If Roy is planning to leave at the end of the season, and Parish must have some idea, then i think it is crucial for Parrish to bite the bullet and replace him soon, this season ends very late May, players will be away till first week of July at the earliest, that means a new manager has no time to assess what he has, and what he needs, do it NOW, then the new guy has time to assess what he has, what he wants to keep, and who he wants to bring in, If Roy stays, ok, he knows the team, but if he is going it will be a crime to wait till the summer, and we will pay a heavy price

As a foreigner/infidel, I'm wondering whether it would be conceivable that Eddie be named as Roy's successor prior to the end of the season but after we are mathematically safe from relegation. Roy would call the shots, while Eddie could observe (possibly even assist) in training just to get to know the players and vice versa.

In fact, if I were Roy, who has a genuine love for the club but realizes that there's a boatload of personnel decisions to be made this summer, I might just "enjoy" such an arrangement. It would be novel, but with Roy's age and legacy/pedigree, it might be a prudent approach to a smooth transition. Plus, with the players knowing they were auditioning for their new manager, they might player harder rather than coast to the end of the season.

That’s actually a brilliant shout. That would be amazing.

Obviously all depends on whether Palace have identified Howe as successor, and of course if Roy standing aside is amicable. He might not be happy about not having his contract extended so may not agree with any such hand over. I know he’s a great bloke but is definitely his own man. Who knows? But what you outlined there would be a perfect transition on so many levels.

But I stress, only after we are mathematically safe. Can you imagine an Oldham situation happening under this arrangement?

'Better stop dreaming of the quiet life 'cos it's the one we'll never know'

More likely after the Baggies game given we have 3 games in a week, next week before the Baggies game a week later by which time we could be all but mathematically safe. We then have a THREE week break due to the rearrangement of the Man U game and the International break before we play Everton. So after the Baggies game makes more sense IMO.

Wouldn’t that be a great way of transitioning to a new era - after the Albion game.
I think the points about Roy’s stubborn streak are valid but he’s 20 plus year’s older since Blackburn and is making noises like he may want to retire or at least sounding more accepting of it.

I think the smart move would be to keep his knowledge and vast experience at the club in some capacity, which could support a young manager new in post.
From what I have read about Roy’s interaction with a number of young managers over the years I think it might offer some appeal to him too.
This would be the best of both worlds for all concerned imo and would allow Roy to bow out of Management in a manner befitting of his stature and esteem in the game.

While I certainly like the sound of a transition period, I think it would only work if Roy actually wants to retire and if the man coming in was genuinely happy to be somewhat of a silent passenger. Given the criticism he's taken recently I doubt Roy will want to retire with someone else climbing into his bed while he's still in it. I imagine if he is going he'll want to finish with a record points toll and then bow out quietly.

If Howe or someone else has been sounded out they may already be assessing the squad from afar anyway, as there are cameras at the training sessions and they can watch all the games, including the youth matches. I imagine it might be disruptive to have another manager around and Roy might perceive it to undermine his authority, especially if it is a manager with a different ideology like Howe.