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PICTURES: Black Sheep - The bar that set itself apart from the flock

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BYE bye Black Sheep, the bar which set itself apart from the flock. On Monday, news broke that Croydon's longest-standing independent nightclub had shut after 15 years. The High Street bar had been at the forefront of the borough's alternative scene and was one of few remaining late-night venues in the town centre with real character and personality. The cause of its demise is depressingly familiar. Owner Paul Bossick, who had run the Sheep with his dad Howard since 1997, says he's been "pushed out" by plans to build flats above the bar. The Sheep helped establish dubstep and its back catalogue boasts an eclectic mix of top DJs, bands and musicians; from Pendulum, Enter Shikari and Newton Faulkner to Raging Speedhorn and Ozric Tentacles. Such an off-beat mix led one national newspaper to dub the Sheep "an oasis in a desert of terrible chart tunes". It hosted open mic nights, beat poetry, dubstep and drag queens, fetish artists, burlesque, drum & bass and hip hop. It had afternoon jazz, break dancing and happy hardcore. It featured films, gay nights, festivals, fancy dress and, of course, a huge number of local bands. While it could look daunting from the outside, the Sheep became so popular because it welcomed people of all persuasions. The Friday and Saturday night crowd was as varied as its events list. It was a community bar where memories were made and friendships founded. Its departure has met with a huge reaction online, with 30,000 people reading reports on the Advertiser's website, which were shared 3,000 times on Facebook. It is, perhaps, the biggest and most talked about blow to Croydon's nightlife since the closure of the Blue Orchid in 2004. But those expecting a last hurrah befitting a venue with such a formidable reputation have been left disappointed. The Bossicks told staff on Saturday that the venue was to close – and then it did. No final night or big send off. Silence where there had once been anything but. "It's a real shame it went out like this," said manager Bob Gill, 37, who worked at the bar since October 2000. "A place like the Black Sheep Bar was never destined to go out so quietly. There should have been a massive thing." Like many of those who paid tribute to the venue this week, Mr Gill said the Sheep set itself apart by "accepting everyone". "You could meet anyone in the Black Sheep," he said. "They came in wary of it because it had this image, and then they had a wicked night because there was no pressure. So many people had wonderful memories of it. "I don't think it could be replicated again and, if it was, it would be a shame for that venue because everyone who went there would be comparing it to something they knew and loved." Unusually for a nightclub, the Black Sheep was also popular with licensing officers. It was the first venue to adopt a members-only, finger print identification system and, in 2010, won a council award recognising it as one of the safest bars in town. In March 2012, the Bossicks opened their second town centre bar, the Bad Apple (they had previously run The Cage, Croydon's first, and ultimately short-lived, gay bar). Paul said the decision to close their first club will not affect the Apple, which he now plans to open for five or six nights a week, rather than the current three. He said: "I've got no intention of making Black Sheep 2 – unless we open Black Sheep 2." Asked whether that meant he plans to reopen the Sheep in a different venue at some point in the future, Paul said: "Definitely, if I find the right spot I would like to have a go again. "I have loved doing it and a lot of people have enjoyed doing it with us. It's got a massive fan base and has become an institution. "Closing it down was massively emotional for me. When I did it I couldn't believe it. I was quite tearful about it to be honest. "It's more about the customers than the place or the management. They made such a community. It became their bar. That's what made the Sheep so great.”Former Black Sheep Bar employee Steph Darkes describes what set the venue apart... "I STARTED work at the Black Sheep in 2002, after having a bet with my then boyfriend over who could get the supervisor job advertised in the window. My interview was with Paul and Howard [Bossick] and directly after I was offered the job. So I started work at probably the most notorious bar in town and I was up for a challenge. The night time economy in those days was thriving, the footfall of a weekend was immense and there were many other venues in town enjoying success. I stayed at the Sheep for many years, taking on the music and promotion and all sorts of other odd jobs, and I have some fantastic memories of the place. For me, and for many others, Black Sheep Bar was a place where everyone was welcome. The ethos was one of acceptance, with zero-tolerance of hatred and prejudice. It was a hub for creative alternative sorts: hip-hop acts, artists, MCs, burlesque performers, break-dancers, older jazz lovers, metal heads, scenesters, indie kids, singer songwriters, musicians, artists, poets and people out for a good time. It was a springboard for Croydon's talent to meet and connect. Many bands were formed at the Sheep and many friendships sealed over plastic pint glasses and sticky floor tiles. When the news of its closure broke, a group was set up to share memories of the Sheep, and within two hours it had 700 members. It was a contentious place, always has been. Some people saw it as their Mecca or second home and others wouldn't venture near the place if you paid them. The thing is that, if you were a part of it (staff, customer, musician, DJ, music lover or party animal) you felt the magic and the memories you have will always make it a very special place. Love the place or hate it, it has certainly left its mark on a town whose nightlife is now on its knees. For more photos from Black Sheep Bar's heyday click here

