'Palace Face Tough Fight To Beat Drop'

[Folami David]

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis on Monday conceded his new team face a tough battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
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Pulis has been pitched into a daunting fight to beat the drop after agreeing a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Ian Holloway, who resigned a month ago.
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The former Stoke boss was in the stands at Hull on Saturday as the Eagles responded to the presence of their new boss with a crucial 1-0 win, and he will take charge for the first time against Norwich on Saturday.
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But, despite that welcome gift, Pulis arrives at Selhurst Park with Palace second bottom of the table after nine defeats from their 12 matches and he admitted it will take a significant effort to stay up.
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"I'm still very ambitious, I like climbing hills," he said.
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"This is going to be a tough job, but one I will relish.
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"I told the players we will be underdogs. People expect us to be relegated."
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Pulis won promotion with Stoke and kept them in the top-flight for four seasons before leaving his post in May.
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He has a reputation for producing aggressive and direct sides, who rely on their strength and organisation to over-power opponents.
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In Palace's dire circumstances those qualities and Pulis's experience could be key factors.
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And, asked if he had considered turning down Palace's approach because of the club's status as top-flight minnows, Pulis struck an upbeat note.