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Consultation on Croydon Council's landlord licensing scheme being extended to neighbouring boroughs

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A CONSULTATION on the council's plans to introduce a licensing scheme for landlords is being extended to neighbouring boroughs.

The announcement of a new ten-week consultation period, which started on Tuesday in response to a High Court ruling against Enfield Council delivered two weeks ago.

The landmark judge's landmark ruling against Enfield's similar licensing scheme said it should have consulted with neighbouring councils authorities before deciding to pushing ahead.

Concerned about any knock-on effect of the ruling on its own plans, Croydon Council has now decided to consult with residents and businesses in Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Merton, Sutton, Lewisham, Wandsworth, Tandridge and Reigate and Banstead.

The council's original consultation involved landlords and residents in Croydon alone. The new one will run until March 2 but any responses already submitted will be considered.

Croydon has around 30,000 private rented properties and the council has said its scheme will is designed to improve conditions for tenants, raise standards across the sector and toughen up enforcement powers against bad landlords.

Those renting out a property without a licence face fines of up to £20,000, while anyone breaking licence conditions could be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.

Initial feedback has already persuaded promoted the council to cut the licence fee to £350 per property over five years, the equivalent of 19p a day. Original proposals had suggested a fee of £1,000 per property over five years.

Cllr Alison Butler, the cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: "Our landlord licensing scheme proposals are about making Croydon a better place to rent and providing greater protection to private tenants."

"There are lots of good landlords in Croydon, but this scheme is about focusing on the ones that pose a headache for their tenants and neighbours."

She said following the High Court ruling on the extent of consultation in Enfield, the extended process planned by Croydon "will ensure that Croydon's consultation reflects the High Court's ruling by engaging with people in neighbouring boroughs."

Anyone wanting To take part, in the consultation should visit www.croydon.gov.uk/betterplace

torent or call MEL research on 0121 604 4664.

Consultation on Croydon Council's landlord licensing scheme being extended to neighbouring boroughs


Residents evacuated from Thornton Heath flats after carbon monoxide leak

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SEVERAL residents were evacuated from their homes and one person has been taken to hospital after an apparent carbon monoxide leak at a block of flats in Thornton Heath.

Police, fire, and ambulance crews were all called at around 7pm tonight (Friday) with the "emergency planning team" deployed to treat the residents who were evacuated from their homes, in what was described initially as a "major incident".

Eighteen people who were evacuated were allowed to return to their homes after being treated at the scene though one resident was taken to hospital.

This evening, one of the paramedics called to the scene paid tribute to his colleagues at the scene,

Residents evacuated from Thornton Heath flats after carbon monoxide leak

Man and teenager killed in Purley Way Boxing Day crash horror

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A MAN and a teenage girl died in a crash on Purley Way on Boxing Day afternoon.

It is understood the victims, aged 53 and 15,  are related.

Croydon passengers feel the squeeze as transport fares set to rise

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THE annual tradition of fare rises on public transport will continue next year as tram, train and bus users get hit where it hurts.

Transport for London has said announced fares will increase by an average of 2.5 per cent from January 2, 2015, but it has focused on making life easier for flexible and part-time workers.

This means those travelling anytime in zones 1 to 5 will see their daily Oyster cards capping reduced to £10.90 from the £15.80 it has been this year.

TfL hopes this will reduce fares for an increasingly part-time workforce, meaning they will have lesser need to buy weekly travelcards.

However, off-peak capping – which starts after 9.30am – will rise from £8.50 to £10.90, meaning travelling around London at weekends could cost almost a third more.

Single tram and bus fares on Oyster cards will rise another 5p to £1.50, costing those who commute to and from work around £25 extra a year.

Seven-day travelcards within zones 1 to 5 will rise from £53.40 to £54.70, monthly travelcards from £205.10 to £210.10 and annual travelcards from £2,136 to £2,188.

The one-day bus and tram pass is to be reintroduced for occasional public transport users and will cost £5 from Oyster ticket stops.

