In true Crystal Palace fashion, the club have finally unveiled Alan Pardew as manager, after days of so-called “talks” with the former Newcastle man.

The rumours of Pardew’s arrival sparked a managerial merry-go-round which has already seen West Brom’s Alan Irvine replaced by former Palace boss Tony Pulis.

Crystal Palace have been notorious for their lack of speed when it comes to appointments and transfers and it is particularly frustrating when you see other clubs act so quickly. Nevertheless, after some intense negotiations between two very shrewd (or tight?) owners, we have got our man just in time for the opening of the transfer window.

The appointment of Pardew is arguably one of the most ambitious and impressive decisions that CPFC2010 have made. The club started to get into a rut under Warnock’s leadership and the writing was on the wall for the 66-year-old when he had nothing to say except for to rue his ‘luck’ after the dire 3-1 Boxing Day defeat by Southampton.

Warnock had lost the fans and the players by this point and there were a number of altercations at Selhurst Park among the Palace fans to prove it, not to mention the fact that Jason Puncheon had responded to some fans with some equally abusive comments. The atmosphere was hostile, but not in the way that we could have used to our advantage.

Pardew’s arrival will immediately boost the club. It has a great sense of romanticism, as the cult hero returns to the club where he made his name. He is one of, if not the most, reputable managers we have had in recent times in terms of Premier League experience, that includes two top-half finishes in the past four seasons as well as guiding his sides into Europe.

Unlike many Palace fans, I don’t believe that this will guarantee safety. ‘Super Al’ has an almighty task in keeping this club in the Premier League, particularly as he is taking over for the second half of the season, an undoubtedly harder sequence than the first. He will need to act fast in the transfer market to help solve the obvious goal scoring problem as well as to fill the void of the absent Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak, who are both away at international tournaments.

Pardew’s reputation gives an immediate sense of optimism in terms of transfers. His experience in the league will make the club as attractive as ever to help sign some key players, something that couldn’t be said about Neil Warnock, Ian Holloway or even Keith Millen.

This deal just feels right for all parties. The Newcastle fans are delighted he’s gone, he’s moved back to his family, and the Palace fans will become united again.

One can only hope that this combination of factors, along with his obvious passion (which has got him into trouble at times), can help the club achieve something special.

Pardew’s first game in charge is away to non-league side Dover Athletic, unbeaten in 13, live on television in the FA Cup third round. No pressure.

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