Alan Pardew not sure Crystal Palace can match fine season in 2015-16

Alan Pardew says it is going to be difficult to repeat Crystal Palace's sensational second half of the season when the 2015-16 campaign starts.

Palace could finish in the top 10 of the Premier League if they defeat Swansea in the climax to their season at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Pardew took over a team that was positioned in the relegation zone when he was appointed in January, but he has transformed the Eagles' fortunes to the extent he became a candidate for manager of the season.

"I think it will be difficult for me to top this next year," Pardew said.

"I have loved the whole process we have done here. I can't think of one down time, apart from maybe a couple of results we were disappointed with.

"Going on the games since I've been here - it will be 18 on Sunday - we'd be sixth in the table and that's incredible really considering where we were.

"We're hoping for three more points on Sunday to reinforce that position and then we're hoping to build on that next season."

Pardew will also have one eye on events at St James' Park on Sunday where his former club Newcastle host West Ham needing a victory to ensure their top division survival.

"Newcastle is close to my heart. My players who I worked with for five years are there, a big group of them, the staff and, more importantly, the fans," added Pardew, who was allowed to leave the north east club for Palace.

"That group of fans need to be in the Premier League. They need to get this season out of the way for sure and then they need to use this scare to kick-start them for next year and going forward."