Stressed-out Jordan inspired by Dowie

Crystal Palance's battle for top-flight survival has left Simon Jordan's nerves shot to pieces.

The chairman has experienced a series of highs and lows this season but admits the run-in has left him totally on edge.

Iain Dowie's team go into a nerve-racking final game at Charlton on Sunday knowing that even if they win they need other results to go their way and Jordan could suffer more than many.

The anxiety set in two games ago with the 0-0 draw at Newcastle. The chairman said: "At times I convince myself that football is not life and death. But then I sat at St James' Park in a state of such anxiety that I felt like I needed Valium to control the stress.

"I've spent five years at this club trying to rebuild and establish it. I promised Premiership football and I want to keep it."

Jordan has great faith in Dowie, though, and said: "His leadership has been there for all to see, to the point where at times he inspires me, which very few have done."