Palace facing 10-day delay on pay

Warnock says his players will not be distracted by the delay

Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock has confirmed to BBC London 94.9 that wage payments to players, staff and management are to be delayed.

An emergency meeting was called following Saturday's 3-0 win against Watford to break the news to the squad.

Warnock said: "I spoke to the chairman [Simon Jordan] last week. I explained the situation to the players; I think they were very positive.

"The chairman said he's got [a cash flow problem] for about 10 days."

He added: "I probably should have the biggest worry because footballers are always protected by the Professional Footballers Association.

"But it's not like that - Simon's doing his best. Obviously the cash flow is a problem. But we've got another home game next Saturday, and you've got to accept in the modern day that these things happen.

I know [chairman Simon Jordan] has been disappointed that he's not been able to give me some of the millions he's give other managers, but it hasn't stopped me from working as hard as I can for the club and for him.

Neil Warnock

"Rather than let it affect you, we've got to be positive. We're doing ever so well at the moment. We've got a small squad, we've got a lot of players out on loan to help with the financial aspect as well, and the fans have been brilliant.

"I would expect the chairman to support me if I were in a situation like that, and likewise I said to the players 'he's been great with us, so let's help him'."

BBC London understands that assurances have been made that wages will be paid in 10 days' time at latest, although they could still be paid as early as Tuesday.

During the summer, the club were placed under a transfer embargo for not meeting a transfer payment, and in September were again prevented from bringing in new players .

Palace host Doncaster in the Championship on Saturday, and Warnock insists there is no chance of his players refusing to play if they have not been paid by then.

"We haven't got prima donnas. They're all hard working lads and the team ethic is fabulous.

"I am in a positive mood because I want to help the chairman - he's been brilliant over the years and I know he's been disappointed that he's not been able to give me some of the millions he's given other managers, but it hasn't stopped me from working as hard as I can for the club and for him."

Jordan took over at Crystal Palace in 2000, saving the club from entering administration. Just last year Jordan revealed he had spent £7m on securing the long-term lease of Selhurst Park for the next 25 years.

Following the sale of the John Bostock to Tottenham in July 2008, Jordan announced his intention to sell the club, indicating he hoped to do so in the following year.

However, Warnock says he is not aware of any sale in the pipeline.

"I leave those things to him," he said. "He's a very astute businessman and a very good friend. I'm aware of the problems he's had with the [economic] climate. But he's still put many millions into Crystal Palace to keep it going, and I think we owe him a lot.

"The least we owe him is to roll up our sleeves and try to get the results that will help him over this period."

You can hear the full interview with Neil Warnock on the BBC London sports show tonight on 94.9FM and online at www.bbc.co.uk/london.