Pardew not expecting more signings

The Crystal Palace manager, who on Saturday takes his side to newly-promoted Norwich in their opening Barclays Premier League fixture, has significantly strengthened his squad.

Pardew has recruited £10million club-record signing Yohan Cabaye, £9million Connor Wickham, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and forwards Bakary Sako and Patrick Bamford.

Pardew had also been linked with his captain at Newcastle, Fabricio Coloccini, but after previously revealing his pessimism about his chances of securing the central defender's arrival, he said that his only expectation now was that some players would leave.

"I'm pretty much happy with what I've got," Pardew said

"There's one or two players who need to move on from here, because our squad is heavy now.

"We'll look at the window

Someone might come to our attention as we go so we never say 'never', but I'm pretty confident we're there.

"I can't ask for more than the chairman's given me at this football club, he's given me everything

The training ground is a massive improvement.

"I'm trying to build a strong Premiership club

We're getting there and I'm very pleased with the improvements and the improvements in the squad

Now the team and myself have to deliver."

Pardew was appointed Palace manager in January, after leaving Newcastle, and inspired them to a 10th-placed finish when they had previously been at serious threat of relegation.

The combination of their promising form after his arrival and the money spent on new players has increased expectancy levels surrounding the club.

After Saturday's trip to Norwich, however, Palace's following five fixtures are against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, and the manager is aware that the way they start the coming season could be vital.

"I like to think we're an exciting team," he said

"It's dangerous to say that at the start of the season but I think we are, I think we're good to watch

Hopefully we can get the results that get us a good position in the league.

"The crux of our season may well be the start, because our first period is very, very tough

Probably the toughest of any Premiership side, in my opinion

We really have to be ready.

"We won't know that, really, until we come out of Norwich, and maybe even Arsenal, to know exactly where we are

That is going to be a critical part of our season.

"[Norwich] have an exciting manager because [Alex Neil's] really on an upward curve

He hasn't put a foot wrong since he started managing.

"A real test for him, the Premier League, tactically, and media-wise he's gonna find some tough days, but we know this first game is not ideal for us

The club are on the up

We know we're in for a very, very tough game."

Source : PA

Source: PA