Sam Allardyce warns Crystal Palace flops: ‘It is time you stopped being losers’

SAM ALLARDYCE pulled no punches when he told his Crystal Palace flops: It’s time you stopped being losers.

The struggling Eagles, just one place above the drop zone, pushed Alan Pardew out of the door because of just six wins in his last 38 Premier League fixtures.

And experienced campaigner Allardyce, 62, who has NEVER been relegated from the top flight, insists he can quickly turn their fortunes around.

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Big Sam said: “First and foremost let’s stop losing.

“Let’s start getting results and if that grows the confidence then turns into wins.

“Then we can turn it around and get on a run of undefeated games, instead of winning the odd one and then lose again.

“That’s the object here — to try to find the basis of consistency that brings us some results.”

Allardyce inherits a squad with goal power in star striker Christian Benteke and flair in wide duo Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend.

But he made it clear his No 1 priority was plugging up one of the leakiest defences in the Premier League.

Big Sam has form in this area from his time with Bolton and more recently Sunderland, who he kept up against all odds last season.

And he will give Palace fans hope their side can improve a shocking defensive record — they have conceded 32 goals in just 17 games this term.

That is the third worst in the division only behind the bottom two of Hull and Swansea.

Allardyce will be reunited with centre-back James Tomkins, whose career blossomed at West Ham.

While Palace’s new manager will look to make the likes of Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, Martin Kelly and Joel Ward more resilient. Allardyce added: “We’ve got the important job of stopping the goals going in first, to be perfectly honest with you.

“The attacking players when we are in possession, are fantastic because this season the strengthening in that area by the club and by Alan has brought a lot of flair to the team.

“That has brought quite a few more goals than they might have scored last season.

“But the other side of it is that when we are not in possession we have got to stop conceding goals and make sure those goals we score win us games.

“It sounds simple, it’s not that easy — but that’s what we have got to turn around.

“I generally get a new job on the fact there are a few difficulties at a club and I have to sort those difficulties out — hopefully — with my experience.

“I will try to get a few more results on the board, particularly over Christmas and New Year to make everybody feel a little bit more comfortable.”

Allardyce will also attempt to make signings next month with the likes of Lamine Kone, Jermain Defoe and Andy Carroll — all players he has worked with before — likely to be top of his wish list.

His Palace reign will begin with the Boxing Day lunchtime clash at Watford.

And the new Selhurst chief is initially backing he players he is inheriting to turn it around.

He said: “I will sit down with the chairman but you have got to look at availability and January is a very difficult window. We’ve got to make sure we protect the players we have got.

“There will also be the rumours which could float around that people might be interested in our players.

“That is of great concern as a manager, because it is very disruptive and can put a player off his game.

“We are certainly trying to recruit and make the squad a little bit bigger with more strength in depth.

“I think the players who are here are good enough. But if we can add to that let’s try and do it.” Palace’s American co-owners — Josh Harris and David Blitzer — are desperate to see the club reach a new level.

And Allardyce believes Selhurst Park — helped by the raucous support of the Holmesdale Fanatics — could be a springboard for success. He added: “The club has been very impressive in terms of the way it has grown.

“They have held their Premier League status over a number of years now.

“And the fact when you play there it is always a very good atmosphere and a very passionate one.”

Coach Keith Millen has backed Allardyce to get them flying again and expects to see a dramatic improvement against the Hornets.

Millen said: “It’s amazing how resilient players can be. We have a big game against Watford and the players have to go out there and deal with it.

“The players are hurting. They are lacking in a little bit of confidence but I have seen a lot worse.

“These players are ready. There is no way they have downed tools.

“The reaction is usually there when a new manager comes in. As a group, they realise just how important the Watford game is.

“But I do think you will see a positive reaction from the players.”