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Alan Pardew's desire to start 2015 in the dugout was thwarted by protracted talks on his contract terms to take the reins as Crystal Palace manager.
The former Palace midfielder is still expected to complete his Selhurst Park homecoming, but not in time to take charge of the New Year's Day trip to Aston Villa.
Pardew had hoped to complete his Eagles switch from Newcastle and oversee the first Premier League clash of the year, but Keith Millen will remain in caretaker charge instead.
Millen predicted he would extend his third stint as Palace caretaker manager in Tuesday's press conference, amid Pardew's haste to complete his negotiations with chairman Steve Parish.
Pardew's discussions with Parish continued on New Year's Eve, but should be concluded swiftly following Thursday's Villa Park battle.
Palace sacked Neil Warnock on December 27 following a run of just one win in 12 games; the Eagles remain in the Premier League's relegation zone after Sunday's goalless draw at QPR.
Palace chief Parish had always envisaged Millen taking charge for the Villa trip even if the Pardew deal was complete, so the Selhurst Park bosses are not concerned by any hiatus.
Croydon-born Millen will remain as part of Pardew's backroom staff despite once again pressing for the full-time managerial role.
The former Bristol City boss said he is content to stay at his hometown club, and bide his time for a return to frontline management.
"I want to manage again, without a doubt," he said.
"But I'm patient at the moment because I enjoying working at Crystal Palace.
"As long as someone comes in, sees what you're about and values you, I'm happy."
Newcastle face managerial limbo until Pardew's Palace move is signed and sealed.
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John Carver has assumed caretaker charge for the next two matches while the club seek Pardew's replacement, with Steve Stone and Peter Beardsley also on hand.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has tasked managing director Lee Charnley with identifying a head coach to replace Pardew, with chief scout Graham Carr retaining control of recruitment.
The Magpies host Burnley at St James' Park on New Year's Day, with boyhood Newcastle fan Carver refusing to shy away from superstitious preparation.
Carver has invoked the spirit of the late Sir Bobby Robson, under whose reign the 49-year-old worked on Tyneside.
"For some reason, I started reading Sir Bobby's autobiography last night," said Carver.
"There was a message on the front of the book - 'Thanks for a fantastic, successful five years, it should have been a lot longer. Cheers, Sir Bobby'.
"When he gave me that book, he said to me, 'You do realise how big this football club is, and if ever you get an opportunity, don't be scared of it, enjoy it and take it with both hands'. So I am sitting here now and I'm going to take it with both hands."
