IAN Holloway is poised to become the new manager of Crystal Palace after the Eagles this evening made an approach to speak to the current Blackpool boss.

It is expected permission will be granted by Palace’s Championship rivals for those formal discussions to take place and Holloway could be unveiled as Dougie Freedman’s successor as early as tomorrow.

Crystal Palace have made no secret of the fact they wanted an appointment to be made before this Saturday’s home game with Blackburn and it looks as if they are on course to make it.

Never afraid to express an opinion, the Bristol-born manager can also boast a CV which includes winning promotion to the Championship with QPR in 2004 and taking Blackpool to the Premier League in 2010.

Holloway’s appointment is sure to be a popular one with Eagles fans still reeling from Freedman’s shock exit to Bolton.

Following a controversial goal celebration by Blackpool’s Alex Baptiste at Selhurst Park just after the Croydon riots in 2011, Holloway endeared himself to Palace supporters by saying sorry to them after the game.

He said: “I apologise to all the Crystal Palace fans. We’re nice people, we’re not show offs.

“Alex is not like that, he didn’t mean that and he’s gutted because he didn’t mean it like that but it could have done and we have to take responsibility.

“You shouldn’t be ignorant, the whole world has turned ignorant.

“Just look at the riots that were here in this area.

“You have to take responsibility for your behaviour and celebrate internally with your supporters.

“I will deal with it and if he does it again, I will fine him because if you make the same mistake twice you’re no good to me.

“All I will say to all these wonderful people who support their club through thick and thin is fantastic.

“I’m glad you’ve got Dougie, he’s a lovely fella and I’m glad he got the chance because he cares about your club and your team look like they’re on the way up, which is great.”

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