Alan Pardew will on Friday begin his role as Crystal Palace manager.

The 53 year old has left Newcastle after four years to succeed the sacked Neil Warnock with Palace in the Premier League’s bottom three and at serious threat of a return to the Championship.

Pardew was at Villa Park on New Year’s Day to watch the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, in which caretaker manager Keith Millen was in charge, and complimented his new players’ performance after the final whistle.

“I think so,” Millen responded when asked if Palace favourite Pardew was still set to take over.

“I don't think he would have been at the game if there was a problem. He wouldn't have been sitting in the stands.

“I kept the lads in the know from what I knew from the chairman. Before the game, when we left the hotel, we weren't sure, but then I got a message to say Alan was coming.

“He didn't have any input during the game or before it, but he came in after and was pleased and proud with what he saw.

“He said we need to add more to our game to score more goals and win football matches, but it's a good start for Alan to see us.

“Hopefully he can improve the team and make us better.”

Pardew previously managed Palace’s local rivals Charlton, but left by mutual consent after an unsuccessful period in November 2008 with the club struggling to battle against relegation from the Championship.

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