Post by sussexeagle on Jun 14, 2006 8:11:51 GMT -1
For those who don't have access to Palace World.
SJ:
Nice to see everyone again. Getting to be a regular occurrence.
Over the last two or three weeks, both myself and Bob have been extremely busy looking for a replacement for Iain. We’ve been through a number of candidates with a specific viewpoint in mind. We want someone who can take the club forward in the shortest space of time possible. And by forward – I mean back to the Premiership. Which has been the clear aim over the last year, and is very much the definitive aim this year.
Personally I feel last year for me as an individual was a wasted year. I don’t want to waste another year – I want someone to come in -- and to take the club forward as quickly as possible.
I went through a number of candidates and I’m very grateful to Bob Dowie for his help in the selection process and the filtering process -- that ended up with us, with me, having a conversation with Peter – and deciding that Peter was the way forward for us.
There are a number of reasons for that decision. Having met Peter my perception of him – my original perception of him, changed dramatically. There’s a lot of comments in the press I’ve made over the years of my perception of him being a coach -- and I think that, with the benefit of hindsight, that perception was wrong.
I think that what we are employing is someone who is very determined – very much wants to be at this football club – which is a big plus. Has a great deal of history and relationship with the club, and a great deal of affection. And if anyone has seen the Centenary video over the last year -- you’ll see that manifest itself very clearly. He is a fabulous coach -- as a manager he suffers very little indiscipline as you see from the players who play for him.
He’s plugged into the England U-21 set-up and has been very successful at that -- which is very advantageous for us. And he wants to be successful at this football club.
So those are -- in a nutshell -- the reasons for me appointing Peter Taylor. I’m excited about it. I think he and I will have a good relationship. I think we will work together well. And I’m looking forward to working closely with him – and understanding a lot of the things he does—as well as being extremely supportive of him -- and giving him the tools he needs to do the job that I want – which is the team back in the Premiership at the end of next year.
So that’s from me. I think Peter has something that he’d like to say -- and then it’s over to you guys.
PETER TAYLOR:
Thank you Simon.
Well I’m absolutely delighted to be here. But I wouldn’t mind thanking Hull City and especially Adam Pearson for the the last three and three quarter years I’ve had there.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it – and it would have to be something special for me to leave that football club –because it’s a great football club and I’m delighted for the way it worked out there.
But when I got the call – or my Chairman got the call from Simon – to be asked -- if I would become the Manager of Crystal Palace -- I’ve got no doubt about it -- that I wanted to be here.
I’m delighted to be here. I’m looking forward to the challenge – and looking forward to – as Simon says – trying to get promotion.
Question:
Peter just how big a challenge do you think it is?
PT
It’s a big challenge, because The Championship is a hard division. But I think looking at Crystal Palace last year – we played them a couple of times -- and I saw them over the season, lots of times -- and they’ve got very very good players – finished 6th last year and I’d like to improve that.
Question:
How will it effect your role with the England U-21s
PT
Again Simon was quite happy that I was to carry that on. Off course Steve McClaren is the new manager of England and Steve will have his own plans. You know I’d like to
carry on. It’s good for the club. It's a good job -- it’s good to work with the youngsters and get good connections. But Steve McClaren might have other thoughts on it.
Question
Off course you know Ben and tom from your time in the U-21’s. Did that influence your decision –the youth set up?
PT:
Well I’ve always thought that Crystal Palace have always produced very good youngsters – and I know they are pleased here -- with a lot of the players coming through now.
I’ve always given youngsters a good chance. If they show me they are good enough to get in that team and they can handle the situation – they’ll be given every chance.
Questions:
Again hard to hear. (something about specualation over Ben Watson, I think)
PT
Without a doubt the first thing I’m going to try and do, is keep the best players
Question: about money (again can’t hear very well)
PT
We haven’t put a figure down but one thing I did say to the Chairman when I first met him – one of the reasons I want to come here was to try and get promotion. And if it means getting promotion I’m going to need some of the back up
Question
Palace has a place in your heart -- (difficult to hear)
PT
Well I just hope I’m half as good a manager as I was a player.
I was a decent player here scored a few goals made a few goals . I had three very exciting years when I was here.
