Crystal Palace v Newcastle United matchday programme 2425

cover story#7

Welcome back to Selhurst Park – and welcome back to the matchday programme, where we are celebrating 100 years of football at this very stadium, from 1924 to the present day. Every edition of the programme this season will feature a special handillustrated cover, marking one of the many landmark dates that has made this such a unique place over the last century.

this afternoon, we move on to 1948 as the Olympics arrive in London – with Selhurst Park selected as one of the venues to host matches, alongside Craven Cottage, White Hart Lane, Fratton Park, and the Empire Ground (later plain Wembley Stadium) amongst others.

The British team were managed by up-and-coming coach Matt Busby, who had just taken over at Manchester United and finished runners-up in the First Division. He guided the side to fourth place, losing out to Yugoslavia in the semifinals and Denmark in the bronze medal match.

Although Great Britain played elsewhere, Selhurst

Park witnessed Denmark take on Egypt, and eventual gold medallists Sweden thrash Republic of Korea 12-0.

Our cover star this afternoon is Tyrick Mitchell, who can be seen deep in discussion with Busby in the dressing room at Selhurst Park. We have an insight into the mud-soaked dressing rooms of the period from the images above, which were taken just a year later in 1949.

Remember, you can keep collecting each original illustration throughout the campaign as we journey through our timeline from 1924 to the current day –make sure you get the matchday programme each week.

Scan this QR code to quickly, safely and easily report worries, concerns or abuse. You can even do so anonymously.

Dave Flanagan @daveflanagan @daveflanagan77

Crystal Palace √ newcastle united sat 30 nov 2024 | 3:00pm k.o.

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. Imtiaz Ahmad

Academy Director

Gary Issott

Director of U21 Development

Mark Bright

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon Lacey

Chief Commercial Officer

Barry Webber

Chief Marketing Officer

Aaron Duckmanton

General Counsel

David Nichol

Head of Ticketing

Paul McGowan

Head of Retail

Foz Bowers

Head of Marketing

Matt Franks

Head of Safeguarding

Cassi Wright

Head Groundsman

Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson

Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Front cover David Flanagan

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Doc Brown, James McArthur, Ed Dowling, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur, Lee Ryder

Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty

Printer Bishops Printers

oliver glasner

Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Eddie Howe and his Newcastle players and staff for this afternoon’s game.

we had a very positive display at Villa Park, coming away with a good point – we even had the chance to win it at the very end. Overall I’m really pleased with the performance, but I want to reiterate something that I mentioned after the game, and that was your support on the day. It was a great away support again despite terrible weather, train delays, a long distance to drive and more, so thank you.

I was pleased with how the young players did, particularly Justin who was rewarded for a good performance with a goal. At the start of the season we said that we wanted to keep the number of players in the squad relatively low, so that when there was a situation our Academy players could step up and show how good they are, and Justin took this opportunity, so that’s very positive. It is still the beginning of his career and it was a good first step into the door, and now it is up to him to go through it.

We have had to deal with injuries over this period, but we are welcoming some important faces back. Ebs is returning, while Jefferson

Newcastle is the first in a threegame week, and we have to manage this week well. We will manage the players’ minutes, but always under the headline that we want to win the game

and Chris earned their first minutes against Aston Villa and Cheick had only his second start in 12 months. Every training session, every minute in a game will bring them closer to their best form, because we can’t expect a player who has been out for weeks or months to be back exactly as they were before. Newcastle is the first in a three-game week, and we have to manage this week well. We will manage the players’ minutes, but always under the headline that we want to win the game.

This busy Christmas period is what makes the Premier League the most-watched league in the world. I can see why they like this schedule, and we have to deal with it – I was talking about it with Dougie who was in the Premier League for many years. It is part of the reason we gave the players who weren’t featuring for their national sides a whole week off during the break, so they could recover mentally and physically. But remember, many of the players here are used to the Premier League, so it is nothing new for them. We as coaches have to learn from those who have experience in the situation.

This weekend’s matches are part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. For me, it’s beyond understanding that in the 21st century we still have to talk about this issue, and that people can’t live how they want to live and be who they want to be. It’s not acceptable to me that we still live with this discrimination, because we all live on one planet and we are all human beings. Nobody knows where they will be born or how they will grow up, but everybody

deserves a chance in our community. I met with our LGBT+ supporters group Proud and Palace recently, and it was great to see what a welcoming football club Crystal Palace can be.

