October 11 2011

Anthony Gardner

Anthony Gardner has put Crystal Palace's solid start to the season down to the team spirit instilled by manager Dougie Freedman.

The Eagles sit 12th in the Championship off the back of a fine win at rivals Brighton then a credible draw against West Ham where they could have taken maximum points.

Morale at Selhurst Park has been low in recent times after administration and battles to avoid relegation.

But Gardner, who started his first league match of the season against the Hammers since signing in the summer on a free, says Freedman has turned the dressing room into a positive environment which has been reflected in the results.

"It's clear the progression we have made since Dougie Freedman came in for the second half of last season," said centre back Gardner.

"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 keep 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."

"I think he has a lot of attributes that have made him a success," added Gardner who spent last season on loan at Selhurst.

"I think the big thing, and this shouldn't be underrated, is that he has brought togetherness to the dressing room. We have a group of players here who are now all pushing in the same direction.

"I've been at clubs before where the people out of the team might not want the side to win on a Saturday, but everyone here knows it is a squad game and everyone is putting the team first. That breads confidence and it is a great environment for the younger players to come in and express themselves."