If I could produce an exciting team -- but then maybe get a promotion, then that would be my biggest target.
Question
Are you planning moving house?
We’ve got a house near Southend. But I can assure everybody that we will also be moving very close to the area.
Question: Can’t hear again (about Hull City)
PT
I think so. As I say we’ve had two promotions three and three quarter years. It was a sleeping giant when people said go there -- it’s got a chance. And it has got a real chance. It’s a very good football club. And again that will always remain very special.
Question: (Can’t hear)
PT
No that’s not even entered my head..—opportunities come along. When a manager goes it leaves a slot there – and if you are lucky enough to get asked – you grab it.
SJ
My mate from the evening Standard Leo Spall
Question ( something about retaliation)
No that would require a degree of intelligence on their part. No I was actually trying to keep you out -- and David Mellor and all your poison pals. No not at all. (Said with a smile on his face)
Question: can you update us on that situation?
With the lawyers. With the greatest respect without putting a figure on it -- I have just paid significant compensation to Hull for Peter. I think that’s the least Charlton can do in their sphere with my ex-manager. So the lawyers will take care of it. That’s not for me to discuss at this forum. It’s about Peter Taylor and Crystal Palace and his future
Question: Was peter always your number one choice?
There was a number of choices but no one can be your number one choice until you meet them.
Bob has been working tirelessly over the last two to three weeks going through a selection process. Some of it out of courtesy to people -- and some of it out of general interest.
But you know from the point of view of -- from when I met Peter -- yeah, I think, obviously -- I had discussions with other people – but he’s the person I’ve gone with -- because he is the person that came out of it -- in the fashion that I felt wou;d be most beneficial to the club. So you know. Yes is the answer to that question.
Question: There was a lot of speculation that foreign Managers were on the list. Why
Didn’t you (can’t hear the rest)
SJ
I think it is irrelevant what the speculation was -- I’m not going to talk about the failings of people not getting this job -- I want to talk about the success of the person who did get the job. And Peter got the job because I thought he was the best person for it.
I think as I said in the opening soliloquy with regards to his attributes – they will come to fruition at this football club. Because if you are good at your job in this football club – you will be very well supported by me. And you’ll enjoy success -- because when you are supported you get success.
Question: What’s Bob’s position? Does he stay as he is?
Well Bob’s position has always been Director of Football. Unfortunately, with due respect to Bob -- there is an invidious position, unfortunately that I’ve put him in with blood and water.
But, not withstanding that -- Bob works for me -- and Bob is his own man- -- and will make his own decisions. His role as far as I’m concerned is actually more transparent than before.
Because Bob’s brief when he came in to the football club was to broaden this club’s horizons -- to expand our scouting network -- to harness it -- to re-energize it --and as I said to broaden it. And also as I said -- to commercially take us abroad.
He’s been influential in this American thing that we’re doing over in Baltimore -- and Bob will be very much involved on that side of things -- as well as if Peter needs help.
You know previously Bob came into the football club- and what a lot of people don’t appreciate is that – without one second of decrying Iain’s achievement -- in the season we went up -- Bob was also very influential in some of the decision making processes that went on.
That became muddied when more people came into the management structure. But Bob’s role -- as far as I’m concerned – is he works for me. We have a very good relationship. He’s his own man. He’ll make his own decisions -- and fto me he is part of the football task force that we have at this club -- that you know I'm behind -- in order to give us success.
I’m not here for money. I’m here for success. So I want the right people to have the right motivations. And then when they’ve been successful then perhaps – they can hold their hands up for more money. But the reality is Bob’s role in my mind -- is very definite and very focused.
Question: Who deals with transfers is that Peter‘s choice
SJ
Well the manager has always dealt with transfers in terms of who he wants. That’s never never been any different. You know we have a scouting network -- which helps the manager make a choice. And if you are a manager as educated a Peter Taylor -- I think you should be almost on par with your scouts -- in knowing the names the scouts are presenting to you.
But not withstanding that -- Chairmen buy players –managers choose players. And if the two are in tandem – or in agreement – then players get bought -- or if the monies are right or the player wants to come, then these things happen. But it is certainly Peter’s choice as to which players we bring in.