PICTURES: Black Sheep - The bar that set itself apart from the flock


Man in court charged with exposing himself to girl, 16

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A MAN has appeared in court charged with exposing himself to a 16-year-old girl on a train. Mark Ferguson, 48, allegedly flashed the teenager on a train at West Croydon station on October 22. Ferguson, of Edmeston Road, Hackney, appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court today (Friday) charged with indecent exposure and breaching a sexual offences prevention order made in August 2008. The district judge was told that Ferguson deliberately 'targeted' the teenager, asking her where the Victoria-bound train was heading to before allegedly exposing himself. He spoke only to confirm his name and that he had travelled to court in a taxi. His bail conditions bar him from taking public transport. Ferguson, originally from the US, did not enter a plea. He was released on conditional bail ahead of a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on December 6. His bail conditions were that he must reside at his home address; not travel on public transport including bus, train or tram; and report to Stoke Newington police station five days a week.

Man in court charged with exposing himself to girl, 16

Man admits racial abuse during drunken rampage at soup kitchen

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A MAN hurled racial abuse at homeless Afghans, tried to headbutt a police officer and destroyed a mattress during a drunken rampage. David Hunter, 20, was at the soup kitchen in Queen's Gardens, in Croydon town centre, on November 4 when he started shouting: "Come on you Afghan *****, I'm going to slit your throats." When police arrived he threatened one officer with a knife and tried to headbutt him. After being arrested, Hunter repeatedly hit his head against against the police van. Then, when in a police cell later that evening, he damaged a mattress while in a rage. Hunter, of Highfield Hill, Upper Norwood, pleaded guilty to racial abuse, assaulting a police officer and damaging property at Croydon Magistrates' Court today (Friday). He also admitted stealing two bottles of wine from Sainsbury's in London Road, West Croydon, on October 15. Hunter's solicitor said his client described himself as a "binge drinker". He offered little in the way of mitigation for his behaviour but stressed the headbutt had fallen "well short" of connecting with the officer. Hunter will be sentenced on Monday after being assessed by the probation service.

Man admits racial abuse during drunken rampage at soup kitchen

X FACTOR: Hannah Barrett and Rough Copy song choices revealed

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THE songs Croydon's two X Factor acts hope will get them into the last five of the show have been revealed. The theme of tomorrow night's show is a celebration of 10 years of the X Factor, with contestants taking on songs performed by acts on previous series. Hannah Barrett will be performing HHallelujah, originally by Leonard Cohen but then covered in 2008 by Alexandra Burke. Rough Copy, meanwhile, will take on En Vouge's Don't Let Go, which was performed to great acclaim by 2011 winners Little Mix. Our two acts will go up against four others on Saturday night's show; Tamera Foster, Nicholas McDonald, Luke Friend, and the bookies favourite, prison officer Sam Bailey.

