Allardyce ‘excited’ by return to Premier League with Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is relishing the prospect of being back in the Premier League with the Eagles.

Allardyce left Sunderland to take over as England manager after successfully keeping the Black Cats in the division last season.

However, he spent just 67 days in charge of the national team, before resigning in the wake of a newspaper sting.

He returned to management at Selhurst Park last week after Palace sacked Alan Pardew, with the club one point and one place above the relegation zone.

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The south Londoners face a tough trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on New Year’s Day, before hosting fellow strugglers Swansea City two days later.

Palace battled to a 1-1 draw at Watford on Boxing Day in Allardyce’s first game at the helm, and the former Bolton, West Ham Blackburn and Newcastle boss admitted the Crystal Palace job is one that is highly motivating.

“It’s exciting to be back to work and it is great to be back in this league, in the top league in the world and competing against teams with outstanding players and outstanding managers,” he said.

“It’s exciting, a bit nervous for us obviously, but nice to be back. Hopefully I can continue for Palace where I left off at Sunderland.”