Crystal Palace are confident Alan Pardew will be at the helm for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Dover despite a delay in his appointment as manager.
Pardew was expected to be unveiled as Neil Warnock's successor on Friday -- but the details of the contract that will prise him away from Newcastle are still being finalised.
The former Eagles midfielder spoke to staff on a visit to the training ground on Friday morning and caretaker-manager Keith Millen insists official confirmation of his appointment is imminent.
"They're still talking, but there are no problems. The lawyers are finalising the contract. The paperwork is taking longer than expected," Millen said.
"Alan has held a staff meeting when he spoke about a number of things. He spoke to the players and then we had training.
"We're preparing for the game on Sunday and I'm sure Alan will be taking the game. He'll be taking training on Saturday. We're hopeful the deal will be done for Sunday."
Pardew will select the side to face Conference Premier side Dover and Millen insists his return to the club has captured the players' imagination.
"We've spoken about the team for Sunday's game. He's gone through the squad. He's learning about the players, but he's pleased with what he's seen. He'll pick the team," Millen said.
"Alan is excited because it's Crystal Palace and the club means a lot to him, but it's also exciting because of the group of players he's inheriting.
"There's a buzz about the place. It's exciting times and from the conversations I've had with him we'll be looking to change a few things.
"He knows what we're about and is excited because he feels he can bring another dimension to our play, certainly from an attacking point of view. We all know we need to score more goals."
Pardew has also held talks over potential targets in the transfer window.
"We've shared our thoughts with Alan. He has to assess the squad really quickly to see what we need. We've had a chat and he's spoken to the chairman," Millen said.
"He's seen the squad for the last few games, so he has a good idea of what we need, and he's in agreement with what we thought.
"There's a list of targets, but I don't know how far down the road we are. There are a few positions we're looking [at], but it's not a massive overhaul.
"It's more two or three players to enhance what we already have. The quicker we get players through the door the better."