Phil Parkinson insists Alan Pardew will turn Crystal Palace’s fortunes around.

The Eagles have failed to win 20 of their 22 league games in 2016 - finishing just five points above the drop zone last season.

And their poor form has continued into the new campaign with back-to-back defeats and a point against another winless side, Bournemouth.

Parkinson, who manages League One Bolton, played under Pardew at Reading and later became his assistant manager at Charlton in 2007.

Wimbledon Times:

Phil Parkinson

When asked by News Shopper whether the Crystal Palace boss can turn it around, he said: “Yeah - there’s no doubt about that.

“He knows how to win games and Benteke is a big signing for them. They had a difficult spell towards the end of last season but they were never really under threat of getting relegated.

“With their early-season form, people may have got carried away with expectations and Palace getting to a cup final and staying in the division was a very successful season.

“Just because a lot of those points came at the start of the season, it doesn't matter when you get them, as long as it’s enough to keep you in the division and that’s what they achieved.”

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Pardew and Charlton parted ways in November 2008, which ended a 22-month working relationship with Parkinson.

His former no2 has praised the ex-Newcastle boss’ managerial career.

“Obviously he had his one disappointing period at Charlton, but Alan is a good manager,” Parkinson added.

“He’s someone I’ve known for a long time and I keep in touch with him.

“Alan’s moved on from Charlton and managed other clubs which he’s done well at.”

Crystal Palace will look to get their first league win of the season when they face newly-promoted Middlesbrough tomorrow.