Jobi McAnuff hurts Crystal Palace but hopes for saviour

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

McAnuff was in sprightly form at Selhurst Park last night as his team brought Palace back to reality after their FA Cup draw against Aston Villa, securing a win that leaves Palace, who were docked 10 points for entering administration, above the bottom three on goal difference.

McAnuff, who played for Palace between 2005 and 2007, endured a similar experience early in his career at Wimbledon, and he expressed sympathy with the plight of his former employers. "It's easy to say it shouldn't affect you, but it's difficult not to let it," he said. "You come in and you haven't been paid and everyone's down and it's tough. When I was at Wimbledon, there was a lot of uncertainty, and it is the same at Palace now. It's a difficult situation.

"The people behind the scenes are often overlooked. If they are not paid, it is a much bigger blow than the players.

"It's an inconvenience and a frustration for the players, but for people like cleaners, chefs and kit men, it's a massive difference. I just hope they can get it sorted out and hopefully someone can come and take it over."

McAnuff's cross allowed Simon Church to volley Reading into the lead midway through the first half, and they doubled their advantage shortly after the break through Jimmy Kebe.

Substitute Sean Scannell pulled a goal back for Palace in the 55th minute, but Reading made the game safe when Church scored his second from close range nine minutes from time. To make matters worse for Palace, Neil Danns and Darren Ambrose both picked up knocks.

Palace boss Neil Warnock had a meeting scheduled today with administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, with Queens Park Rangers thought to be keen to prise the 61-year-old away.

Guilfoyle has claimed he would reject any approach for Warnock, but the Palace boss stopped short of saying he would be happy to stay at the club under such circumstances.

"I'm not going to comment on what he said," said Warnock. "I'll be speaking to him myself to find out, and until then, I haven't really got a clue about that."