Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander has reiterated the club’s desire to secure Alan Pardew’s services on a long-term deal.

Pardew has enjoyed immense success since his appointment last January, achieving a top-half finish in his first season despite taking over with the club in the drop zone.

The Eagles have been unable to sustain their superb early season form this term, with an eight-match winless run seeing the club drop to 12th.

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Alexander, who has been in the job since 1996, told News Shopper: “He has done a fantastic job.

“He’s great to work with – he is superb with the players, he understands the business and what we are trying to do as an organisation.

“Of course we want Alan to be here for a long time. He’s part of what we’ve built over the last few years and long may that continue.”

Palace will be hoping to get their season back on track when Watford travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday.

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