Former Crystal Palace coach Keith Millen has been named the new AFC Croydon Athletic manager.

Millen joins the South London outfit owned by Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha, Croydon-born rapper Stormzy and former Palace player liaison Danny Young.

The trio have owned the club for just over a year, with the Rams earning promotion to step eight of the English football pyramid during their first season at the helm. 

Millen, who was Palace’s assistant manager from 2012-2017, joins a host of Eagles alumni at AFC Croydon, including iconic striker Andrew Johnson, now director of football at the side that compete in the Isthmian League South East.

MORE PALACE NEWS

Alongside playing understudy to four Crystal Palace managers, the UEFA A license coach has managed Bristol City, Örgryte IS and Carlisle United while overseeing caretaker spells at Palace, Milton Keynes and Gillingham.

Joining the side 13 points outside the play-offs, Millen said: “I’ve known Danny [Young] for many years and had the privilege of working with Wilf [Zaha] during my time at Crystal Palace. Being a Croydon native, this opportunity felt like a natural fit. Crystal Palace will always be my team, but Croydon is where my heart is.”

“This role aligns perfectly with my current work with the PFA in the region. Coaching remains my passion, and this part-time position gives me the chance to continue developing players, some of whom I’ve worked with before. I’m excited to be part of this journey with AFC Croydon Athletic.”

Millen's first match in charge comes at home against Three Bridges on Saturday as the Rams attempt to extend their unbeaten run in the league to eleven games.