Crystal Palace confirm appointment of Alan Pardew as manager

Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Alan Pardew as manager on a three-and-half year contract, after the 53-year-old was released from his contract at Newcastle United.

The ex-Palace midfielder replaces Neil Warnock, who was sacked in December, and takes over with the Eagles 18th in the Premier League, a point adrift of safety.

Pardew's first game in charge will be the FA Cup third round tie at non-league Dover Athletic on Sunday and the Palace boss has revealed his delight at returning to Selhurst Park.

"I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace," he said. "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."

Club chairman Steve Parish added: "We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Barclays Premier League.

"In Alan we have both these things as well as a man who has great affection for this club and shares my determination to take us to the next level."

Palace resume their Premier league campaign against Tottenham Hotspur on 10 January, but Pardew only has to wait another month to be reunited with former club Newcastle with a home clash scheduled for the 11 February.

The confirmation of the appointment sparks the start of Newcastle's search for a new manager, which has already seen Hull City's Steve Bruce and Ajax boss Frank de Boer rule themselves out, while Tony Pulis has moved to West Bromwich Albion.

John Carver and Steve Stone are in caretaker charge for the FA Cup tie at Leicester City on Saturday, but a Newcastle statement says an announcement regarding the new appointment will follow in due course.

"The search for a head coach has begun and an announcement will follow in due course," the club statement read.