Joel Ward has admitted that Crystal Palace's "incredible" transformation in the Premier League this season will make for a great story for him to tell one day.
The Eagles were bottom of the table with only seven points from 12 games when Tony Pulis was appointed as manager after the resignation of Ian Holloway.
However, the Welshman has guided Palace to the safe ground of 11th place, following a remarkable turnaround which has been completed by a club-record run of five straight top-flight victories.
He told reporters: "It's been incredible. It's definitely something we'll tell in years to come, how we started and how we finished the season, and to challenge myself as well.
"I've always like a challenge. I kind of enjoy when your back is against the wall and you've got to fight your way out and you've got to stand up and be counted for. I've always thrived on that.
"This season it has been incredible to do that and obviously play against some of the names out there."
Ward is Palace's third most-used outfield player this term, having started 33 of 35 league matches.
