[Daz]

Dowie to exit Selhurst on Monday?May 12 2006

Exclusive by Chris Fidler

PREMIERSHIP clubs have been alerted by rumours that manager Iain Dowie is set to quit Crystal Palace.

A Selhurst Park insider told the South London Press that they "wouldn't be surprised" if Dowie was on his way out of the club just days after seeing his side lose to Watford in the Championship play-offs, adding: "A lot of clubs will come in for him."

Whilst the insider refuted claims Dowie had informed the staff and players of his decision on Wednesday night, they confirmed he has called a staff meeting for Monday morning.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan didn't wish to comment yesterday, but an official club spokesman told the SLP:"As far as the club is concerned it's business as usual."

Adding fuel to the fire on Thursday was outgoing Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, who was reported in as saying that he'd recommended Dowie to Boro chairman Steve Gibson as his successor.

Managerless Charlton are likely to be monitoring the situation too.

If Dowie does go, he could end up taking Eagles star striker Andy Johnson with him. Dowie has already admitted it would be hard to keep Johnson at Palace if promotion to the Premiership wasn't achieved this year.

Johnson gave an emotional farewell to his adoring Palace fans in Tuesday's play-off semi-final second leg at Watford.

Editor of Eagles fanzine Palace Echo, Neil Witherow, thinks Dowie could also take a number of other stars with him if he goes.

"It depends on which club he's at, what their players are like and how much money he'll have," said Witherow.

"But if you look at what he did at Oldham, he formed loyalties with play-ers and brought them to Palace. That's what happens in football and you can't blame him.

"Luckily, most of the players are on long contracts which means we should get decent money if they do go."

Witherow says Dowie can leave with his head held high if he does choose to quit SE25. Witherow said: "When he came to the club three years ago he had a fantastic first six months when he got us promoted against the odds.

"He couldn't keep the momentum in the Premiership, but that wasn't entirely his fault. The amount of money on offer to him at crucial points wasn't enough.

"Fans may think this season has been disappointing, but all that will be forgotten if he leaves this summer, because, on balance, he has done a really good job for us."

Dowie and the first team squad are due to appear at Saturday's Player Of The Year ceremony at Selhurst Park, in what could be an emotional goodbye to the fans.

Source