Some Croydon commuters have reacted angrily to the news, although many expressed a sense of resignation. Georgia Hunt, 26, of Addiscombe, said: "With the service as it is, it doesn't feel as if we are getting value for money at this year's prices. But we have come to expect this. Commuting is miserable but it's a fact of life."

Thomas Hywel, 37, who lives in East Croydon, said: "The weekend fares sound very steep and not at all in line with inflation.

"A bigger and bigger chunk of my wage every year is going on commuting and there doesn't seem to be the wage increases to balance it out."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, however, defended the rises, pointing to the benefits the changes would have for the part-time workforce. He said: "By overhauling our fares structure, we will put money back into the pockets of hundreds of thousands of hardworking people who make such a vital contribution to London's economy."

A spokeswoman for TfL said the extra money made from fare increases would be used to fund improvements to the transport network.

Croydon passengers feel the squeeze as transport fares set to rise

Palace defender disappointed with Saints loss and targets three points at QPR

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ADRIAN Mariappa says he and is Crystal Palace players only have themselves to blame following the Boxing Day defeat to Southampton.

The defender, who returned to the starting XI with Damien Delaney in place of Martin Kelly and Brede Hangeland, formed the same backline which kept a number of clean sheets last season.

However, Southampton took their chances with aplomb when they came – and Mariappa says the focus has immediately turned to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

"It was very disappointing as it was a game we thought we could go and get three points out of," he told the Advertiser.

"To come away, with a poor performance, is disappointing. We now have a game in 48 hours and it's a case of putting this to bed and moving on.

"There were a few factors to our loss. The goals we conceded were poor. We had a lot of balls into their box but only had one goal to show for it.

"We'll look back at the game on video, but it's all about concentrating on QPR now.

"Whoever plays – we have a lot of good defenders at the club – we have depth, but conceding three goals isn't good enough from our point of view.

"They have a lot of good players but we're disappointed by the way we conceded. We have to look at ourselves for that.

"We have a chance to put it right now. Obviously, after a performance like that, we have to look at ourselves."

On a personal level, Mariappa was happy to feature again for the Eagles following an injury picked up at the start of November.

The former Watford and Reading man has targeted three points at Loftus Road, which will also be Mile Jedinak's final game before jetting off to the Asian Cup in Australia.

"When you're out injured, all you want to do is get back fit," said Mariappa.

"It was nice to be back involved in the team. There are plenty of games we need to go and get wins from now.

"QPR are a team that are in and around us. It will be a big game and a game we want three points from.

"Mile is our captain and will be a big loss but we have them for one more game to take of first."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace defender disappointed with Saints loss and targets three points at QPR

Southampton's second goal killed Palace, says Eagles star

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CRYSTAL Palace star Julian Speroni says the timing of the first two goals from Southampton on Boxing Day were game-changers.

Saido Mane put the visitors ahead in the first period before Ryan Bertrand added a second minutes into the second half.

Speroni admitted Southampton were impressive and that Bertrand's goal "killed" Palace.

"I thought they were better on the day, but we had chances in the first half," he told the Advertiser.

"Goals change game, as we know. We conceded a poor goal for the first one and that changed the game.

"I tried to push Mane wide, and I thought he would miss when he took the shot.

"The ball just came back and went in, but sometimes goals turn games and after that they were the better team.

"The second goal, the cross came in and he (Bertrand) placed it really well, back into my near post.

"It was a good finish, but straight after half-time, as I said, goals change the flow of the game.

"The minute we conceded the second, it really killed us."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Southampton's second goal killed Palace, says Eagles star

Eagles stopper admits Palace need change around fast

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CRYSTAL Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has admitted the Eagles are stuck in a rut right now but isn't getting too worried just yet about potential relegation.

With the Premier League season in and around its halfway point, Speroni says there "plenty of time" to move up the league table.

And with a few additions expected in the January transfer window, the shot-stopper is confident Palace can bounce back.

"Hopefully we will have people who can come in and help us (next month)," Speroni told the Advertiser.

