New Crystal Palace development coach Said Aigoun explains role

Said Aigoun has big plans for Crystal Palace after being named new development coach.

Aigoun has left PSG to take up the position.

He explained to Palace's website: "I work as a coach in the professional team and under the responsibility of Patrick (Vieira, manager). He defines the strategy and objectives for the professional group. I am there as a coach with the other members of staff to contribute together so that we can work well already in training and achieve the objectives.

"In addition to that, I will have a special focus on the development of the professional players, and I will also ensure the transition from the Academy to our professional team. Twelve young players are participating in the training session with us, which is beneficial to them and allows us to get to know them more quickly.

"These players will have regular additional and personalised work during the season. In the Academy, work has been done by the whole team for years under the responsibility of the Academy Director [Gary Issott]. I know that the Academy is important to Crystal Palace fans and club members. Also, the club management has invested heavily in the Academy.

"So we need to continue that work with the young players who join us and who will have different needs to the senior players in the squad. It is a role that is close to my heart in view of my career and which is very important for Patrick Vieira, who has proved everywhere he has been that he is capable of launching young players and making them play well."