Transfer news: Crystal Palace appoint Pierre Sage as new manager following RC Lens exit

Crystal Palace have confirmed the appointment of Pierre Sage as the club's new manager following his departure from French side RC Lens.

The 46-year-old replaces Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park and arrives in south London after overseeing a highly successful spell with Lens, where he guided the club to silverware and a second-place finish in Ligue 1.

Sage now takes charge of a Palace side preparing for another European campaign and looking to build on recent successes.

Sage excited by Palace opportunity

Speaking after his appointment was announced, Sage expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the challenge at Selhurst Park.

"It's amazing to be here at Crystal Palace," Sage told the club's official website.

"I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons.

"Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. That's why we come here with a lot of ambition."

The Frenchman also highlighted the positive environment he has encountered since arriving at the club.

"The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset too.

"We won last year - and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits."

Focus on supporters

Sage made it clear that supporters will remain at the heart of his plans as he begins a new chapter in English football.

"We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it's for all your life," he said.

"We want to give the fans what they want.

"We want to make the fans smile, to be proud of the team, and to be proud of the club."

Parish backs new appointment

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed Sage to the club and believes his track record made him the ideal candidate for the role.

"I am tremendously excited to welcome Pierre, who joins us off the back of a trophy-winning season at Lens as well as a fabulous second-place finish in Ligue 1," Parish said.

"As we move into another European campaign off the back of our success in Leipzig, I know he will give everything to target more success for our fantastic football club."

The appointment signals Palace's intention to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe as the club continues its upward trajectory.

Emotional farewell to Lens

Before embarking on his new challenge, Sage delivered an emotional farewell message to Lens supporters.

"Blood and Gold People, I have three things to tell you," he said.

"First, bravo for this historic year that we experienced together.

"Next, thank you for all those moments when we united our courage and strength to proudly carry the colours of this magnificent club, RC Lens.

"And finally, farewell, you will remain forever in my mind and in my heart.

"May the story continue."

New era begins at Selhurst Park

Sage arrives at Crystal Palace with a growing reputation and a proven record of success in France.

The challenge now will be translating that success to the Premier League while maintaining the momentum generated under Glasner.

With European football once again on the horizon, expectations will be high.

For Palace, the appointment represents the beginning of a new era.

For Sage, it is an opportunity to test himself on one of football's biggest stages.

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