Warnock’s departure on the eve of the crucial match with QPR is horribly reminiscent of Pulis’ abrupt departure two days before the opening game of the season. Unexpected and not exactly conducive to getting ready for a game that may have a great deal of bearing on what happens next in this turbulent season. Keith Millen is caretaker for the third time in the space of a few years and he needs to get the players focused to face a team that have been as good at home as they have been shocking away.
Players must be affected somewhat by all the jigging around at the top even though there will be statements to the contrary but they have no choice but to just go and get on with it, doing their very best. This league is relentless and unforgiving. Mistakes made can be compounded and let’s face it Warnock’s appointment was a mistake so we need to move on to the next cycle on the never-ending soap opera that is Crystal Palace FC.
On to the matter in hand and to Loftus Road for the battle of the clubs that were once managed by Warnock. In my last preview for the Southampton game I suggested that there needed to be a minor miracle as our recent form had been about as convincing as UKIP’s immigration policy. Maybe Warnock leaving will be the inspiration they have been missing over the last few months and they will turn the corner by looking more resolute at the back and considerably more threatening upfront.
This is the last match in which we have the services of both Jedinak and Bolasie for up to a month so it would be nice if these two turned it on as they can and drove us forward in a positive way. QPR need to be attacked as their weakness is at the back, if we invite them on to us there is only likely to be on e outcome. We all know what Charlie Austin is about; he is the latest centre forward to be considered for an international call-up after his strong start to the season where he has taken advantage of any space in and around the box. In fact we could do with an Austin ourselves.
It will be interesting to see the response from the players and also the fans to the post-Warnock era and it can only be hoped that everyone is up for it because we are up against it and will only succeed if we can start finding some momentum from within and not just wait for the arrival of the new messiah, whoever he may be.
Richard’s first book The A-Z of Football Hates is available now through bookshops and online.
