Birmingham City promotion race: Crystal Palace camp say Neil Warnock's old boys will get no favours

Apr 30 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

BLUES have had fears that Sheffield United could be in for an easy ride on Sunday quashed from within the Crystal Palace camp.

The Blades head to Selhurst Park knowing if they win and Blues fail to gain all three points at Reading then they will gain automatic promotion.

But with controversial Palace manager Neil Warnock being an ex-Blades boss and boyhood fan, some fear Sheffield United may face on easy hurdle in south London.

Not according to Palace defender Matt Lawrence, who is relishing Warnock’s reunion with the side he guided to the Premier League three years ago.

“With one game left and mid-table obscurity firmly cemented, you could be forgiven for thinking that our season was going to ebb quietly away. No chance,” insisted Lawrence.

“Professional pride always keeps you motivated. But even for us Palace players this is a massive game.