The only thing he will look at is can he bring in better players. That’s the idea behind any football manager. He’s not going to bring in worse players--- everyone hopes.
Question: Peter how far away do you feel Palace are from getting into the Premiership.
PT
Finshed sixth last year and unfortunately we lost Andy Johnson which is the only negative about it. We've still got some very good players here
Question How much harder does that make it though?
PT
Well I think in my interview with Simon I said, we need to bring in another forward. It’s as simple as that. If you lose somebody as good as Andy Johnson you’ve got to replace him – if you can. And we will do that. But all I can say is the times I’ve seen them play they looked a very good team to me. And I’m going to try to improve even more.
Question: Do you think it is a realistic aim to be in the Premiership after one season.
PT
It’s my aim. It’s definitely my aim to come here and to get promotion
Question: who will your coaching staff be?
Again it’s a little bit early. I’m coming in on my own at the minute, to have a look at the situation. I’m very happy Bob Dowie is staying here-- because he is one of the reasons why I’m here. He really helped me with the Simon situation. I’ve known Bob a long time.
He was my centre half at Hendon. He never listened to me once then -- he used to get booked all the time. But, no -- I’ve known him for a long time --and I’m very comfrortable that he’s here He’ll be a great help to me.
But we are just going to look at everything and give everybody a chance and go from there.
Question: You’ve had quire a few clubs (can’t hear the rest)
PT
You mean as manager -- yeah four. Well I’ve enjoyed the last three and three quarter years -- as I’ve said before -- and would take something special to change from that -- and I think this is a special job.
I’ve got a lot of affection for the football club and I would love to be able to get them back in the Premiership.
Question: About players he’s considering
PT
There’s lists of players but you may not get the one that you want -- you make a list – and try to get as many -- as high up that list as you can.
Question: How long is the contract?
SJ
How long is Peter’s contract? It’s a 3 year contract.
Terry Byfield
Peter was talking about his playing days in those 3 years he made 142 appearance and 39 goals were scored
Question about his international caps and Tottenham.
PT
I signed for Tottenham for 10 pounds less than Crystal Palace, because I wanted to play in the top division. We kept missing promotion when I was a player here. We were a very attractive team -- but we kept missing promotion. So it’s just getting that balance right of a winning team and a good team to see.
But. No, I did regret it. Because I had such a great time here -- and I know things went very well for me here. I played for England 4 times while I was at Crystal Palace -- and when I went to Tottenham I never played for England again. Nothing against Tottenham of course.
Question: Peter what are your movements over the next few weeks?
PT
I’m going back to Germany tonight, to watch three more matches over the next three days and I’m back and I hope to be starting work here on Monday.
Question: Question about the players.
The players will be having a well earned rest. There’s certain players I’m going to be speaking to.
Question: You were in the running for Charlton. What does Palace hold for you that Charlton didn’t?
PT
I just felt as though Simon Jordan wanted me. The most important thing for me. I wanted to be wanted. When I met Simon I thought it was a very good meeting – and I was really pleased the way it worked out. And I wanted to come here.
Question: Is that the short list scenario at Charlton that (can’t hear)
PT
At Charlton I didn’t know how long the short list was or how short the long list was. No – and in the end it was going on too long. For me I didn’t think that was fair for Hull City. I think Simon has worked as quickly as he possibly could -- and I hope it hasn’t messed up anyone’s plans -- especially Hull’s.
Question: simon what do you think charlto will make of this. Do you think it is one-upmanship?
SJ
In what respect. First of all I couldn’t care less. But in what respect
Question: You’ve taken a manager who was in the running for the Charlton job
SJ
It’s a non question really
PT
I was only in the running. There might have been someone else anyway.
SJ
That’s like saying me taking Trevor Francis three years ago was a direct dig at Birmingham. No – it was someone I appointed – because I wanted to appoint them.
The two things are not indexed at all. And as I said – I don’t know nor care what Charlton think.
Question: What about Kit Symons?
PT
Kit is another one I’m going to meet, hopefully meet him today. I know he’s a popular member here -- and I’m sure he’ll be staying here.
He’s over there.
