NEIL McDonald is leaving Bolton Wanderers to become Iain Dowie's right hand man at Crystal Palace, at the second time of asking.

The Reebok first team coach turned down a previous offer to join Dowie at Selhurst Park 18 months ago but says the time is now right to move on.

"The timing wasn't right before, but Iain's come back in for me and offered me a fantastic opportunity to become his assistant manager, which I've accepted," McDonald said.

"Sometimes you just know when it's right to move on and this time it's right for me. I'm leaving the club in a great position, having played a part in helping them qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, but it's time to experience something new."

Palace have agreed to pay Wanderers compensation and McDonald was in London to finalise the personal terms of a move that will see him take the next step on the management ladder, having served as youth coach at Preston before joining Wanderers in September 2000, initially as U19s coach then as reserve team manager and first team coach.

"It just needs rubber stamping," said the 39-year-old Geordie. "I've been down to see how the set-up works and I'm looking forward now to the players starting back on July 4 and hopefully using what I've learned and enjoyed doing at Bolton for the benefit of Iain and Crystal Palace.

"It's been a fantastic experience, a fantastic joy ride for the last five years with Bolton but now I'm looking forward to a new challenge."

Dowie is planning for Palace to bounce straight back from the disappointment of being relegated after just one season of Premiership football, although highly-rated midfielder, Wayne Routledge, is on his way to Spurs and top scorer, Andy Johnson, wants a move because he fears his England prospects will be jeopardised by playing in the Championship.

Nevertheless, McDonald says confidence is high in the Eagles camp.

"It's going to be a fantastic challenge for us," he said. "We've still got some quality players and others who we are still hoping to keep. The structure's already there and, hopefully, I can add a little bit that will help Iain.

"The club's had a taste of the Premiership and they want more. That's made everybody more determined to get back up there and make sure we stay there."

With Phil Brown believed to be on the verge of being appointed manager of Derby County, Sam Allardyce faces the prospect of having to fill major vacancies in his backroom team.

But McDonald, the former England U21 midfielder, who had playing spells at Newcastle, Everton, Oldham, Wanderers and Preston, says the Bolton boss will take it all in his stride.

"I'm sure Sam will do exactly what he's done before in bringing in the right people," he added. "Obviously, I wish him and the players all the best."