Frank de Boer: Crystal Palace appoint Dutchman as new manager

Crystal Palace have named former Ajax and Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer as their new boss on a three-year contract.

The 47-year-old Dutchman succeeds Sam Allardyce, who left after helping Palace avoid relegation last season.

"The aim is to be a solid Premier League team, not to struggle with relegation," said the former defender, who won 112 caps for the Netherlands.

"That is our main target - if we do more that's nice."

Between 2010 and 2016, De Boer managed Ajax, winning the Eredivisie four years in a row between 2011 and 2015.

However, he had been out of work since being sacked by Italian side Inter in November after only 85 days in charge - although he said he learned "a lot" from his brief time at the San Siro.

"I had a good feeling about the club and the prospect of managing a team in the Premier League was exciting," added De Boer.

"This club can grow further and further. They spend a lot of money and there is the possibility to do something well with that money.

"I've not met the players yet. We will look at one or two signings, but I think it is necessary to see all the players here first."

• Honest and hard-working - what to expect from De Boer

De Boer had stints at Ajax and Barcelona, as well as six months at Rangers, during his playing career, while he was also Netherlands assistant manager from 2008 to 2010.

He said he had spoken to fellow Dutchman and ex-Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal prior to becoming Palace's first permanent non-British manager.

"I have my own type of coaching and style of playing. We want to be dominant when we can, but also dominate when we don't have the ball," he said.

"Also for the fans, we must try to be attractive. Palace has a very enthusiastic and passionate fanbase, so they will want to see that."

Eagles chairman Steve Parish said he had been "surprised" by Allardyce's departure but had consulted with the ex-England boss about his successor.

He added that De Boer's experience of developing young players was one of the attributes that made him suitable for the Selhurst Park club.

"It's fantastically exciting for this football club, an amazing milestone for us," said Parish.

"I am excited to work with him and by what we can achieve with the club."

Analysis

BBC Sport's David Ornstein

De Boer stepped down at Ajax days after missing out on a fifth league title to PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the 2015-16 campaign.

He is thought to have impressed the Palace hierarchy with his knowledge of the club and his footballing vision.

It is said the respect and humbleness he showed was striking, especially given how much he achieved as a player, including winning 112 caps for the Netherlands.

The former Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers defender is understood to have committed to giving players from the existing squad a chance to impress before looking to make new signings.

Palace have invested heavily in recent transfer windows, but will back De Boer and have made him aware of their budget.