Crystal Palace have had a topsy-turvy season but somehow managed to end the slog with much to be proud of. Even before the campaign began there was the shocking resignation of Tony Pulis, who just two days before their first match decided that he no longer wanted to be a part of the project. Then came along Neil Warnock who stepped into the role and saw the club fail to win seven of their ten opening fixtures. This was Warnock’s second spell at Selhurst Park following his previous stint between 2007-2010, but he departed once again as the club suffered more poor results.

Alan Pardew, who had been unhappily managing at Newcastle United for the past four seasons, became Palace’s third manager in six months when he signed a three-and-a-half-year deal. Facing him was a difficult few months as the Eagles sat down in 18th with a potential relegation battle on their hands if they failed to start winning games.

The English manager was welcomed by Palace supporters as he had spent four years playing for the Eagles as a midfielder, and his first match in charge was an FA Cup third round tie against non-league side Dover Athletic, in which they resoundingly won 4-0. But the true test came six days later when they met Tottenham at Selhurst Park. Spurs were just outside of the Champions League places while Palace were stuck in the bottom three, but goals from Dwight Gayle and Jason Puncheon claimed the victory and signalled a change in belief and confidence at the club.

Palace went on to win more than half of their games under their new manager, notably getting the better of Manchester City and perhaps revenge over Liverpool who had knocked them out of the FA Cup. A Marouane Chamakh goal against Swansea City ensured that the Eagles were able to celebrate at their home ground the end of a difficult season, which ultimately saw them finish in a remarkably high 10th position.

Players like Puncheon, James McArthur and Scott Dann have been particularly invaluable in defence and midfield for the Eagles this season, though the club's forwards have been rather disappointing. Glenn Murray has been their top goal scorer having found the net on seven occasions which, when you compare him with Queens Park Rangers’ Charlie Austin, who finished on 18 league goals, shows where Crystal Palace need to improve.

The club were previously linked with a deal for Liverpool’s Rickie Lambert but only if midfielder Yannick Bolasie goes the other way. Whether the Reds will want to meet the £20 million valuation, which would also be part of the deal, remains to be seen. But just like the numerous other clubs who were impressed with Austin’s prolific display these last ten months Palace would undeniably benefit from adding someone like him to their squad rather than Lambert, who has only scored twice.

Next season’s aim must be for a more consistent campaign from start to end. Another mid-table finish is entirely reasonable and choosing the right summer signings will go a long way to ensuring that happens again.

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