It’s not acceptable to me that we still live with this discrimination, because we all live on one planet and we are all human beings

Long may that continue, and I hope one day we will no longer have to discuss incidents of discrimination. I will have the chance to speak to you before the Manchester City game, but before then we have two important games starting with Newcastle. We want to get back into our stride at Selhurst Park, against a team playing well under a good manager. Then we head to Portman Road. The statistics show what kind of matches these will be: in the last month the three teams topping the charts for intensity are Newcastle, Ipswich Town and us. There will be many duels, a lot of effort, but we will fight to compete on every level and I hope we can come away with two positive results .

in the last month the three teams topping the charts for intensity are Newcastle, Ipswich Town and us. There will be many duels, a lot of effort, but we will fight to compete on every level and I hope we can come away with two positive results

marc Guéhi

Our last outing at Villa Park had a bit of everything, and in the end we came away with mixed feelings: pleased to get a point at a difficult ground to go to, but disappointed that we couldn’t hold on for all three.

it felt like an old-school Premier League game, in the pouring rain under the lights, with tackles flying in and chances at both ends. We started exactly as we had hoped, with Ismaila’s fantastic finish putting us in a strong position, getting in behind Villa’s high line as we had worked on in training.

After their equaliser, the period before half-time was crazy. We were disappointed the VAR chose to award what we felt was a soft penalty against us, but in those moments you need your key players to step up, and that’s exactly what Dean did by making a fantastic save. You could see from everyone’s reaction the lift that gave us, and less than 60 seconds later Justin was putting us ahead at the other end, after another brilliant counter-attack.

The celebrations after that second goal showed just how pleased we were for Justin to score his first Premier League goal in just his second appearance. He has worked so hard since joining us in first-team training and absolutely deserves the opportunities he has been given, and

We were disappointed the VAR chose to award what we felt was a soft penalty against us, but in those moments you need your key players to step up, and that’s exactly what Dean did

us in firstteam training and absolutely deserves the opportunities he has been given, and I know this moment will only make him more driven to succeed

I know this moment will only make him more driven to succeed each and every day in training. We have so many players from the Academy who have joined us in first-team training this season, including two – Caleb and Asher – who have made their debuts, and moments like this should be an inspiration, and a reminder of what you can achieve with hard work and dedication.

Today’s game truly kicks off the busy Christmas period, which will be non-stop until the New Year with eight games between now and 2025. We know how difficult this afternoon will be against a Newcastle side chasing European football, but we know that at Selhurst Park we can beat anybody. Then, we head to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town, before welcoming the champions Manchester City next weekend.

At Villa Park, we could hear your support loud and clear, and that support will be so important to us over these next seven days. Thank you as always for sticking with us, and I look forward to seeing you at Selhurst Park and beyond .

We know how difficult this afternoon will be against a Newcastle side chasing European football, but we know that at Selhurst Park we can beat anybody

steve parish

Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this afternoon’s match, and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Newcastle United this afternoon.

after the disappointment of our defeat to Fulham in our last game at Selhurst Park, it was great to see the fighting spirit of the players in our hard-fought draw with Aston Villa last weekend. The game was a thriller, and we were more than value for a point, and could even have come home with all three against a side playing Champions League football this season. To do so without being able to call on plenty of key players missing through injury is credit to the work done on the training ground over the international break.

To see a young player who has made his way through our Academy sides scoring for the first-team gives everyone a fantastic feeling. Huge congratulations to Justin on a first Premier League goal, and well done to all of the Academy coaches, teachers and staff members who have helped along the way. We also have Caleb and Asher knocking on the door, showing that there is a pathway for young players to succeed at this football club. I hope we can see even more in the future, perhaps from the players out on loan: Jes Rak-Sakyi has three

we were more than value for a point, and could even have come home with all three against a side playing Champions League football this season

Huge congratulations to Justin on a first Premier League goal, and well done to all of the Academy coaches, teachers and staff members who have helped along the way

his first goal for Bromley this week to cap a host of impressive displays, not forgetting Tayo Adaramola at Stockport, Malcom Ebiowei at Oxford United, Roshaun Mathurin at Hartlepool, Killian Phillips at St Mirren, Jack Wells-Morrison at Wealdstone, Luke Plange in Helsinki and Ademola Ola-Adebomi at Beveren.

Congratulations are also in order for our players who represented their countries over the international break, so well done to Marc, Dean, Daniel, Chris, Matt, Daichi, Ismaila and Justin. It’s always an honour to represent your country, and I’m sure more players will earn that accolade in the future.

Today marks the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, a campaign we at Crystal Palace are always pleased to support as we look to make Selhurst Park and football as a whole an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.