"It's about a squad, it's not about 11 players. We need everybody once Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie leave us soon (for international tournaments), and when others come in they have to perform for us.

"When you lose, it's always disappointing – and you certainly feel it. We need to carry on, it's not the best run but we need to get out of it.

"We need to try and turn it around. We're about halfway there in the season so there is plenty of time.

"The squad went through a bad spell last season – a lot of teams go through bad periods.

"It's all how you react and come back. All the games are going to be big for us. Every point counts, but we need to carry on."

Eagles stopper admits Palace need change around fast

BREAKING: Crystal Palace sack Neil Warnock

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CRYSTAL Palace have parted company with boss Neil Warnock.

The news comes 24 hours after the Eagles' defeat to Southampton - which means Palace have won just one of their last 12 Premier League games.

Keith Millen will take charge of the team for the visit to QPR on Sunday and, most likely chairman Steve Parish has told the Advertiser, the New Year's Day trip to Aston Villa.

Warnock has only been in charge for four months, having returned to Palace for his second spell as manager after the sudden departure of Tony Pulis.

BREAKING: Crystal Palace sack Neil Warnock


Crystal Palace supremo reveals reasoning behind Neil Warnock sacking

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CRYSTAL Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has confirmed he made his decision to sack Neil Warnock this morning and admits he hasn't got anyone lined up to replace him yet.

The supremo felt a change was needed following a run of one win in 12 games, with Palace's latest defeat against Southampton on Boxing Day the final straw.

Parish confirmed Keith Millen will take charge for a third time as caretaker manager and he wants to hold talks with potential candidates "as soon as possible".

"We have let Neil go and we have thanked him for his work," the co-chairman told the Advertiser.

"It's not working out and we are looking for a reaction against QPR.

"Keith Millen will be in charge. I slept on it really and just spoke to a few people and made my mind up this morning.

"Neil is a great guy and he wanted to do it at Palace. It just hasn't happened, I don't think really.

"It just wasn't working. You always want it sorted out as soon as possible but I haven't got anyone lined up.

"Keith Millen, in all likelihood, will be in charge tomorrow and against Villa.

"We want to hold negotiations as soon as possible."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace supremo reveals reasoning behind Neil Warnock sacking

Palace star leaps to the defence of Neil Warnock after fans' fury

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JULIAN Speroni has defended manager Neil Warnock's decision to take off Yannick Bolasie and replace him with Martin Kelly in the second half against Southampton Boxing Day.

As the game was in its final third, the boss angered sections of the Palace support by taking off the tricky winger when the Eagles were 3-0 down.

Fans booed the decision and chanted "you don't know what you're doing" once the fourth official raised the numbers for substitution.

However, Speroni has backed the boss and believes it was with a view to the game at Queens Park Rangers in 48 hours' time (Sunday).

"The manager has to make decisions," the custodian told the Advertiser.

"My first thought was that he wanted to protect Yala, because at 3-0 down with 20 minutes to go, we have another important game in 48 hours.

"That is understandable but the manager has been in the game for so many years and he knows what he's doing.

"I understand the frustration of the fans. They want us to win games, and so do we."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace star leaps to the defence of Neil Warnock after fans' fury

Palace's transfer targets likely to change now, says Steve Parish

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CRYSTAL Palace's transfer targets are likely to change in January, admits co-chairman Steve Parish.

Following the sacking of manager Neil Warnock, Parish says the new boss will want to identify their own players they'd like to bring in.

The Eagles have been linked with a host of players ahead of the window on January 1, including Bafetimbi Gomis, Peter Crouch and Yaya Sanago.

A striker was the number one target for Warnock, and it seems that position will still be the area the club will work on next month.

"Of course it will affect transfer plans," Parish told the Advertiser.

"The different manager will want their own target, won't they?

"We have got people who we have scouted, there will be strong suggestions.

