Ian Holloway has left his position as manager of Crystal Palace, according to Sky Sports sources. The former Blackpool boss had been in charge of the London club for less than a year and leaves having overseen a run of form of seven defeats in eight games, leaving the Eagles in the Premier League relegation zone. His final match in charge saw the side thrashed 4-1 by Fulham earlier this week, leaving the team without a win since the 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Sunderland on the last day of August. Holloway's highlights while in charge included that win and also promotion to the topflight via the play-offs earlier this summer, beating Watford 1-0 at Wembley. The 50-year-old joined Palace on November 3 2012 on a four-and-a-half year deal, and
told the club website at the time of his appointment:
"This is a fantastic opportunity. I got great energy when I met the club's owners and just can't wait to get going."
However, a disastrous run of form followed with Palace thus far unable to cope with life in the English top division. Speculation as to Holloway's immediate future has been rife following Monday night's defeat to Fulham, with the Bristol-born coach believed to have had a meeting with chairman Steve Parish afterward. Further talks are also said to have taken place on Tuesday. Speaking before the Fulham defeat at Selhurst Park, Parrish commented that
Holloway's position was secure.