Pardew SACKED with £5m pay-off just months after almost landing FA Cup as Palace make shamed Allardyce No 1 choice to take over.

Crystal Palace have sacked manager Alan Pardew and will meet Sam Allardyce's representatives later on Thursday.
The Palace hierarchy had already identified the former England manager as a potential successor if Pardew continued to struggle and there are now plans to recruit him as quickly as possible.
Pardew's tenure at Selhurst Park was ended after almost two years with the club 17th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone. He has received an estimated £5million pay-off.
'Following a fantastic second half of 2014-15, the 2015-16 season culminated in only narrowly missing out on winning the FA Cup as well as securing our Premier League place for a record breaking third time.
'During his tenure Alan's hard work and dedication were without question, he has improved so many areas of the club and we wish him the very best for the future.'
Palace added: 'With games now coming thick and fast over the holiday period the club are hoping to put someone in place as quickly as possible but have nothing to say about a replacement at this time.'
In a statement on the Palace website, Pardew said: 'I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everybody at Crystal Palace for their fantastic support.
'In particular a big thanks to the players who gave me absolutely everything and Steve Parish and his board.