Saturday saw the Eagles earn their first draw and clean sheet of the season against Everton, and whilst the on-field action took up most of the column inches there was also an important development announced off of it before the game.
Iain Moody was appointed as Sporting Director, taking up a similar role to the one he had at Cardiff before his ousting. The treatment he received from owner Vincent Tan did not go unnoticed in the public eye and even Cardiff manager Malky Mackay expressed his disappointment at Moody’s departure. Naturally, pre-match talk questioned whether Mackay would follow, but away from speculation this appointment has to be seen as a big development for Palace.
Ian Holloway spoke of the summer transfer policy in the days after his departure so to have Moody in to assist in this next process in January and beyond can only benefit the club. The board must be applauded for this move, particularly as it has happened during the high-profile manager search that has seen a large amount of people linked with the job.
A couple of those names have been crossed off the list this week as Karanka became Middlesbrough manager and Chris Coleman signed a contract extension with Wales. With players due to report back to the club after international duty in the middle of next week, we can expect an announcement soon.
There are currently six members of the squad away with their countries, and one in particular has had a successful week already. Captain Mile Jedinak was voted the male footballer of the year at the Australian Football Awards for his contribution to his nation’s progress to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He can now add this accolade to his play-off promotion medal.
Some members of the squad who are not away on international duty will be appearing tonight at the Croydon Whitgift shopping centre for the Palace Roadshow and to switch on the Christmas lights. The players will be there between 5.30 and 6.30pm for autographs and photographs.
Keith Millen will be amongst those in attendance, but by this time next week he may no longer be the man at the top, only time will tell.
Daniel Smith - @dmsmith1987
Source: PalaceMAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
