Crystal Palace v Arsenal matchday programme 2324 by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace √ arsenal

mon 21 aug 2023 20:00 kick-off

palace √ arsenal mon 21 aug | 20:00

08 captain

10 chairman 36 eagle eye 42 ben bailey smith 44 TAYO ADARAMOLA 52 HISTORY MAKERS 54 FROM THE ARCHIVE 56 RETRO PALACE 62 PALACE FOR LIFE 69 BEAT BRIGHTY 70 stats & results

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Zaf Iqbal Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Chief Marketing and Communications Officer James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

12 Football in many ways is a drug. It’s an addiction. It’s something that gives people that high. You have to have that passion to do what they have done, to go through it

Editor Will Robinson Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Contributors Ian King, Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Tommy Macarthur, Doc Brown, Tayo Adaramola, James McNicholas Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

palace √ arsenal mon 21 aug | 20:00

COLLECT, PLAY, WIN! Flick to the back of your matchday programme, and you may notice a new addition: our brand new collectible playing cards. With every programme you buy this season, add four more Palace players to your squad – with a selection of current stars and club legends to pick up. Fancy lining Geoff Thomas up in midfield alongside Cheick Doucouré? How about Ebere Eze feeding Ian Wright and Mark Bright – or a spine of Joachim Andersen, Mile Jedinak and Andrew Johnson?

Just collect the cards from each programme to make the Palace XI of your dreams. Then, pitch your squad against the rest ‘Top Trumps’ style. Take turns to read out a statistic, and if it beats the same statistic on the card your opponent is holding, you take his card! The winner of each hand gets to go again.

The aim? Take all of your opponents cards to win. Before we hear of any disputes, let’s set some ground rules. If there is a tie, move on to a new card; the winner of the next head-tohead takes all four cards. ‘Date of birth’ can be won by oldest or youngest, but both players must agree this before kick-off. Ready? Turn to the back and let’s play!

Fan update

Moment of Remembrance

Tickets for Palace Women’s first three home games can be purchased online now – head to cpfc.co.uk/palace-women for further details.

Tonight’s match allows the club to pay tribute to two figures who made an enormous impact on the game: former Millwall chairman and owner John Berylson, who died in July at the age of 70, and former Palace manager Trevor Francis who passed away age 69. Please be in your seats before kick-off for a moment of applause to celebrate their memory.

What’s inside Find out… the new faces at Palace Women this season (page 48), the word from north London (page 36) and revisit a unique encounter with Arsenal under the lights (page 52). briefing

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team for tonight’s game, and welcome back to all Palace fans for this first home game of the new campaign.

t was good to start the season at Sheffield United with an away win and the always valuable clean sheet. The two narrowly disallowed goals from Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew prevented us getting an even bigger margin of victory, but I was more than pleased with our overall performance and especially the three points. One of our two acquisitions this season, Jefferson Lerma, was able to make his competitive debut for the club, and his Man of the Match performance must have delighted the numerous Palace fans in the away end at Bramall Lane. More of you will get the opportunity to see him at close range this season, and I hope you will be as excited by the prospect of watching him in a Palace shirt this season as we, the coaching staff, are about working with him. After weeks of speculation I was delighted to get the news that the Chairman, Steve Parish and Sporting Director, Doug Freedman, had managed to persuade the super talent that Michael Olise is to commit his future to helping

It was good to start the season at Sheffield United with an away win and the always valuable clean sheet. I was more than pleased with our overall performance and especially the three points

manager

Crystal Palace climb up the Premier League table. Everyone has been bolstered by this news and I am sure that you, our fans, share this sentiment. The other new arrival is a talented young Brazilian, Matheus França, who has come injured but of whom we are expecting big things when he has had some time to acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League. I know the players and the club will be doing all they can to ease his transition to a new country. Finally, it was gratifying to see Joel Ward lead the team onto the field in the season opener. No one deserves that honour more than Joel, who personifies the dedicated club servant, who goes about his

All of us who work with him every day know there are no words too strong to describe what he does for the club and for his teammates, all of whom will happily congratulate him on this honour

manager

work quietly and unassumingly while often being overlooked by the general public and being vastly underrated by others. All of us who work with him every day know there are no words too strong to describe what he does for the club and for his teammates, all of whom will happily congratulate him on this honour. It is time now to get behind the team this evening as we take on a challenger for last season’s Premier League title, and a team likely to be in the race for the biggest prizes once again come May. We are counting on your whole-hearted support as we go

The first home game of the season is always something we look forward to as players, and to take on one of the best sides in the country under the lights will make it even more special still.

here is no better way to start the new campaign than by getting that first win under our belts. I think we played well at Bramall Lane: our forwards were a constant threat on the ball and my defensive colleagues maintained the high levels of concentration required to earn a clean sheet away from home. We came away feeling like we could have won the game by more than just one goal, and I’m sure that we will work on being more ruthless as the season progresses. I want to congratulate Jefferson on making his debut for the club. From his very first training session we have been able to see the quality that he is going to bring to the side, and I’m glad you got to witness it too last Saturday. His composure on the ball and his tenacity off it will be a real asset in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Premier League seasons in years. I also want to welcome Matheus França to the club. It’s great for us to welcome such a bright young talent, and we hope he can demonstrate his ability

We came away feeling like we could have won the game by more than just one goal, and I’m sure that we will work on being more ruthless as the season progresses

captain

and light up the Premier League as soon as possible. I know my teammates and I are doing all we can to help him settle in to a new club and a new country at such a young age. Although he is not yet fit enough to start, I know he’ll be watching tonight and I think he’ll be blown away by his first experience of the famous Selhurst atmosphere. Saturday was a special moment for me personally captaining the side. Although I have worn the armband in the past, I’m honoured by the trust the manager has shown in me to appoint me as permanent captain. I have played under some phenomenal leaders – Luka, Mile and many more – and I hope I can lead the team with the

I’m honoured by the trust the manager has shown in me to appoint me as permanent captain. I have played under some phenomenal leaders – Luka, Mile and many more

captain

same focus and dedication that they showed for so long. Finally, I want to thank you all for embarking on another campaign with us. I imagine it can be daunting at the start of a new season, with big games, away trips and all the ups and downs still to come, but let me assure you that we will be giving absolutely everything every time we step over that white line. I know that you’ll be behind us every step of the way, and I can’t wait to walk out at Selhurst tonight and take in the atmosphere I know you are going to create. God Bless. JW

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Arsenal to Selhurst Park and to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here this evening – on our first home outing of our 11th consecutive Premier League season.

t is fantastic to be back in Premier League action here in south London, after a great pre-season and a fantastic, well-earned win at Sheffield United last week. It is brilliant to get that first win, hopefully the first of many this season. I would like to congratulate Jefferson on his league debut, a Man of the Match performance. Please give him the warmest of welcomes tonight, as you always do with our new signings. I’m also pleased to welcome Matheus to the club, and we eagerly await him pulling on the red and blue shirt, hopefully in the not-too-distant future once his injury has healed. Special mentions to our Under18s and Under-21s, who began their campaigns with impressive wins: 5-0 over Southampton and 3-2 against Manchester United respectively. What an opening weekend! At the time of writing, the Lionesses have just secured their World Cup Final place, and – whatever the result of that game on Sunday – they have yet again inspired the nation. I very much

Trevor Francis had an incredible and illustrious playing career and managed Crystal Palace from 2001-2003... I was lucky enough to meet Trevor a few times, and he was a real football man who will be greatly missed trevor francis 1954-2023

chairman

hope to welcome many new faces at our Women’s team’s opening league match this coming Sunday (14:00 BST) at their new, long-term home at Sutton United. Tonight we will pay tribute to two great football men who passed away last month, with a minute’s applause prior to kick-off. Trevor Francis had an incredible and illustrious playing career and managed Crystal Palace from 2001-2003, enjoying some notable successes including a 5-0 win over Brighton and a big cup win against Liverpool. I was lucky enough to meet Trevor a few times, and he was a real football man who will be greatly missed. We also

We also celebrate the life of Millwall Chairman John Berylson, a man who did so much for the club he bought, nurtured and clearly fell in love with. John was a class act, a pleasure to talk with and a man of real integrity

John Berylson 1953-2023

celebrate the life of Millwall Chairman John Berylson, a man who did so much for the club he bought, nurtured and clearly fell in love with. John was a class act, a pleasure to talk with and a man of real integrity. We send our deepest condolences to their respective families and friends. Supporters will notice a new big screen at the Whitehorse Lane end, as well as additional screens across the Arthur Wait fascia and Whitehorse. This new system enables an even better matchday production as well providing key information to those who previously couldn’t see the big screen, and it chairman

also allows us to better serve our valued commercial partners. At times, many of our older supporters will notice the nod to the old Arthur Wait fascia with the red and blue panels and clock – albeit in digital form. As always, throw everything you have behind Roy’s team – it really does make a massive difference. Up the Palace!

