Dougie Freedman has sympathy for Crystal Palace fans after Tony Pulis exit

As Tony Pulis quit his job on the eve of the new Premier League season, Dougie Freedman’s sympathy was reserved for the supporters of his former club Crystal Palace.

Just 48 hours before the Eagles kick-off their campaign against Arsenal this evening, Pulis walked out on the club in what is believed to be a dispute over transfer policy with the board.

Freedman – whose relationship with the Palace hierarchy also had its highs and lows in his time in charge at Selhurst Park – admitted the timing of the decision would have been a big blow to the fans.

“Nothing surprises me in football,” he said. “I’m disappointed because a manager has lost his job.

“I know Tony very well. It only happened last night and I don’t know the ins and outs, so it would be unfair to comment too much or take sides.

“Crystal Palace fans were always very good to me and I’m sure they’ll be the ones who are hurting right now.”

Source

Shades of Bruce Rioch here except for the fact Bruce left for the Arsenal job while Pulis doesn't yet seem to have another club to go to. I doubt he'll be out of the game long though because he's a very good manager at lower prem/upper championship level. 

If the Palace board made it impossible for Pulis to feel he could do the job right then they've just shot themselves in the foot imo and they'll probably pay a heavy price for that. I agree with Dougie in that the ones who'll most suffer from this will be the fans.

I heard Pulis walked because he was unable to get his transfer targets. Whether this is because they sold for more than the Palace board had available or not is unclear.
Sharp contrast with Dougie who has missed loads of transfer targets due to inflating prices but seems to keep finding alternatives to miss out on.