New Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has expressed his belief that the club can move forward under his management.

Allardyce was confirmed as the Eagles' new manager earlier today, just 24 hours after Alan Pardew had been sacked by the club following a run of just one win in 11 games.

Allardyce, whose most recent job lasted just 67 days before he was forced to step down as England boss, takes over a team sitting one point clear of the relegation zone, but he is hopeful of bringing "joy" to the fans throughout the rest of the season.

"I hope we can bring some joy, particularly over Christmas and New Year, but over the long term, between now and the end of the season," he told the club's official website.

"The club itself seems to be very ambitious. Certainly the chairman and the owners seem to be taking the club forward in the right direction.

"I like the look of the squad and that's probably the reason that I am here because I feel the club can go forward from here and hopefully I can help it go forward."

Allardyce's first match in charge will come against Watford on Boxing Day.