Alan Pardew: Crystal Palace sacking hasn't affected 'special bond' with club

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Vaishali Bhardwaj23 December 2016

Alan Pardew has insisted his departure from Crystal Palace has not affected the "good feelings" and "special bond" he shares with Eagles fans, but conceded his sadness at seeing his time at the club come to an end.

Palace today announced the departure of Pardew, who joined the club in January 2016, after a poor year which has seen the club win just six Premier League games.

Despite Pardew leading the Eagles safely away from relegation and to the FA Cup final last season, which they lost to Manchester United, Palace took the decision on Thursday to relieve the 55-year-old of his duties.

And Pardew admitted in a statement released on Palace's official website that he still harbours good feelings about the club despite his sacking, and thanked the players in particular for their efforts in trying to steer the club's fortunes around in recent weeks.

"I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everybody at Crystal Palace for their fantastic support," Pardew said. "In particular a big thanks to the players who gave me absolutely everything and Steve Parish and his Board.

"Personally I have a lot of good feelings for this football Club and am sad that my time there has ended.

"I feel that I have a special bond with the club and hope that hasn't been affected, I wish everybody associated with the Club the best of luck in the future including of course the fans who have been magnificent.

"There will be no further comment at the present time."

Palace club chairman Steve Parish thanked the 55-year-old for improving the club during his time at Selhurst Park, but did not allude to who could come in to replace Pardew.

He said: "I would like to put on record our sincere gratitude for the tremendous service Alan has given us, both in his time here as Manager and previously as a player.

"Following a fantastic second half of 2014/15, the 2015/16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record breaking fourth time.

Alan Pardew's 2016 at Crystal Palace in pictures

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"During his tenure Alan’s hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the Club and we wish him the very best for the future.

"With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the Club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time."

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