Dowie in pole position for Palace job as former manager closes in on sensational return to Selhurst Park

By John Edwards

Published: 11:10 EDT, 15 November 2013 | Updated: 12:57 EDT, 15 November 2013

Iain Dowie is in pole position for a second stint as Crystal Palace manager after making a favourable impression in talks with chairman Steve Parish.

The 48-year old is closing in on a vacancy created by Ian Holloway’s departure on October 23 after underlining his eagerness to return to management and outlining his plans for turning round Palace’s fortunes.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Chelsea full-back Dan Petrescu is the other frontrunner for the post, but Dowie appears close to being given the job and is waiting anxiously for confirmation from the Palace board.

Return: Iain Dowie is on the brink of taking the reins at Crystal Palace for a second time having left in 2005

Candidates: Dan Petrescu (right) is still being considered after Aitor Karanka joined Middlesbrough as manager

It could prove a controversial appointment with Palace followers, given the way Dowie ended up taking over at arch-rivals Charlton shortly after quitting as Selhurst Park boss in 2006.

But Parish is more concerned with Palace’s current predicament at the foot of the Barclays Premier League and finding a remedy before survival becomes a forlorn hope.

Sportsmail understands Dowie’s energy and enthusiasm has convinced the Palace chief that he can take the club forward and that a decision on Holloway’s successor could be made shortly, finally bringing to an end weeks of uncertainty.

Former Northern Ireland striker Dowie has been away from management since leaving Hull in the summer of 2010 and has been working in the media. He is a regular contributor to Sky Sports but has increasingly been hankering after a return to the dug-out.

After emerging as a late candidate for the Palace post and edging ahead of Petrescu in the race to be appointed, it looks like his wish may soon be granted.

Know-how: Dowie's last role in the top-flight was in 2010 as Hull City's 'Football Management Consultant'

Down: Dowie was also part of Alan Shearer's coaching staff when the Magpies were relegated in 2009