Warnock Expects Hot Reception

Neil Warnock takes his QPR side to a resurgent Crystal Palace this Saturday, and has made no secret of his apprehension towards the game.

QPR and Palace are currently embroiled in a tightly-contested relegation battle and Warnock isn’t expecting a warm welcome from the Eagles faithful.

‘I don`t think I`m going to enjoy it, I`ve got too many good memories there,’ Warnock told QPR.co.uk.

‘The players there are fantastic and the fans gave me my enthusiasm back for the game. I owe that to Palace, so it will be difficult.’

Having guided Palace to playoff contention before their 10 point deduction for entering administration, the Rangers fans will be hoping Warnock can push aside his respect for his former club, and steer QPR to a much needed three points.

Having left SE25 on a somewhat sour note, Warnock is anticipating having to add Palace to the list of clubs whose fans hurl abuse at the outspoken manager.

‘What sort of reaction am I expecting? Normal!’ he said.

‘Wherever I go, I get stick. But even the Palace fans who give me stick will know, deep down, what a good job I have done for them. If I hadn`t have been there, they would have been in trouble.

‘I think the majority of fans will understand why I moved on, and know how well I did to keep the club going for the last 18 months. But that won’t stop them. To be honest, if I was a Palace fan I would still have a go at me!’

The Rs make the short trip to Selhurst Park with only one win in eight games, and will be hoping to push themselves further away from the drop, and deepen Palace’s relegation fears, with three vital points.

I’m sure nothing would make Warnock happier than going back to his former club and getting one over on them, but it is imperative he instils his fighting and passionate mentality over to his recently lacklustre players.

Lose this, and QPR fans will start to worry even more. Win, and fears will be slightly eased.