IN the second of his new online columns, DANIEL GRIGG looks at whether Crystal Palace have made the right choice in appointing Dougie Freedman as George Burley’s replacement.

Is Dougie Freedman the man to change things at Crystal Palace?

With a record of 95 league goals for the club as a player, Freedman already has the popularity with the fans even before he really starts.

This will hopefully see him given the time and the support needed to turn things around.

Aged just 36, Freedman is only three years older than Eddie Howe, Burnley’s highly-rated new boss who turned down the Eagles last week.

The example of Howe proves youth shouldn’t factor into the judgement of a prospective manager.

Freedman already has good coaching experience for a man so young, having spent a year as reserve team manager while still playing for Palace and nearly a year as assistant manager to both Paul Hart and George Burley.

However, it’s important to remember every recent manager Freedman’s worked for has failed or underachieved, so wasn’t it about time to maybe bring in some fresh blood?

Will he, as the promoted assistant manager, really be the man to change things, to bring in new ideas and disrupt the current flow of poor performances and mistakes?

Perhaps not from looking at the teams he has picked so far and the way Palace have played, it may just as well have been George Burley picking them.

Freedman‘s “we played well” comment after the 3-0 defeat to Swansea also may lead some to question his judgement, though clearly it was an attempt not to give much away before getting himself back with the players to try and get things sorted out.

Another notable comment that “we didn’t lack fight” may come as more of a worry, because from most of the fans’ viewpoints the players looked no more lively and interested than they have in most other away games this season.

Palace’s record away from home now is one win, two draws and 11 defeats. Freedman’s led Palace into the Coventry cup match and against Swansea and Preston in the league.

It’s been an OK start but nothing more impressive, despite the importance of the win against struggling Preston.

The main fear with Freedman is the lack of time he has to change things round this season, despite being given a two and a half year contract.

Change from the problems of Burley’s struggling Palace side has so far been almost unnoticeable in terms of effort, mentality and tactics.

With Crystal Palace still so perilously close to relegation, sat in 22nd place, there is still a genuine fear that a new year and a new manager doesn’t always bring about change.

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