Care-taker boss Steve Kember has applied for the vacant manager's job at Selhurst Park, but accepts that he and assistant Terry Bullivant may have to work under another manager, writes Joseph O'Shea.

A former Palace player, Kember has taken the reins on a short-term basis at Palace three times in 1981, 2001 when he kept Palace in Division One and now following the sacking of Trevor Francis.

Having been sidelined to reserve team manager under Francis, Kember is now relishing the chance to manage the first team and has applied for the job on a permanent basis.

After guiding the side to only their fourth win of 2003 against Stoke on Saturday, he is confident he could manage the side.

He said: "It would be nice to have a go and bring in some of my own players and play my sort of football."

Jordan has said he is reluctant to appoint Kember and Bullivant, because he fears having to sack them. But Kember knows the risks and still wants a chance.

He said: "I have been around long enough to know what being the manager entails. I realise the consequences of failure but I am confident I will not fail.

"I will have Terry Bullivant as my deputy and I am confident we will do the job together. If I fail I fail."

But he will carry on as assistant to another manager, if that is what Jordan decides. He said: " There is no reason why we cannot work in harmony with another manager."

Speculation is mounting over who will be appointed in the summer and Jordan has said: "I won't be rushing into finding a new manager."

April 30, 2003 12:00