Let’s throw everything behind Oliver and his players throughout this busy Christmas period as we look to head into the New Year on a positive note

goals in his last three games at the top of the Championship, David Ozoh is performing really well at Derby, Owen Goodman and Joe Whitworth have been consistently excellent for Wimbledon and Exeter respectively, and Danny Imray got

We are heading into an important week for the club, with two difficult matches here at Selhurst Park, starting today with Newcastle before welcoming Manchester City next weekend, with a trip to Portman Road in between. Let’s throw everything behind Oliver and his players throughout this busy Christmas period as we look to head into the New Year on a positive note. Thanks as always for your support.

Up the Palace .

From the cages of North West London to stepping out at Wembley as an England international, Tyrick Mitchell speaks movingly about his long journey to the top of the game, and what he has learned along the way.

Interview: Tom Wrigley

Words: Will Robinson

having just turned 25-yearsold, you might think it a bit premature for Tyrick Mitchell to be looking back on his career. But that’s forgetting that the journey to the Premier League doesn’t start with a nervy teenager making his debut. If anything, that is the culmination of years of hard work – years of overcoming adversity to reach the top.

Mitchell is an England international and the youngest player in Crystal Palace history to reach 100 Premier League appearances. What a journey it has been. It began in North West London, where the conditions were far from pristine – but the competition was no less ferocious. “The cages in Hatch End were basically nothing: it was like a prison yard,” he remembers. “Just two entrances which you used as goals to do 60 seconds or one bounce, one touch.

“Then Headstone Manor Park was where I first properly played for a team. Pinner Albion were my first Sunday League team. It was a massive rivalry with Headstone Manor, because we shared a pitch. When we were playing one game, they were playing another 10 steps away. Then anytime we played each other, it was like Inter versus AC!”

Off the pitch, life ticked along like any normal kid, but there was a dream beginning to grow. “Sam’s was like Morley’s before Morley’s – when we were younger, everyone used to go and get two burgers and two chips for two pounds!

“That was basically your dinner. That will set you for the whole

Pinner Albion were my first Sunday League team. It was a massive rivalry with Headstone Manor, because we shared a pitch. When we were playing one game, they were playing another 10 steps away. Then anytime we played each other, it was like Inter versus AC!

day. That was massive for me, my cousins, friends – it was like a hotspot, so we used to go there.

“There were so many buses that would go past Wembley, so you’re always within sight of it. To look at it and see it and know so many great players from so many great nations have played in that stadium, so many legends of the game have played in that stadium… to be able to say I’ve now played in that stadium for England is special.”

Mitchell achieved the first step towards making his dream a reality during the COVID lockdown, coming on for his Premier League debut against Leicester City in the strangest circumstances. “It was just pure emotions,” he remembers. “I was just thinking: ‘I’m going to be on Match of the Day !’

tyrick mitchell

To look at it and see it and know so many great players from so many great nations have played in that stadium, so many legends of the game have played in that stadium… to be able to say I’ve now played in that stadium for England is special

tyrick mitchell

It’s about 10 different emotions in one. Naturally, you can’t wait to go and check your phone to see people saying congratulations. It was a surreal moment.

tyrick mitchell

“ Match of the Day was a big thing growing up, so I was thinking I’d finally made it. I watched it after my debut, but then I stopped watching it because sometimes you don’t want to watch your matches!”

His first goal followed shortly after, against Aston Villa at Selhurst Park. “The best goal in Premier League history,” he declares, laughing. “It was the relief of finally ticking off that box. I got my first assist in that game as well, and we won the game, so I couldn’t ask for any better. It was just disbelief that I had actually scored.

“It’s about 10 different emotions in one. Naturally, you can’t wait to go and check your phone to see people saying congratulations. It was a surreal moment. It’s hard to explain exactly what I was feeling, but it’s something that’s unmatched.

“I was just running. With my celebrations, sometimes emotion takes over! You don’t even know what you’re doing, you’re just happy. It was a good moment, because Ebs was there, Schluppy, Wilf. It was a good moment to see everyone happy for me.”

Mitchell’s most recent Palace goal came in one of the club’s greatest performances, thrashing Manchester United on a ‘magical’ night under the lights in South London. “I’ve been wanting to score more goals and to be in situations like this, so it was a nice feeling,” he explains. “Towards the end of the season I was getting in good positions to get shots off, and in one situation I tried to cross it.

“I remember going into the changing room and the coaches

United are a massive club, so it’s always good to beat massive clubs in the Premier League. All my [friends] support United, most people support United, so when you score against them you can go back to your friends and you can trash talk

saying: ‘Why didn’t you shoot?’ In my head, I thought: ‘Next time I get in that situation, I’m not thinking about anything else, I’m just going to shoot.’ I shot to get us the corner, and then when Joa [Andersen] hit it across I scored. If I didn’t do that we wouldn’t be talking about this goal.”

