Ranieri installed as favourite for Palace job

Claudio Ranieri has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Sam Allardyce as Crystal Palace manager.

The former Chelsea boss was sacked by Leicester City in February – just nine months after sensationally leading them to the Premier League title.

Wales boss and former Palace central defender Chris Coleman was the early favourite to take over at Selhurst Park and is still among the frontrunners according to Sky Bet, who have Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic as short as 6/1 for the Eagles job.

It comes after former England manager Allardyce quit, having kept Palace in the top flight.

In statement released on Tuesday evening, Allardyce said he would not be taking another manager’s job.

“I want to be able to savour life while I’m still relatively young and when I’m still relatively healthy, even if I’m beginning to feel all my 62 years,” he said.

“This is not about transfer targets, club finances or anything along those lines. This is me taking the decision I believe is right for my family and myself.

“I would like to thank everybody for their messages of support since the news broke. I’ve no doubt I will miss management but I certainly have no regrets at this decision.”