"Whoever comes in will want their own and have their own ideas."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace's transfer targets likely to change now, says Steve Parish

We need a reaction and a result, says Crystal Palace owner

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STEVE Parish has called for a positive reaction at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, which will be 24 hours after relieving boss Neil Warnock of his duties.

With Palace on a run of one win in 12 games, the Eagles will go into the London derby at Loftus Road under caretaker boss Keith Millen.

Parish wants three points to move out of the Premier League relegation zone to get the club's season back on track.

"Hopefully the players will pick themselves up, there are no other alternatives," he told the Advertiser.

"We need a result and we need a reaction. Let's hope that's what they give us.

"All games are big and it's about three points. It's not bigger than that, it's important we get back on track and get some points. It's all we can do."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

We need a reaction and a result, says Crystal Palace owner

Ex-Tottenham and Norwich City bosses frontrunners for Palace job, say bookies

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Neil Warnock became the first Premier League managerial casualty of the season when he was sacked by Crystal Palace this morning.

It's taken a record 132 days to see the first manager go in the elite league but the axe finally fell on Warnock with a home defeat against Southampton the final straw yesterday.

Assistant manager Keith Millen will take temporary charge of first team affairs and is 12/1 to get the job on a permanent basis.

Tim Sherwood once again finds himself favourite for a high-profile job and is 4/1 with Chris Hughton 5/1.

Tony Pulis who is still looking for work after leaving the Eagles is 8/1 to make a dramatic return to Selhurst Park.

Take a look at our odds at Bet Victor, here http://www.betvictor.com/sports/en/football-specials/manager-specials/coupons/982100/126456098/561906600/0/0/PE/0/0/0/0/0

Ex-Tottenham and Norwich City bosses frontrunners for Palace job, say bookies

FAN VIEW: I'm delighted with the sacking of Neil Warnock

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Palace fan and online columnist for the Advertiser, James Sandford, has given his reaction to Neil Warnock's sacking this morning...

As a Palace fan of 20 years all I crave for is stability. For as long as I can remember managers who have lasted longer than 12 months are in short supply. 

Neil Warnock is no exception, out the door after just four months in charge. But on this occasion, I'm happy he's been given the boot.

I'm not normally one for advocating the sacking of managers but in this case I have made an exception.

First and foremost I don't think Warnock should have been hired in the first place. He said himself that he was 7th choice at the time, so surely the writing was on the wall from that point on.

Having initially supported the appointment, I slowly came to realise that Warnock was out of his depth. He seemed to just be happy to be there and I was never truly convinced that he would deliver the goods. 

The signing of Wilfried Zaha appeared to be one to get the fans on-side early on. It is a signing that hasn't really paid dividends. Failure to sign a recognised left-back has also contributed to poor results on the pitch.

Another thing that has irked me after recent games is his attitude towards the media and some of the comments he has made. His statements after the Southampton game about last years team being 'lucky' showed a weakness that you should never see from a Premier League manager. 

It was almost an admission that he wasn't up to the task and was reliant on good fortune.

Maybe that was the final straw for Mr Parish. It certainly was for me.

A run of one win in 12 games has ultimately seen Warnock handed his P45 and I think the timing is spot-on. It will give the new man the whole January window to shape a team that will hopefully keep us in the Premier League.

It has been muted that Tony Pulis is being lined up for a sensational return. I would steer clear of this like the plague. It will never will live up to the heights of last year.

I would try to persuade Tim Sherwood to take the reins. A young progressive manager that hopefully can stay in the hot-seat long enough to be around at Christmas next year.

Follow me on Twitter @james_sandford

FAN VIEW: I'm delighted with the sacking of Neil Warnock

Crystal Palace legend urges Steve Parish to bring back Tony Pulis

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CRYSTAL Palace legend Clinton Morrison has called for Eagles co-chairman Steve Parish to end any differences with Tony Pulis and bring the 56-year-old back to save the club.

Neil Warnock was given the boot on Saturday morning following the 3-1 defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day.

And Morrison, speaking to Sky Sports News, believes there's only one man for the vacancy.

