However, that tie wasn't strong enough to keep Popovic away from making the biggest decision of his life and he let Freedman know in a telephone call earlier this week that he wouldn't be continuing his position at Selhurst Park.

Popovic's appetite for a new challenge was demonstrated by his desire to knock back not only Palace but also Sydney, where he finished his illustrious playing career in 2008 - and began his coaching career. He spent 2½ years as an assistant coach, first with John Kosmina and then under Vitezslav Lavicka. However, it's believed the board's contemplation of a surprise contract extension for Lavicka for the 2011-12 season played a major role in Popovic electing to accept the offer from Freedman when he came calling in January last year.

Popovic flew into Sydney last week for what was originally meant to be a holiday after a scouting mission for Palace in Japan but it quickly turned to business after both Sydney clubs began hunting his signature.

He met the two clubs on successive days and was even photographed lunching with Sydney FC goalkeeping coach Zeljko Kalac before meeting Sky Blues chairman Scott Barlow.

However, their offer wasn't enough to tempt Popovic and when he informed his former club that he would not be accepting the offer, they moved swiftly to offer the position to Ian Crook, who finished the previous season as an assistant to Lavicka. Crook was subsequently unveiled to the press on Monday.