May 14 2008

Neil Warnock

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock still hailed the season a success after the Eagles crashed out of the play-offs.

The Selhurst Park club were defeated 2-1 in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg at Bristol City on Tuesday night to go out 4-2 on aggregate.

But despite missing out on a trip to Wembley and a shot at making the Premier League, Warnock can feel satisfied with the campaign.

He led Palace from second-bottom in the table at November to an excellent fifth place and the brink of the top flight.

"It's probably one of the most successful seasons I have had when I look at the materials I have started with," he said.

"I have been around the dressing room. They have all been a revelation, I couldn't be any prouder.

"I've been round the dressing room talking to every one of them and as I did I told them what I thought when I came and what I think now. They've all been an absolute revelation and I couldn't be more proud."

One Bristol City fan aimed a punch at boss Warnock but failed to connect during the on-pitch celebrations.

"One young yobbo caught me," added Warnock. "I think one of the security guards trod on him as he fell to the floor because I heard him squeal.

"He needs his eyesight looking at because he was that close I don't know how he missed, he just grazed me. There's millions of people who would like to do that!"