Shaun Derry has admitted that while Neil's departure is a blow to the side, there is some relief that the ongoing issue has finally been resolved and attentions can return to the important matter of league duties.

Speculation linking to Neil to the QPR job was rife in the weeks leading up to the move on Monday evening, and it was more a matter of when, not if, he would move across to west London.

"I am gutted that he is gone." he told www.cpfc.co.uk, "There has been a lot of attention surrounding his departure and in a way I am happy that it has all been resolved so that we can now crack on for the rest of the season and still try to achieve the aim that we had when we went into administration.

"The aim is still our main focus and that is to stay in the Championship."

The loss of Neil has been another blow to a team that has already had its fair share of disappointment this season.

But the Palace skipper was keen to emphasise the importance of maintaining their focus on staying away from the relegation zone, and is hoping that a quick replacement can be found.

"It is a massive blow for us. It is huge considering what we have tried to achieve over the past two years, but at the same time we have 14 games left and there is still time to get ourselves to a point of safety and that is what the aim has got to be.

"I think if you were to ask Neil he would say that he desperately wants Crystal Palace to stay up, and nothing changes whether he is here or not.

"That has got to be the aim and the boys have to stay focussd on the job in hand. I hope somebody comes in pretty sharpish because we have to carry on the trend that we have all season and that is by working hard for each other."