EAGLES columnist SAM ROSS this week calls for backing of Dougie Freedman after the manager came in for some recent stick from a minority of disgruntled fans.

IT has been a pretty dismal couple of weeks for the Eagles.

What used to be a fortress at Selhurst has quickly turned into a home far too easily broken down.

And what used to be a Palace side who were draw specialists has become one being brushed aside by opponents nearing promotion and relegation.

This is certainly end of season mid-table mediocrity and even a mid-table spot looks out of reach now with the fixtures ahead combined with the current form.

There has certainly been a switch in the attitude of the players on the pitch.

Certain players already want the season to be over and have done so ever since our chances of reaching the play-offs slipped away.

What is slightly annoying over the last few games is the criticism being put on Dougie Freedman or the fact people are trying to say he is immune to criticism.

Just from reading message boards and Twitter, Freedman is getting blamed for the goals we have been leaking in recent weeks and for the tactics he has played.

Well, I fail to see how the tactics have led to conceding so many goals and put it down to player error.

It is hard to disagree with the great Brian Clough, who once said that 'players lose you games, not tactics. There's so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes.'

It is acceptable fans are angry with the results over the last four weeks where we have conceded 12 goals in only five games.

That stat shows we are a shadow of the team which once had one of the greatest defences in the league.

Freedman had said his Palace side 'don't get beat easy' but now that is unfortunately not the case.

And while fans are trying to have a go at him, albeit in the politest way possible, I fear it won't be long before they are calling for a new manager to take Palace forward.

We already have that man and the instant success some fans strive for has ruined so many other clubs.

Those critical fans around Selhurst are only a handful but such strong opinions can quickly influence a weak minded few.

Freedman has a plan in place which will stretch well beyond next season.

However, it is not just about keeping hold of Freedman, it is about keeping the whole backroom team together like Tony Popovic, who is rumoured to be linked with a move back to coach Western Sydney.

There are a still a handful of unbelievably talented youngsters coming through and those who have been down to watch the academy side will know that.

The future at Crystal Palace is an exciting one but one that fans must be patient for.

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