Crystal Palace FC Stadium. Pic: Chris Dodd
Crystal Palace FC have chosen Neil Warnock to be their new manager, just four years after he left the South Norwood-based club.
Palace turned to Warnock after ruling out first choice Malky Mackay when the Scot was reported to have used homophobic, racist and sexist language in text message exchanges with former Palace sporting director, Ian Moody, when the duo worked for Cardiff City FC. Moody resigned from his post after the allegations were revealed last week.
“Crystal Palace are delighted to announce that Neil Warnock has been appointed as the club’s new first team manager with immediate effect,” said a statement on the club’s website.
“Neil has agreed a two-year deal and will lead the team this Saturday in our Premier League game at Newcastle United.”
Warnock led Palace for three seasons between 2007 and 2010, but left after the club were placed in administration and deducted 10 points as punishment in January 2010 leaving them perilously close to relegation from the Championship.
Steve Parish, co-chairman of the Eagles, told Sky Sports: “It’s not so much about being relieved, it’s about being happy that we’ve found the right person.”
Palace have endured a high profile saga to sign a new manager after Tony Pulis left the club just 48 hours before the start of the new Premier League season after apparently arguing with Parish over the club’s transfer policy. Pulis had been instrumental in keeping Palace in the top flight last season as they were firmly in last place when he joined in November 2013 – a result which earned him the Premier League’s manager of the year award.
Parish continued: “I’ve known Neil since the club went into administration. He’s someone who’s always been helpful to me and offered advice and I think he’s a safe pair of hands for us right now.
“He’s got unfinished business in the Premier League. As we all know he went down with 38 points which would have kept you up last year and in unfortunate circumstances surrounding that with Sheffield [United].”
