According to Warnock, Palace chairman Simon Jordan has a short-term "cash-flow problem" which has delayed the wages, and the Coca-Cola Championship club's players - including Socceroo Nick Carle - were informed after Saturday's win against Watford.

Warnock, who turned 61 today, said in The Independent: "I explained the chairman has a cash-flow problem and the wages will be paid 10 days late.

"So it will be in time for their Christmas shopping if not for my birthday. They were okay with that and very supportive."

Warnock stressed Jordan was "doing his best" to find the funds necessary, adding: "He's a smart businessman and it's just a matter of cash flow."