Crystal Palace’s new club captain Joel Ward talks Roy Hodgson, Ebere Eze, Premier League rule changes and much more… Words: Will Robinson

oel Ward knows exactly how a club media day works. You turn up, you get changed, you stand in front of a green screen – maybe pulling a pose or two, practising a celebration – and you’re done. Three kits, more posing and then home. Except this year, things are quite different. There is one extra bit of kit laid out for Ward to don in front of the cameras. The captain’s armband sits atop the red and blue, ready to adorn the bicep of Palace’s new permanent skipper. Although football is a global sport, the sport itself can feel quite insular. When so many seem out to get you – be they opposition, media, agents or more – trust is paramount. If there is one thing Joel Ward has inspired in

Roy coming back in gave us that lift and gave us the opportunity to get out of that cycle that was difficult to break. We went on a great end to the season which any team in the Premier League would have been happy with

a succession of managers in a 12-year stint at Crystal Palace, it is trust. It’s why Roy Hodgson has chosen him to lead the dressing room. A modern captain does more than corral the troops in the tunnel and sort out tickets for families on matchday. A captain has to be a conduit between dugout and dressing room, a passage for players to get their concerns across to staff and for coaches to gauge the collective mood. Ward has missed just one game since Hodgson’s return, and the pair seem to trust one another implicitly. “Roy coming back in gave us that lift and gave us the opportunity to get out of that cycle joel ward

that was difficult to break,” he says. “We went on a great end to the season which any team in the Premier League would have been happy with.” Hodgson – and Ray Lewington, who Ward also praises – inspire a drive for the highest standards that seasoned professionals and young up-and-comers alike can buy into, an impressive feat after 50 years in management and having turned 76-years-old last week. “Football in many ways is a drug,” Ward says thoughtfully. “It’s an addiction. It’s something that gives people that high. You have to have that passion to do what they have done, to go through it. They have set the standard for people

Football in many ways is a drug. It’s an addiction joel ward

Attacking that top ten is where we see ourselves joel ward

His experience within the game enables him to have a different outlook at times in dealing with certain things. He knows characters inside and out, and he knows how to bring out the best in people. He did that with so many of us in his first period and now again in his second period coming through. They have seen so much over the years. They are an example to anyone in management or in football. “It is contagious, their enthusiasm and their dedication. It is something that you feed off and you see that in the way they are, and it rubs off on the players. “It brings continuity and gives us that foundation, which allows us as a group to continue to work together, to continue to move forwards. [The manager] will keep on pushing us. He wants to bring out the best in us, which is a key attribute in everything that he does. “His experience within the game enables him to have a different outlook at times in dealing

with certain things. He knows characters inside and out, and he knows how to bring out the best in people. He did that with so many of us in his first period and now again in his second period in charge. We’re looking forward to it and we can’t wait for this season.” To listen to Ward discuss pre-season is to see that Hodgson effect in full view: there is positivity, but an appreciation for work still to be done. “There’s a good feel around the place. It’s a good buzz, a good excitement. We obviously want to emulate the form we produced at the back end of last season. If we do that, we’ve got a real chance. “It’s been a good pre-season. I enjoy the grind; I like to feel the joel ward

pain. I love pushing the body and getting ready for the game. “Within the club we have [set targets]. We just want to make sure we continue to better ourselves. Attacking that top 10 is where we see ourselves. I think we have the quality and we possess the talent to do so, but the Premier League is such a tough league. Nothing is a given, so we have to go out there and earn it.” If Palace are to earn a top-half finish, they will need more than Ward’s experience. A vibrant, young attacking unit will be crucial to their ambitions. “Talent is one thing, but they have got the work and dedication to go on and achieve,” Ward says. He picks out Ebere Eze, in particular.

“To achieve anything, you have to be willing to ride the ups and downs. It is never easy, it is always going to be hard. His character is such that he has overcome adversity and has done that from a young age. He has done that in the last couple of years, when he picked up a nasty injury and got himself back. “You can see that in him every day, where he wants to be. He wants to improve, he wants to get better and he wants to continue to raise the bar. I’m excited to see what he is building. He’s an example for so many players and young players, kids who are aspiring to be where he is. “People should be excited. Ebs has got the full package. At times, even in training, he sets it alight and you’re just blown away by what he does: the way he moves, the way he manipulates the ball. It’s a joy to watch, but not a joy to be on the end of! “He’s an example to everyone. Sometimes it doesn’t always go the way you want it to go. There are challenges and adversity. You put your head down, you work hard and the rest will take care of itself.” As a captain should do, Ward extols the virtues of his teammates while keeping his own trumpet unblown. Nonetheless, he too is an example to young players everywhere. It’s a responsibility he is aware of – particularly this season, after new PGMOL guidance surrounding the respect of the match officials. “The discipline side of things is rightly so, the way in which

You can see that in him every day, where he wants to be. He wants to improve, he wants to get better and he wants to continue to raise the bar. I’m excited to see what he is building

joel ward

players conduct themselves on the pitch to officials. We are here to be examples, to set an example for the younger generation coming through. I get that side of it.” The other rule change – penalising timewasting, with added time often running into the double figures – he finds more troubling. “It’s difficult to see at times, because when you are in a game you are in the heat of the moment and people can get carried away with celebrations, and a bit more time can go. We are going to see some teething issues like we did with VAR. I guess for the top teams, with the fixture schedule already very condensed, adding on another 15 or 20 minutes to every game could be an issue.

To achieve anything, you have to be willing to ride the ups and downs joel ward

It has kept that unity, that culture within the club joel ward

“Hopefully it’s not going to get to that. I think there are clear guidelines with which we can work with officials to minimise any sort of time-wasting. I don’t think there is any advantage to playing 15 or 16 minutes of added time. I don’t think anyone wants to see that. I don’t think rulemakers want to see that, certainly as players and clubs we don’t want to see that. “It’s about working together to make sure we can minimise timewasting but still keep the game we know and love.” With the new season underway with a win at Sheffield United, there is just time for Ward to make his predictions for what is sure to be another rollercoaster eight months of football. “Our top scorer this season I think will

The top scorer this season i think will be Ebs. Most assists…I think it is going to be tight, but I think Michael Olise will probably top the list. Obviously our new signing Matheus França will be the breakthrough star

be Ebs. Most assists… I think it is going to be tight, but I think Michael Olise will probably top the list. “Obviously our new signing Matheus França will be the breakthrough star.” And Goal of the Season winner? No surprise. “I’d put that down to Ebs.” Tonight’s first home match of the season sees one of the title favourites head to SE25, but Ward has confidence in the personality of the squad he now leads to stand up to the challenge. “We have been building on the last couple of years with additions, joel ward

and with people coming in. We have seen some big characters over the last couple of years. “It has kept that unity, that culture within the club. That is integral to our success.” If one man knows the culture of Crystal Palace, it is the man who now proudly adjusts the captain’s armband on his sleeve. After 12 years of impeccable service, more than a decade of consistency week in, week out, he can look at a vibrant, young dressing room packed with talent, and be proud of the culture that he has helped to create

the follow -up

This season, we’re putting your questions to members of the Palace squad. To have a chance of seeing your question answered by a first-team star, just head to cpfc.co.uk and submit your burning enquiries…

joel ward

What is different about Roy’s tenure the second time around? mark bourne You don’t change what’s not broken. Roy and Ray know what they do and what’s worked for them over the years. But with the squad we’ve got and the talent we’ve got, there is no reason why we can’t push on. The first period was a lot of same players for four years, and it was an incredibly achievement to retain our Premier League status, but you saw last season in those last 10 games the formula we want going forwards.

Where would you like to visit in the USA? john bang I’ve been fortunate enough to do a fair bit of America – although not as much as I would like. I want to get to some national parks…

favourite place to play? Ben bedford I guess for me I think Anfield is iconic, as is Old Trafford. Another place would be Villa Park – I have always enjoyed that stadium.

how do Palace progress even further this season? peter aslett If you can bring in extra players to raise the standards and raise the competition in the squad – like Jefferson and Matheus – then you have a great chance and a great platform to build from.

What is your best Palace memory? Caolan commane It has to be the play-off final. I think it was just something special and will live long in my memory. But I know I’ll reflect in years to come and think on some incredible moments – Crystanbul...

Got a question? Scan Here the follow-up

Worth a try? Probably. Discover the refreshing, crisp and perfectly balanced taste of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.

