January 1 2012

Dougie Freedman

DOUGIE FREEDMAN was beaming with joy after the win over Millwall illustrated how far Crystal Palace have progressed in 12 months.

This time last year, struggling Palace were beaten 3-0 by the Lions and looked odds on to get relegated. But FREEDMAN has turned the club around guiding Palace to their first win at the Den since 1996 thanks to Jermaine Easter's strike.

"If we look back a year ago we were in the bottom three, beaten very convincingly by Millwall and low on confidence," said FREEDMAN

"Fast-forward a year and these lads need a lot of pats on the back. We are a different team, a different club. The past year shows we are looking up, not down.

"We are all working hard together, we are all greedy for success and all facing in the same direction, trying to be the best we can as a team and as individuals.

"Players like Paddy McCarthy and Darren Ambrose have been here since we were in administration so it means a lot to them to see the club on the up.

"It's the new beginnings of Crystal Palace and we will take it one step at a time and keep trying to get better."

FREEDMAN added: "It was played in a fantastic spirit by both teams - the ref was tremendous and let the game flow and because of that it was an interesting and enjoyable game. I'm delighted with the win.

"We controlled the first half it was backs against the wall [in the second half]. I expect a Kenny Jackett side to give it a right good go, which they did, but fortunately we've got people in the dressing room that show a lot of pride and commitment to keeping clean sheets and that's what got us through in the end.

"I can't pick individuals out because if there was one person that pulled out of a tackle or didn't put their head in where it hurts then we wouldn't have won the game.

"We controlled the game and tempo in the first half. We were very calm when we moved the ball and it was pleasing to see a goal like that go in.

"We had that bit of quality that got us the goal and it was a deserved one in the end. Tactically we were spot on today. We are quite good at matching people's tempo. Millwall, under Kenny [Jackett] play at a high tempo and I felt we matched it."

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett said: "I'm very disappointed with the result. It was even up until the goal. I was disappointed with the goal, and from there we've had an embarrassing amount of the ball but did not have the quality to break them down.

"It may be down to a lack of confidence but you earn confidence. We need to improve, and the window is now open so we will see what our options are."