Peter Taylor believes Crystal Palace fans understand why he is unlikely to lead the Eagles back up to the Premiership this season.

Expectation levels of both the club and supporters were high when the former Leicester City and Hull City manager took over from Iain Dowie in the summer and a serious automatic promotion push was anticipated.

But unfortunately the season has not gone to plan and, despite being on the receiving end of abuse from unhappy Eagles fans, Taylor feels the majority of Palace supporters sympathise with his situation.

He said: "As much as there has been a few supporters who have shown their frustration and disappointment, the majority of fans I speak to appreciate it has been a difficult season.

"Players we have lost are in the Premiership now which proves they are all good players.

"Losing Andy Johnson from a Championship team is not easy, because, as you can see, all of a sudden he is leading the line for England.

"I think people realise it has not been an easy season, but there has been good progress.

"I am desperate to carry on the good work in the last few matches so people can have their player of the year dos and look forward to July and August because then we will think about having a good start to next season."

Taylor blames the Eagles' poor first half of the season as the reason why the club are flagging well behind in the promotion race.

Palace's slim hopes were all but extinguished after the defeat by Plymouth Argyle the Saturday before the international break.

Taylor admits his side deserve to finish in mid-table, despite the recent good run they have put together.

"The last 13-14 matches have been outstanding for us," he said.

"It's just the way it goes - that's football.

"Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it does not. Nine times out of 10, the season evens itself out.

"If you finish in mid-table, you probably deserve to finish in mid-table.

"There have been times where we have conceded rubbish goals and not taken good opportunities.

"When we were on a good run, we have taken these chances."

A summer shake-up has already been promised by Eagles chairman Simon Jordan, who still wants to see Taylor at the helm next season.

Out of contract players Michael Hughes, Danny Granville and Gabor Kiraly may not be offered new deals.

Taylor has already said that Tommy Black will definitly not be offered new terms.

Jordan insists, when the shake-up is completed, that Palace will be more of a force next season.

"I have developed a newer trait which is patience and I believe that Peter can achieve this for us," said Jordan.

"We have a plan and a strategy. Significant investment, both financially and logistically, has gone into our academy.

"We are seeing the fruits of these efforts with talent coming through - Lewis Grabban, Lewwis Spence, Aaron Fray, Royce Wiggins, David Wilkinson and, behind them, Victor Moses, Sean Scanell and John Bostock to name a few.

"These players really want to play for Palace and have the passion for the club we have. Coupled with good experienced players, who want to be here, they will bring us success.

"If ultimately this season we do not achieve our promotion aim, which looks the case, Peter and I intend to shake things up so that next year we are really ready."