Andros Townsend predicted Patrick Vieira to Crystal Palace back in MAY

Andros Townsend predicted Patrick Vieira to Crystal Palace back in MAY, ahead of imminent move to Selhurst Park… as old podcast footage shows winger asking Arsenal legend ‘shall I call you gaffer or boss?’

  • Patrick Vieira is in advanced talks to take over as manager of Crystal Palace
  • The south London club are still on the lookout after Roy Hodgson stepped down
  • Talks with Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre have now broken down
  • Back in May Palace winger Andros Townsend asked Vieira if he would take over 

Andros Townsend may well have a Crystal Palace crystal ball, after seemingly predicting the club’s next manager well over a month ago.

It emerged on Tuesday that the south London club are in advanced talks with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, and are set to hand the Frenchman the reins at Selhurst Park.

Vieira has become a late frontrunner after talks broke down with both Lucien Favre and Nuno Espirito Santo, yet Townsend seems to have called Vieira’s appointment to the position back in May.

In May Andros Townsend (left) quizzed Patrick Veira (centre) over the Crystal Palace links

Podcast footage from several weeks ago has now gone viral, in which Townsend appeared along Vieira, remotely, on the ITV Football podcast with Mark Pougatch.

Townsend had put it to Vieira that he had heard on the grapevine that there was a chance the former Premier League legend could be returning to the division in which he became an international icon.

Though he laughed at the time, Vieira did indeed admit that it was always his ambition to manage in the English top flight because of the passion and support of the fans.

Vieira now looks set to be named the new man in charge of Crystal Palace for next season

Vieira now looks set to be named the new man in charge of Crystal Palace for next season 

Lucien Favre also held talks with Crystal Palace

Nuno Espirito Santo was interviewed for the role

Palace also held talks with Lucien Favre (left) and Nuno Espirito Santo (right) for the vacancy

Townsend had said: ‘Patrick, I read a couple of things the other day linking yourself with my club Crystal Palace, shall I call you gaffer or boss?’

Vieira had broken into a fit of giggles, before replying: ‘No, no listen, I always wanted… and I still want to come to manage in the Premier League.

‘Because like what you were saying earlier, because of the passion of the fans. I believe that the Premier League is one of the most interesting leagues in the world and you’re hearing all of the things about myself, but every door is open I will say.’

Townsend, tongue-in-cheek replied: ‘Wow, okay boss,’ which again set Vieira off laughing.

Townsend happens to be one of several Palace stars waiting to learn if they will get new deals

Townsend happens to be one of several Palace stars waiting to learn if they will get new deals

Roy Hodgson left his role at Palace at the end of the 2020-21 season

Roy Hodgson left his role at Palace at the end of the 2020-21 season

The Frenchman added: ‘No, no, that’s not the case but coming back to England will be a priority for me.’ 

Vieira was sacked by Nice in December 2020 in his last managerial job and has been without a club ever since.

The former Arsenal midfielder is already in the UK, working for ITV as a pundit on Euro 2020.

As well as Nice, Vieira has managerial experience in the United States, having taken charge of New York City FC between 2016 and 2018. 

It is not the first post he has been linked with in the UK, with the former World Cup winner linked with the vacant position at Bournemouth in January this year. 

He was also linked with the empty hotseat at St James’ Park in 2019 when Newcastle parted ways with Rafa Benitez.