Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has added to his backroom team.

Allardyce has hired sports psychologist Lee Richardson to help his under-fire squad, in a bid to clear their minds, raise any worrying issues and to also help arrest the club's terrible home form, says the Croydon Advertiser.

Richardson comes with a wealth of football experience, having been a player, coach and manager himself. And recently he has also been working closely with Lancashire Cricket Club.

"I had Lee at West Ham and I knew him as a player. The thing for me is his experience as a professional footballer and as a coach and manager, as well as a high level of concentration in that field," said Allardyce.

"The players can talk to him from a football aspect as well as a sports psychologist, which is not something you can do often with just a psychologist.

"It's a massive area in my life in the last 20-22 years. I have sat down with three or four who have worked with me and have made me a better manager and made me cope better and make better decisions.

"I just want to give the lads the opportunity to experience the same to see if it helps them like it's helped me.

"I do feel we have to try and help the lads to focus mentally. I just think if we can do that, they will perform better."