Holloway leaves Blackpool to join Crystal Palace

Ian Holloway's reign in charge at Blackpool is over after he left the club to join Crystal Palace.

The club gave Holloway permission to speak to The Eagles on Friday evening and he has since informed the chairman of his wish to take the position.

It is understood that Keith Millen will also be joining him at Selhurst Park.

Holloways first duties will be to attend todays game with Blackburn, but he will not be taking charge of team affairs.

It will be his sixth managerial position, having first taken to the dugout at Bristol Rovers 16 years ago, and he admitted to being sad to leave Blackpool.

Speaking to Palace`s official website, he said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for myself and a fresh start.

"It is sad to leave Blackpool as my time there was the best trip I have been on and leave very proud of what was achieved and I would like to wish them all the best. I just see this as too good an opportunity to turn down.

"I got great energy when I met the club's owners and just can't wait to get going.

"I am bringing in Keith Millen as my assistant who is a Croydon boy and he is as excited as I am about the opportunity."

The move represents a significant coup for co-chairman Steve Parish, who last week had to come to terms with Freedman leaving despite the club being so well placed in the league.

"The board and staff of Crystal Palace are delighted to welcome Ian to south London," he said.

"He's a manager I have long admired and one I believe will bring something fresh and new to our club.

"I am sure the supporters will be as excited about this appointment as I am and will get fully behind him."

Blackpool also confirmed the switch on their official website, with chairman Karl Oyston expressing his thanks to the man he gave a chance to following a year out of the game after his departure from Leicester.

"We understand the reasons behind Ian's decision to leave and he departs with our best wishes," Oyston said.

"I'd like to place on record my thanks to Ian for all he has achieved at Bloomfield Road, he's played a massive part in our recent success and will go down in history as one of our most successful managers.

"The process of finding a replacement for Ian has now started and we'd like to make an appointment as soon as possible."

Steve Thompson has been placed in caretaker charge of Blackpool.