Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock has admitted he owes a debt of gratitude to the Selhurst Park fans for inspiring his team's recent surge up the Championship table, writes Simon Fitzjohn.

The Eagles went on a 15-game unbeaten run over the Christmas period which hauled them from the relegation places to the playoff fringes.

And Warnock revealed that it was the backing of the Palace faithful that saw him through his difficult early days at the club.

Warnock said: "The fans were fantastic to me and my family even when we hadn't won a game.

"I couldn't believe how they were to me to be honest.

"In the first four or five weeks the fans were saying we know you can turn things around, and that was great for me."

The Eagles manager insisted the fans were now reaping the benefit of that patience.

And, looking ahead to Friday's clash with bitter rivals Charlton Athletic, Warnock assured fans they would see the best of his side.

He added: "When the fans go home they know the players have given their all.

"The fans have got the buzz - they know there is a good future for the club.

"We are nowhere near the finished article but we are definitely moving in the right direction.

"I know the fans are really looking forward to the game and we will head there and give it a good go."