X FACTOR: Hannah Barrett and Rough Copy song choices revealed

Far-right activist admits assault and firing air rifle in New Addington

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A FAR-RIGHT activist has been handed a community order for assault and firing an air rifle out of his New Addington home. Frank Day, 65, attacked Samuel Bartlett and later fired a Titan air rifle from his house in Arnhem Drive, New Addington, on September 3. He pleaded guilty to assault by beating and firing the weapon at Croydon Magistrates' Court today (Friday). Day, a member of the English Defence League (EDL), was sentenced to a 12 month community order during which he must complete 40 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay Mr Bartlett £60, and pay £85 costs. The air rifle will be forfeited and destroyed. Mr Day's legal representative said his client accepted that firing the gun had been a "foolish act". In February 2012, Mr Day publicly campaigned against plans to build a mosque in Purley.

Far-right activist admits assault and firing air rifle in New Addington

Susanna Reid the new favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing

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CROYDON-BORN Susanna Reid is the new bookies favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing. The 42-year-old former Croham Hurst and Croydon High pupil wowed the judges on last weekend's show, scoring 39 out of 40 for her paso doble. And the BBC Breakfast host and Crystal Palace fan seems popular with the viewers and punters alike, having been backed into 2/1 to win the show. Long-time bookies fancy, Coronation Street actress Natalie Guemede is second favourite, ahead of singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and actor Ashley Taylor-Dawson.

Susanna Reid the new favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing

Is this jewellery yours? Man found with bag of swag

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DOZENS of suspected stolen items of jewellery have been seized by police from a man in the street. The necklaces, earrings, watches and cutlery were taken from a 28-year-old man in Lower Addiscombe Road on October 28. Officers say they stopped the man after noticing he was carrying something underneath his jacket, and found a bag with the jewellery inside. They believe the jewellery may have been stolen, and are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise any of the items pictured. The 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. He has been bailed to return to a south London police station at the end of November pending further enquiries. Detective Constable Scott Barefoot, from Croydon CID, said: "If you recognise any of these items, then please get in touch. "We believe that the jewellery has been stolen and it is likely that it would have been from the Croydon area. "We would like to reunite the items with their rightful owners if possible and it will also assist with our investigations if we can establish to whom the items belong." Anyone who recognises any of the items or with information can contact DC Barefoot in Croydon CID on 020 3276 2219 or call police via 101.

Is this jewellery yours? Man found with bag of swag

DATA BLOG: Where is the best place to live in Croydon?

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RESIDENTS of Selsdon are among the most comfortable, healthy and happy of anyone living in London. But while those residing in the south of the borough have plenty to cheer about, many areas of Croydon are less fortunate. That's according to new data which shows the level of well-being across the capital between 2008 and 2012. The scores are a combined measure of 12 different well-being indicators, from health and education to jobs and access to open space. In 2012, Selsdon and Ballards had the highest well-being in Croydon, with a score of 8.90 - one of the best in London. Coulsdon East, Coulsdon West, Purley and Sanderstead are also in the top 25 per cent of wards in the capital. Fieldway has by far the lowest rating with -15.81 followed by New Addington with -11.6. Both wards are in the bottom 25 per cent in London, as are Broad Green, Selhurst, Thornton Heath, Waddon and West Thornton. Scores over zero indicate a higher probability that the population on average will experience better well-being. As with previous data sets featured in this blog, the figures, published earlier this month, show a clear north/south divide, with residents in the south of the borough experiencing a higher quality of life. The indicators are life expectancy; incapacity benefit claimants rate; unemployment; income support; crime; deliberate fires; GCSE points; unauthorised pupil absence; children in out-of –work households; public transport accessibility; access to open space and nurture; and happiness. The full spreadsheet allows users to adjust the weight of each indicator depending on what they consider to be more or less important, generating personal scores. It can be downloaded here.

DATA BLOG: Where is the best place to live in Croydon?


Regina Coeli head under fire as school put into special measures

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A CATHOLIC primary school in South Croydon has been put into special measures after another damning Ofsted report.

