Joe Ledley: Crystal Palace needed a change from Alan Pardew after 'worst year ever in football'

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Joe Ledley has conceded Crystal Palace needed a change from Alan Pardew after "the worst year ever in football."

The manager was sacked in late December after the Eagles took just 26 points from 36 Premier League games in 2016, leaving the club one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Sam Allardyce was appointed as Pardew's successor and recorded just his second league win on Saturday, from nine games in charge, thanks to January signing Patrick van Aanholt's first goal downing Middlesbrough.

Despite the former England manager's initial struggles, Ledley is confident the change was the right decision after a demoralising 12 months under Pardew.

"There have not been drastic changes, but changes which needed to be done," Ledley told talkSPORT.

"We weren't doing well - 2016 was probably the worst year ever in football. We needed a change.

"Sam came in and hopefully with his routine and the way he wants us to play, we can get results."

Next up for Palace is a trip to a West Brom side who have lost just once in eight games and aiming for an unlikely Europa League come the end of the season.

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