‘No hard feelings over Allardyce departure,’ says Crystal Palace chairman

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish insists there is no bitterness towards ex-boss Sam Allardyce after the latter’s decision to leave the club.

Allardyce resigned after five months in charge at Selhurst Park and successfully kept the Eagles in the Premier League, but said he was not looking for another job, citing a desire to spend more time with his family as a reason for his decision.

Former England boss Allardyce took over from Alan Pardew in December and guided the Eagles to safety, which was confirmed after a 4-0 victory over Hull City in the penultimate game of the season.

He walked away after the final game of the season, a 2-0 loss to Manchester United.

Parish said: “Sam has not left me in the lurch – he’s given me lots of time to find a replacement.”

(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Eagles chief has called for a cap on wages for academy players, saying it could harm the development of talented youngsters.

“’We don’t want a nanny state,” Parish said. “We live in a free market, but the reality is, it’s not good for the boys.

“To give a 16-year-old 40 grand-a-week; you are deluded if you don’t think that’s harmful.

“A young person needs to be constantly striving. Since EPPP (the Premier League Elite Player Performance Plan),  the average wage is £256,000 a year for 17-year-olds.”