Crystal Palace axe boss Alan Pardew: Personally I have a lot of good feelings for this football Club and sad that my time there has ended

CRYSTAL PALACE chairman Steve Parish has asked manager Alan Pardew to step down as manager of the club – just three days before Christmas.

The Eagles are fourth-from-bottom in the Premier League table, with a playing record of four wins three draws and 10 defeats.  The club are just one point clear of the relegation zone, which is occupied by Sunderland, Swansea City and Hull City.

“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,” said Mr Parish in his statement, which was posted on www.cpfc.co.uk.

“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.

“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.”

Crystal Palace travel to Watford on Boxing Day, Monday 26 December (12:30); Arsenal on New Years’ Day before hosting Swansea City to Selhurst Park on 3 January 2017.

Mr Parish added: “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 having noting to say about a replacement at this time.”

The 55-year-old was appointed on a three-and-a-half deal in January 2015, but has been dismissed after a run of one victory in 11 games.  The Eagles have bagged 26 points from their last 36 Premier League matches and the axe has fallen on Pardew as a consequence.

Pardew, who lost to Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, issued a departing statement on www.cpfc.co.uk.

He said: “I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everybody at Crystal Palace for their fantastic support. 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.”

Visit Crystal Palace’s website: www.cpfc.co.uk