Dougie Freedman will not be dusting off his boots and playing for Crystal Palace again.

The former Eagles striker was yesterday named as assistant manager to fellow Scot George Burley, having performed the same role under Paul Hart at the end of last season.

Because of Palace's transfer embargo, the 36-year-old couldn't register as a player then but could do so now if he wished.

Instead he has decided to concentrate on the coaching side but stopped short of saying he was retired.

"In a strange way I see myself as never retired," he said.

"I will always play but professionally I just feel there is another opportunity and a door is open so I want to go that way.

"I won't be registering as a player.

"I am here as assistant manager and that is a big enough job on its own.

"I am 90 per cent certain I won't play again but I don't want to say I am retired, this is just the role I am in now."

Freedman, who scored 108 goals in 369 games for Palace, has been working at the training ground since the end of the season as a point of contact for players.

"Nobody's about so I have been doing things I never even thought I would be doing like pricing up grass seed," he said.

"It's just been trying to keep everyone bubbling long, being positive and providing the personal touch really."