The hard work paid off for Mitchell, who took the bragging rights back to his friends and family. “United are a massive club, so it’s always good to beat massive clubs in the Premier League,” he says. “All my [friends] support United, most people support United, so when you score against them you can go back to your friends and you can trash talk.

“That’s how we grew up: when you’re supporting teams you trash talk to others. Now I’ve got the bragging rights over a couple of my

tyrick mitchell

[friends]. It was an amazing feeling because Man Utd are one of the biggest clubs in the world. To score against them is always a blessing. It was a magical feeling.”

Potentially the most magical feeling of all for Mitchell wasn’t to take place in South London, but around the corner from where it all began. In March 2022, he reached the pinnacle, nervously warming up on the touchline, clapped on the back by former Palace captain Gareth Southgate, and sent on to the pitch at Wembley to make his England debut.

“It was surreal because it was in Wembley, which is local to me,” he remembers. “That made it extra special. It’s something massive to do, a massive checklist that I didn’t think I would have ticked off at one point in time, but I was able to do it.

“That is something I hold very close to my heart. It’s a blessing. It’s even more of a blessing knowing that the stadium is so close to home.

“You grow up seeing the arch lit up with different colours, so it’s always something that’s in vision when you’re dreaming. It’s amazing to actually step on to the pitch to represent England. It was just something that I have always dreamt of, and I was able to achieve it.”

That’s what makes Mitchell’s journey – and those of so many other players – so special. He’s gone from wide-eyed hopeful to playing alongside and against his heroes. He remembers the moments it started to sink in.

“For example, when it was [Sergio] Agüero’s last season and we played [Manchester] City, that’s

You grow up seeing the arch lit up with different colours, so it’s always something that’s in vision when you’re dreaming. It’s amazing to actually step on to the pitch to represent England. It was just something that I have always dreamt of, and I was able to achieve it

someone that I used to watch on Match of the Day. He’s a Premier League legend, isn’t he? When I actually stepped out onto the field and he was there, it was surreal for me.

“That’s when it clicked: ‘This is a crazy feeling – that’s actually Agüero!’ Nine times out of 10 you’re not really starstruck, but there were a few situations, a few players, that when you come across them and share a field with them, you realise that you’ve actually done something that you can be proud of.”

What makes Mitchell reminiscing so joyful is the humble, almost abashed, sense of pride he feels in his journey from the Hatch End cages to the very top of the game. As he looks back at pictures of his childhood figure, wearing the shirt of local side AFC Wembley, he considers what that child might think of the established

tyrick mitchell

Nine times out of 10 you’re not really starstruck, but there were a few situations, a few players, that when you come across them and share a field with them, you realise that you’ve actually done something that you

tyrick mitchell

That person, he loved football but he didn’t think it would go this far, if that makes sense. He just used to play football for playing football’s sake. If I was ever to go back in time and tell myself where I would end up, he wouldn’t be able to believe it

tyrick mitchell

professional sitting here today. “That person, he loved football but he didn’t think it would go this far, if that makes sense,” he says. “He just used to play football for playing football’s sake. If I were ever to go back in time and tell myself where I would end up, he wouldn’t be able to believe it.

“It was something that, in my head, was so distant. Obviously it was a dream, but at the same time so distant. Looking at the picture and seeing the contrast, it’s a grateful feeling. Looking at pictures, they’re a nice, distant memory, but I feel like being in it every day, the people you come across, the situations you’re in, that’s when I personally sit down

It’s something that I’ll forever be proud of. I’ll be able to say that I accomplished something that I basically set my whole life to do. In this world, that’s what everyone wants to do, isn’t it?

and think: ‘This is actually real. This is actually my life.’

“That’s the biggest thing.” Football is arguably the world’s last true meritocracy. It takes plenty of things to make it as a professional in the most competitive industry of all: a supportive community, inspirational coaches, dedicated mentors and, like anything in life, the benefit of good fortune. But most importantly, it takes years of hard work.

Mitchell puts it better than we ever could. “It’s something that I’ll forever be proud of. I’ll be able to say that I accomplished something that I basically set my whole life to do. In this world, that’s what everyone wants to do, isn’t it?” .

tyrick mitchell

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GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING

rainbow

laces

Crystal Palace are proud to back the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign this weekend to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.

stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign kicked off in 2013 and since then, over a million participants have laced up in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, fitness and physical activity.

This year, Rainbow Laces has partnered with the Barclays Women’s Super League, the Football Association (FA) and with grassroots teams across the nation who will all celebrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion from 16th November – 5th December.

