Alan Pardew confirmed as Crystal Palace manager

Alan Pardew has been confirmed as the new Crystal Palace manager after being officially released from his contract at Newcastle.

The former West Ham United and Charlton Athletic manager will take charge of the FA Cup tie with Dover Athletic on Sunday after signing a three-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.

Palace confirmed the appointment of Pardew, a former midfielder at the south London club, on Saturday morning, for a compensation package believed to be £3.5million.

Upon taking the role, Pardew 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 and the board I can help achieve that and create some new exciting history for the club.'

In a statement, Eagles chairman Steve Parish said: 'We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Barclays 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.'

A statement from the Magpies said: 'Newcastle United can confirm that Alan Pardew has been released from his contract in order to be installed as the new manager of Crystal Palace.

'John Carver and Steve Stone will be in the dug-out for at least today's fixture, the club's FA Cup third round fixture at Leicester City. The search for a head coach has begun and an announcement will follow in due course.'