And the crowd of 18,272 paid tribute to the Palace manager after Saturday's 2-1 victory over Blackburn sealed First Division survival.

Now, with businessman Jerry Lim ready to take over the club, the future looks much brighter for the Eagles.

But it has been a rocky road for Coppell with avoiding relegation the primary objective

On Saturday he received two thoroughly deserved awards - recognition from the club for his long service and a trophy from the fans for his commitment to the Palace cause.

Coppell addressed his adoring public saying: "It's been a long hard season, but we couldn't have made it without you.

"The support home and away has been brilliant all year and when I asked for special support for the players today I got it. For that I have to say thank you very much."

After last week's announcement that FIFA would support Palace in their financial tussle with Juventus and Strasbourg, the onus was on Lim to send out a definite sign that he wanted to end Palace's year of woe.

"There are a number of details still to be settled provided these are agreed I anticipate we shall be making a substantial long term investment in the future of the club," he said.

"I am pleased to have the support of Phil Alexander as chief executive, Steve Coppell, as director of football and first team manager, and Peter Morley as chairman. We shall make a further statement in due course."

Coppell added: "I spoke to Mr Lim and he's making all the right noises but there are conditions still to be met by the League and the FA before they transfer the shares. But he's very buoyant and he wants to take over as soon as possible."

Former Palace fans' favourite Matt Jansen gave Blackburn Rovers a 27th minute lead on Saturday. The young star displayed his great rapport with the Eagles faithful by bowing his head instead of celebrating his classy finish.

But Palace were rewarded for a rousing effort in the 60th minute when Mikael Forssell set up Ashley Cole to scoop home his first goal for the club from 18 yards.

After Rovers' Lee Carsley was sent off for kicking Steven Thompson, Clinton Morrison head home Jamie Smith's cross to secure Palace's safety.

Afterwards the players soaked up the crowd's adulation on one of the most deserved laps of honour in the club's history. An emotional Coppell said: "It's been my hardest season ever, but it's been gratifying to see so many people gel and work so hard together on a regular basis and come through it all."

l Palace finish their season at Tranmere on Sunday (1.30pm).