the high stakes at a club desperate to stabilise in the Premier League.

Who is Oliver Glasner and Why is He Leaving Crystal Palace?

Oliver Glasner, the 51-year-old Austrian manager, has officially confirmed his departure from Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. As reported by ESPN staff, Glasner stated in a press conference on Friday:

“My decision has already been taken months ago. I had a meeting [with chairman Steve Parish] in the October international break, we had dinner and a very long talk and I told him I would not sign a new contract for Crystal Palace”.

The Guardian’s football correspondent noted that Glasner informed Parish of his desire for “a new challenge” back in October. BBC Sport detailed Glasner’s legacy, highlighting how he led Palace to their inaugural major trophy by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup last year, plus a Community Shield win over Liverpool on penalties in August. This marked Palace’s first major European adventure in the Conference League this season.

What Led to Glasner’s Exit Announcement?

Speculation about Glasner’s future had swirled for months, culminating in his candid admission during a pre-match briefing. TalkSPORT BET reported the club’s proactive search for a successor this summer, listing early favourites like Steve Cooper and Jose Bordalas at 6/1 each. Glasner’s tenure, while trophy-laden, comes amid Palace’s precarious league position, two points above Leeds United and eight clear of the drop zone but winless in recent matches.

As per Football Insider, Glasner departs as Palace’s most successful manager, but the board now eyes stability. No specific destination has been linked to Glasner, though his decision was resolute.

Who is Robbie Keane and What is His Link to Leeds United?

Robbie Keane, the 45-year-old Irishman and former Premier League striker, briefly served as a coach at Leeds United while also having played for the club. Currently head coach of Hungarian side Ferencváros, Keane has his team in the Europa League playoffs, trailing 2-1 after the first leg against Ludogorets.

LeedsAllOver.com reported that Keane is earmarked as Glasner’s replacement, citing talkSPORT’s Alex Crook: Keane is “one of the leading candidates for the job” amid Palace’s crisis. OLBG noted Keane as the 7/4 favourite with BetVictor, giving him a 36.4% implied probability. Football Insider 247 highlighted slashed odds to 8/1, edging him closer to a Premier League return.

Keane’s playing career included stints at Leeds, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, adding familiarity with English football. Bookies.com listed him atop markets post-Glasner’s announcement.

Why Has Robbie Keane Become the Favourite for Crystal Palace?

Betting markets have shifted dramatically towards Keane. TalkSPORT BET initially had Bordalas and Cooper leading at 6/1, with Keane unlisted prominently, but recent updates crown him at 7/4. Oddschecker shows Keane at 7/4, ahead of Thomas Frank (4/1) and Sean Dyche (5/1).

As per OLBG insight, Keane’s price implies bookmakers see him as the market leader amid “crisis talks” at Palace. Football Insider reported odds tumbling after Glasner’s exit, positioning Keane for a Selhurst Park switch. Earlier, Robbie Keane was noted in LeedsAllOver as shortlisted, per Alex Crook of talkSPORT.

Palace’s relegation fight— one win and six points since December 7—amplifies the urgency, with Keane’s experience eyed to steady the ship.​

Who Are the Other Contenders for the Crystal Palace Job?

The race remains open beyond Keane. TalkSPORT BET lists Jose Bordalas (Getafe coach) and Steve Cooper (ex-Nottingham Forest/Leicester) at 6/1, Kieran McKenna at 8/1, and Gareth Southgate at 8/1. Oddschecker has Thomas Frank at 4/1, Sean Dyche at 5/1, Andoni Iraola at 14/1.

Roger Schmidt, ex-Bayer Leverkusen and Benfica, emerged as 2/1 favourite briefly per Football Insider, after winning Primeira Liga in 2022-23. OLBG includes Schmidt at 10/1, Inigo Perez at 10/1, Pierre Sage at 16/1. Bookies.com mentions Kieran McKenna at 25/1.

No outright leader dominates all books, reflecting Palace’s options.​

What is Crystal Palace’s Current Form and Relegation Battle?

Crystal Palace languish near the drop zone, two points above Leeds United— their relegation rivals— and eight clear of safety, but form is dire: just one win since early December. Glasner’s silverware success contrasts sharply with league woes.

LeedsAllOver emphasised the pressure, noting Palace’s need for a spark to avoid the Championship. This context fuels the managerial hunt.

How Does Keane’s Ferencváros Tenure Factor In?

At Ferencváros, Keane has navigated Europa League playoffs, though trailing Ludogorets. His continental experience, per talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, bolsters his credentials. OLBG views this as a stepping stone back to England.

What Happens Next for Crystal Palace?

With Glasner staying until summer, Palace scout discreetly. Chairman Parish holds sway post-October talks. Bookmakers anticipate a summer appointment, but form could accelerate it. Captain Marc Guéhi’s rumoured Manchester City move adds intrigue.

Jesse Marsch, another ex-Leeds coach, was once warned off by pundits for Palace, but Keane leads now. Patrick Vieira, ex-Palace boss, linked to Leeds historically, shows cross-club ties.