Well, I've re-listened to the HOL interview, I've read the whole thread here, and I STILL don't understand this appointment, its timing, or how it actually happened. There was no hint or rumour that we were looking right now, no gossip (that I've seen), no other names in the frame, no betting odds for us to lol over, none of the usual media paraphenalia. So did SP just ring him up and say "Hi Dougie, I've got a job for you, let bygones be bygones, and btw you start on Monday".

Other posters have argued that we have needed a Director for a while, so why now? And then there's the 'theory' that he's there in case FDB fails badly - laughable to me. So maybe SP has been mulling this for a while but the timing wasn't right before, maybe he also ran it past FDB from the start but wasn't able to activate it until now... But as I say, without any kind of information (fact or fiction) I can't begin to get my head round it. Personally I've no objection to the post, I've no great hatred for DF because of past errors of judgement, and I think he's a pretty shrewd thinker - apart from the Bolton debacle...

FROM YOUR POST ON AUG 12TH

"I think to judge our situation after one game is premature. But I will say that for Steve Parish to appoint a manager that's philosophy of how to play is so foreign from the game we have traditionally played over the past few seasons, And to not back him in the market is unbelievable, But typical of his style. To say he is an astute Chairman, look at some of his appointments, Holloway, Warnock, Pardew he leaves so much to be desired. We currently have one recognised striker, we are a goalkeeper short and need someone to lead the defence, Today's game reminded me of the Pardew days where we were conceding so many goals, The board need to back Frank in the market, For him its like fighting with one arm behind his back,"

From your post above I would say it IS about spending money... As you say these boards are for every one of us to voice our opinions and views so don't get all up in the air and throw your toys out of your pram and throwing mud around. And as a last point I do support my local team and have done for many years now but who do you support ???

Supported Palace for over 69 years since the age of 7 and have seen all the ups and downs and will probably see many more ups and downs before I go up to the big football club in the sky.

Glad to have Dougie back where he belongs. Yeah he made a mistake, but he's done enough for Palace over his career to warrant forgiveness and a second chance.

I do wonder how many fair weather fans even know who he is. You know, like the ones who haven't seen us play Chanpionship football.

Edited by Leecpfc (22 Aug 2017 3.06pm)

Raised on a diet of broken biscuits

Understandably after everything that's happened, people are debating if we need a Director of Football, If FDB is happy with it, if we forgive Dougie for what happened, if it's just a ruse to get Dougie the Manager job.

They are all very exciting points to talk about which is probably why this subject has been glossed over a bit - what the hell qualifications or experience does Dougie have to do this job?

He was a player, than a coach, then a FAILED manager, now a Premier League Director Of Football.

That doesn't seem right to me. I'd love to at least know that since his last Management stint, he's been to University and done a degree in this field.

Going back to the point about whether FDB is happy to have a DoF, I think it's evident he is as he has always had one but why would he listen to the likes of Freedman? He's not a DoF, he's a random club legend that has been slapped with a new Title.

That could not be further from the truth!
The only players that Freedman brought in on his own recommendation were Aaron Wilbraham and the flop striker we had on loan from Southampton (forget the name).
All the others were identified or recommended by Lennie Lawrence, Curtis Fleming and Tony Popovic.
That's to say, all the ones that were any good. You know like Murray, Bolasie, Jedi

Freedman did go and watch Murray. There were more. Moxey, KG etc.

Can't remember on Bolasie. Happened so quickly after the car park showdown talks at Bristol City. Maybe Yannck overheard them whilst rapping and tagging up the car park and told them to check the videos on his website.

DF does know about emerging formations of the day and about them being what you build a squad around, and fitting those pieces of the jigsaw together, which could be useful.

I just doubted him in the dugout, which isn't his remit, and hopefully it doesn't become his, although I have to admit I've posted he'd suit prem management more than championship promotion hunting management.

COYP