Crystal Palace have announced Alan Pardew is their new manager.

The former Newcastle United, Southampton, West Ham and Reading boss, who was in the stand at Villa Park on New Year's Day to see the Eagles pick up another point with a goalless draw, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park.

Pardew, who scored the winning goal for Palace against Liverpool to help the Eagles reach the FA Cup final in 1990, is now set to take charge of Palace for the first time in the FA Cup third round tie at Conference Premier side Dover Athletic tomorrow (Sunday).

Chairman Steve Parish welcomes the former Palace midfielder back to Selhurst Park. "We wanted a manager with a great track record and proven experience in the Barclays Premier League. In Alan we have both these things as well as a man who has great affection for this club and shares my determination to take us to the next level."

Commenting on his new role, Pardew said, "I am absolutely delighted to be the new manager of Crystal Palace. Everyone knows my history here, what's important now is to move the club to the next level. I believe with the backing of Steve and the board I can help achieve that and create some new exciting history for the club."