November 12 2003

Neil Shipperley

Palace skipper Neil Shipperley has spoken of his sadness at the sacking of Steve Kember but says he will play himself out of his barren spell to drive Palace up the table, by Joseph O'Shea.

Shipperley has scored just two league goals since rejoining Palace in the summer, after netting 24 goals for Wimbledon last season.

With Palace lying 20th in Division One, on a run of just one win in 13, Kember the manager who re-signed him paid the price and was sacked by chairman Simon Jordan.

Shipperley said: "It was very sad. Steve bought me and I had a lot of time for him and Terry Bullivant. It’s unfortunate that the managers take all the blame for bad results, because the players could definitely have done better.

"It was a tough decision and I was very sad for him. He had been at the club a hell of long time and we were all really. He had been at the club a hell of a long time and we were all sorry to see him go."

Now the Palace skipper is backing team-mate Kit Symons and Stuart Gray to turn the club’s fortunes around.

He said: "When clubs have a change it creates a good vibe and players try and improve their game. We got a point, everyone’s behind Kit and over the next month we will have to see how we get on.

"We are not happy with what has gone on so far this season, and it is up to me and the team to work hard and put it right."

On his own form Shipperley is hoping for a break in front of goal.

"I try not to think too much about it but obviously I have been disappointed with my form. I will always give my best and hopefully I will play myself out of the barren spell and start enjoying it a bit more. I have to work hard, keep going and it will turn for me."