Alan Pardew: Top six the aim if Crystal Palace survive their relegation dogfight
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew insists his side can gatecrash the Premier League’s top six next term if he masterminds a successful top-flight survival bid in the remaining months of the campaign.
Pardew succeeded the sacked Neil Warnock last week, signing a three-and-a-half year deal at Selhurst Park, after leaving Newcastle and swapping the relative serenity of 10th place for a relegation dogfight.
Palace are far from marooned at the foot of the table, sitting 17th and one point from safety, and Pardew believes Premier League salvation can prove a gateway to scaling lofty heights.
“If you can survive, with the way the Premier League is run and the way funds are distributed, it gives you a great opportunity to attack 10 clubs above you,” said Pardew.
“We can come off an even keel next season of 10, 12, maybe 14 clubs if we stay up and that’s our priority. Realistically, this year, one place above relegation would be enough for us to build this club.”
Pardew is said to be keen to revive his interest in France striker Bafetimbi Gomis, now at Swansea, in the current transfer window.