Warnock aiming for lucky seven

Last updated : 05 May 2008 By Nik Taylor
Neil Warnock says taking Palace from the Championship basement to a play-off spot within a matter of months is his "biggest achievement" in football.

Warnock joined the club in October with the Eagles languishing near the bottom of the table.

After a rocky start which saw the side drop as low as second bottom, he has turned the side around in dramatic style. This culminated in Sunday's 5-0 thrashing of Burnley which confirmed a place in the end-of-season promotion matches.

"I can't think of a better achievement in my career," Warnock said. "To go from second bottom in November into the play-offs, never mind winning them, is a great effort from all the lads.

"We have a 25% chance now and let's see what happens. It can come down to a lucky break or an individual piece of skill.

"It's been a great challenge. We haven't spent much money and brought the kids through as no one wanted to play for us so it's remarkable.

"The last day of last year was a trying time for me when I went down with Sheffield United and I wouldn't put anyone though the 12 months I have had.

"But we will have a normal week this week and they are two league games as far as I am concerned. "I've won six promotions in my career - but my lucky number is seven."