September 18 2018

Martin Kelly

Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly says it's a privilege to work under "world class" manager Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson last week completed his one-year anniversary since taking over the beleaguered Eagles who were in dire straights.

The former England boss turned round a seven-game losing run at the start of the season and oversaw a nightmare injury crisis to guide the team to 11th place in the division.

Kelly has paid tribute to the 71-year-old Croydon manager and believes he has used his wealth of experience to improve each of the players in the squad.

"It's been really good," said Kelly. "If you ask any of the players throughout the squad, he's benefited all of us. We all know our roles which is what players want, we want some structure to our play and that's what we've got with Roy.

"He's a world class manager, we're all privileged to have someone of his stature working with us and we also believe we've got the players who can work and show their talent best working under Roy.

"So he's obviously a great figure to have at a club who wants to staple their name in the Premier League and progress as such, like we do.

"Everyone is ambitious and he's brought himself with his experience and all his staff with him who are really highly experienced as well. He's brought that lift that Palace as a squad really needed."

The 28-year-old added: "As a whole our pre-season was better, we obviously had last season to work with under Roy and we carried a good end to last season into this one.

"As a team we know what philosophy we're working on and and what tactics we've got to do as players and jobs and roles. We're fortunate enough to have a really good manager and management here that are helping us progress as players."