"I would try to forget the fallout with Tony Pulis and the Palace chairman and go back and get him," said the striker.

"I think he's the perfect fit for the club. He's the only one I can think of off the top of my head who did a great job.

"That's why he got manager of the season last year. What he did for Crystal Palace was unbelievable.

"The players backed him, responded to him and liked his ways – and he's a proven Premier League manager.

"He's one of the best and I am surprised he hasn't been given a job yet."

Crystal Palace legend urges Steve Parish to bring back Tony Pulis


Keith Millen set to hold Crystal Palace job talks

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KEITH Millen has not ruled out taking the Crystal Palace job on a permanent basis if co-chairman Steve Parish offers it to him.

Following Neil Warnock's sacking this morning, Millen been put in caretaker charge for a third spell at Selhurst Park.

And the Croydon-born man is set to speak to Parish later today before preparing the team for Sunday's clash with Queens Park Rangers.

And both men will talk further following the game at Loftus Road.

"I think it's the chairman's decision, as always," said Millen.

"I am sure he will speak to me later on today and let the dust settle a bit and we really have to concentrate on the game tomorrow.

"Then there will be lots of conversations and see where he wants to take this club.

"It was surprise to hear this morning about Neil and we're all disappointed with the Southampton result.

"The first half performance was decent but we are not taking our chances at the moment.

We came into work this morning and then I got the phonecall from the chairman.

"It's been a shock for us all but we have to try and be professional.

"Neil came in and we had a quick chat. He then cleared his desk and stuff.

"It's a sad time and it's very difficult for all the staff because he kept us all here in his backroom.

"We're all disappointed but we do have to move on very quickly."

Keith Millen set to hold Crystal Palace job talks

Fighting talk from Palace caretaker boss ahead of QPR clash

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CRYSTAL Palace caretaker boss Keith Millen has called for three points against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday to ease the uncertainty surrounding the club at moment.

Manager Neil Warnock was sacked on Saturday morning and now Palace are looking for another new man at the helm.

Millen has called for resilience from his squad of players in the London derby at Loftus Road.

"I know this group of players and what they're good at," he said.

"We have got to go to QPR tomorrow and be up for the fight. That's what it's going to be and I am sure QPR will be ready for us.

"We're going to have be resilient. It's always good to wins games. We need to for the football team and the club to get us out of the bottom three.

"That's the priority for all of us."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Fighting talk from Palace caretaker boss ahead of QPR clash

FAN VIEW: Supporters sent on yet another managerial rollercoaster

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Palace fan and online columnist for the Advertiser, Dan Gibbs, has given his reaction to Neil Warnock's departure from Selhurst Park…

As news broke of Neil Warnock being relieved of his duties this morning on Twitter I was left with mixed emotions; but there was one thought more prominent than others - here we go again.

It seems like a while ago now that we saw Tony Pulis depart days before the season started as the difficult whirlwind process of appointing a new manager begun.

And just four months on we find ourselves in the same situation as the Palace rollercoaster continues.

Warnock was never going to be my first choice as manager after Pulis' departure and to be honest he was never going to compete with the job that the former Stoke man did; but I did firmly believe he would keep us up.

It wasn't nice to see Palace fans turning on him on Saturday, chanting "You don't know what you're doing," when he replaced Yannick Bolasie for Martin Kelly.

Yes it was a tad strange, but at 3-0 down we weren't going to get anything out of it and we had to prepare for our next game in 48 hours' time, so I could see the logic behind it.

I think Warnock thoroughly enjoyed both his spells at Palace but it was the right decision to sack him.

My worry now is who is going to come in and once again keep us up. We all know who the best man for that job is, and even though I think most Palace fans would welcome Pulis back with open arms, Steve Parish's hands remain firmly in his pocket.

Tim Sherwood is perhaps the 'biggest' name in the running, another manager who has plenty of ideas but would it work with the team we currently have?

I feel he may bring in a few of the players he has worked with in the past and I'm not sure that if would be good or bad for our current side. I'm undecided.

