October 15 2018

Steve Parish

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish is backing the team to start winning again ahead of a nightmare run of games.

Roy Hodgson's side have been defeated in their last two outings and have gleaned just seven points from their opening eight matches of the season.

They now face the daunting prospect of Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in their next five fixtures.

Parish has faith in the players and reckons the Eagles could surprise the Premier League big guns.

"It is very early, and we have more points now than we had this time last year," he told Football.London.

"Now we have a tough run of games and it might start to look a bit difficult, but I have got every confidence in the manager, in the squad, in the coaches and we have a great bunch of players.

"There will be twists and turns, but as long as we give it everything and stay positive and do the right things, I think we will be OK.

"Maybe in a way that takes the pressure off of us a little bit, where we are not expected to win or break teams down.

"People will come and play and give us a bit more space, and maybe that will fall into our favour, we will see."

Like all Palace fans, Parish is hopeful the team can break their scoring duck at Selhurst Park.

"Of course, it will be a feeling of relief," he said. "But we have an away fixture next so hopefully we can get some goals there and carry on our good form away."