FILE PHOTO: Premier League side Crystal Palace announced Patrick Vieira as the new manager. PICTURE: Getty Images
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0 LONDON: Crystal Palace have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Palace wanted a new boss in charge ahead of Monday’s return to pre-season training.
Vieira was appointed to replace Roy Hodgson with Lucien Favre and Nuno Espirito Santo were close to being appointed Palace manager in recent weeks but Palace opted for the Nice boss.
Talks in London throughout the week went well after an initial agreement was reached on Tuesday.
Palace’s initial preference was to appoint a manager with Premier League experience but with time ticking and a number of players contemplating their contractual situations, the club has relaxed its requirements to help speed up the appointment.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman will work closely with Vieira on all football matters, primarily transfers – an area that caused talks with Nuno Espirito Santo to break down three weeks ago.
“I am really excited to have this opportunity to return to the Premier League, and manage this great football club, as we begin a new chapter together,” said Vieira.
“It is a project that is really appealing to me, having spoken a lot with the Chairman and Sporting Director about their ambition and plans for the whole club including the Academy. The club has fantastic foundations in place after many years in the Premier League, and I hope we can make further improvements and continue to drive the club forward.
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