December 22 2003

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie was today officially revealed as manager of Palace in a press conference at Selhurst Park.

The 38-year-old former Northern Ireland striker put pen to paper on a 18-month contract and told journalists his delight at being appointed Palace's seventh manager in under four years.

"I've not been able to sleep with excitement," he said. "The term sleeping giant is over-used but I believe this is a big, big club which deserves to be in the Premiership.

"The league doesn't lie. It's not an easy job. But I believe I will succeed."

When pressed over the length of Dowie's contract, Simon Jordan said: "Having been in the situation where I've done nothing but pay managers to leave, I want to make sure my mentality is the right one.

"A man should only be secure in his job by the job he does. Contracts are irrelevant.

"We had a wide variety of applicants. But I believe I have found someone who reflects my belief that a football club is built on respect, discipline, work ethic and single-minded belief.

"The ambition remains prevalent to take Palace into the Premiership in as short a time as possible."

Dowie's appointment means that Kit Symons will revert back to being a squad player.

Symons appeared to be in a heated conversation with Jordan shortly before the start of the match against Reading on Saturday.

Jordan was quick to dismiss the argument though. He said: "There's no bad blood between me and Symons. I'm sure he'll be very supportive of Iain Dowie.

"I was told he was very demoralised so I wanted to let him know I expected him to do a job against Reading whatever the situation.

"With hindsight I should have had the discussion at the end of the game. He was disappointed but he signed off in the best possible manner.

"I'm grateful to Kit for his help over the last two months. He's a good man and an honest man. He will be here certainly at least until the end of the season when his contract finishes."

Dowie's first match in charge of Palace will be this coming Friday when The Eagles take on South London rivals Millwall.