Manager Frank de Boer says he is pleased Crystal Palace have appointed Dougie Freedman as sporting director.

The appointment of Freedman, who played for Palace in two different spells before managing the club from 2011-2012, was confirmed on Monday morning and he will work closely with the Dutch boss, chairman Steve Parish and head of recruitment Tim Coe.

The 43-year-old ex-striker has been welcomed to the Eagles by De Boer, who revealed he made it apparent when taking charge in the summer that he needed this position to be filled.

He told the club's official website: "I always worked with a Sporting Director during my time as manager at Ajax and I felt this was a position the club needed, I am looking forward to working with Dougie in this transfer window and beyond."

Palace have started the Premier League season in poor fashion, having lost to Huddersfield Town at Selhurst Park 3-0 on the opening-day before being beaten 1-0 by Liverpool at Anfield last time out.