May 23 2003

Steve Kember

Steve Kember has been announced as the new Palace manager at the Fans' Forum tonight.

Chairman Simon Jordan decided to appoint caretaker manager Steve Kember as the successor of Trevor Francis who left the club by mutual consent just before the end of the season.

Jordan said: "I made the decision, not simply because it's an easy decision to make.

"If you make decisions that aren't necessarily the right ones you put yourself under pressure.

"I want nothing more than achievement and I am determined to get it.

"I looked at where we were, my stance was that Steve Kember and Terry Bullivant must be part of the management team, they must underpin the way we go forward.

"I looked at the situation and said 'If I am so adamant that these guys are the mainstays of the management team, why is it I won't give Steve the job?'

"Why would I take a step back and start again with someone else who doesn't understand the culture and doesn't want half the players we have."

Kember said: "I relish the challenge of managing the club. I think I can do the job and I've got and excellent coach in Terry Bullivant and an excellent backroom staff.

"If we play to our full potential next season I think we have a very good chance of finishing in the top six. I'm looking forward to it."