May 22 2006

Iain Dowie

Dowie has left Palace by mutual consent.

The news was announced at a 4pm press conference this afternoon.

Simon Jordan at the press conference said: "The predominant reason for Iain's departure is that he has spent two and a half years here with a geographical distance from his family and that has become an ever increasing strain on his personal and professional life.

"We have different agendas now. I have a manager that would like to go back to the north east and work there because of his family, and I on the contrary, have a football club that I have to plan for in the long term.

"On that basis a decision has been made where the club has waived a considerable compensation sum and Iain has waived a considerable contract obligation that the club has for him.

"Over the and half years that he has been here great strides have been made in the creditability and the achievements of this club and with due respect, myself and Iain have enjoyed on the whole a good relationship."

Stating the reasons why he's left the club Dowie said "I've been here for two and a half years and, like my time as a player, I've had a wonderful time

"There have been some terrific highs and also terrific lows but I do believe the club has made huge progress and we currently have three England Under 21 internationals and a full international.

"There is a young vibrant squad with assets on the pitch and I've had a great rapport with the fans and during my time here, it's been total commitment and that's the way I work.

"I just feel maybe it's time for a new challenge for me too.

"I have the ultimate respect for Simon because he's been here and bank rolled this club and one of the best achievements I've had here is helping him not have to bank-roll it to the same manner that he was, because we had some success.

"I leave the club in a healthy state and the Academy has five current internationals from age 18 downwards.

"The last point I'd like to make is a huge thank-you to the staff, the players who have been magnificent and the fans.

"It's one of those things, life goes on though and I've had a great time here. There is no acrimony, but it's just time for a different challenge for me and nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see Palace doing what they're capable of doing because I believe they've got a very good squad."

Dowie also revealed that the relationship he has with Chairman Simon Jordan is not as rocky as has been made out in the past.

"We get on, most of the time, unbelievably well," he revealed.

"You're going to have fall-outs and there's nothing wrong with that. He wants the best for Palace, so that's where we are."

Speculation has already linked Dowie with a number of other jobs at a variety of clubs, but the former Oldham Athletic boss was reluctant to discuss any future ventures he might have.

"I've said what I've got to say and I don't want to discuss it anymore," he said.

"I've spoke to Simon long and hard about this and I think it's disrespectful to talk about other clubs.

"Unlike Simon, I'm not independently wealthy though so I would like to be in a job but that's the way it goes and I need to work for a living but I'm not here to talk about other clubs.

"I sit here with a heavy heart because, as Simon's done financially, I've also sweated blood and tears for this club.

"Sometimes, it's time to move on to a different challenge though and whatever happens, Palace will go forward because the infrastructure is here.

"We haven't had a lot of negatives in my time at the club and sometimes people don't want to see that and focus on the negatives."