Brewed in the UK, the Danish way. Enjoy responsibly.

arsenal

arsenal f.c. Opposition preview It’s fair to say Arsenal surprised people last time around with a title challenge lasting well into May, before Manchester City’s strength in depth proved decisive. Not this time, however. This season, expectations are for Mikel Arteta’s side to challenge once again – and after a third consecutive season of heavy investment, expectation may turn into pressure further down the line. Arsenal’s most eye-catching addition is that of Declan Rice for a fee of more than £100 million, but they have continued to invest with Jurriën Timber and Kai Havertz also arriving for hefty price tags. All three played their part as Arsenal won a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield

last season pos

pts

2nd

84 Top Scorer

Martin Ødegaard / Gabriel Martinelli (15) Most assists bukayo saka (11)

gunners

at Wembley, and they carried their confident form into the season opener at the Emirates Stadium, dispatching Nottingham Forest thanks to wonderful goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka. Long-term injury to Timber was the height of ill-fortune, and with the Dutch defender set to be out for most of the season Arsenal may look for more reinforcements. Nonetheless, their squad seems to be the strongest they have had in years. Can they go one better than last season and pip Manchester City at the post this time around? Arteta certainly thinks so, and if that belief can be transferred into his players then Arsenal may be in line for a first Premier League title since their famous ‘Invincible’ campaign 20 years – yes, two decades – ago.

Manager Mikel Arteta -

The Spaniard was a bold choice when he graduated from Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City to become Arsenal’s manager in 2019, but has since transformed the side from European outsiders to title challengers. After losing out in the dying stages having led for so long last season, he will be hoping to go one better and lead Arsenal to their first Premier League crown since 2004. arsenal

Starting xi

2-1 arsenal √ nottingham forest Sat 12 Aug / emirates stadium

41 02

subs

A. Ramsdale

gabriel

t. partey

e. smith rowe

b. white

j. kiwior

w. saliba

t. tomiyasu

j. timber

l. trossard

m. Ødegaard

jorginho

d. rice

f. vieira

k. havertz

r. nelson

B. Saka

K. hein

e. nketiah

G. Martinelli

goal cards

subs

pos res

oppo

Recent matches

0-2

5-3

p1-1

2-1

n/a

4th

Recent meetings

creator Martin Ødegaard Arsenal’s captain is among the youngest skippers in the league but leads from the front, scoring 15 times last season and proving the heartbeat of Arteta’s unlikely title challengers. Could he be the man to lift the Premier League trophy in May?

19 May 2021 Selhurst Park

18 October 2021 Emirates Stadium

4 April 2022 selhurst park

5 August 2022 Selhurst Park

19 March 2023 Emirates Stadium

arsenal

briefing What’s the story? Like Palace, Arsenal are south Londoners at heart, formed in Woolwich by munitions workers in 1886. Originally named Dial Square Football Club, they rebranded to Royal Arsenal in 1887 and, in 1891, became the first club in London to turn professional. Newly renamed Woolwich Arsenal, they joined the Football League in 1893. Rebuilt by Herbert Chapman after the First World War, a new Arsenal was built at Highbury Stadium with an emphasis on star players poached from elsewhere. The huge crowds and subsequent spending on players and salaries earned them the nickname ‘The Bank of England club’. After Chapman’s death and the Second World War, Arsenal returned to winning ways, but the conflict

had taken its toll: more of the team’s players were killed than at any other top-flight club. While title-winning days were behind them, they claimed a famous victory in the 1979 FA Cup, before the arrival of George Graham turned things around once again. An iconic title win in 1989 was backed up two years later, but controversy cut short his tenure. After the failure of Bruce Rioch, a new manager was named: Arsene Wenger. A relative unknown, he set about implementing his ideas on English football to immense success. His rivalry with Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson is perhaps the most intense seen in the division to date. The post-Wenger era has been one of uncertainty and difficulty, but under Mikel Arteta the good times seem to be returning.

Season 2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

1 2 3

Position

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

arsenal

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

the greatest manager While Herbert Chapman won backto-back titles in the 1930s, George Graham became a champion with a dramatic last-minute goal in 1989 and Bertie Mee took charge of more than 500 games in a memorable spell, there can only be one winner. Arsene Wenger transformed English football when he took over in 1996, taking charge of 1,235 games and winning three league titles and seven FA Cups in the process. Oh, and remaining unbeaten for an entire Premier League season in 2003/04. Invincible.

player A tricky choice. The finesse of Dennis Bergkamp? The fight of Tony Adams? The genius of Liam Brady? But in the end, nobody can beat Thierry Henry. ‘Va Va Voom’, as he was often nicknamed, ripped through Premier League defences year after year, winning the Golden Boot a record four times and scoring 174 league goals in the process.

Mathieu Flamini game

liverpool √ Arsenal first divison 28 May 1989 / anfield

Forget your ‘Agüero’ moments: this is surely the greatest last-minute conclusion to a league campaign. Arsenal needed to win by two goals at Anfield to prevent Liverpool becoming champions, and at 0-1 in the final minute hopes were fading – particularly as John Barnes held the ball in the corner to while away the seconds. But Arsenal won it back and surged forwards. Michael Thomas prodded home a winner, leading Brian Moore to utter one of the most famous lines of commentary of all time: “Thomas – it’s up for grabs now…!” arsenal

France international Flamini joined Arsenal in 2004, spending four successful years at the club and returning in 2013 after a period at the San Siro representing AC Milan. The three-time FA Cup winner joined Palace in 2016 and stayed for a single season, playing 13 times. He has since gone on to become a successful entrepreneur, and is involved in the planning of the Paris Olympics in 2024.

01 22 03 david raya

aaron ramsdale

kieran tierney

pos

goalkeeper

pos

defender

nat

spain

nat

§scotland

age

pos

defender

pos

defender

nat

england

nat

brazil

age

04 06 ben white

goalkeeper England age

height

6ft 2in

joined

2021

from

gabriel magalhães

Ramsdale’s transfer fee raised eyebrows when the goalkeeper signed from Sheffield United, but he has proved an instant hit with fans and teammates alike and was crucial to Arsenal’s title charge last season.

William Saliba pos

defender

nat

france

age

Saliba’s injury destabilised the second half of Arsenal’s season, but his return will bring composure and assuredness back to the Gunners’ defensive unit. The France international recently signed a new long-term deal.

arsenal

18 35

oleksandr zinchenko pos

defender

nat

ukraine

age

Despite losing out to his former side Manchester City last season, Zinchenko has brought a calm-headed mentality to the Emirates Stadium and will push to go one further this season.

12 15

TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU

JURRIËN TIMBER

DEFENDER JAPAN age

height

6ft 1in

joined

2021

from Tomiyasu was not a household name when he signed for Arsenal, but his versatility and tactical discipline has made him an important player – he will have a major role with Timber set for a spell on the sidelines.

JAKUB KIWIOR

pos

defender

pos

defender

nat age

NETHERLANDS

nat

POLAND

age

pos

defender

pos

defender

nat

england

nat

portugal

age

16 17 rob holding

arsenal

cédric soares

KAI HAVERTZ pos

MIDFIELDER

nat

GERMANY

age

Signed from cross-city rivals Chelsea, Havertz was an unexpected priority for Arteta who believes he can adapt the forward into a left-sided central midfielder – but his versatilty provides another option in attack.

05 08 THOMAS PARTEY

DECLAN RICE

MARTIN ØDEGAARD

pos

MIDFIELDER

pos

MIDFIELDER

nat age

ghana

nat

NORWAY

age

10 20 EMILE SMITH ROWE

JORGINHO

pos

MIDFIELDER

pos

MIDFIELDER

nat

ENGLAND

nat

ITALY

age

arsenal

MIDFIELDER England age

height

6ft 1in

joined

2023

from If anyone can shake off the pressure of becoming the most expensive British player of alltime, it’s Rice. A natural leader with 43 England caps, Arteta considers him an Arsenal captain of the future.

