Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew admits he and the club have made efforts to stop Kenny Sansom's drinking.

The 57-year-old has been battling his alcohol addiction for a number of years and has been to rehabilitation five times. But Sansom has fallen off the wagon once again.

"We have gone down a long road with Kenny," Pardew told the Croydon Advertiser.

"We have put a lot of assistance his way and we have spoken to the PFA many times.

"A close friend of mine, who happens to have his own company, has employed Kenny and tried to help him in many, many ways.

"Sometimes it's difficult with players in the situation Kenny is in. It's a terrible problem and I've had players who have had it before, and I've had players who have come through it.

"I am hoping, fingers crossed, God willing, that Kenny finds a route to stop drinking."