LONDON: Alan Pardew has been confirmed as new manager of Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace after being finally waved off by Newcastle United.

The announcement came two days after the 53-year-old, who spent more than four years on Tyneside, sat in the stands and watched Palace draw 0-0 at Aston Villa.

A statement on Palace’s official website read: “Crystal Palace Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Pardew as the club’s new manager after signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.”

Pardew returns to a club he served for four years as a player and where he is remembered for scoring the winner in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace. Everyone knows my history here, what’s important now is to move the club to the next level.

“I believe with the backing of Steve (Parish) and the board I can help achieve that and create some new exciting history for the club.”

Chairman Steve Parish added: “We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Premier League. In Alan we have both these things as well as a man who has great affection for this club and shares my determination to take us to the next level.”

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