09 14 07 GABRIEL JESUS

EDDIE NKETIAH

pos

FORWARD

pos

FORWARD

nat

BRAZIL

nat

ENGLAND

age

19 26 LEANDRO TROSSARD pos

FORWARD

nat age

BUKAYO SAKA

FOLARIN BALOGUN pos

FORWARD

BELGIUM

nat

Usa

age

GABRIEL MARTINELLI pos

FORWARD

nat

BRAZIL

age

On his day, there are few harder attackers to stop than Martinelli, who can score on either side and from any angle. The Brazilian international will be aiming to beat his tally of 15 goals last season.

arsenal

FORWARD England age

height

5ft 10in

joined

2008

from

aCADEMY

As one of the first names on both the Arsenal and England team sheets, Saka will no doubt have a huge say in the destination of the Premier League and European Championship titles over the next 12 months.

arsenal

Stat zone

00 52

midfielder

Martin Ødegaard

Apps

Goals

Goals (right foot)

Goals (left foot)

Goals (headed)

Apps

Clean sheets

Conceded

104

Tackles

123

Tackle success

61%

Interceptions

Clearances

303

Recoveries

488

Passes

5987

Passes per match

61.72

Fouls

goals

played 28 4

goals

PENALTIES WON

pENALTIES SCORED

CLEAN SHEETS

YELLOW CARDS

RED CARDS

22/23 season goals 40

Shots

164

Shot accuracy

35%

Big chances missed

Assists

Passes

3807

Passes per match

43.26

Big chances created

CONCEDED 49 43

PASSES 15,707 20,450

shots 426 593

HIT WOODWORK 10 15

TACKLES 690 568

arsenal

defender

Gabriel Magalhães

Arsenal won both Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace last season, having won just one of their previous eight against the Eagles beforehand.

Eagle Eye James McNicholas is the Arsenal correspondent at The Athletic, and has covered the club for almost two decades. Here, he gives us the perspective from north London…

Who is Arsenal’s most important player? Arsenal’s strength is collective — there’s no defining star, even goals are evenly shared between the likes of Saka, Martinelli and Jesus. Perhaps Martin Ødegaard might be the most important of the bunch though. He’s club captain, and the creative hub of the team.

Whose contribution goes under the radar? The unheralded star might be Oleksandr Zinchenko, whose playmaking abilities from left-back transformed the team last season.

After leading for so long last season only to fall short, what are the expectations going into the new campaign? In some ways, the stories of Arsenal’s last two campaigns have been similar. In 2021/22, they looked favourites for fourth place, but fell short in the run-in. Last year they led the Premier League for the majority of the season, but again failed to stick the landing. Arsenal want to push Manchester City close again – and see if they can peak at the right time.

Will the pressure be on Mikel Arteta to win silverware? Certainly. When you spend as much money as Arsenal have, success needs to follow. Last year Arsenal sacrificed the cup competitions somewhat to focus on the league. With a bigger squad, they need to compete on all four fronts.

How would you rate Arsenal’s transfer business? Very good. They’ve added depth, quality and lots of Premier League experience. Beating City to the signing of Declan Rice was a big step forward for the club. The loss of new arrival Jurriën Timber to injury is a significant blow — he’s an aggressive, technically-gifted defender who offered depth and versatility. Who is a name for the future to keep an eye on? There’s a young academy kid called Bukayo Saka who I think might turn out to be alright! In all seriousness, Arsenal went through a few fallow years that allowed the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah to break through. With the squad so much stronger now, it’s harder for young talent to get an opportunity. The likes of Charlie Patino have had to go out on loan to play. Nevertheless, the next one off the production line could be either Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri — two 16-year-olds who are lighting up the academy teams. arsenal

We meet again From memorable meetings to tense transfers to shared stories, Palace have their own personal tale to tell for each of our Premier League opponents this season. Here, the Gunners light up south London…

A CUP FINAL IN SE25 A cup final at Selhurst Park, under the lights, against a London rival? Bring it on. But how, in the late 1950s, did we get here? Around 70 years ago, football clubs began to install floodlight systems – albeit in rudimentary form compared to those of today – and that included Crystal Palace. Those at Selhurst Park were ready for the start of the 1953/54 season but were initially only used for a series of midweek friendlies against a mix of British and European clubs. As the popularity of these games spread, a new cup competition was organised for league clubs in the London and southern area. Named the Southern Professional Floodlight Cup, it started in the 1955/56 season. Arsenal and Palace competed in every edition, and in April 1959 they faced each other in the final at Selhurst Park. Palace had defeated Reading, Millwall and finally Luton in the semi-final while the Gunners’ route had taken in Aldershot, Brentford and West Ham – the easy draw, as per usual. Such was the anticipation for the game that there was a post-war record attendance of 32,384 inside Selhurst Park, desperate to see how

Fourth Division Palace would fare against an Arsenal side containing such stellar names as John Charles and Tommy Docherty. But for the home supporters, the keenest eyes were on the 20-yearold Johnny Byrne. How would the precocious talent fare in more exalted company? His control and astuteness did not disappoint. Mike Deakin almost gave Palace an early lead and Byrne produced a couple of goalbound efforts but, just before the break, the visitors took the lead. It was a disaster for Palace: goalkeeper Vic Rouse raced off his line to gather a through ball, but it spun off his chest and the striker had an easy task to roll it into the back of the empty net. Deakin suffered a shoulder injury but, with substitutes not to be introduced until 1965, was forced to carry on after a 10-minute treatment break; he returned with his arm strapped across his chest. With less than 10 minutes to play came the moment Palace fans were hoping for. Picking up the ball a full 30-yards out, Byrne cracked home a drive and sparked jubilant celebrations – perhaps too jubilant, however. The joy was short-lived as less than two minutes later another through pass found John Charles, arsenal

who beat Rouse to ensure that the cup headed to north London. No silverware for the scrappy Fourth Division side, but Palace had once again demonstrated that a successful team could draw the crowds to SE25.

Palace: Rouse, Choules, Noakes, McNichol, Evans, Long, Brett, Summersby, Deakin, Byrne, Collins

Arsenal: Coe, Wills, McCullough, Docherty, Dodgin, Bowen, Clapton, Groves, Charles, Barnwell, Henderson

arsenal

THROUGH THE LENS

EBERE EZE V SHEFFIELD UNITED

through the lens

JOIN THE CLUB

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ben bailey-smith

Ben Bailey Smith, aka Doc Brown, does it all – acting, rapping, writing, directing, you name it. The multifaceted Palace fan is also a patron of Palace for Life Foundation. In each edition, he offers his unique take on the world in SE25...

how to live l.a.z Yep I’m sure each and every one of you were thinking the same thing: after so long, after bringing so much joy to so many Eagles, our talisman, our hero, our focal point, our icon has gone for good. But you were wrong – I’m back. No, of course I’m talking about the departure of the one and only Wilf Zaha. And yes I’m absolutely gutted to see him go, but life – and more importantly than life itself – Crystal Palace FC, goes on. And it could have been worse. Imagine if we had to face him two or three times a season playing for another English team in the league or cups? The thought alone would make me choke on my pre-match pint(s). Turkey I can handle. It’s far away, out of my line of vision. We can kind of support Galatasaray without it impacting us and hopefully our erstwhile figurehead can finally get the taste of Champions League glory he craves (and, in my opinion, deserves). Good luck to him and his family – if the football isn’t world-

it could have been worse. Imagine if we had to face him two or three times a season playing for another English team in the league or cups? The thought alone would make me choke on my prematch pint(s)

ben bailey-smith

class out there, I can reassure them from experience that the grilled shish most definitely is. Anyway, who knows? Could it yet still be “adieu” rather than “farewell”? Maybe I’m an old sentimentalist, but I still hold out hope that he and Harry Kane will eventually come home and end their careers with their boyhood clubs as respective sons of South and North London, if for nothing more than the satisfying symmetry of it all. In the meantime, one door closes and another opens. We mustn’t let the symptoms of L.A.Z (Life After Zaha) overpower us. Now is the time to think back to those terrifying days seven, eight or more years ago when we’d hear inklings of a Wilf injury, then have the nightmare confirmed and scan the team sheet with shakey hands for anyone who might do anything to harm the opposition in the Big Man’s absence. That time is long gone. His injury issues last season were an eye-opening vision of the future for us, with Eze, Olise and Doucouré noticeably growing in confidence as the demands on them suddenly grew. Now we welcome Jeff Lerma (who was brilliant against the Blades) and the enigmatic Matheus França (injured of course, as is Palace tradition with a star signing), we have to view this new era as one of incredible opportunity rather than laden with fear. Clearly, we don’t have the resources to go out and spend £200 million on a backup keeper or whatever those nutters are up to in the upper Premier League echelons

we still have a few things money can’t buy: an uncanny spirit, determination and good oldfashioned fight. Don’t believe me? See Roy Hodgson in the 63rd minute on the touchline at Bramall Lane for proof

ben bailey-smith

(yes, maybe I AM looking at you, Today’s Opponents), but we still have a few things money can’t buy: an uncanny spirit, determination and good old-fashioned fight. Don’t believe me? See Roy Hodgson in the 63rd minute on the touchline at Bramall Lane for proof. You don’t hit a guy with glasses Max Lowe, just put it that way (Lowe blow etc). If lingering traces of L.A.Z are still troubling you, here’s a few more rays of sunshine: we look solid as we are but have Olise and França to look forward to; Guéhi and Andersen still feels like the greatest 80s buddy movie never made; and perhaps most pleasingly, we’re already out of that really annoying ‘still searching for their first win’ category. And if you’re STILL pining for our old number 11, Eze and Ozoh at least continue a comforting line in funky Zed-based surnames. Yes, it’s time to move on my friends. On, and UP. Look around us: when I see the relative successes some of the smaller or similar sized clubs over the past two or three years – Bournemouth, Fulham, Brentford, Brighton – I feel like fortune doesn’t so much favour the brave as it does the upwardly mobile. Now is the time to think progressively – how do we build on what we have in order to shift up a gear to another level next season? Instinctively I think the first step is to ensure that every one of us – from the owners, manager and staff to the players, fans, all the way down to returning Programme Writer – is pulling in the same direction. There is Life After Zaha. Let’s try and live it to the fullest

It’s an exciting time to be coming through the Academy at Crystal Palace – each week, hear from one of the next generation on their journey so far…

I Tayo Adaramola Age

Joined

Under-12s

Position

Left-back Career highlight so far

Making his first-team debut as a substitute in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup against Hartlepool United. Take note of Adaramola is a determined, pacey full-back who loves to take on his man and push forward whenever possible down the left flank.

Tayo Adaramola

n pre-season I have been trying to gain fitness and regain the momentum from where I left off in the previous campaign. That’s my aim – it’s really just about trying to get better, trying to improve and shake off anything negative from last season. There are a lot of younger players stepping up in pre-season across various age groups. It’s a good opportunity for them as they can show what they’re capable of and impress the manager. That’s the way it works: you’ve got to show that you can do it at Under-18s or at Under-21s before you even think about getting anywhere near the first-team. When making the step up to the Under-21s in particular, the manager can see who he can call on from the lower age groups and those who may need a bit more time to develop. It’s a long season; players get tired, players get injured, so having the chance to see players step up in pre-season is great for the manager. The difference from Academy to first-team football is risk and reward. You can’t really take a

lot, or as many, risks when you’re playing first-team football. You’ve really got to be assured of the things you’re doing, whereas in Academy football there’s more risks being taken – you could make a mistake or lose the ball in your own half, but the team might not score as the quality of players aren’t the same.

We love to watch tayo use his pace in attacking areas, to create crosses and attacking opportunities for the team. He also has a great appetite to defend and incredible ability in 1-v-1 duels Dave Cooper U21s Assistant Manager

Getting back on to the firstteam bench towards the end of the season just showed that my hard work and performances were being noticed as well. It felt good to be back

Mentally and physically of course, the game is different. Physically the game is quicker and the players are stronger, and mentally you have to be switched on at all times. Last season was up and down for me personally, but there were big successes overall. Reaching the final of the Premier League International Cup was obviously Tayo Adaramola

a major achievement for us, it’s a shame that we couldn’t see it through and lift the trophy. Getting back on to the firstteam bench towards the end of the season just showed that my hard work and performances were being noticed as well. It felt good to be back on the first-team bench. I went for a long period without being on the bench, especially with the season I had before, but when I started playing well I got rewarded. I made my debut off the bench in 2021/22 against Hartlepool. That feeling was so surreal and it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. It’s a day I’ll never forget and hopefully I can get more appearances for the firstteam in the future

While the first-team enjoyed the sights and sounds of Chicago and Detroit, Crystal Palace’s Under-21s embarked on an equally thrilling transatlantic journey to Salt Lake City for their pre-season preparations.

South London to Salt Lake City Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring embrace of the mountains, the Young Eagles were competing in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, a three-match pre-season tournament which pitted them against a tough set of opponents. Darren Powell’s young side, which featured a number of players from the Under-18s, faced three different teams in the competition. The opening fixture came against Real Monarchs, the youth side of Real Salt Lake. A captivating clash under unforeseen torrential rain and thunder took place at the 20,000-seater America First Field. With fans cheering on, Scott Banks’ sensational free-kick from 25-yards out got Palace off to a great start in the first-half. However, a second-half resurgence from the Monarchs saw the Eagles succumb to a 2-1 defeat. A mere two days later the challenge grew more formidable, as Palace encountered an older TSG Hoffenheim Under-23s team.

The German outfit’s experience shone through, as they claimed a 2-0 victory at the Real Salt Lake Training Ground. The Zion Banks Stadium was the venue for the finale of the tournament, as Palace took on Whitecaps 2 – the youth side of Vancouver Whitecaps. Chima Eze scored what was arguably the goal of the tournament with a curling strike from the edge of the box. It Academy

was a goal that not only spurred Palace on but also levelled the scoreline. The final whistle blew with the scores still level at 1-1, so attention turned to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winner. Amidst the tension, Fionn Mooney held his nerve and slotted home the winning spot-kick, ensuring Palace Under-21s’ tour of Salt Lake City ended on a triumphant note.

While the overall tournament victory eluded them, the Under21s’ stint in Salt Lake City reaped invaluable rewards – including coming up against opponents deep in the heart of their respective seasons (Real Monarchs and Vancouver Whitecaps). Furthermore, playing at 5,000 feet above sea level, and enduring sweltering temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, imparted an enduring fitness and resilience which will only help the side in the coming season. “Coming to this part of the world is a great experience for the youngsters. We were really keen on this trip,” said Academy Director Gary Issott. “Having to deal with the travel and time zone change which, if you were to be playing European football or internationally, is something that will really help with their development. “Pre-season tour in Salt Lake City also gives us a cultural experience that’s completely different to facing just domestic sides. “It’s also a new group of players coming together for the first time, so they would have all been forming new relationships and understanding each other during their time out here. There’s a lot of opportunity for the Under-18s to step up and establish themselves in the Under-21s. “For the coaches it also presented an opportunity for them to impart the playing style, standards and culture that will be important for the season ahead; to get them instilled as quickly as possible.

To play teams of such variety – two North American sides that are midway through their seasons, as well as a more experienced Hoffenheim side – from a playing point of view is really important.

“This is also Darren Powell’s first pre-season with the Under-21s. He’s worked his way up through coaching the Under-15s and his determination and detail in training is second to none.” Commenting on the teams and the experience as a whole, Issott added: “To play teams of such variety – two North American sides that are midway through their seasons, as well as a more experienced Hoffenheim side – from a playing point of view is really important. “You’re looking for good performances, a competitive environment and for the players to push each other to see who can come out on top. “What you’re looking for from a pre-season tour like this is for the team to really come together. Everybody will have an opportunity pre-season to stake a claim to have their name on the teamsheet in the first week of the season.”

academy

As with every new campaign change is in the air – and none more so than for Palace Women as they prepare for another push towards promotion to the Women’s Super League. It’s time to meet the new faces – and places – that will define the Eagles during the season…

Joining Palace as new head coach is Laura Kaminiski, coming straight from her successful role as first-team assistant coach at Charlton Athletic. She boasts an impressive CV, with a coaching career spanning over 15 years – including five at the Football Association where she led England’s Under-19s side. Kaminski also spent three seasons as assistant at Tottenham, whom she helped gain promotion to the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history, and has also coached at Arsenal, Brighton, Watford, QPR and Chelsea. “This club has a fantastic fanbase – one of the best in the league,” Kaminski said on her arrival. “I’m looking forward to meeting them, and I want to give them some fantastic football to watch week after week.”

Grace Williams New Head of Women’s Football Williams joins from Bristol City Women where she served as General Manager, restructuring the footballing operation after relegation in 2021 and going on to secure promotion to the Women’s Super League – winning the Championship title in the process. She will be looking to build on the work done at Palace last season, as a new-look Women’s side achieved a second successive topfive finish in the Championship.

“I am delighted with the opportunity to lead the women’s programme here at Crystal Palace,” she said. “The conversations with Steve and Dougie have been really exciting, with their commitment to the team and what we can create together. “It is a perfect time to rebuild this club into the professional game while echoing Palace’s ethos and values. There is some work ahead, but I can’t wait to get started and meet all the players, staff and fans.” women

VBS Stadium The Eagles have a new home for the 2023/24 campaign, playing home matches at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium. It signals a new era for the club, with their FA Women’s Championship season kicking off on Sunday, 27th August (14:00 BST). With a capacity of more than 5,000, supporters are urged to get down to Sutton to support the side this season – and tickets for the first game of the campaign are available NOW. Just head to cpfc.co.uk/palace-women.

Age 26 Position Centre-back Nationality Republic of Ireland Signed 2023 (London City Lionesses)

Hayley Nolan Having scooped the Players’ Player of the Year award at her former club, Nolan became Palace’s second signing of the summer when she arrived in July.

get to know palace’s new signing...

Hayley is a player whose talents I have admired for a long time. she brings plenty of experience to our squad for the season ahead. grace williams

What made you want to join Crystal Palace? The drive and ambition of the club, and where we want to go in the next few years. Having Laura [Kaminski] and Grace [Williams] in the room, and with the talent that’s already here, I think this club can go really far in the next couple of years. The facilities here are amazing too! Tell us about your career... I started playing when I was six for my Dad’s local team. My sisters and I played; I was the youngest of the three of us. The other players were bigger than us, so my Dad wouldn’t

put me on! I was always pulling his shirt asking ‘can I please play?!’ I then moved on to play for Kill Celtic, a boys’ side, until I was 12 or 13, then to Peamount United, which is a really big women’s side in Ireland. From there, I went to the United States for five years. What was that like? I absolutely loved it. The five years I spent out there at the University of Hartford were amazing. I wanted to continue, but I also always wanted to play professionally, so that’s why I came back to London. hayley nolan

Have you always been a central defender? Last season was my first full year as a centre-back at club and international level. Previous to that, I’d been playing as a holding midfielder. At first, I was a little bit apprehensive about it because I was 24 when I changed position, but it’s actually been perfect for me. How excited are you to get out there and play? I think the same as the girls – we all want to get started, especially with a home game. We can’t wait.

APSLEY

For more than 150 years, Palace have paved a way into the history books, navigating wild misadventures, cult heroes, political and social changes and all the ups and downs that come with them. Step back into another world…

RETRO PALACE

History Makers Palace players past and tantalising titbits from eras gone by: club historian Ian King takes us through the wacky, weird and wonderful history of Crystal Palace one new tale at a time.

cliff holton

ith temperatures plummeting around the country and a nation covered in snow, domestic football looked in peril – postponements were rife, and action seemed impossible. But in south London, one match remained on the bill. As the flecks of snow billowed around Selhurst Park, a slender, commanding silhouette emerged into the quagmire… Cliff Holton was born in 1929 and joined Arsenal as an 18-yearold in October 1947. Initially a full-back, over three seasons he was converted to a centre-forward and made his first-team debut for the Gunners in December 1950. Holton became a regular in the side the following season as Arsenal reached the FA Cup

Final, winning the First Division title in 1952-53. While in later campaigns he became more of a utility player, he racked up over 200 appearances and scored 88 goals before leaving in 1958. In the autumn of 1962 Palace were in a perilous position in Division Three. Dick Graham replaced Arthur Rowe as manager in a move that led to a more direct style of football, and Holton arrived at Selhurst Park in December as the man to deliver his vision. Palace fans were already aware of this tall, elegant figure, scarred from their previous encounters by a magnificent physique coupled with a commanding presence and a fearsome shot. As the ‘Big Freeze’ hit the country and decimated the football history makers

calendar, the festive spirit was lacking – but for Holton a new chapter was beginning. His Palace debut came on Boxing Day helping his new teammates to a welcome 3-0 victory over Millwall. It sparked a revival, as Palace lost just five of the remaining 22 games to finish comfortably in mid-table. The following campaign he hit the ground running, as the club gained promotion back to Division Two; Holton was the leading goalscorer with 23 league and cup goals. A run to the FA Cup quarterfinals followed – and Holton was the main man once again. In a particularly tense tie, he suffered the ignominy of having a penalty saved only for the opposition ‘keeper to celebrate by ruffling his immaculate hair. It was a mistake. The furious Holton responded with an imperious hattrick. After scoring 49 goals in 112 first-team appearances, Holton re-joined former side Watford at the end of the season, bringing to an end a glorious Palace career before retiring to follow his calling in engineering. He sadly passed away in May 1996.

debuts and curtain calls A 3-0 defeat at Highbury in May 1993 meant relegation by one goal, but also went down as the final games in a Palace shirt for Geoff Thomas and Eddie McGoldrick – although the latter need not have moved too far, as he joined the Gunners that summer. In 2014, two players made their debut at the Emirates Stadium: Jason Puncheon in February and Martin Kelly the following August. Last season, Cheick Doucouré and Malcolm Ebiowei made their Palace debuts in the season opener at Selhurst Park.

brief encounters Workington Football Club were founder members of the Cumberland Association League in 1888, but folded in 1911. The present Workington started life a decade later in the North Eastern League, before finally joining the Football League in 1951 in place of New Brighton. With the formation of Division Four in 1958, Palace met ‘The Reds’ for just three seasons. Success was evenly divided with each club winning twice and drawing twice; Palace’s best effort was a 4-0 victory at Borough Park in March 1959. For two seasons, Palace’s away trips to Cumbria were tied in with the League games at Barrow – a blockbuster double-bill.

Weird and wonderful An abandonment is the nightmare scenario as a fan, but don’t worry – the odds are in your favour. In their 162-year history, Palace have only been involved in about 15 Southern League, Football League and Cup games that have, for one reason or another, had to be abandoned. These were mainly due to weather conditions of one type or another – over a century ago two were stopped for bad light and two more have ended because of floodlight failure. An FA Cup tie at non-League Finchley was abandoned due to fog in December 1952 with Palace trailing 3-1, although the reprieve was short-lived: the replayed game four days later ended with the same result. Six years later, a home game against Blackpool ended up being the only major game in London as the players, some wearing

history makers

baseball boots, kicked off on an icy frozen pitch only to last just 43 minutes until the referee called proceedings to an end. It was a similar situation at Lincoln City in December 1976, with Palace winning 1-0 after an hour before play stopped – they lost the replayed game 3-2. The floodlight failure at West Ham in November 1997 was mired in controversy, as the plug was literally pulled after 66 minutes with the teams tied at 2-2. Once again, Palace lost the rearranged game. Despite being played in sunshine the fixture at Bradford City in October 1998 had suffered from heavy downpours beforehand, leading to a waterlogged pitch and a half-time abandonment. Clinton Morrison had netted the Palace goal – had the game come to a conclusion he would be above Mark Bright in our all-time goalscoring charts. Close call, eh Brighty?

Times have changed over Crystal Palace’s rich and storied history. In each edition, we dust off the archive and reprint a story from one of the club’s historical programmes. This week, we republish an open letter to fans from the very first Premier League weekend…

Crystal Palace √ Blackburn Rovers – 15th August 1992

cURTAIN UP ON THE FA PREMIER LEAGUE… INTO THE 21ST CENTURY! D Day August 15, 1992… the birthdate of the FA Premier League… the dawn of a new era in English football. That’s our sincere hope. Our goals are simple: they are excellence and quality onfield and off, the pursuit of skills and a spread of eventful and inventive football across the grass swards of the country. Not just in the FA Premier League but in pyramid effect throughout the Football League and beyond the basic roots of the game. Our BSkyB/BBC TV contract has provided us with a television partnership deal which will ensure an overall democratic coverage of matches for the fan at the fireside. We do aim to give you, the fans, entertainment that is simply the best. But it FROM THE ARCHIVE

will take time – we’re aware of that – and patience. In this era of cheques and balances, our clubs are continually under financial pressure – conforming to stadia requirements of the Taylor Report, competing with the terms of continental clubs’ bids for their best players, making every effort to improve grounds and stadia facilities for supporters. “And following the end of season 1994/95 when the number of clubs in the Premier League will be trimmed to twenty, the effects of the new league should be evident.” I’d like to repeat what I said at the end of last season, namely: we are looking for top quality in facilities and top quality games on the pitch. It is crazy to suggest that major changes will take place within the first few weeks. It will be three or four years before we feel the full benefits. Our aim is to take football into the next century. We want to ensure that all our clubs are able to compete at the highest level in Europe: we want a structure that will ensure more equality regarding income sharing and voting power… this will be a league of equality.

what is the premier league? The Premier League is not a breakaway ‘Super League’: the fundamental idea is to retain links with the Football League through promotion and

relegation. But the clubs in what was the First Division agreed that the voting structure and management structure of The Football League held the clubs back at the highest level. The Premier League was established as a separate company and the major decisions are taken by the 22 club chairmen operating on a one club, one vote basis. The Premier League sees great benefits in having a full integration with the FA which is something The Football League has never enjoyed. We see real advantages in having a streamlined management framework which will enable decisions to be taken quickly. It will be far more responsive than perhaps football has traditionally been. It’s just much better suited to the 20th Century – and, more significantly, the 21st century. The Premier League will be working in partnership with the FA, but will be answerable to them as the ultimate governing body. On a day-to-day basis, the Premier League is left alone to operate autonomously. The FA will be involved in major policy decisions and in assisting with the administration of the league.

television coverage Television coverage this season will be the most comprehensive ever: and, if we’ve got our projections right, the most FROM THE ARCHIVE

entertaining and educational. Our partnership deal with BSkyB and BBC aims to be the most enterprising attempt to combine television’s three great strengths: • to be informative – dissemination of information, with news, previews, club and player profiles; • its educational function at all levels with coaching films, tactical programmes; • match coverage, including every goal scored in the Premier League in full scope. All of these factors will be featured on your screens: on BBC/ TV with the return of the Saturday lunch-time show ‘Football Focus’ and the Saturday evening old favourite, a revamped ‘Match of the Day’; and on BskyB with live match coverage, more extensive than ever before, on Sundays and Mondays, encompassing every club in the Premier League; with programming 7 days a week appealing to all ages and tastes. Look for ‘Netbusters’ for the young with goals and music: The Footballers Football Show – the cult show which tackles current issues in depth; and The Boot Room, a tactical show; plus a new-to-TV phone-in for fans following the live matches. Rick Parry, Chief Executive, FA Premier League

This article is reprinted verbatim.

