Pardew praises power of frank talks that lifted Palace

Frank and open discussions between Crystal Palace players and the coaching staff have helped the side recover from a dreadful Premier League run that left them perilously close to the relegation zone, manager Alan Pardew has said.

Palace slid down the standings after they accumulated a worrying 13-game winless run, including nine losses, prior to a welcome four-game unbeaten streak in the league.

Their form in April, which includes three draws and a win, has taken the side clear of relegation in 16th place, nine points ahead of the bottom three with four games left.

"We had a couple of meetings before the West Ham draw (on April 2) that were lively and where there was what you would call 'frank discussion'. I had tried a couple of different meetings... and it didn't work," Pardew told British media.

"... When the opinion is mine and it's backed up with facts, then I think it wakes a few up. We woke up at West Ham and since then we've looked a different side."

Palace, who face Watford in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, take on Champions League-chasing Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league on Wednesday.