Warnock told Pardew Palace would be his next club

Warnock was sacked after the Boxing Day defeat against Southampton just four months into his job at Selhurst Park.

Pardew is set to succeed him as Palace boss, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish having agreed compensation with Newcastle.

And Warnock – whose first game in charge of Palace was the 3-3 draw with Newcastle at St James’s Park back in August – admits he isn’t surprised by Parish’s move for Pardew, and insists he will be a ‘great appointment’.

Warnock said: “I suppose in Premier League football they go over a matter of weeks and I know the chairman knows Alan well.

“When we were at Newcastle for my first game, I remember pulling Alan after the game and saying, ‘this is the club for you, this is your next club’.

“I only wanted this season to try and help them stabilise after the terrible blow they had when Tony Pulis left. There were no standout candidates and I said to the chairman then that he might as well put me in charge and then wait for one that is going to take the club on and this is it. I think Alan is a great appointment.

“He will be given a long contract, which is needed because the infrastructure at Palace is very poor, Premier League-wise, and he will get the chance (to change things).”