Crystal Palace appoint Alan Pardew as new manager

Crystal Palace have appointed Alan Pardew as their new manager, as the former Newcastle United boss signs a three-and-a-half-year deal with the South London club.

Pardew has been the favourite to succeed Neil Warnock since his sacking last month, and has been linked with the Palace job for the last week.

The former Magpies manager told Palace's official website: "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. "Crystal Palace would like to put on record their thanks to Newcastle United Football Club, in particular Mike Ashley, for their co-operation throughout the negotiations."

The 53-year-old was in attendance at Palace's most recent fixture against Aston Villa on New Year's Day, adding fuel to the speculation and mounting rumours that he would be appointed

Pardew's first test as the new Palace boss will be against Dover Athletic in the FA Cup on Sunday.