Ex-Palace defender and current Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic is another bookies' favourite to take the job.

Popovic has burst on to the scene in his first two years as manager at the A-League club, winning the 2014 AFC Coach of the Year Award in a season that saw his team win the Asian Champions League – the first Australian team to do so.

All very impressive, but if you look at the A-League this season, his side are currently bottom with only three points from nine games; without a single league win.

Something must be going wrong. And the step up from the Australian League to the Premier League is more than pretty significant.

Ex Palace players are always in the frame for a vacant managerial position at Selhurst Park - Sean Derry is another blast from the past that's name has suddenly crept up.

If I could have any realistic manager right now to come to SE25 who I think would do a good job, it would be Eddie Howe.

If Bournemouth were struggling this season then I think we'd have a decent chance of approaching him but with them currently top of the league and heading for the promised land, there's no way he would leave The Cherries.

So, a fairy-tale Pulis return or an extremely optimistic new beginning with Eddie Howe is my vision.

We'll probably end up with bringing back Trevor Francis or Ian Holloway. All aboard the Palace rollercoaster!

FAN VIEW: Supporters sent on yet another managerial rollercoaster

FAN VIEW: Nothing guaranteed in football but for Palace's madness

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Palace fan, editor of Five Year Plan fanzine and columnist for the Advertiser, Rob Sutherland, airs his views on Neil Warnock's sacking and what next for the Eagles…

Nothing is guaranteed in football, but for Palace's madness.

I'm not complaining. I love Palace's tumultuous nature. I love it when the club does something a little outlandish or a little bit unexpected. Even when, in today's case, it's not quite for the right reason.

I wasn't a great fan of Neil Warnock's appointment, supported him throughout his stint but also accepted relatively quickly that a tactical master was not what we'd appointed.

I enjoyed the reaction his appointment caused, and the craziness that followed the Southampton game.

I feel sorry that Warnock wasn't successful. I feel sad that he couldn't see the problems on the field and couldn't prevent the goals from being conceded.

It hurt to lose the games we did and to draw the matches we should have won. However, that's Palace, isn't it?

Imagine things being as boringly turgid as they are at some clubs. At least we know that the next few months will be entertaining.

The rest of the season could shape much of the club's future. A buyer (if there is one) would want a Premier League side, rather than a hopeful Championship team.

And for that to happen, the club will need to win plenty of our remaining fixtures - especially prior to the horror run in to the end of the season.

So now, Palace will need to find a manager capable of winning games, capable of understanding this squad's strengths and weaknesses, capable of knowing what is needed to make it that much better, capable of turning draws into wins and capable of galvanising a support that under Warnock was becoming that little bit too fragmented.

So, a unifying force for all to get behind, with an overview and understanding that will propel us to safety and beyond. Easy!

I love Palace's tumultuous nature, and I love what the next few months will bring.

FAN VIEW: Nothing guaranteed in football but for Palace's madness

Former Palace ace: Warnock's style of play may have cost him

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CLINTON Morrison has admitted Neil Warnock may have paid the price as Crystal Palace manager for his style of football.

Morrison, who played under the boss in his first spell at Palace several years ago, told Sky Sports News he was a little surprised at the timing but understands something was right at Selhurst Park, with one win in 12 games.

"I looked on my Twitter and someone asked if I could be the next Palace manager," he said.

"I think maybe it has been coming recently but I didn't think Palace would be a club who would sack managers so quick, especially around this Christmas period.

"Neil is different to other people. He will try and motivate you, and he will rant and rave at you when things aren't going right.

"He likes people to work hard in his team. It's not attractive or pretty football which most people like to play but it is effective most of the time.

"I know players don't like to talk about the dressing room. But I don't think any of the players go on the pitch not trying to play for their manager. It hasn't worked.

"They are mostly the players who were there last season and played under Tony Pulis.

"And the fans like the team to play football but it's about the results.

"They'll take three points however they get them to stay in the Premier League."

Former Palace ace: Warnock's style of play may have cost him

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