Dowie leaves Palace

Iain Dowie has left Coca-Cola Championship outfit Crystal Palace by mutual consent.

The former Northern Ireland international, 41, took over at Selhurst Park in December 2003 and steered the Eagles into the Barclays Premiership following victory over West Ham in the Championship play-off final.

Their stay in the top flight was a brief one, however, as they were relegated the following season and were this year beaten in the play-off semi-finals by Watford, who yesterday booked their return ticket to the Premiership.

Dowie has been touted as a possible successor to Alan Curbishley and Steve McClaren at Charlton and Middlesbrough respectively while Ipswich have also been alerted.