Regina Coeli, in Pampisford Road, received a "requires improvement" rating in October last year and had two interim inspections in January and July to monitor its progress.

But despite going into partnership with the "outstanding" St James the Great Primary, in Thornton Heath, the South Croydon school was rated as inadequate in its latest Ofsted report published last week and is now being monitored by Croydon Council.

A meeting was called at the struggling primary on Tuesday evening to discuss its future, and more than 200 parents attended.

One, who asked not to be named, said parents at the meeting had called for the headmaster, Donal McCarthy, to be sacked.

"There was lots of shouting out and mums and dads said he was responsible for pulling the school down," the parent said.

Another said the head stood up and apologised for the Ofsted rating, asking for parents' support to improve the school.

"We feel like, as parents, we aren't listened to so it makes a nice change for him to acknowledge us," the parent said.

According to another, many were unhappy their children would leave the school before it improved and felt their children's education had been jeopardised.

Last week's report stated disabled pupils, those eligible for free school meals and those needing special educational needs were making inadequate progress, and that teaching, leadership and management were poor.

The report said: "Children start the early years foundation with skills, knowledge and experience typical for their ages."

However, 'standards in English and mathematics by the end of Year 6 are declining'.

"School information and current work inspected indicate that pupils' progress is not accelerating and too many pupils are falling behind in their learning," the report adds.

Mr McCarthy, said: "Although we are disappointed with the outcome of this inspection we are determined, working in partnership, to act upon the findings as quickly as possible.

"We are aware of the difficulties facing the school as a result of the issues identified.

"We have an action plan in place and have already implemented a number of improvements, which we are confident will have a positive impact on future outcomes for all pupils."

Hogarth Andall, the chairman of governors, said: "While Ofsted's judgement of the school is disappointing; it highlighted the areas that we already knew needed attention.

"The school has not improved quickly enough since its last full inspection a year ago. The governing body is fully committed to working with the diocese and the local authority to catalyse improvements in teaching and leadership at the school."

A council spokesman said it was working with the school and diocese and would issue an action plan for improvement next week.

Regina Coeli head under fire as school put into special measures

Coulsdon Masterplan torn-up - because of some people who don't even live there

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CROYDON Council has dropped its Coulsdon Masterplan following a legal challenge from residents in neighbouring Chipstead.

The shock withdrawal of the document, which set out a framework for major redevelopment of the town, follows a request by residents of the nearby Surrey village for a judicial review.

The council confirmed on Wednesday it had agreed to "set aside" the masterplan following a "detailed review of the overall nature of the plan, the methodology used in drafting it and recent case law."

The document was formally adopted as planning guidance in September and took more than two years to produce, amid heavy consultation with residents across the area.

But its many critics said it failed to plan properly for the traffic produced by a planned development of nearly 700 homes in Cane Hill, bordering Chipstead, among other concerns.

Croydon Council says it will now "re-evaluate proposals around the [Cane Hill] site", for which the planning application was published last week.

Jason Perry, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, insisted the doomed masterplan had been useful, as a means of seeking people's opinions over planned and possible developments and getting landowners to work together.

He added much of the plan had met with "general consent" but "we acknowledge that there are some elements which caused significant concern for some individuals and this is what has led to the current situation."

Charles King, chairman of the East Coulsdon Residents' Association, said he hoped dropping the plan would trigger the changes they wanted.

He said: "It is a shame, but the real shame is the council stopped talking to us in July. Because they did that they found themselves in this stupid position.

"We did not personally support [the judicial review] because I think we felt a judicial review was more about protecting Chipstead than benefiting Coulsdon.

"But at the end of the day it might have the correct result by default; that they will review access to Cane Hill and the parking in the town centre."

Peter Appleford, a committee member of the Coulsdon West Residents' Association said: "It is a great waste of hours of work, and I also feel for the council officers who put in their time.

"But I am just going to say good for Chipstead – they are challenging it, they are unhappy with it for the same reasons we are."