And he’s bigger than me. So I’m pleased I said that.
SJ:
Nice to see everyone again. Getting to be a regular occurrence.
Over the last two or three weeks, both myself and Bob have been extremely busy looking for a replacement for Iain. We’ve been through a number of candidates with a specific viewpoint in mind. We want someone who can take the club forward in the shortest space of time possible. And by forward – I mean back to the Premiership. Which has been the clear aim over the last year, and is very much the definitive aim this year.
Personally I feel last year for me as an individual was a wasted year. I don’t want to waste another year – I want someone to come in -- and to take the club forward as quickly as possible.
I went through a number of candidates and I’m very grateful to Bob Dowie for his help in the selection process and the filtering process -- that ended up with us, with me, having a conversation with Peter – and deciding that Peter was the way forward for us.
There are a number of reasons for that decision. Having met Peter my perception of him – my original perception of him, changed dramatically. There’s a lot of comments in the press I’ve made over the years of my perception of him being a coach -- and I think that, with the benefit of hindsight, that perception was wrong.
I think that what we are employing is someone who is very determined – very much wants to be at this football club – which is a big plus. Has a great deal of history and relationship with the club, and a great deal of affection. And if anyone has seen the Centenary video over the last year -- you’ll see that manifest itself very clearly. He is a fabulous coach -- as a manager he suffers very little indiscipline as you see from the players who play for him.
He’s plugged into the England U-21 set-up and has been very successful at that -- which is very advantageous for us. And he wants to be successful at this football club.
So those are -- in a nutshell -- the reasons for me appointing Peter Taylor. I’m excited about it. I think he and I will have a good relationship. I think we will work together well. And I’m looking forward to working closely with him – and understanding a lot of the things he does—as well as being extremely supportive of him -- and giving him the tools he needs to do the job that I want – which is the team back in the Premiership at the end of next year.
So that’s from me. I think Peter has something that he’d like to say -- and then it’s over to you guys.
PETER TAYLOR:
Thank you Simon.
Well I’m absolutely delighted to be here. But I wouldn’t mind thanking Hull City and especially Adam Pearson for the the last three and three quarter years I’ve had there.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it – and it would have to be something special for me to leave that football club –because it’s a great football club and I’m delighted for the way it worked out there.
But when I got the call – or my Chairman got the call from Simon – to be asked -- if I would become the Manager of Crystal Palace -- I’ve got no doubt about it -- that I wanted to be here.
I’m delighted to be here. I’m looking forward to the challenge – and looking forward to – as Simon says – trying to get promotion.
Question:
Peter just how big a challenge do you think it is?
PT
It’s a big challenge, because The Championship is a hard division. But I think looking at Crystal Palace last year – we played them a couple of times -- and I saw them over the season, lots of times -- and they’ve got very very good players – finished 6th last year and I’d like to improve that.
Question:
How will it effect your role with the England U-21s
PT
Again Simon was quite happy that I was to carry that on. Off course Steve McClaren is the new manager of England and Steve will have his own plans. You know I’d like to
carry on. It’s good for the club. It's a good job -- it’s good to work with the youngsters and get good connections. But Steve McClaren might have other thoughts on it.
Question
Off course you know Ben and tom from your time in the U-21’s. Did that influence your decision –the youth set up?
PT:
Well I’ve always thought that Crystal Palace have always produced very good youngsters – and I know they are pleased here -- with a lot of the players coming through now.
I’ve always given youngsters a good chance. If they show me they are good enough to get in that team and they can handle the situation – they’ll be given every chance.
Questions:
Again hard to hear. (something about specualation over Ben Watson, I think)
PT
Without a doubt the first thing I’m going to try and do, is keep the best players
Question: about money (again can’t hear very well)
PT
We haven’t put a figure down but one thing I did say to the Chairman when I first met him – one of the reasons I want to come here was to try and get promotion. And if it means getting promotion I’m going to need some of the back up
Question
Palace has a place in your heart -- (difficult to hear)
PT
Well I just hope I’m half as good a manager as I was a player.
I was a decent player here scored a few goals made a few goals . I had three very exciting years when I was here.
