Palace summon sacked Bullivant

Terry Bullivant has been appointed as technical director at Crystal Palace, a month after being sacked as assistant manager.

Bullivant left at the start of November along with manager Steve Kember, but has been asked back by chairman Simon Jordan to oversee the scouting network and academy.

Bullivant, previously manager of Reading, is expected to start his job at the end of this week.

Meanwhile, Kit Symons has received welcome support as Palace look to make up lost ground in the First Division when they take on Crewe at Selhurst Park tonight.

Symons, in charge as player-manager at least until the end of the month, was sent off at Preston on Saturday as Palace crashed 4-1.

It was the first league defeat since he took over from Steve Kember, but came only three days after a 3-0 Carling Cup defeat at Aston Villa.

Symons knows he needs an upturn in results if he is to keep the job.

"At the end of the day, it will be a run of decent results that will play a big part," said Symons.

But he has the backing of Finland defender Aki Riihilahti, who said: "Training has been top quality, really intense and the squad have responded by working hard.

"We look more ready and more solid and before going to Preston we were unbeaten under Kit. We need results now but there is a big will and determination to make things right."