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Sam Allardyce succeeds Alan Pardew as Crystal Palace boss on two-and-a-half-year deal
CRYSTAL PALACE have named Sam Allardyce as their new manager.
Sam Allardyce has succeeded Alan Pardew as Crystal Palace boss
Alan Pardew departed his role yesterday after presiding over a miserable run in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace winning just one of their last 11 games.
After completing talks with Eagles chairman Steve Parish at the club's training ground earlier today, Allardyce put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Allardyce had been out of work since September after he left the England post by mutual consent following a newspaper investigation in which it was alleged he offered advice on how to circumvent rules on player transfers.
Palace meanwhile, are just a point above the relegation zone in 17th spot, and lost 1-0 on their last outing against Chelsea.
Alan Pardew was fired after a miserable campaign so far for Crystal Palace
Allardyce will now be free to take charge of his first training session tomorrow before he will be in the dugout for his new side's Boxing Day clash against Watford (3pm).
In a short statement, chairman Steve Parish said: "We are delighted to be able to make an appointment so quickly and fortunate that someone of Sam’s calibre and experience was available."
In his first interview with the club's official website, Allardyce said: "When you're there, there's always a very good, atmosphere and a very passionate one.
"So I hope we can bring some joy, particularly over Christmas and New Year."
Steve Parish has landed his man
Caretaker boss Keith Millen insisted during a press conference that Allardyce would 'sort the players out'.
He said: "If it is Sam, Palace are getting an experienced manager.
"Certainly for players he is an experienced Premier League manager. He did a great job keeping Sunderland up."
Palace will be hoping Allardyce's record of never being relegated from the top flight as a manager stands them in good stead.