December 19 2003

Selhurst Park

Oldham boss IAIN DOWIE is now the hot favourite to become the new Palace manager.

DOWIE does not have a long-term contract at Oldham and they would not be entitled to any compensation.

The former Eagles striker held talks with Jordan on Thursday night and could take charge of team affairs for the trip to Reading on Saturday.

Oldham confirmed that Palace had made an official approach to talk to DOWIE on Friday.

Latics chairman Barry Chaytow told the official Oldham website :"Permission was granted and IAIN DOWIE informed us that he is meeting with Crystal Palace on Friday afternoon."

"We would obviously be upset to see him go, but due to the fact that the club is in administration we could not offer him a contract at this time.

"We prepared a contract offer, but this is an opportunity he feels he should take at this time in his career and we await the outcome of the meeting.

"We are also making contingency plans to cover his duties at Saturday's game if indeed he decides to join Crystal Palace."

Blackpool manager Steve McMahon dismissed rumours linking him with Palace. "I can't stop the rumour mongers," said McMahon. "If that's what's coming out then I can't stop it.

"I've been linked with the job in the past and I'm linked with it now. But the club (Blackpool) have heard nothing and nobody else has.

"We shall just keep going until something happens. When the new man is in they will link me with someone else then."