Jordan Reveals Reason of Sacking Alan SmithJordan said he saw enough during the home defeat against Wolves to know the players just weren't responding to Smith's sergeant-major style. "If you don't think something is right, you have to make a change for the short term and long term," Jordan said. Palace will be relegated to Division Two if they lose at Portsmouth on Wednesday -- despite Jordan giving Smith nine million pounds to spend on new players. "It was always my intention to rectify our problems in the close season, but the game against Wolves was the one we had to win. I just saw the players didn't seem to be responding to the manager." Smith has publicly blasted his squad on more than one occasion this season but Jordan said: "There is no point in only chastising the players - you have to give them strong leadership. "Steve Kember, the Chief Scout, will be in charge for the two remaining games this season. He knows the players very well and has worked with a lot of the younger lads. They will be able to communicate with each other." Although Palace's plight looks desperate, Jordan - who brought Smith into replace Steve Coppell at the start of the season - isn' t giving up the ghost yet. "Our players have to come out swinging for the match against Portsmouth. The reality is we have a puncher's chance. "I do think Alan Smith has created a platform that someone else will come in and benefit from. But I haven't thought about the next manager yet. We have to win at Portsmouth and Stockport and then make a decision that is best for the football club." |
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