June 1 2016

Dougie Freedman (Photo: Ramzi Musallam)

Former Crystal Palace manager DOUGIE FREEDMAN admits he regrets walking out on the club.

FREEDMAN shocked fans by quitting the Eagles for Bolton Wanderers in October 2012 after just 21 months at the helm.

With the team sitting in the top four, supporters were devastated to see the Palace legend depart and for a club that was perceived to have more money.

Speaking exclusively to Holmesdale Radio, FREEDMAN for the first time gives an insight to how the move happened and claims Bolton's "Phil Gartside played me like a kipper".

He said: "It was the wrong decision [to join Bolton] and I do regret it. It was made by myself and only me. I wasn't forced or pushed. Looking back I sometimes question myself. I was very ambitious, strong-willed and could not take a no.

"I thought I was King Kong and could fight the world - it's my way or no way. Very wrongly. The disappointing thing for me is the decision was only made over 24 hours. I didn't have enough time to think and that's what happens in football sometimes.

"Bolton had made an inquiry, paid a fee and were given a licence to talk. I spoke to Phil Gartside and he played me like a kipper, told me everything that I wanted to hear and my decision was made.

"I went in the following day, told Steve Parish and said goodbye to the lads at the training ground. There was a lot of tears - I drove out of the training ground and cried all the way up to Bolton. I thought I should turn around but my stubborn side said no. I knew I'd made a mistake on my first day at Bolton."

During the revealing 90-minute FREEDMAN interview with Holmesdale Radio, the ex-Palace striker talks about his playing career at Selhurst Park and his early days of management, including how he handled Glenn Murray's ego and lots more.

To listen to the full chat, go to the Holmesdale Radio page, where you can find podcasts from last season's shows to download.

The Holmesdale Radio show returns live online from next season 8pm to 9pm every Sunday. You can Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes.