Neil Warnock: I am devastated, shocked and hugely disappointed

I knew, like everyone else, that cash has been tight at Selhurst Park but I could not believe the news that we'd been forced into administration. The timing just astonishes me. There's still a week to go in the transfer window and we are about to sell Victor Moses for millions. I'm devastated, shocked and hugely disappointed.

I feel for Simon Jordan, our owner, who's been working harder than anyone can imagine to keep the club going and secure its future. I know he's as devastated as I am. The players are also in shock. We had a meeting and explained as much as we could to them.

Now I've got to try and lift them for tonight's match, away to Newcastle, the best team in the division. They're a great bunch of lads and such is the spirit they've shown in the last few months, when things have been difficult, it really wouldn't surprise me if we get a result, though we all know it'll be tough.

I don't know what the future holds for me or the players. It may surprise you, but in all my years in the game I've not been at a club which has gone into administration before so I don't know where everyone stands.

I'm hoping to speak to the administrators but it may have to wait until we're back in London. I'm obviously disappointed from a playing perspective as we'd been doing so well – we've only lost twice in our last 15 games – and I really felt we'd a chance of making the play-offs. Now, suddenly, we find ourselves in a relegation battle. The players don't deserve that, or the fans, or the chairman. I just hope such a good squad doesn't get broken up and sold off cheaply.

I know there'll be clubs eyeing up all the talent we have coming through from our youth scheme and thinking they can get players for a song. Let's hope that doesn't happen. As I said, I really cannot understand the timing.