Palace have completed the backroom signing of Bolton Wanderers first team coach, Neil McDonald, who is joining the club as assistant manager.
The 39-year-old former Newcastle player turned down the opportunity to link up with Iain Dowie 18 months ago – but after being approached again feels now is the right time to make the move.
"The timing wasn't right before, but Iain's come back in for me and offered me a fantastic opportunity to become his assistant manager, which I've accepted," McDonald told the Bolton Evening News.
Palace will pay compensation to Bolton for the signing of McDonald, who has been part of the Wanderers’ backroom staff since 2000.
"It just needs rubber stamping," added McDonald. "I've been down to see how the set-up works and I'm looking forward now to the players starting back on July 4 and hopefully using what I've learned and enjoyed doing at Bolton for the benefit of Iain and Crystal Palace.
"It's going to be a fantastic challenge for us," he said. "We've still got some quality players and others who we are still hoping to keep. The structure's already there and, hopefully, I can add a little bit that will help Iain.
"The club's had a taste of the Premiership and they want more. That's made everybody more determined to get back up there and make sure we stay there."
It’s unclear at the moment where this development leaves current assistant manager Kit Symons.