​Crystal Palace veteran Ward praises 'incredible' Vieira

 


Crystal Palace's longest-serving player Joel Ward has lavished praise on manager Patrick Vieira.

The Frenchman made his name in the Premier League as a player with Arsenal.

He has gone on to showcase his qualities as a coach, impressing with his revamp of the Palace squad after replacing veteran Roy Hodsgon.

"It's been incredible to see what the gaffer brings," Ward told the Daily Mail.

"We all know his football career and what he achieved. That list speaks for itself. There's a different side to him where he brings the best out of people.

"He has time to talk and help people grow, not just on the football pitch but as a character and a person. That stems from him being a leader throughout his career. He has that stature as a man, and he has that character that you can approach him.

"He demands from you, he expects you to perform, to get better and develop and raise that bar.

"He sets those standards because he's a winner. He wants to achieve and to be successful. But he's also someone that can put an arm around someone, and bring out the best in them."

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