Crystal Palace FC have named Alan Pardew as their new manager following the Englishman’s release by Newcastle United.
Pardew, 53, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Selhurst Park and will take charge of the team for the FA Cup tie on Sunday against Dover Athletic.
The former midfielder, who featured 128 times for Palace, succeeds Neil Warnock, who was sacked last Saturday, four months into his second spell in charge. The ex-Reading and West Ham manager watched from the stands as Palace claimed a goalless draw at Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.
Pardew said: “I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace. Everyone knows my history here, what’s important now is to move the club to the next level. I believe with the backing of Steve and the board I can help achieve that and create some new exciting history for the club.”
He became the ‘Magpies’ boss in December 2010 and was named manager of the year in 2012 after guiding the Tyneside outfit to a fifth place league finish. Newcastle received “compensation” from Palace for Pardew’s services, and he departs St. James’ Park, leaving the club in tenth position in the league.
Pardew added: It has been a privilege to manage Newcastle United and I want to thank my captain Fabricio Coloccini and all the players, John Carver, Steve Stone, Andy Woodman and all the staff, all of who have been outstanding servants to Newcastle United.
“A special thanks also goes to the fans for all their support over the last four years. I must also thank Mike Ashley and the board for their unwavering support during my tenure at the Club.”
Warnock left Palace, with the south London club sitting in the relegation zone. Their last league win came in November against Liverpool. They have managed successive away goalless draws from their last two matches at QPR and Aston Villa.
The ‘Eagles’ will be at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Pardew will face his former club when Newcastle visit Selhurst Park on 11 February.
