January 11 2011

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman has been appointed the new Crystal Palace manager.

Freedman, who had been in a caretaker role since the dismissal of George Burley on New Year's Day, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

He led Palace to victory over relegation rivals Preston in his first match as temporary manager and was unlucky to bow out of the FA Cup at Coventry last weekend.

Palace appointment the fans' favourite after reportedly missing out on AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe on Tuesday.

Freedman said: "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'm 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.

"We will also be adding some 'older heads' to bring some experience as Dougie's assistants and these will be announced in due course."

Freedman has experience of getting Palace out of a relegation scrap, assisting Paul Hart in the team's great escape last season.

The 36-year-old Eagles legend hung up his boots at Southend in March to help keep Palace up, and after successfully doing so alongside Hart, remained at the club under Burley.

Freedman has scored 108 goals over two spells at Selhurst Park with his most famous strike helping Palace avoid relegation in 2001 with a winnning effort against Stockport in the final day.