Former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce was named as manager of Crystal Palace today and said his target in his first season would be to reach the play-offs.
Bruce, who stepped down as manager of second division Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, replaces Alan Smith, who was sacked a month ago.
He signed a three-year contract with a further two-year option and becomes the south London club's 10th manager in eight years.
Steve Kember, in charge as caretaker for the past month when they escaped relegation with an 87th-minute last-day victory, was appointed assistant manager.
"I believe Steve Bruce has gained great experience taking two clubs to the brink of first division foorball on limited funds," said chairman Simon Jordan.
"He's proved as a player he's a winner and I'm hoping he can bring that attitude to this club."
Bruce said: "The chairman is a Crystal Palace fan and he wants this club in the Premiership and that rubs off when you meet him.
"That's why I'm here and I hope I can bring him that success."
Bruce, who has had spells in charge of Sheffield United and Huddersfield, failed in his bid to get Wigan promoted. He lost in the play-offs after joining the club on a short-term contract until the end of the season. The Palace job is his fourth in three years
Jordan has promised Bruce a sum of around £10 million sterling to spend on reinforcements for next season and said there were no plans to sell the club's best players.He said he had turned down a £3 million offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers for potential Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison.