Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left his role at the club after eight years.
The 50-year-old is see as a Palace legend by the fans and others at the club for spells as both a player and manager. Freedman had two stints as a player for Palace the first coming between 1995-1997 before he returned in 2000 and stayed till 2008.
Three years on from that the Scotsman was announced as the new Palace manager in 2011, before he left just a year later in a decision he has since said he always regretted as Palace went on to secure promotion.
Freedman has been the clubs sporting director at Selhurst Park since 2017, where he played a key role in establishing a sustainable scouting structure at the club, bringing in players such as Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton.
The former Scottish international is renowned for his eye for talent, especially young players in the lower leagues. With players such as Eze and Guehi flourishing at Palace and becoming England regulars.
It is said that Freedman's best asset is his ability to get to know players on a personal level and how much background work he does to get to know the players he's looking to sign.
There have been reports before of him staying in the same hotels as players he is looking to recruit to get a sense of how they are with their people, their daily mannerisms and routines, this is the part of Freedman Palace will undeniably miss the most.
Although Freedman's next move has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate he has been offered a position with the Diriyah Company, which owns the Saudi second-tier club Al-Diriyah. The role he is expected to take up in the Middle East should he move there is a multi-sport role to recruit talent to Saudi Arabia.
Palace will no doubt miss what Freedman brings to the table, but he has built a model and structure which should see Palace through for the long run. He would have had a big say on many key decisions at the club but it was not all down to one person.
Palace Chairman Steve Parish said in a statement on Freedman's departure that: “Dougie has been instrumental in everything we have done over the past eight years and indeed had a huge impact before that as manager and, of course, as a player.
"I have enjoyed working with him immensely and wish him every success for the future. Dougie leaves behind an excellent and well-structured sporting department that I’m sure will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The Eagles legend Freedman added: "I would like to extend my thanks to Steve Parish, the other owners and to all the staff, managers and players who have been at the club during my time here. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning from and working alongside you all.
"It’s been an honour to represent the club and I am incredibly proud of the work that’s been done, with the Chairman’s support, in growing the football club into its current position.
"To be leaving the club with a squad full of exciting talent led by an excellent manager, I truly believe the foundations are in place to be built upon.
“Finally, a huge thank you to all the fans for your continued support and passion - especially with how you’ve helped new signings and Academy products settle into life at Selhurst Park by supporting and getting behind the team.
"Crystal Palace is and will always remain in my heart, and I will continue to look for results and follow the club’s progress closely."
Freedman is said to be heavily involved in the transition process at Palace before he leaves so the club is left in the right shape, with long-term consultant Iain Moody, who has been working alongside Freedman, could see his responsibilities increased.
Palace fans shouldn't be too worried about the upcoming summer transfer window as plans for that would have been laid out for some time. While the ground work on potential incomings would have been worked on already.
Whoever replaces Freedman will certainly have big boots to fill at Palace but change is not always a bad thing and could even have a positive impact on the club going forward.