Sam Allardyce appointed new Crystal Palace manager on two-and-a-half-year deal

Sam Long24 December 2016

Sam Allardyce has today been appointed Crystal Palace's new manager on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Palace parted company with Alan Pardew on Thursday after enduring a wretched run of form in 2106, culminating in just six Premier League victories.

The Eagles are just one point above the relegation zone ahead of a busy run of festive fixtures, starting with a trip to Watford on Boxing Day. In a short statement released on Friday evening the club confirmed that Allardyce will take charge of Sunday's match.

“We are delighted to be able to make an appointment so quickly and fortunate that someone of Sam’s calibre and experience was available," said chairman Steve Parish.

And the south London club's American owners have moved quickly in an attempt to nullify the threat of relegation by appointing Allardyce.

The 62-year-old left his England role in September under a cloud of controversy but has a proven track record of leading clubs to safety in the top flight.

Allardyce is known for having an immediate effect on sides and Palace will be hopeful he can oversee an impact similar to the one which helped him guide Sunderland to 17th place last season.

In Pictures: Sam Allardyce's managerial career

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Palace face Arsenal and relegation rivals Swansea following their trip to Vicarage Road and need to put points on the board as a matter of urgency or risk being sucked into a relegation battle.

On arriving at Palace's training ground this afternoon for talks, Allardyce admitted he was 'relishing' a return to club management.

"Just here to complete talks with Steve [Parish] and everything goes alright should be OK," Allardyce told Sky Sports News. "We'll wait and see," he added. "Early days, been a bit of a rush."

When put to him that it was a good job to show he's still got what it takes to be in the Premier League, Allardyce responded: "Fantastic."

Crystal Palace take on Watford on Boxing Day, and you can follow the match live on Standard Sport. Click here to find out how.

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