Guardian Sport takes a look at some of the leading candidates for manager:

Iain Dowie

Former Palace striker Iain Dowie is one of the early favourites for the job, despite lacking managerial experience. Having briefly managed QPR, the Northern Ireland striker took over at Oldham Athletic in May and has taken them into the Division Two play-offs. Not exactly automatic promotion material.

George Burley

Currently steering Derby clear of relegation worries, the former Ipswich boss is yet to commit to Pride Park and will undoubtedly be one of Jordan's top targets. He is one of the few candidates to have achieved automatic promotion from Division One with Ipswich in 1999/00, and led the Tractor Boys into Europe in his first Premiership season. Relegation and a poor start to this campaign saw him sacked, but he is Guardian Sport's first choice.

Bryan Robson

Another one who satisfies the automatic promotion criteria, having won Division One in 1994/95 and 97/98. But both promotions were achieved with the "money no object" backing of chairman Steve Gibson.

Relegated with Boro after two cup finals in 96/7 and moved aside in 2000. Unlikely to receive the kind of financial backing he needs at Palace.

George Graham

The most decorated of all the candidates, Graham won two titles and four cups with Arsenal, before managing Leeds and Spurs.

A former Palace player, Graham is probably after a more high-profile job than the Palace hot-seat, and has been ruled out by Jordan on previous occasions.

Alan Pardew

Palace fans' favourite Pardew has led his unfancied Reading side into the Division One play-offs, having achieved automatic promotion from Division Two last season. But with the play-offs round the corner and Reading enjoying making their new Madjeski Stadium a fortress, Pardew is unlikely to be interested in managing Palace just yet.

Nigel Worthington

The Norwich City boss took the Canaries into the play-off final last year on limited resources. Despite a disappointing mid-table finish this season, Worthington has Division One experience, but is likely to stay where he is.

Ronnie Moore

On a meagre budget Moore took Rotherham from Division Three to Division One in two years, but has only managed two lower mid-table positions since.

Steve McMahon

The former Liverpool midifelder has had spells with Swindon and now Blackpool without much success. A motivator who would command the respect of the players, he has still to prove himself as a manager.

Brian Little

Has the relevant experience having taken Leicester into the Premiership via the play-offs in 1994, before winning the Worthington Cup with Aston Villa. Has since managed Stoke, West Brom and Hull City and is currently out of work. A good contender.

Peter Taylor

The former Palace player has repeatedly been linked with the club since being sacked by Leicester in 2001. This season he has guided cash-strapped Hull City to 12th in Division Three. Expressed his interest in taking the job after Steve Bruce, but Jordan said at the time "Peter Taylor is a good coach but not necessarily a good manager."

Not in a million years!

Jean Tigana: Recently dismissed by chairman Mohammad Al Fayed this season after two unsuccessful campaigns at Fulham with unlimited funds. Unlikely to be able to achieve promotion on Palace's budget or to want to.

Leroy Rosenior: "Flattered" by speculation linking him with the job, the Torquay boss lacks the relevant experience.

David O'Leary: The former Leeds boss spent over £90million in three seasons at Elland Road. Has no Division One experience and is eyeing a top Premiership job.

Steve Coppell: The Brighton boss has not committed to the Withdean Stadium beyond this season, but cannot work under Jordan and is unlikely to manage Palace for a fifth time, while the chairman is there.

April 30, 2003 12:00