Crystal Palace have appointed Neil Warnock as manager on a two-year contract with immediate effect. Warnock was previously in charge of the club from 2007 to 2010. He replaces Tony Pulis, who left the club “by mutual consent” on August 15.

Steve Clarke had been rumored to be the favorite for the job at Selhurst Park. But after interviewing yesterday, Clarke was informed this morning that he would not be getting the position.

Former Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay was ruled out of the running last week, following the news of his text messaging scandal. A few days later, former Tottenham boss Tim Sheerwood removed his name from consideration.

Warnock’s last coaching position was at Leeds United from 2012-13. His return to Crystal Palace will polarize opinions amongst the club supporters and should cause a uneasy reunion with midfielder Jason Puncheon.

While in charge of the club in 2008, Warnock made it clear that the Crystal Palace job would be his last managerial work in football. The following season, the club performed well in spite of serious financial restrictions, which resulted in Palace being placed in administration late in January. The London club were then dealt a 10-point deduction by the Football League. Warnock was then “let go” by Palace after he allegedly informed officials that he didn’t have the stomach to fight to save the club.

Last season, while working for talkSPORT, Warnock criticized Puncheon for a missed-penalty during a match against Tottenham.

The player took to his Twitter account to voice his opinion of the former manager:

 


Puncheon was fined £15,000 by the Football Association and warned about his future conduct for those comments.

Regardless of that incident, Crystal Palace believe that Warnock is the man who will help galvanize the club following the departure of last season’s Premier League Manager of the Year, Tony Pulis.

Speculation is the 65-year-old will attempt to bring Notts County manager Shaun Derry into his back-room staff. But for now, he is happy to work alongside current caretaker Keith Millen.

According to reports, Warnock has been informed by Crystal Palace chairman and co-owner Steve Parish that he will have funds to spend before the transfer window closes on Monday.