Allardyce confirmed as Crystal Palace boss

Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as manager following Alan Pardew’s departure.

Former England boss Allardyce, 62, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Selhurst Park.

Pardew lost his job following their poor run of results.

Palace are one point and one place above the relegation zone and there has been speculation that Pardew could be replaced.

The former Eagles player was widely expected to be axed had his team not recently beaten Southampton.

Since that 3-0 victory they have drawn at Hull and lost at home to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Chairman Steve Parish remained supportive of Pardew but the club’s American co-owners have been unhappy with results.

And on Thursday afternoon the club announced in a statement that Pardew had been asked to stand down.

Parish said: “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.

“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.”