Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has revealed that he spent days trying to convince Ian Holloway he was the man to take the Eagles forward.

However, following a run on one Premier League win in eight games, Holloway told Parish “I can’t do it” and the pair have parted ways by mutual consent.

Parish told a press conference urgently called on Wednesday afternoon that Holloway “ has done the honourable thing maybe and fallen on his sword”.

Holloway guided Palace to the Premier League via the Wembley play-off final, and over the summer recruited a raft of players who have failed to gel as Holloway wanted them to.

But Parish was full of praise for his departing manager.

He said: “Ian's been very noble and he's come forward and said ‘I can't do it’.

“I was more than happy to get relegated and come back up with Ian. The word 'sacked' has never been mentioned among the directors.

“I've spent days trying to get Ian in the frame of mind that he can do it against Arsenal.”

He added: “If you want my honest opinion, he goes out on the training pitch too much.

"He has got such a positive outlook but maybe he needs to be a bit more selfish. He's immersed himself in all aspects of this club.”

Keith Millen will take charge for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday, while Parish begins the search for a new manager for the second time inside 12 months.

He said: “You'd love to have someone in place next week but I haven't got a list. I wanted Ian to wake up and say ‘sorry about the blip’ and stay.

“We've got to find someone now who will take us on huge next part of the journey.”

Holloway said: “This club needs an impetus of energy. But I just feel tired to be honest. I'm worn out.

“All I can do is be as honest as I can and wish everyone at the club well. I just need time to chill out.”