Dougie Freedman’s return to the club this week as Sporting Director is a role that Frank de Boer had within his structure at Ajax and the boss believes the Eagles have the ideal man in that position.

De Boer recognises the role a a vital one and also here at Palace he is pleased to have someone with such an affinity with the club.

“I have always had a very good relationship the role of a Sporting Director, they are a lot more involved with the agent of the players, I think that it is the right thing that I’m not concerned with agents that are calling me, first contact is always through Dougie and from there he can pass something through as and when he feels it necessary. To look on the transfer market I have my ideas but it’s important that he has his too, he will look around, have ideas and we can discuss.

"Dougie knows the club, the history and the philosophy so I think it’s a plus that he knows the club, the training ground and the academy and therefore it’s good that somebody like him with his history with us is Sporting Director."