Alan Pardew will start work as Crystal Palace boss on Friday, according to caretaker boss Keith Millen.
Pardew was in the stands to watch the London club draw 0-0 at Aston Villa on Thursday, with his appointment as Palace boss appearing to be imminent.
Millen says the 53-year-old will help prepare the team for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Conference side Dover Athletic.
Pardew moves to Palace after four years in charge of Newcastle United.
When asked if Pardew’s appointment was still on track, Millen responded: “I think so. I don’t think he would have been at the game if there was a problem. He wouldn’t have been sitting in the stands.
“I kept the lads in the know from what I knew from the chairman. Before the game, when we left the hotel, we weren’t sure, but then I got a message to say Alan was coming.
“He didn’t have any input during the game or before it, but he came in after and was pleased and proud with what he saw.
“He said we need to add more to our game to score more goals and win football matches, but it’s a good start for Alan to see us.
“Hopefully he can improve the team and make us better.”
Pardew will take over a side in the Premier League relegation zone, with the point at Villa not enough to take them out of the bottom three.
Palace are now without a win in eight league games – a run dating back to the 3-1 home win over Liverpool on 23 November.
However, they have claimed two points from their last two games.
Millen lamented Yannick Bolasie’s shot hitting the crossbar at Villa in what was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.
“If that goes in, the way we are set up, it would have been hard for them to get back into the game,” said Millen.
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Source: BBC Sport