Mr. Misery is gone

Last updated : 18 April 2003 By Tony Scholes

Better days - Trevor Francis in charge of Palace for the first time against Burnley
He has today relieved Mr. Misery Trevor Francis of his duties bringing to an end the former England striker’s fourth managerial job.

He recently demanded that Francis put in writing his plans and strategy for a promotion challenge next season but has admitted to being unimpressed by the document prepared by the manager.

"The report they produced wasn't really the mentality I wanted. I wanted a road map to the Premiership. But it is a work in progress. If they have a plan that is worth supporting I will support it. I'm looking for them to improve.

"I expect us to get out of this miserable division next year. Given the £30m I've spent, mediocrity is not acceptable."

Maybe Jordan has got somewhat confused in believing that it is the division that’s miserable and this time Francis can’t even blame failure on a penalty shoot out being taken at the wrong end of the ground.

His first game in charge of Palace at the beginning of December 2001 was against the Clarets and I was somewhat amused when he came out to the strains of Dave Clark Five’s ‘Glad All Over’. Never could a piece of music be less appropriate. He got off to a bad start with the Clarets winning 2-1 with two goals from Ian Moore.

Palace have become just the sixth First Division club to change manager since the start of this season just half the total of changes during last season.

Steve Kember and Terry Bullivant again take charge and Jordan ended by saying, "I am totally committed to playing in the Premier League and I will ensure the new manager can achieve this aspiration."