Crystal Palace are set for an emotional reunion with former manager Oliver Glasner this weekend as Nottingham Forest visit Selhurst Park.
Glasner left Palace upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June, after guiding the Eagles to the Conference League with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, their third trophy in 12 months.
A Legacy of Unprecedented Success
Having arrived in the capital in February 2024, the Austrian led the south-east London club to their first major trophy when they beat Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final, overseeing a period of unprecedented success which culminated in their Conference League triumph in Leipzig.
Glasner had been expected to take some time out to assess his options over the summer, so it came as a surprise when he took over at Nottingham Forest a week after his Palace contract expired.
Mixed Feelings Among Supporters
The Austrian’s decision was more shocking given that only a year prior Palace had been denied a place in the Europa League, earned after winning the FA Cup, and demoted to the Conference League following a lengthy legal dispute with UEFA that saw Nottingham Forest take their place.
With Glasner now at the helm at the City Ground, it is unclear what reception he will get when he returns to Selhurst Park on Sunday, and Palace supporters have taken to social media to voice their opinions.
The majority of supporters remain grateful to Glasner for the success he delivered to the club, with one X stating, “He deserves a great reception to give our thanks for his and the club's achievements.”
Other accounts offered similar sentiment, with one supporter stating that while he “hate[d]” the fact he joined Forest, he “still love[d] the man for what he achieved.”
Remaining Grievances and Current Form
Despite winning the Conference League, last season was not without its issues for Glasner, and he came close to resigning at the turn of the year shortly after announcing he would leave the club at the end of the season.
He mended many relations by lifting the Conference League, but there remain a minority of supporters who have not forgiven him, with one person stating on X, “He lost me in that last year when he started sprouting all sorts of rubbish to protect brand Glasner.”
Neither Palace nor Forest have got off to the best start this season, with each club taking one win from their opening five games, and Glasner will be desperate to get one over his former employers.
