Pardew’s magic has given us a head for heights says Ward

JOEL WARD believes the “clear direction” Alan Pardew has given Crystal Palace can even lead to a top- 10 Premier League fi nish.

Palace’s win over Manchester City emphasised the transformation in their fortunes Pardew, below, has brought since rejoining the club as manager in January, succeeding Neil Warnock. They have taken 22 points from a possible 33 under their former player’s tutelage.

With seven games left, Palace are established nicely in mid- table, their safety all but guaranteed.

Full- back Ward, one of several players, including striker Glenn Murray and fellow defenders Scott Dann and Damien Delaney to have markedly upped their game since Pardew arrived, said: “The boss has been brilliant. Now we have a very clear direction in the way we are going.

“The boss wants us to play, get the ball down and create an identity for ourselves – and that’s what we are doing. We are playing with that freedom and have found a bit of form.

“We don’t have to look over our shoulders any more. Momentum is carrying us on. There is no reason why we can’t fi nish in the top 10. We have a great run of games now – against Sunderland, West Brom and Hull – so we have every chance to kick on.” Nomadic striker Murray, cast out on loan to Reading by Warnock but brought back in from the cold under Pardew, scored against City and said: “It was one of the my best nights here. The boys have reacted to the gaffer’s work. We’re a happy group.”

Palace are said to have been targeted for a takeover by Josh Harris, an American businessman who owns the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and ice hockey team New Jersey Devils.

But chairman Steve Parish wants to remain involved and prefers investment, rather than a complete takeover. He feels the current set- up would allow Pardew to bring in his desired summer transfer targets. “The only reason for us to get money in is to improve the infrastructure at Selhurst Park,” said Parish. “There is no rush. We are in a good place. We’ve done well enough that I think we can fund the player moves we need to make out of our own resources.”