John Salako has rejoined Crystal Palace - as the head coach for the U13s.

The former England winger, who scored 22 goals in 215 games for Palace, took his first training session on Thursday evening ahead of the new season, which starts on September 6.

The club have also confirmed they are in talks with Mark Bright about the possibility of him joining the Academy.

Academy Manager David Moss said: "I am absolutely delighted for the Academy.

"To have someone of John's professionalism and experience involved with coaching our players is a huge coup for us and he will be a valuable addition to our coaching staff.

"John is held in such high regard at Crystal Palace and I also believe it is good for the club to get someone of his calibre back and involved in developing our young talent.

"I spoke to him at the club's Game of Two Halves day at Bletchingly Golf Club and we discussed his future plans in coaching.

"He mentioned that he was in the process of completing his A License and I asked him if he would consider getting involved with coaching our players.

"He was very interested and we agreed that we would discuss it at the start of the season.

"Once we met it was clear that his appointment would be good for both Crystal Palace and John himself.

"The Academy will get an excellent new coach and role model, while John will get the coaching experience and the chance to put something back into the club that is close to his heart."