October 9 2007

Simon Jordan

Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan has vowed to find a new manager in days rather than weeks.

Peter Taylor became the fifth manager Jordan has axed since becoming chairman of the Eagles seven years ago.

Ex-Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock - a close friend of Jordan's - is most people's favourite to land the Selhurst Park hotseat.

“I’m sure Neil Warnock’s name is going to be mentioned,” Jordan told the Times. “Leaders lead and the future has to be shaped. I am looking for a manager who knows the Championship inside out and who will make my players compete and thrive.

"I hope to make an appointment relatively quickly. I won’t be spending weeks and weeks looking around. I know the skill sets that I am looking for and I will go after the man who I think is right for the job.”

Contrary to popular belief, 40-year-old Jordan admits he takes no pleasure in sacking a manager.

The perma-tanned chairman says his parting with Taylor after 15 months at the helm was amicable and bears no grudges with the former Palace winger.

“I am always disappointed when I have to sack someone,” Jordan said. “I don’t think it’s funny or clever to sack people.

“I have a fond regard for Peter. I have no personal dislike of him at all and I wish him well. I don’t think he was overly surprised to be fired but he was disappointed.

"Everyone is disappointed when they lose their job and I do not enjoy taking away a man’s livelihood but I wanted him to go while he was still remembered as a great Palace player rather than as a bad Palace manager.

"When you fire someone it means that the whole club has failed and that includes me, the manager and the players. However, I still think that we can have a successful season and I did not want to leave it any longer.”