1960

nineteen

sixty

Music

Football, fashion, music and more – step back in time to an era that had it all…

top 5 singles 1

It’s Now or Never

Elvis Presley

Cathy’s Clown

The Everly Brothers

Handy Man

Jimmy Jones

As Long as He Needs Me

Shirley Bassey

My Old Man’s a Dustman

Lonnie Donegan

Fashion With the swinging ‘60s still yet to hit its peak, the mini-skirts and bright colours of Carnaby Street were just around the corner – but for now, Italianstyle suits and elegant coats strode through London. First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy became an icon in the United States and beyond for her signature looks, while actors Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda’s influence was still undeniable. Watch out, though, because four lads from Liverpool were waiting in the wings to change everything…

Games

Films

With video games yet to be created for the masses, board games still reigned supreme – and none more so than The Game of Life, released in 1960 and going on to claim a place in the Smithsonian and the National Toy Hall of Fame in the United States. The game simulates life from adolescence to retirement, via university, job interviews and an attempt to get on the housing ladder. It’s hard enough in real life - perhaps this one is best left in the past… retro palace

Psycho

Spartacus

The Magnificent Seven

The Apartment

La Dolce Vita

At the

manager: arthur rowe

the entertainer Crystal Palace and Total Football; the two sit nicely together, don’t you think? One can only assume that is what we are in store for today. But it won’t be the first time. Under Arthur Rowe and his trademark ‘push-and-run’ strategy, later to morph into the Total Football of Johans Cruyff and Neeskens, Palace lit up Selhurst Park week after week. Having led Tottenham Hotspur to successive championships, Rowe arrived in south London in 1960. He instantly persuaded his players, despite languishing in the fourth tier, that a more sophisticated tactical approach both on and off the ball was required. “From the kick-off Johnny [Byrne], myself and Alan Woan passed the ball between us and ended with a shot on goal! Straight the way through!” said

forward Roy Summersby after the league opener. “I couldn’t believe it. It was so exhilarating.” Accrington Stanley were the unfortunate fall-guys, and limped away on the wrong end of a 9-0 thrashing. Fans began to pour through the turnstiles in anticipation of action, and they were not disappointed: Palace scored 110 league goals that season, still a record to this day. Rowe set an ambitious target: reach the First Division inside 10 years. Sure enough, a decade later – with Rowe long retired due to ill-health – his side were on the brink, and a dream was realised by players performing in his image, John Jackson and Steve Kember among them. Still smartly-dressed, he contributed clear-up of rubble around the new Arthur Wait stand. Perhaps another Arthur deserves widespread recognition.

11 july To Kill a Mockingbird is published, becoming an instant sensation

17 august The Beatles, an unknown fivepiece band from Liverpool, perform for the first time in Hamburg

1 october Nigeria gains independence from the UK

1 March Manchester City sign 20-year-old Denis Law for British record £55,000

3 may Burnley are crowned champions, beating Man City at Maine Road

7 may Wolves win the FA Cup for a fourth time, beating Blackburn at Wembley

retro palace

9 october Coronation Street airs its first of more than 10,000 episodes 10 july Soviet Union win the inaugural European Championship (then European Nations’ Cup)

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SCAN ME

Official Partner of Crystal Palace F.C.

Unlocking the power of pitches The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity. We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

dazzling debut

inside palace

PALACE FANS TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF YOUNG SOUTH LONDONERS

he 2022/23 season was a successful one for Palace for Life, working with over 15,000 young individuals across our four local boroughs: Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, and Lambeth. A massive thank you to everyone who supported us last season, with a special appreciation to those who took part in our sixth Marathon March. They managed to raise a whopping £80,000 through our tough annual 26.2-mile walk across south London. Another special shout-out goes to everyone who took on our mammoth cycling challenge from Selhurst Park to Villa Park in March, raising nearly £44,000 worth of unrestricted funds for us. Huge gratitude also goes to our Investors, who continued to bring in crucial funds to support our work in south London, as well as contributing their invaluable insights to help us reach as many people as we can. We’re really looking forward to working together again this season. To everyone who has engaged with us — whether that’s by learning

about our work, volunteering for us, making any sized donation, or simply spreading the word among friends and family — we thank you and really appreciate your support. Last season we worked in over 100 schools across our boroughs, involving nearly 8,000 young minds in the process. A total of 2,131 youngsters got involved in 36 different free community sports sessions, including 544 girls and 898 people from ethnically diverse backgrounds; including our successful Get Involved Asian community initiative. foundation

Our training and employment programmes led to qualifications for 73 participants, over 1,000 people joined us at our Careers Fair, and 204 young people were engaged in mentoring activities and one-to-one mentoring through our Targeted Intervention programme. Three youngsters were recruited to the Crystal Palace Academy as a result of our Player Development Centres, and an additional 1,513 youngsters joined us for our Soccer Schools which take place locally every school holiday.

Over 550 individuals took part in disability sport programmes, including Down Syndrome football and Powerchair Football. A notable victory came from our Powerchair team, who secured the league championship last season! In early summer, Andrew Johnson and Doc Brown led two teams of participants and celebrities in Palace Aid, our first charity match at the Palace Beer Festival, which saw Doc Brown’s side win 6-2 in an emphatic thriller. As we step into the new season, our ambition to support as many young south Londoners as we can is stronger than ever, and there are loads of ways that Palace fans can help.

Support Palace for Life in our mission to raise £1 million to help us transform thousands of more young south Londoners’ lives.

support palace? Support palace for life How can I help? • Take part in our Marathon March, a 26.2-mile walk around our home in south London on 14th October 2023 • Have a skill you can share with youngsters? You can volunteer with us by becoming a PlayMaker • Learn and share: take a look at our website and social channels to see what we get up to in south London every day. Share with family and friends. • Donate: whether that’s becoming an investor, or simply donating the cost of a pint, any and all donations are hugely appreciated

donate a pint from your pre-match routine below

foundation

Every day is a busy one at the Palace, from matchdays – men’s, women’s and Academy – to anniversaries, birthdays to events. Keep track of everything happening at the club right here… All times BST. Head to cpfc.co.uk for more details.

21 august Palace v Arsenal (20:00) – Live audio commentary on

26 august Palace Under-18s v Reading (11:00) – LIVE on

25 august OTD (1990): Eric Young scores on Palace debut against Luton Town.

26 august Brentford v Palace (15:00) – Live commentary on

27 august Palace Women v Reading (14:00)

what’s on?

28 august OTD (2020): Ebere Eze signs for Crystal Palace from QPR, becoming the club’s new No. 10 a year later.

28 august Palace Under-21s v Fulham (13:00) – LIVE on

29 august OTD (2015): Joel Ward scores a late winner at Stamford Bridge.

01 september Wolves v Palace Under21s (19:00)

01 september Happy Birthday Tyrick Mitchell (24)!

01 september OTD (2014): James McArthur signs for Palace, going on to make 253 appearances for the club.

03 september Palace v Wolves (14:00) – Live audio commentary on

04 september Happy Birthday Malcolm Ebiowei (20)!

03 september Happy Birthday to former Palace captain Gareth Southgate (53)!

03 september Birmingham City v Palace Women (15:00)

what’s on?

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, we print your messages. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

Happy 12th Birthday Caolan! Have the best day, love from Mum, Dad and Aoife

Hope you had a fantastic 90th Birthday! For the best nan and biggest Palace supporter. EAGLES!!!

Happy Birthday Grandad! Have a great day! From Sam

Barnstaple Youth FC U16’s would like to pay tribute to John Holman dad to our coach Dave and Grandad to our player Tystan, who referred to him as GJ Footie. Everyone at BYFC U16’s will miss his wonderful support that he has given us for over 8 years on the sideline. Crystal Palace has also lost a huge fan. Love to his family and friends at this difficult time.

from the terraces

Roger Ridley sadly passed away recently, aged 75. A lifelong Eagle, and a season ticket holder for many years. A great example to those around him, who’ll be hugely missed.