But he added: "What is the concept for Coulsdon now? There is a lack of any kind of central concept for the town as a whole and the surroundings."

The masterplan included proposals for key town centre sites including the park in Lion Green Road, the CALAT centre and Lion Green car park.

Chipstead Residents' Association would not comment at this stage.

More on the Cane Hill application page 19

Coulsdon Masterplan torn-up - because of some people who don't even live there

Paul Hollywood looking forward to getting his bake on in Croydon

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TV BAKING star Paul Hollywood says the secret to his stunning rise is that "everyone has a favourite cake".

The ice-blue-eyed celebrity chef pondered the reasons why people like to watch baking ahead of his new live show coming soon to Croydon.

He told the Advertiser: "I think everyone has a favourite cake so you know what we are doing is imparting knowledge.

"People have always wanted to bake and we are making it more accessible."

The 46-year-old star, co-judge of the Great British Bake Off TV show, will host a live baking show at Fairfield Halls next May.

Ticket-holders might be invited to knead alongside the master on what will be nearly the last leg of his nationwide tour.

He said: "I will be doing demonstrations and bringing people on stage to give some one-to-one direction and answer people's questions. So the whole thing is very interactive."

Wirral-born Hollywood has been in the news of late more for his extramarital dalliance than for his way with a loaf.

But asked how the scandal may have affected his wholesome fanbase, he said: "I have got no idea – I don't really think about it."

And while he may have publicly apologised for cheating on wife Alex with US TV star Marcela Valladolid, he isn't worried that guests on his first live tour will catch him making mistakes in the kitchen.

"I don't make mistakes – I am perfect and I don't make mistakes," he joked, adding that novice bakers' biggest problem tends to be their measurements.

The dishy dad-of-one said: "For most people trying a recipe, the biggest mistake is weighing ingredients accurately, especially on mechanical scales.

"You need to get accurate digital scales. It is about accuracy: weigh the recipe right and you are halfway there."

Hollywood also revealed that his favourite baked treat is a sausage roll, and he finds baking soothes his soul.

He said: "I think it is quite relaxing. And I love eating baked stuff – sponge, for example. As far as I'm concerned it tastes unbelievable if made properly

"I do eat like a horse but I tend not to eat too much in the evenings. I love sausage rolls – they are pretty easy to make but if done properly they are delicious. Or a good iced bun; a freshly made iced bun with cream."

Paul Hollywood Live – Get Your Bake On comes to Fairfield Halls on Saturday May 24, 2014, at 8.15pm

For tickets and information, go to www.paulhollywood.com

Paul Hollywood looking forward to getting his bake on in Croydon

Tony Pulis set to be named Crystal Palace boss on Saturday

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TONY Pulis is set to be confirmed as Crystal Palace's new manager today (Saturday). It is understood that a deal is close to being agreed and the 55-year-old Welshman could be at the KC Stadium to see the Eagles take on Hull, though Keith Millen will still manage the team. Former Stoke manager Pulis has emerged as the clear front-runner for the job in recent days, after a month-long search for Ian Holloway's successor. The likes of Chris Coleman and former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen were linked with the role, while Palace chairman Steve Parish flirted with the idea of bringing Iain Dowie back to SE25. But Pulis - a man who has never been relegated as a manager - now seems set to be the man charged with keeping Palace in the Premier League.

Tony Pulis set to be named Crystal Palace boss on Saturday

Elderly man missing with no phone, travel card or money

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A VULNERABLE 77-year-old has gone missing with no phone, travel card or money. Police are appealing for help in finding Peter Boyer, of Beddington. He was last seen on Friday night (November 22) at his home address in Harrington Close. A Met spokesman said: "He is suffering from poor health and requires regular medication, and officers are growing increasingly concerned for his wellbeing. "Mr Boyer has no phone, travel card and little or no money on him. "In addition to Beddington, he is also known to sometimes travel to the Mitcham and Croydon areas." Mr Boyer is described as a slim white man with white hair. When last seen was wearing a thin jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information should call police on 101.

