March 22 2001

Austin - Can understand us

Defender DEAN AUSTIN has said that he understands the Palace fans' anger after seeing the side lose for the sixth consecutive time. The club have slipped back into relegation trouble after the bad run of results.

AUSTIN said that the fans are entitled to vent their anger at the poor performances of the side recently.

The defnder believes that only hard work on the pitch and on the training ground can get the club back on the track and away from the relegation zone.

"I completely understand their frustrations, and who can blame them. I feel sorry for them, they've had a rough time over the past couple of years and deserve better," said AUSTIN.

"They've been brilliant for us all season, especially away, and we need them behind us. I feel sorry for them and the gaffer."

AUSTIN has also said on his official website that he was very surprised at the sacking of Glen Cockerill. AUSTIN commented "I, for one, am sorry to see Glenn go. He's a good bloke but what can you do, you just have to get on with it. We all must take a share of the responsibility because if we'd been winning games, I don't think this would've happened to Glenn. Everything in this game revolves around results and we've not been getting any."

Meanwhile, manager Alan Smith is taking his side to Corsica for the weekend.

The Eagles will take on French Division One side Bastia on the Mediteranean Island in a friendly.

The game will be played at Bastia's Le Stade de Furiani on Friday and kick off will be at 7.00pm (GMT).