FORMER Whyteleafe midfielder, and current Warlingham resident, Alan Pardew has been announced as the new manager of Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The 53-year-old has signed a three and a half year deal to manage the Eagles, after leaving Newcastle United.
"I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace," Pardew said.
"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."
Pardew, who has also managed Reading, West Ham, Charlton Athletic and Southampton, will take charge for the first time against Dover Athletic in the FA Cup tomorrow (Sunday).
Whyteleafe was Pardew's first senior club in 1980 and the south London-born former midfielder has retained strong links with the north Surrey area.