Elderly man missing with no phone, travel card or money

Purley Pool campaigners' fight for planning assurances

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CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Purley pool are seeking fresh assurances about its long-term future.

The threat of closure has hung over the pool since 2009, though the council's most recent commitment was to keep the facility open until at least next year.

But pool supporters want a more concrete promise, and for its future to be confirmed in a plan outlining the borough's development projects.

The council released its Local Plan in October, detailing specific policies and proposals in each area, and has given residents until December 5 to write in with their opinions.

But Purley pool, at this stage, is not included in the plan.

Fred Wallis, who leads the Save Purley Pool Campaign, told the Advertiser: "We just do not know what will happen to the pool.

"We had promises it would be safe until the 2014 election, and that it would only be shut down if another pool was built in Purley or Coulsdon.

"We even met the Government inspector, who said when the council came forward with their area plans, we had to put in our concerns immediately."

The Local Plan has several general sections and specific sections for each area like Purley.

Tony Farrell, who runs the annual Swimathon charity event, held at the pool every February, said there were too many rumours about the pool's future.

"The truth is lurking somewhere in the middle, but for now, it's difficult to be certain about it," he said. "Even if we didn't have a pool for a year or two it would be a disaster,"

Purley councillor Graham Bass said the pool would be protected under the Local Plan, even if it wasn't named specifically.

"The community facilities section states the council will only permit their loss if they are not being used or they are replaced elsewhere," he said.

"The site on the high street is not necessarily the best place for it; I would advocate an empty place like the old town hall."

However, the plan also states a community facility could be closed if it is located on a "shopping parade".

A council spokesman said: "The current consultation on the Local Plan does not look at specific sites. Consultation on preferred options on specific sites will take place in winter 2014."

Anyone who wishes to write to the council about the Local Plan can e-mail LDF@croydon.gov.uk

Purley Pool campaigners' fight  for planning assurances

TIMELINE: How the month-long search for a Crystal Palace manager unfolded

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AFTER four weeks of twists and turns, fluctuating bookies odds and endless speculation, Crystal Palace are now Crystal Pulis. But, in the lead up to Tony Pulis' appointment, plenty of names were linked with succeeding Ian Holoway in the Selhurst Park dugout. Here's our timeline, looking back at the events of the past month.
October 23:Ian Holloway departs the club. Tony Pulis becomes instant favourite to take over.October 26: Keith Millen takes charge as caretaker boss against Arsenal. Palace lose 2-0.October 27: A source close to Pulis tells the Advertiser it might not be the right time for him to return to management.October 28: Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley refuses to rule himself out of the vacancy.October 29: Palace fans want Roberto Di Matteo, according to the results of our online poll.October 30: Former Birmingham City and Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish reveals his interest in the job.November 1: Eagles legend Geoff Thomas throws his weight behind Chris Coleman.November 2: Keith Millen continues as caretaker against West Bromwich Albion. Palace lose 2-0.November 5: Former Real Madrid assistant Aitor Karanka linked to the job and is said to have held talks with Steve Parish.November 7: Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew's odds tumble dramatically for the job.November 9: Iain Moody becomes Palace's sporting director following Cardiff City departure. Keith Millen guides Palace to well-deserved point in a 0-0 draw against Everton.November 11: Burnley boss Sean Dyche backed heavily and becomes second favourite.November 12: Aitor Karanka becomes new Middlesbrough boss while another man linked, Rene Meulensteen, joins Fulham as head coach.November 14: Chris Coleman signs new contract to stay on as Wales boss, while former boss Iain Dowie becomes a shock contender for the vacancy.November 15: Dinamo Moscow boss and former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu reportedly in advanced talks to take over in SE25.November 18: Petrescu is rumoured to have turned down Palace's offer.November 19: Tony Pulis tells the media his phone has been "busy" and that he could end up managing any available club in the UK.November 20: Pulis said to be in talks with Palace, though Neil Warnock becomes a surprise late conteder for the job.November 23: Tony Pulis appointed Palace boss, on a two and a half year deal.

