Gardner targets play-offs

Crystal Palace defender Anthony Gardner believes manager Dougie Freedman can lead them to the play-offs this season.

Palace defender backs Freedman to guide them into contention

Crystal Palace defender Anthony Gardner is confident manager Dougie Freedman can lead the club into the play-offs this season. The former Hull City man recently made a permanent move to Selhurst Park after being loaned to the Eagles last season as they battled relegation. Freedman helped secure Palace's survival last season after officially being appointed manager in January following the dismissal of George Burley on New Year's Day. And Gardner believes the former Crystal Palace player can now lead them into contention for promotion this season. "It's clear the progression we have made since Dougie Freedman came in for the second half of last season," he told the Croydon Advertiser.

Spirit

"We are getting there and have been more consistent with our results this season, especially away from home. To do well in this division it is all about putting points on the board and we've been pretty good at doing that so far. "Everyone is playing for the manager and the spirit in the camp is really good so to make the play-offs would be nice. "After what happened last year it would be the most amazing achievement but of course that is our ultimate aim this season. "If we continue to work hard and push ourselves we'll only get better and hopefully we can peak at the right time." Palace currently sit in 12th place after going ahead twice but only collecting a point against West Ham prior to the international break.