Life long Palace fan Martin David Amphlett suddenly passed away leaving behind his loving wife Lucy & sons Daniel & George. The worlds loss is heavens gain. We all miss you so much.

Massive Palace fan Paul Smith (aka Boss) sadly passed away on the 31/05/23, he will be sadly missed by family & friends. EAGLESSSSS

Welcome to Selhurst Park Highbury Hill Social representatives Conor, Caillan and Xenios.

James turned 18 in July but had to spend his special day recovering from Open Heart Surgery. His courage and determination is a constant inspiration to his friends and family.

Happy 18th birthday to Crystal Colkett and happy 21st birthday to Waggott love mum and dad. Happy Birthday Nigel!! Hoping Palace get more points than your age this season!!

Happy 80th Birthday to Alan Fordham. His all time favourite players are Terry Fenwick, Tom Soares, Alan Pardew, Eddie McGoldrick and Jeff Schlupp. PATRICIA IRENE ROTHWELL, 17.3.1952 - 02.07.2023. THE EAGLES WILL ALWAYS BE IN HER HEART. SADLY MISSED BY HER FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ALL WHO KNEW HER X

In loving memory of avid Crystal Palace fan Martin Cath 1938-2023 may he rest in peace and hopefully the scarf still brings Palace luck.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk In loving memory of John Thompson. Taken from us far too soon. A lifelong Palace supporter, he will be sorely missed by friends and family.

with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature Happy 60th Clive love from Vonners family and friends

from the terraces

on our messageboard.

Meet today’s mascots, prepare for a trip to one of the league’s newest grounds, look back at a famous cup victory and pit your wits against Brighty below.

freya belsham

eval nathan

AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

1-1

lily davies SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

tommy connolly

bobby nethersole

Evan Hebblethwaite

AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-2

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

Want to feature as a mascot? Email: liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk

round-up

SCORE PREDICTION:

0-2

next up: brentford It’s a trip to west London as the Eagles take on Brentford on Saturday, 26th August (15:00 BST). Travel: The nearest tube station is Gunnersbury, with connections to both the District Line and London Overground. Via train, fans can alight at Kew Bridge just outside the stadium itself. Pre-match: There are plenty of pubs welcoming away fans outside the ground, but The Pilot or The Gunnersbury are closest to Gunnersbury tube. The Cricketers, The Greyhound, The Coach & Horses and The Botanist all welcome travelling supporters and are walking distance from Kew Green station.

BEAT BRIGHTY In each edition, club icon Mark Bright calls it how he sees it and predicts events from the weekend’s football. See how you fare and try to Beat Brighty! Scoring: One point for every correct result, three for a correct scoreline.

Brighty

You

3-0 1-2 1-1 2-1 total Manage to Beat Brighty? Keep track of your score above.

round-up

Best memory: Jim Cannon, George Graham, Vince Hilaire and co. produced a five-star performance under Terry Venables to dispatch Brentford in the League Cup in 1977.

team stats: women/U21s/U18s Polly Doran Doran has extended her contract at the club, with the 21-year-old signing fresh terms this month.

Jadan Raymond Raymond scored a dramatic 98thminute winner as Palace beat Manchester United in a five-goal thriller.

Zach Marsh Last season’s Under-18s Player of the Year continued his prolific form, scoring a hattrick on the opening day.

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)

AUGUST Sun 27

Reading

SEPTEMBER Sun 3

Birmingham City

Sun 10

Durham

Sun 17

Sunderland

Sat 30

Sheffield United

OCTOBER Sun 8

Blackburn Rovers

Sun 15

London City Lionesses

Sun 22

Charlton Athletic

NOVEMBER Sun 5

Watford

Sun 12

Lewes

Sun 19

Southampton

DECEMBER Sun 17

Reading

JANUARY Sun 21

London City Lionesses

Sun 28

Charlton Athletic

FEBRUARY Sun 4

Southampton

Sun 18

Blackburn Rovers

MARCH Sun 3

Birmingham City

Sun 17

Sheffield United

Sun 24

Watford

Sun 31

Durham

APRIL Sun 21

Lewes

Sun 28

Sunderland

AUGUST Mon 14 Manchester United W 3-2 Sun 20 Reading Mon 28 Fulham SEPTEMBER Fri 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Fri 15 Middlesbrough Tue 19 Wycombe Wanderers Mon 25 Nottingham Forest OCTOBER Sun 1 Liverpool Fri 6 Birmingham City Mon 30 West Bromwich Albion NOVEMBER Fri 3 Leeds United Tue 7 AFC Wimbledon Fri 10 Ipswich Town Tue 14 Stevenage december Sun 3 Manchester City Mon 11 Middlesbrough Mon 18 West Ham United JANUARY Sun 14 Blackburn Rovers Mon 22 Birmingham City Mon 29 Brighton & Hove Albion FEBRUARY Mon 5 Ipswich Town Fri 9 Tottenham Hotspur Mon 19 Leicester City MARCH Mon 4 Stoke City Mon 11 Aston Villa Fri 15 Southampton APRIL Mon 8 Everton Fri 12 Chelsea Sun 28 Middlesbrough

women/u21s/u18s

september Wed 27 Athletic Bilbao october Tue 24 Monaco december Wed 6 Benfica january Wed 17 Feyenoord

AUGUST Sat 12 Southampton W 5-0 Sat 19 Chelsea Sat 26 Reading SEPTEMBER Sat 16 Leicester City Sat 23 Fulham Sat 30 Brighton & Hove Albion OCTOBER Sat 28 Arsenal NOVEMBER Sat 4 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 11 West Bromwich Albion DECEMBER Sat 2 Norwich City Sat 16 Aston Villa JANUARY Sat 6 West Ham United Sat 13 Leicester City Sat 27 Fulham FEBRUARY Sat 10 West Bromwich Albion Sat 17 Brighton & Hove Albion MARCH Sat 9 Chelsea Sat 16 Arsenal APRIL Sat 6 Norwich City Sat 13 Southampton Sat 20 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 27 Aston Villa may Sat 4 West Ham United Sat 11 Reading

women Name

u21s

Apps

Goals

Chloe ARTHUR Paige BAILEY-GAYLE

Name

u18s Apps

Goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

Victor AKINWALE

Asher AGBINONE

Justin DEVENNY Chima EZE Chris FRANCIS John-Kymani GORDON

Aimee EVERETT

Sean GREHAN Danny IMRAY

Shauna GUYATT Shanade HOPCROFT Elise HUGHES Annabel JOHNSON Frances KITCHING (GK)

Matteo DASHI

Jesse DERRY

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

Jake GRANTE

Zack HENRY

Ademola OLA-ADEBOMI

Marcus HILL (GK)

David OZOH

Mofe JEMIDE

Jesurun RAK-SAKYI

Joseph KHOSHABA

Jadan RAYMOND

George KING

Dylan REID

Joe SHERIDAN

Joe GIBBARD

Adler NASCIMENTO

Ellie NOBLE

Enrique LAMEIRAS Finley MARJORAM

Franco UMEH

Noah WATSON

Zach MARSH

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

David OBOU

Olaoluwa OMOBOLAJI

Kirsten REILLY

Hope SMITH (GK)

Rio CARDINES

Kaden RODNEY

Molly-Mae SHARPE

Cormac AUSTIN

Caleb KPORHA

Natalia NEGRI (GK)

Hayley NOLAN

Leon ELLIOTT

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK) Felicity GIBBONS

Goals

Freddie COWIN

Polly DORAN

Anna FILBEY

Apps

Tayo ADARAMOLA

Annabel BLANCHARD Lia CATALDO

Name

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

Caleb REDHEAD

Joe WHITWORTH (GK)

Tyler WHITE

Vonnte WILLIAMS

Sebastian WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 17 August – see full tables at cpfc.co.uk. th

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

2 +2 3

0 +5 3

bir

lee

cry

bla

rdg

0 +2 3

avl

0 +4 3

cha

sun

0 +2 3

ars

0 +2 3

cry

10 cry

2 +1 3

ful

0 +2 3

dur

+1 3

bha

3 +1 3

lei

lew

12 mid

lei

+1 3

lon

13 nfo

che

women/u21s/u18s

Sam Johnstone

Joel Ward

Tyrick Mitchell

James Tomkins

23/24 FIXTURES & RESULTS

palace Career Appearances

336 104

132

palace Career goals

ALL-TIME

may

april

march

february

jan

december

nov

october

september

AUGust

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card attendance/ KICK-OFF

Date

Opposition

Sat 12

Sheffield United