TIMELINE: How the month-long search for a Crystal Palace manager unfolded


Crystal Palace fans react to Tony Pulis appointment

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CRYSTAL Palace fans have given a generally positive reaction to Tony Pulis' appointment on Twitter. Most supporters seem happy the month-long search for a new boss has come to an end and, while a few have expressed reservations about the former Stoke manager's direct style of play, others are optimistic he can revive the Eagles' fortunes. Mags Bennett Tweeted: "Welcome Tony Pulis to the #cpfcfamily Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride. It won't be easy, but you'll love it here." @AnthonyHarrisss said: "Didn't want Pulis at first, but he's got a good record, if anyone can do it at the moment, he can." And, on Pulis' perceived penchant for route one football, the Twitter account of Eagles fanzine drew comparison with a Palace managerial legend. "Steve Coppell was very successful with Palace playing direct football. #JustSaying," @FYPfanzine tweeted. On a similar vein, @s_carey01 tweeted: "Happy to have Tony Pulis as our new manager! Who cares how we play as long as we win games." But not everyone is happy with the appointment. Sam Winter said: "I'll be honest I'm not Tony Pulis' biggest fan. Can't stand his style of football but we'll see." And Kevin Panther Tweeted: "So Tony Pulis has been confirmed. Not who I would want at all, but he's in charge now. Got to get behind him and the lads."Our reporter Mark Ritson will be getting more reaction from Palace fans and players at the KC Stadium today. To have your say on Tony Pulis' appointment, please comment below or tweet @advertisersport.

Crystal Palace fans react to Tony Pulis appointment

Tony Pulis is the new manager of Crystal Palace

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TONY Pulis has been confirmed as the new manager of Crystal Palace. The 55-year-old Welshman has been locked in talks with Palace all week, with his appointment officially confirmed by the club on Saturday lunchtime. Pulis has agreed a two and a half year contract and will watch this afternoon's match at Hull City from the stands. His first game in charge will be next weekend's home clash with relegation rivals Norwich City. The appointment brings to an end Palace's month-long search for a new boss, with the likes of Chris Coleman and former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen previously linked with the role, while Palace chairman Steve Parish flirted with the idea of bringing Iain Dowie back to SE25. But Pulis - a man who has never been relegated as a manager - is the man charged with keeping Palace in the Premier League. No announcement has yet been made on the make-up of Pulis' backroom staff, though reports suggest he'll bring his assistant from Stoke City Dave Kemp - a former Palace player - to Selhurst Park. Caretaker boss Keith Millen will remain in charge for today's game against Hull.

