---
title: "Salako loving life at Palace"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2015/11/20/salako-loving-life-palace/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Murray"
section: "Crystal Palace News"
published: "2015-11-20T10:32:11Z"
modified: "2015-11-20T10:32:11Z"
---

# Salako loving life at Palace

Crystal Palace legend John Salako has [spoken](https://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/absolutely-love-job-Palace-team-coach-lifts-lid/story-28210036-detail/story.html) about what has so far been an “incredible time” back at Selhurst Park.

Salako was brought in by ex-teammate Alan Pardew to replace the departed coach John Garner, but after impressing, he was offered a full time role at the club.

Salako had been working at Sky Sports, reporting on Soccer Saturday most weekends, including sometimes at Selhurst Park. Salako put his media duties on the side to join Palace.

Salako returns to the club where he made his name. He made over 200 appearances for the eagles, scoring 20 goals. He was part of the Palace side who won promotion to the Premier League in 1989 and the side who reached the FA Cup final in 1990, and almost lifted the famous trophy before losing in the replay.

Salako say’s he is the “luckiest guy in the world” to work alongside former team-mate Pardew with the palace first team, after starting with the youth setup.

> It’s been incredible so far. I think, for years I’ve looked at it and thought I’d love an opportunity, and now it’s come.I’ve watched from the outside and I was there at Wembley for the play-off victory against Watford, watched the team under Ian Holloway, Tony Pulis and Neil Warnock. I just watched it all unfold, and then for Alan Pardew to get the job was brilliant. Then, for me to bump into him and spend some time with him was probably the right time. Ben Garner left the club and Alan just asked me to come and some coaching. It’s just been a whirlwind and I absolutely love it.