Selhurst Park: Home of Crystal Palace(credit:
Wikipedia)
Dougie Freedman has signed a two-and-a-half year deal to become the new Crystal Palace manager.
The 36-year-old was temporarily placed in charge of the Championship club following the sacking of ex-Scotland coach George Burley at the start of the month.
The likes of Eddie Howe at Bournemouth and ex-Palace boss Steve Coppell were subsequently linked with the post, but it is former Eagles forward Freedman who has been given the job.
And the Scot told the club’s official website: “This is a very proud moment for me to be named manager of the club that I have grown to love.
“First and foremost I would like to thank the fans for their support over my playing and coaching career and long may it continue.
“I would also like to thank the owners of the club for giving me this opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I will now look at both the playing squad and my own staff which we will hopefully add to sooner rather than later.”
Co-chairman Steve Parish added: “I was determined to have someone with fresh ideas, committed to working in a modern innovative way.
“We also need someone with a great knowledge of our current squad, its strengths, weaknesses, where we need to make additions, with a firm idea of who they should be.
“Finally, we need someone who has as deep a passion for this club as we do. Dougie ticks all those boxes and more.”