Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis confirms Kevin Phillips will not be expected to continue assistant manager role in order to focus on goals

Pulis wants Phillips to concentrate on hitting the target in order to keep Palace safe from Premier League relegation

Crystal Palace striker Kevin Phillips will not be continuing his role as assistant manager following Tony Pulis's appointment (GETTY IMAGES)

Kevin Phillips will not be expected to continue his assistant coaching role at Crystal Palace, according to new manager Tony Pulis.

Veteran striker Phillips had been installed as assistant to caretaker boss Keith Millen in the wake of Ian Holloway's departure on October 23.

But new boss Pulis wants 40-year-old Phillips spearheading Palace's Barclays Premier League survival battle simply by scoring goals.

Pulis has confirmed he is looking to shake up Palace's backroom staff.

And one of his first moves will be to ask veteran striker Phillips to concentrate on his day job of leading Palace's attack.

"I'm hoping Kevin will help us on the pitch never mind off it," he said.

"So that's my thought, that Kevin will get involved with that, because he still has a great deal to offer us."

Former Stoke manager Pulis met with the Crystal Palace board on Thursday night, to outline his initial plans for change.

Pulis intended to seek approval for his ideas before making any approaches for new coaching recruits.

Ahead of the meeting, he said: "It's a chance to speak to the board members, go over my first impressions, and talk about what we can do initially to get things moving and make some changes.

"I'd like to bring a few people in, but where and when, that will depend on chats with the board of directors.

"It's only right to have those discussions there first of all."

Palace produced an important 1-0 league victory at Hull last weekend, before Pulis was able to get down to training-ground graft at his new club.

Admitting he has worked his players hard this week, he said he will give them time to adjust to his coaching demands.

Palace make the trip east to take on Norwich on Saturday, with Pulis expecting a fierce relegation six-pointer.

Fully aware his new side face a fight to stay in the top flight, Pulis said he would never have taken the job if he expected to drop into the Championship.

He said: "The reason I've joined the football club is to stay in the Premier League.

"If I thought it was a case of going down to come back up I wouldn't have joined.

"What we've done on the pitch this week has been difficult for them, but they have all responded brilliantly.

"If there's a criticism I've probably tried to get too much into them too quickly.

"But their attitude has been first class."

PA