We want to finish in the top ten

Last updated : 03 May 2008 By Tony Scholes
Warnock has taken Palace from bottom of the league to a play off position and he knows a win against the Clarets will see their season extended. Warnock said ahead of the game: "This has been an amazing turnaround and let's be fair the lads have been quite fantastic really, all of them not just the younger ones who have been like us signing new players.

"The older players have responded too and they have been very good in encouraging the youngsters through. We have had a couple of great runs and we have all enjoyed it. Make no mistake there is no pressure in these situations compared to what it is like at the bottom of the league, you have got to relax and do what you need to do.

"When you look at the four clubs with us chasing the play offs you have got Watford, Wolves, Ipswich and Sheffield United who should all be there, but we have got to enjoy this opportunity.

"If we get in the play offs it is a great chance, make no mistake about that, I don't think we fear anybody in the league. I think the hardest thing will be on Sunday getting into the play offs. It is always the hardest part that last step, but whoever finishes in the sixth position will have a great chance it is just one of those things.

"Hopefully a full house will give us that support to go on and get the result. I think the squad that went up last time were fantastic, no disrespect to the current squad. This year has been different due to circumstances and the only player of any substance that I have signed for money is Neil Danns and he has been injured since I got him, so I have gone with the kids.

"The players and fans deserve more for their efforts this season, we are all hoping we can do it."

It is just a matter of completing the season for us but manager Owen Coyle wants a top ten finish to end the season on a positive note. "There is always a sense of what might have been. That's the nature of football and that's why we love it.

"I think people are enjoying the football we are playing and now we want to finish in the top ten. It will be a difficult game at Palace, but it is one that we are more than capable of winning.

"Of course, I would rather there was something at stake in the game, but we still want another scalp and despite the injury problems we have going into the game, it gives others a chance to play, so we might tinker about with the system with the personnel we have available."

Coyle spoke about Palace and the fantastic run they've been on. He said: "All managers will take heart from what Palace have done. They have done remarkably well and all credit to them. I have nothing but praise for Neil Warnock. He is a terrific manager and the job he has done is all credit to him.

"They are on a terrific run and if they get in the play offs I wouldn't bet against them getting promoted because they are a good footballing side.

"The one thing about the Championship though is you can't rest on your laurels. It is a very high level of competition and there are some big, big clubs involved in the relegation battle. We have made progress and if there has been any disappointment it is because we've raised the expectation level of what we can do and that's something I wouldn't have swapped at any time.

"It is important now that we continue that and raise the expectation again. When I came here I didn't make any claims. I think we have shown that we are capable of winning games and with that comes increased expectation.

"I think people like to come and see the style of football, but what we do have to add is consistency in terms of results. If I have a tinge of disappointment it is that we have drawn and lost games when we have been in total control, so that is something we have to make sure doesn't follow us into next season.