NOT since the days of George Graham and Kenny Sansom were playing have Crystal Palace played Division Two football.

But the stark reality is that unless they beat Portsmouth tonight (Wednesday) at Fratton Park, Eagles fans can start looking up the train times to Wrexham, Notts County and Port Vale.

A two-goal win tonight would take them above Pompey on goal difference going into Sunday's final round of matches when Palace travel to Stockport County.

And last Sunday's sudden dismissal of manager Alan Smith and assistant Ray Houghton was hardly the best preparation for one of the most important games in the club's history.

Smith was sacked by chairman Simon Jordan after a run of two wins in 16 matches left the Eagles third from bottom.

Jordan said: “It has been a difficult decision because through all the disappointment, there has been some very positive strides forward made within the structure of this football club since I took over in July.

“It should not be forgotten that we had an excellent League Cup run which saw victories recorded against quality

Premiership sides.”

The man in charge for the final two games of the season will be chief scout Steve Kember. He faces the tough task to save the Eagles from relegation.

The last straw for Jordan was the 2-0 home defeat to Wolves on Saturday, when after the game Smith blamed the players again, saying: “Only so much can come from the coach and sometimes it's got to come from within.

“There's definitely a lack of self-motivation. The attacking third and defending third is something this club needs to sort out. I'm the manager and I have to shoulder the blame but sometimes players need to take some responsibility.”

Andy Sinton put Wolves ahead in the 16th minute and Adam Proudlock added a second a few minutes after half-time.

Despite Wolves' Keith Andrews being shown a red card, Palace were just not at the races.

Halfway through the second-half, the Palace fans turned on Smith chanting “Smith out” and “There's only one Stevie Coppell”, while there was an avalanche of season-ticket books thrown by hundreds in disgust, which landed on the pitch.

The fans got the first-half of their wish but Jordan ruled out Coppell returning to the club, commenting: “Steve will not be coming back and neither will Dave Bassett. Lawrie Sanchez has done no more than Smith did, getting his club to a cup semi-final, and Micky Adams has only had success in the lower divisions.

“We could be in the lower division next season but the club does not belong there and the squad does not have that feel to it.

“I have also heard George Graham and Stuart Pearce mentioned as possible candidates but I have not made a decision.

“I am not going to drag it out for the sake of it but I have got until June 25, when the players are due back for pre-season training, and I want to make the right decision. I will talk to people inside and outside of football and I will not be rushed.”

Defender Dean Austin said: “Steve Kember has the respect of the players. I'm not giving it up yet though. We have two games to salvage something and we might still sneak out of it.”