October 8 2014

James McArthur

James McArthur praised the team spirit within the Crystal Palace dressing room under manager Neil Warnock.

Warnock brought the midfielder to Palace from Wigan last month for a reported £7million transfer fee and he has adjusted to the side with ease.

And the Scotland international has revealed a lighter side to Warnock who has a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian.

He said: "It’s been brilliant. The lads are great and we’ve done well, which makes it enjoyable. The manager is very good. I’m happy as he signed me but he keeps everybody in high spirits and is a laugh. He has us organised and we are getting results from it.

"He has a funny side to him and that’s good because managers can be too serious sometimes. He builds a happiness in the camp and everyone feeds off that, but when it’s time to do business, he’s ready to work hard."

The 27-year-old added: "I’m delighted to be back in the Premier League, it’s where everyone wants to be. I wanted to stay with Wigan and get the club back into the Premier League because I was part of the team that went down so was partly to blame for their relegation.

"Everyone had to take their share of responsibility for that, so I wanted to stay and try to get them promoted.

"It didn’t work out like that. I wanted to give it a year but an opportunity came to get back in the Premier League and I’m happy it went through.

"The transfer fee doesn’t bother me. Whether you are worth £500,000 or a lot more, you can only do your best.

"I just give it my best shot. I help the team – that’s what it’s all about – not individuals, especially at Crystal Palace. We work as a team and try to help each other as much as we can."