Joe Ledley believes Crystal Palace have pulled off a coup with the appointment of new manager Alan Pardew. Pardew was officially announced as the new Palace boss on Saturday, completing a move that initially shocked many but became clearer when the circumstances of his working conditions on Newcastle United emerged.

"We are looking forward to working under Alan and I think we have a bright future ahead of us," said Ledley.

"He came in at the end of the New Year's Day game and said 'Congratulations.' He told us what he wants to do with the squad which is move it forwards. He's very experienced in the Premier League. We will take his views on board and go from there.

"I think it's a great appointment. I think we are lucky to be working under him. He has been brilliant for Newcastle. He's done such a good job that I think everyone was a bit surprised he's come. But it's a good appointment and it's down to us players now to perform.

"For us players, it's going to give us a big lift. The fans are going to be happy, so hopefully we can start putting a few good performances in.

"Tony Pulis brought me in and did a fantastic job. I thought he would be here for a long time. Things didn't work out and that's football. Hopefully we have the right man who will be here for many years to come. I think that's what the club needs."