Dowie for Palace

Last updated : 23 April 2003 By The Chairman
Rumours are spreading that Latics boss Iain Dowie has been linked with the manager’s job at Crystal Palace. Dowie’s future at Boundary Park is far from settled and Palace sacked Trevor Francis at the weekend. Dowie’s contract has
two months to run and he recently warned that he could move on if finances stifle his ambitions to move Athletic forward.


A former player at Selhurst Park, Dowie said, “I can’t affect what other people are saying, but it’s nice to be linked with other clubs. Palace are a big club and I’ve played for them. Am I ambitious? Of course I am, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I came to Oldham on what I thought was a three-year contract. It never materialised, but I’m building something here."


"I’ve always said there’s no reason to fly the nest as long as I can take the club forward, although discussions will be needed in the summer. I want to sign key players like Wayne Andrews, Chris Armstrong, Les Pogliacomi and Will Haining on longer contracts, so I hope that will be possible very soon. I’m not saying whether I will or won’t be here next season. All I can tell you is this – I’m the manager of Oldham Athletic, I’m thoroughly enjoying it and there’s no reason why I shouldn’t stay.”


Dowie is one of the favourites along with George Graham and Reading boss Alan Pardew. Athletic’s ex-Chairman Chris Moore still hasn’t revealed a players budget for next season and it will have a big influence on Dowie’s future.