Crystal Palace has announced its decision to appoint Patrick Vieira as their new manager on a three-year contract. Palace desired a new boss in charge of the club ahead of Monday’s return to pre-season training. Talks in London throughout the week went well after an initial agreement was reached on Tuesday.
Palace’s initial inclination was to appoint a manager with Premier League experience. But with time running out and several players pondering over their contractual situations, the club has relaxed its requirements to help speed up the appointment.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman will work in close contact with Vieira on all football matters, primarily transfers – an area that disagreements with Nuno Espirito Santo resulting in talks breaking out 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.
Vieira was not the first choice but Palace’s quick decision to turn to him after Lucien Favre’s last-minute U-turn several players and their contract talks will involve the new boss.
The former Arsenal captain, who won three Premier Leagues and four FA Cups with the Gunners, previously coached at Manchester City before spending two and a half years in the United States in charge of MLS side New York City.
