Crystal Palace land Blackpool boss Ian Holloway as Dougie Freedman's replacement

Ian Holloway: On the move to Crystal Palace from Blackpool

Ian Holloway has left Blackpool to become Crystal Palace's new manager.

The 49-year-old has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract to replace Dougie Freedman at Selhurst Park and will bring Seasiders head of coaching and development Keith Millen as his assistant.

The news means an end Holloway's three-and-a-half-year association with Blackpool, during which time he led the club into the Premier League.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and a fresh start. It is sad to leave Blackpool as my time there was the best trip I have been on.

"I leave very proud of what was achieved and I would like to wish them all the best. I just see this as too good an opportunity to turn down."

Palace co-chairman Steve Parish said: "Ian is a manager I have long admired and one I believe will bring something fresh and new to our club. I am sure the supporters will be as excited about this appointment as I am."

Steve Thompson will take charge of Blackpool while a replacement is sought - with some urgency, according to chairman Karl Oyston.

He said: "The process of finding a replacement for Ian has now started and we'd like to make an appointment as soon as possible.

"We understand the reasons behind Ian's decision to leave and he departs with our best wishes. I'd like to place on record my thanks to Ian for all he has achieved at Bloomfield Road."

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