Terry Venables is relishing his return to south London.

And, despite the disappointing beginning to his second stint as manager, El Tel's massive rebuilding programme is already starting to take shape.

I caught up with one of the game's biggest names and most well-respected coaches at the club's new Streete Court Training Ground last week to find out how he's settling in.

Typically, Venables first comment was: "I've enjoyed it because it's been non-stop football every day and, though it's too early to say too much, I think we have the makings of a very good season.

"Mark Goldberg has been terrific, he has been an absolute pleasure to work with. It's early days but the relationship between managers and chairman are very important and I see no reason why it shouldn't continue to be as good as it is at the moment."

On the pitch, a difficult opening to the season has seen Palace pick up just one point from their opening two league fixtures and struggle to a 1-1 draw with Torquay in the first leg of the Worthington Cup.

Venables explained: "We have had a really tough start but we have learnt good things from those games. We have more work to do, but we have more players to come in and I'm looking forward to the next month.

"After about 10 or 12 games, I will have a good idea about how I feel about the team."

Already a host of new signings have come in, though due to work permit problems most are still to make their debut.

But Venables is confident that when the likes of David Ansalem, Nicky Rizzo, new signing Craig Foster, as well as the Argentinians and Chinese lads do make an appearance, they will give the team a big boost.

He is also confident about getting back into the Premiership, although such is the ambition of the new-look Eagles promotion is not the only aim.

Venables said: "We are trying to create competition where players are constantly looking over their shoulders wondering whether they will be staying in the first team.

"The short term is obviously promotion, but in the long term we want to bring in boys who are under 20 and amalgamate with the short-term buys for the future.

"It's a question of trying to get the new players with the lads we already have at the club. We have just signed the Chinese pair and they are both very good players. We have a lot of good players around and some excellent players, like the injured Neil Shipperley to come back in, and when everyone is available and back we will have a very strong squad."

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