If I could produce an exciting team -- but then maybe get a promotion, then that would be my biggest target.
Question
Are you planning moving house?
We’ve got a house near Southend. But I can assure everybody that we will also be moving very close to the area.
Question: Can’t hear again (about Hull City)
PT
I think so. As I say we’ve had two promotions three and three quarter years. It was a sleeping giant when people said go there -- it’s got a chance. And it has got a real chance. It’s a very good football club. And again that will always remain very special.
Question: (Can’t hear)
PT
No that’s not even entered my head..—opportunities come along. When a manager goes it leaves a slot there – and if you are lucky enough to get asked – you grab it.
SJ
My mate from the evening Standard Leo Spall
Question ( something about retaliation)
No that would require a degree of intelligence on their part. No I was actually trying to keep you out -- and David Mellor and all your poison pals. No not at all. (Said with a smile on his face)
Question: can you update us on that situation?
With the lawyers. With the greatest respect without putting a figure on it -- I have just paid significant compensation to Hull for Peter. I think that’s the least Charlton can do in their sphere with my ex-manager. So the lawyers will take care of it. That’s not for me to discuss at this forum. It’s about Peter Taylor and Crystal Palace and his future
Question: Was peter always your number one choice?
There was a number of choices but no one can be your number one choice until you meet them.
Bob has been working tirelessly over the last two to three weeks going through a selection process. Some of it out of courtesy to people -- and some of it out of general interest.
But you know from the point of view of -- from when I met Peter -- yeah, I think, obviously -- I had discussions with other people – but he’s the person I’ve gone with -- because he is the person that came out of it -- in the fashion that I felt wou;d be most beneficial to the club. So you know. Yes is the answer to that question.
Question: There was a lot of speculation that foreign Managers were on the list. Why
Didn’t you (can’t hear the rest)
SJ
I think it is irrelevant what the speculation was -- I’m not going to talk about the failings of people not getting this job -- I want to talk about the success of the person who did get the job. And Peter got the job because I thought he was the best person for it.
I think as I said in the opening soliloquy with regards to his attributes – they will come to fruition at this football club. Because if you are good at your job in this football club – you will be very well supported by me. And you’ll enjoy success -- because when you are supported you get success.
Question: What’s Bob’s position? Does he stay as he is?
Well Bob’s position has always been Director of Football. Unfortunately, with due respect to Bob -- there is an invidious position, unfortunately that I’ve put him in with blood and water.
But, not withstanding that -- Bob works for me -- and Bob is his own man- -- and will make his own decisions. His role as far as I’m concerned is actually more transparent than before.
Because Bob’s brief when he came in to the football club was to broaden this club’s horizons -- to expand our scouting network -- to harness it -- to re-energize it --and as I said to broaden it. And also as I said -- to commercially take us abroad.
He’s been influential in this American thing that we’re doing over in Baltimore -- and Bob will be very much involved on that side of things -- as well as if Peter needs help.
You know previously Bob came into the football club- and what a lot of people don’t appreciate is that – without one second of decrying Iain’s achievement -- in the season we went up -- Bob was also very influential in some of the decision making processes that went on.
That became muddied when more people came into the management structure. But Bob’s role -- as far as I’m concerned – is he works for me. We have a very good relationship. He’s his own man. He’ll make his own decisions -- and fto me he is part of the football task force that we have at this club -- that you know I'm behind -- in order to give us success.
I’m not here for money. I’m here for success. So I want the right people to have the right motivations. And then when they’ve been successful then perhaps – they can hold their hands up for more money. But the reality is Bob’s role in my mind -- is very definite and very focused.
Question: Who deals with transfers is that Peter‘s choice
SJ
Well the manager has always dealt with transfers in terms of who he wants. That’s never never been any different. You know we have a scouting network -- which helps the manager make a choice. And if you are a manager as educated a Peter Taylor -- I think you should be almost on par with your scouts -- in knowing the names the scouts are presenting to you.
But not withstanding that -- Chairmen buy players –managers choose players. And if the two are in tandem – or in agreement – then players get bought -- or if the monies are right or the player wants to come, then these things happen. But it is certainly Peter’s choice as to which players we bring in.
