Former Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock says fans will be crucial to their survival hopes next season.

Palace return to the Premier League as favourites to go straight back down.

But Warnock, speaking to the South London Press, said: "The Palace fans are going to be the big decider. The team are going to have periods where they don't win for six, seven or eight games and they've got to keep supporting and rallying behind the players - because they can get points for the club. They are going to need that to give them a chance.

"And I always thought when they were in full voice they could intimidate referees, which will be important as well. Selhurst Park is a special ground. The fans are so close to you - walking down the touchline to the dugout for that 60-70 yards, they let you know you're in for a hard afternoon.

"It is what I call a proper football stadium - the atmosphere goes right around it."