Glasner, 51, revealed on Friday that the decision had been made months ago, following a private meeting with chairman Steve Parish during the October international break. Despite prolonged speculation over his future, both parties agreed to keep the matter confidential amid a congested schedule and a critical phase of the campaign.

"I told Steve in October that I would not sign a new contract," Glasner said. "We had a very long conversation and agreed it was best to keep it between us for the good of the club. Now it's important to have clarity."

That clarity was delivered to the squad in a private meeting at Palace's Beckenham training base on Friday morning, shortly before news also emerged that captain Marc Guehi is in the final stages of completing a move to Manchester City. Glasner insisted his own departure was unrelated to transfer developments, though the defender's imminent exit is understood to have accelerated the timing of the announcement.

Glasner arrived in south London in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson with Palace sitting 15th in the Premier League. He quickly stabilised the side, guiding them to a 10th-place finish, before delivering the greatest moment in the club's history the following season by winning the FA Cup - Palace's first major trophy. That triumph earned them a place in Europe, while they also lifted the Community Shield after beating Liverpool on penalties.

The club's European adventure has not been without complications. Palace were demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League after breaching Uefa's multi-club ownership rules, a ruling later upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They now face Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar in a play-off for a place in the last 16.

On the domestic front, results have dipped. Palace sit 13th in the Premier League and are on a nine-match winless run in all competitions, a sequence that includes a shock FA Cup defeat to non-league Macclesfield. Despite that, Glasner remains highly regarded within the game and has been linked with high-profile vacancies, including Manchester United.

Asked about his future, Glasner played down any immediate plans. "I'm just looking for a new challenge," he said. "I haven't spoken to any other club. What I promised the players is that I will give everything to make this the best season in Crystal Palace's history in terms of points - and maybe bring another trophy back to Selhurst Park."

He also stressed his continued belief in the club's direction. "This club is in great hands," Glasner added. "In football, sometimes the best day - the FA Cup final - and the worst day can be within six months. That's the reality you have to deal with."

Palace have yet to comment on a successor, but Glasner's departure will mark the end of an era defined by historic success, European nights and growing pains - leaving his replacement with both a strong platform and significant expectations when the Austrian bows out in June.

Oliver Glasner to step down as Crystal Palace manager at end of the season