The only thing he will look at is can he bring in better players. That’s the idea behind any football manager. He’s not going to bring in worse players--- everyone hopes.
Question: Peter how far away do you feel Palace are from getting into the Premiership.
PT
Finshed sixth last year and unfortunately we lost Andy Johnson which is the only negative about it. We've still got some very good players here
Question How much harder does that make it though?
PT
Well I think in my interview with Simon I said, we need to bring in another forward. It’s as simple as that. If you lose somebody as good as Andy Johnson you’ve got to replace him – if you can. And we will do that. But all I can say is the times I’ve seen them play they looked a very good team to me. And I’m going to try to improve even more.
Question: Do you think it is a realistic aim to be in the Premiership after one season.
PT
It’s my aim. It’s definitely my aim to come here and to get promotion
Question: who will your coaching staff be?
Again it’s a little bit early. I’m coming in on my own at the minute, to have a look at the situation. I’m very happy Bob Dowie is staying here-- because he is one of the reasons why I’m here. He really helped me with the Simon situation. I’ve known Bob a long time.
He was my centre half at Hendon. He never listened to me once then -- he used to get booked all the time. But, no -- I’ve known him for a long time --and I’m very comfrortable that he’s here He’ll be a great help to me.
But we are just going to look at everything and give everybody a chance and go from there.
Question: You’ve had quire a few clubs (can’t hear the rest)
PT
You mean as manager -- yeah four. Well I’ve enjoyed the last three and three quarter years -- as I’ve said before -- and would take something special to change from that -- and I think this is a special job.
I’ve got a lot of affection for the football club and I would love to be able to get them back in the Premiership.
Question: About players he’s considering
PT
There’s lists of players but you may not get the one that you want -- you make a list – and try to get as many -- as high up that list as you can.
Question: How long is the contract?
SJ
How long is Peter’s contract? It’s a 3 year contract.
Terry Byfield
Peter was talking about his playing days in those 3 years he made 142 appearance and 39 goals were scored
Question about his international caps and Tottenham.
PT
I signed for Tottenham for 10 pounds less than Crystal Palace, because I wanted to play in the top division. We kept missing promotion when I was a player here. We were a very attractive team -- but we kept missing promotion. So it’s just getting that balance right of a winning team and a good team to see.
But. No, I did regret it. Because I had such a great time here -- and I know things went very well for me here. I played for England 4 times while I was at Crystal Palace -- and when I went to Tottenham I never played for England again. Nothing against Tottenham of course.
Question: Peter what are your movements over the next few weeks?
PT
I’m going back to Germany tonight, to watch three more matches over the next three days and I’m back and I hope to be starting work here on Monday.
Question: Question about the players.
The players will be having a well earned rest. There’s certain players I’m going to be speaking to.
Question: You were in the running for Charlton. What does Palace hold for you that Charlton didn’t?
PT
I just felt as though Simon Jordan wanted me. The most important thing for me. I wanted to be wanted. When I met Simon I thought it was a very good meeting – and I was really pleased the way it worked out. And I wanted to come here.
Question: Is that the short list scenario at Charlton that (can’t hear)
PT
At Charlton I didn’t know how long the short list was or how short the long list was. No – and in the end it was going on too long. For me I didn’t think that was fair for Hull City. I think Simon has worked as quickly as he possibly could -- and I hope it hasn’t messed up anyone’s plans -- especially Hull’s.
Question: simon what do you think charlto will make of this. Do you think it is one-upmanship?
SJ
In what respect. First of all I couldn’t care less. But in what respect
Question: You’ve taken a manager who was in the running for the Charlton job
SJ
It’s a non question really
PT
I was only in the running. There might have been someone else anyway.
SJ
That’s like saying me taking Trevor Francis three years ago was a direct dig at Birmingham. No – it was someone I appointed – because I wanted to appoint them.
The two things are not indexed at all. And as I said – I don’t know nor care what Charlton think.
Question: What about Kit Symons?
PT
Kit is another one I’m going to meet, hopefully meet him today. I know he’s a popular member here -- and I’m sure he’ll be staying here.
He’s over there.
And he’s bigger than me. So I’m pleased I said that.
