Saturday 7 May 2016 20:14, UK
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says he is ready to commit his future to the club following his side's 2-1 victory over Stoke at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Two second-half strikes from Dwight Gayle sealed an impressive comeback for the home side after Charlie Adam had earlier put the Potters ahead midway through the first half.
Victory ensures Premier League survival for the Eagles this season and Pardew says he is now ready to commit his future to the club with a new contract.
"We've had a new deal in place but I was not going to sign it and put this club at risk," he said.
"It's a big contract for this football club to keep me here and I wanted to be honourable and not sign it until we were safe."
Pardew praised his players for their second half performance against Stoke but admitted his side's poor start to the match could be related to the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester United.
"Second half we were really good and Stoke had problems with us," said Pardew. "First half we were too slow with the ball and a little bit stretched at times.
"It's difficult. You have one eye on the cup final - I can excuse the players a little lull but second half we were terrific.
"We had a little chat at half-time, ironed a few things out because our league position doesn't reflect how good we are."
Pardew was also quick to praise goalscorer Gayle, who has struggled to secure a starting place at Palace since signing from Peterborough in 2013.
"Gayle is a player that, through injuries and our success in the first half of the season, just hasn't had enough game time this season," said Pardew.
"We had a problem in the last window with him. He was 'shall I go, shall I stay?' but we wanted him to stay. We got there in the end and he's been waiting for a chance.
"He's pushing for a start in the cup final and that's going to cause me a problem. I'll probably give him another go at Southampton and then reflect on it."
Both Yohan Cabaye and Joe Ledley had to be substituted following tackles with Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam on Saturday.
However, Pardew remains confident that both will be fit in time for the cup final against United on May 21.
"I think Yohan is [okay]," he said. "He kept getting bashed today as usual and he took a bash too far. Joe is a little bit more of a worry so he's probably sweating for the final but he's a strong boy.
"My experience of a cup final is three days before the final everybody is fit, and I expect Joe to be fit."
