IAN Holloway has been confirmed as Crystal Palace's new manager. 

The 49-year-old left fellow Championship side Blackpool to sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Eagles, filling the position left vacant when Dougie Freedman joined Bolton last month.

Speaking on Palace's official website, Holloway said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and a fresh start.

"It is sad to leave Blackpool as my time there was the best trip I have been on and 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."

The move brings an end the Bristolian's three-and-a-half-year stay with Blackpool, whom he guided to the Premier League in 2010.

Relegation followed a year later but not before the former QPR midfielder and his players had made a real impression on the top flight.

In their first season back in the Championship in 2011-2012, Holloway took Blackpool to the the play-off final where they were beaten by West Ham.

They are currently 12th in the table; eight places and six points adrift of Palace.

Holloway has taken coach Keith Millen with him as part of the deal.

His first duty is to attend today's game with Blackburn, though he will not be taking charge of team affairs.

It will be Holloway's sixth managerial position having first taken to the dugout at Bristol Rovers 16 years ago.

He admitted to being sad to leave Blackpool and added: "I got great energy when I met the club's owners and just can't wait to get going.

"I am bringing in Keith Millen as my assistant who is a Croydon boy and he is as excited as I am about the opportunity."