Bournemouth's new signing Glenn Murray 'an icon' at Crystal Palace, says Pardew

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has heaped praise on the recently departed Glenn Murray, describing him as "an icon" at Selhurst Park.

The 31-year-old forward could not be assured of regular first-team football with the Eagles this term, so he moved on to newly promoted Bournemouth last week.

Related: Bournemouth signs Glenn Murray from Crystal Palace on 3-year deal

Murray joined the Eagles from Brighton and Hove Albion in 2011 and became a fan favourite, as his 30 goals led the club to Premier League promotion in 2013.

"Glenn is an icon at this club and we wouldn't be in our third season in the Premier League without him," Pardew told reporters. "He'll do a great job for Bournemouth."

With the Cumbrian allowed to leave the club, the Palace gaffer had to keep hold of Dwight Gayle, who was the subject of a late bid from Norwich City.

"Only one was going to go, because I need a pool of strikers here. Dwight is prepared to take the fight to the others.

"With Glenn leaving it gives Dwight an opportunity. He's trained very well and is very much a part of our family. The only frustration was his playing time and he may be able to get that now."