Crystal Palace midfielder Mikele Leigertwood has revealed he was stunned when he heard Iain Dowie had left Selhurst Park.

The 23-year-old, who is currently considering a new contract offer from the Eagles, assumed the ex-Palace boss would stay at the club following last Monday's team meeting where Dowie outlined the criteria for next season.

Leigertwood said: "He gave quite a tough talk about what we need to do next year and from that I thought he would come back after the summer all guns blazing.

"It came as shock to me as anybody else."

The former Wimbledon man also revealed Dowie spoke individually to his former players on the phone after the press conference on Monday, after he admitted he had not informed any of the club's playing staff of his decision.

"He wished me good luck and thanked me for what we've achieved over the past couple of years," added Leigerwood.

With a new manager bound for Selhurst Park, Leigertwood admitted he may have to bide his time signing the contract until he knows who's going to be in place next season.

He added: "I don't know who we are having as manager so I don't really want to push on with signing the contract until I know who's in charge."