Crystal Palace first team coach Ben Garner admitted he was shocked at the departure of Tony Pulis, but believes it is important that the club moves on quickly.

Pulis left Selhurst Park on Thursday evening, less than 48 hours before the start of the new Premier League season, and after only 28 competitive games as manager.

Without him, Palace kicked off the new season with a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal, thanks to a last-gasp Aaron Ramsey winner.

Garner said: “I think a lot of us were shocked [about Pulis]. We don’t get time to think about it, you have to move straight on.

“We had training straight away the next day and a huge game at Arsenal, football moves on very quickly and we had to do that.

“We had to start thinking about Friday for training and preparing for Arsenal, one of the best teams in Europe and it was just a case of getting on with that.”

Garner was pleased with the gutsy performance in the defeat at the Emirates, and took plenty of positives from the match.

He said: “I thought it was a terrific performance. To come in and restrict Arsenal to as few chances as we did means you have to give massive credit to the players.

“There are huge positives to take once the disappointment settles down. We were disappointed with nature of the goals as set pieces are normally one of our strengths but overall we’re delighted with the lads and what they did.

“Keith [Millen] did a great job last time in difficult circumstances and he stepped in again for the club so full credit to him.

“We were really unfortunate and obviously disappointed but we will keep doing our jobs and preparing the team.

He added: “If we play like today we have every chance of getting a result against West Ham. They are a good side and they’ve had a disappointing late goal themselves so will be looking to bounce back next Saturday like we will.

“We just have to make sure we prepare correctly this week and pick the players up on Monday and get them working which they will do because they are a fantastic bunch of players with fantastic determination and spirit.”

The Crystal Palace first team coach also reserved special praise for the supporters.

He added: “People really underestimate the fans. Last season I thought the fans were absolutely phenomenal.

“Even when things weren’t going great they stuck by the team and even after disappointment today they still will.

“The home game is going to be huge for us, the atmosphere at the end of last season was absolutely electric and I think that’s massive for the team and players to have the support of the fans. We need to make sure we keep pushing forward together.”

Wandsworth Times:

Backing of the fans: Garner reserved special praise for the Crystal Palace support   SP81807