NEIL Warnock has lauded Crystal Palace's form under Alan Pardew and joked if he had been sacked earlier, the club would be in a Europe position.
Warnock, who was sacked after a 3-1 defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day, made the frank admission on talkSPORT this morning.
The former Eagles gaffer said: "If they'd sacked me three weeks before, they'd be in Europe."
He also said he had been looking at Yaya Sanogo for around two months before he lost his job.
Chairman Steve Parish said after Warnock's exit they had a good relationship but admitted their partnership never quite fit.
Palace lie in 13th position and are in the fifth round of the FA Cup after four wins out of four under new boss Pardew.