Tony Pulis is the new manager of Crystal Palace

CRYSTAL PALACE: Five things Tony Pulis must do to get the Eagles' soaring

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TONY Pulis starts work in SE25 on Monday - here's five things he might just find in his in-tray.
1) Make Selhurst Park a fortress When Pulis was at Stoke, he made the Britannia Stadium the sort of place nobody wanted to play. Outside their battles with each other, the Champions League chasing clubs would always see Stoke away as their toughest game – a whirl of noisy fans, a tight pitch, and an organised, hard-working team . Arsenal, in particular, would bear testament to this. All the ingredients are there for Pulis to make SE25 a similar sort of place that the opposition dreads. A tight stadium and ferocious atmosphere generated by the outstanding Palace fans mean we're already halfway there. Tony's job is to get the team playing like Stoke did.2) Sign quality, rather than quantity, in January The fact Palace's promotion wasn't sealed until late May put the club at an immediate disadvantage when it came to planning for life in the top division. But, for all this, the club's summer transfer window strategy was flawed – few can argue otherwise. Too many players were signed too late, while you could also argue about the quality and added value provided by the new recruits (how many wingers does one squad need?) Tony Pulis' mantra, put simply, should be fewer, but better. Keeping the same squad between now and May isn't an option but, equally, another month of wholesale changes will just be counter-productive. The focus should, therefore, be on getting in three quality players to enhance the spine of the side – a mobile central defender, a central midfielder to play alongside Mile Jedinak, and most vitally, a goalscorer. 3) Get the best out of Jonny Williams He's been injured for most of the season but one of the big surprises in the early stages of the campaign was Williams' absence from the Palace starting line-up. Let's get this straight – Jonny Williams is Crystal Palace's best player, and by some distance. Joel Ward is gritty, Mile Jedinak at times inspirational, but Williams oozes quality and is the one Palace player who wouldn't look out of place in a top 4 team. Tony Pulis has a reputation for direct football but he isn't stupid. He needs to find room for Jonny and get the best out of this outstanding talent.4) Summon the spirit of 2012/13 Yes it's a cliché, but Palace's promotion last season was built, in part, on the goals of Glenn Murray and the outrageous talent of Wilf Zaha, but mainly on a fantastic team spirit. By August 31, this had (at least on the face of it) all but disappeared, shown by the capitulation against Fulham in Ian Holloway's last game in charge. Pulis had a spirited bunch at Stoke; he now needs everyone pulling in the same direction in SE25. If this puts the odd nose out of joint or dents the odd ego, so be it.5) Be lucky! What's that Napoleon quote about "lucky generals"? Ian Holloway was all set for a season-defining victory against Fulham, as Palace dominated the first quarter of the game. Then, a guy called Kasami scored the type of goal he hadn't managed in the past and he won't manage again. The result? Deflation and, in Holloway's case, resignation. Tony Pulis has Glenn Murray coming back to fitness, he has a director of football to ease his burden during the transfer window, and he has, if there is such a thing in the Premier League, a relatively friendly list of home games between now and Christmas. How Ian Holloway would have loved these in his favour.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Five things Tony Pulis must do to get the Eagles' soaring

FAN REACTION: Tony Pulis arrives at KC Stadium for Crystal Palace clash

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HE'S the new man in the Selhurst Park hotseat and has been tasked to keep Crystal Palace up. Tony Pulis arrived at Hull City's KC Stadium at 1.30pm with co-chairman Steve Parish - and he looked delighted. After signing autographs and posing for photographs with a number of Palace fans, Pulis made his way in with Parish. We spoke to fans on the appointment to get their reaction to the news this lunchtime. "Buzzing! He's definitely the man to keep us up", said Dave Allen. "He will sort out the men from the boys in the squad and bring some organisation." "He's got a lot of experience and did a great job at Stoke City," added Pete Collier. "I believe we'll get a result up here today and then there could be some changes comes January." "I've been a Palace fan for 50 years - finally we have a new man in," said Kevin Burrows. "We all just need to get behind him now. He's an experienced man and something needed to happen quite clearly. "I do think Keith Millen has done a terrific job. A lot of Palace fans are questioning is Pulis what we want, but what you want isn't always what you need, if you like." "I'm not too happy with the appointment," said Steve Green. "I think it will be interesting and I believe he's going to play the Neil Warnock from what I've heard. "I hope the club have guaranteed him a few quid in January but he's not my ideal candidate. "The important thing is he keeps us up. I think there will a few changes in January, maybe even some leaving. "I think he'll bring in three our four new players. "I think it could be our first three points on the road this season today." "He probably would not have been my first choice but I'm glad they've got someone in," said Palace fan Kieron. "I think he will have to make some changes, possibly up front. "It's taken far too long, but the club were never going to pick and up and coming youngster. "I think he's a good best as he's never been relegated. "It will be big boost for the players today - and they're playing for their futures too."Palace fans, are you happy with Tony Pulis' arrival? Have your say below!

FAN REACTION: Tony Pulis arrives at KC Stadium for Crystal Palace clash

Hull City vs Crystal Palace - LIVE

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FOLLOW action at the KC Stadium between Hull City and Crystal Palace, below!
 

Hull City vs Crystal Palace - LIVE

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