Here is all you need to know about Dougie Freedman, Crystal Palace’s sporting direction, his bio, age, wife and best signings
The Eagles’ comeback since Oliver Glasner took over as manager is continuing as Michael Olise netted twice, one each after goals from Tyrick Mitchell and the highly effective Jean-Philippe Mateta.
After losing badly to Crystal Palace 4-0, the Reds dropped to eighth place in the Premier League and risked missing out on European competition the next year.
Who is Dougie Freedman Crystal Palace Sporting Director, bio, age, family, wife, son and signings
December 1995. Martin Smith goes past Crystal Palace's Dougie Freeman. pic.twitter.com/bIrbYTQ1hj
— SAFC History (@SAFCplayers) January 27, 2024
Meanwhile, The Evening Standard reports that Dougie Freedman, Crystal Palace’s sports director, is excited to join Newcastle United. Earlier, he was linked to United. Freedman is one of two people shortlisted to become Newcastle’s next sporting director, along with Johannes Spor, global sporting director of 777 Partners.
The sporting director at Palace has demonstrated success in the transfer market at Selhurst Park. He has found some very good players, like Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton, and Michael Olise.
Who is Dougie Freedman?
Dougie Freeman is a former football player and Crystal Palace manager before he returned as their sporting director in 2017. He was born on 25 May 1974 in Glasgow, Scotland. The former striker stands 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) tall.
The former Scotland international has since then signed some brilliant players to the club. The 49-year-old has appeared for multiple English clubs playing for the English Football League (EFL) and English Premier League (EPL).
He played for teams like Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace netting 108 goals in 368 games for the team which plays its home game at Selhurst Park.
At the age of 20, Dougie’s career took off and a return of 27 goals in 49 appearances earned him an £800,000 move to Crystal Palace 14 months later.
His recruiting success drew the attention of Newcastle, who are keen to appoint a new sports director in the next several weeks prior to the summer window. He also brought Marc Guehi on board. In November 2005, Crystal Palace hired Freedman as their reserve team manager, which marked the start of his coaching career.
After quitting competitive play in March 2010, Freedman returned to Crystal Palace as John Pemberton’s first team coach and assistant manager to Paul Hart. He also had his managerial spells at Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
Dougie Freedman’s best signings
Michael Olise: £8m from Reading.
Eberechi Eze: £16m from QPR.
Marc Guehi: £18m from Chelsea.
Joachim Andersen: £15m from Lyon.
Cheick Doucoure: £18m from Lens.
Dougie Freedman’s wife
Dougie Freedman is married to Sarah Clemence and the couple have welcomed four kids together. His son Harry Freedman is a footballer who plays for Halifax Town as a midfielder.