We are proud to promote equality and diversity in everything we do – but there is still much more to be done as we continue to work together to support inclusivity in all areas of the game.

New research released by Stonewall this week shows that one in four LGBTQ+ people (26%) do not feel welcome at live sports events, whilst nearly a third of LGBTQ+ people (29%) do not feel welcome watching live sport in a pub.

As a club, we are clear that everyone is welcome at Palace, regardless of gender or sexuality. We will not tolerate racial or homophobic chants or discriminating comments towards a particular individual, or group of individuals, at Selhurst Park.

We can all play a part in reporting homophobic and transphobic abuse or chanting. If you see it on a matchday, challenge it and report it, by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service: the number is 07507 477 669

Football is for everyone, and all should feel welcome.

Palace Men’s manager Oliver Glasner said: “It’s so important, especially in the times in which we live, to have supporters from all parts of our community with us. We have a great relationship between our supporters, our players, and the whole club.”

Palace Women’s head coach Laura Kaminski said: “It’s easy to forget that there are still restrictions and barriers for people in terms of taking part in the game – football is for all, and we should celebrate that every day.”

Goalkeeper Matt Turner said: “I think it’s very important for everyone to feel comfortable to support the club in whatever way they choose to support them. Everyone should be able to be themselves.

“You want to be able to live the game and life how you want to live it, how you feel you should live it – that’s really, really important.”

Together, we can make sport safer for all.

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE

You can report discrimination on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service: the number is 07507 477 669

Please include as much relevant information as possible. Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and also identify the location of the antisocial behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message.

Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be followed up and investigated by a club staff member. You can also contact your nearest steward to report issues, who will do their best to help.

FOR THE CLUB

newcastle united

the magpies 1892

ROLLERCOASTEr

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Newcastle’s season so far has been a mixture of the inconsistent and the sublime. Victories over Arsenal, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest before the international break followed disappointing results against Brighton, Everton and Fulham, with Eddie Howe searching for consistency from his side – and a response to Monday night’s defeat against West Ham United.

EUROPEAN DREAMS

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Howe’s main task this season is to get Newcastle back into Europe once again, with a tightly congested Premier League table keeping them within touching distance of the Champions League places. If they are to repeat magical nights like the victory against Paris Saint-Germain last season, they have to be in Europe’s elite competition – but the competition for places has never been greater.

ENDING THE WAIT

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It’s not just the league to focus on for Newcastle. Their last major domestic trophy came almost 70 years ago, back in 1955. They face Brentford in the League Cup quarterfinals in December, and having lost the final to Manchester United at Wembley two years ago, have a great chance to go one step further this time around.

key players

Eddie Howe is hoping to get his side back competing for the Champions League places this season – so who might prove the stars of the show? Here, we take a look at four of his most important players in the fight for European football...

CAPTAIN Consistent

There has been plenty of drama surrounding Newcastle’s midfield selections over the past two seasons, with the long-term suspension of Sandro Tonali, the breakthrough and subsequent injury of Lewis Miley, the continued reinvention of Joelinton and the purple patches of Joe Willock.

Amidst the chaos comes the consistency of Bruno Guimarães, who has been at the heart of midfield for Eddie Howe’s side since his arrival from Lyon in 2022, and has since been linked with the biggest clubs across the continent. He was awarded the captaincy on a permanent basis at the start of the current campaign, and continues to be a fan favourite on the Gallowgate and beyond.

Anthony Gordon’s lack of minutes at Euro 2024 was the basis of much discussion, as the left-wing position for the Three Lions continues to be up for grabs. Lee Carsley’s interim tenure saw him begin to add to his tally of international caps.

His form in black and white has seen him earn the ultimate accolade: international recognition. He has 32 caps for Brazil, including representing the five-time world champions at the World Cup in Qatar in the winter of 2022, where featured against Cameroon and Switzerland as the Seleção reached the quarter-finals.

Gordon played a major role in keeping Everton in the Premier League after coming through the academy system at Goodison Park, before moving to Newcastle in a big-money deal in 2023. His fine form in his first full season saw him nominated for the club’s Player of the Year award.

This season has started in slower fashion, including missing a penalty back at Goodison Park, but he has vowed to turn his form around and help Newcastle back into European football for the next campaign.

NO. 11 FLYING

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Barnes’ final season at Leicester City was a rare bit of positivity amidst a dire campaign, which saw the Foxes relegated but his reputation established as one of the brightest young forwards in the game, scoring 13 Premier League goals.

He made the move to Newcastle United, starting at a steady pace by scoring five times in all competitions as form and fitness saw him moving in and out of the team. He has made a flying start to the current campaign, scoring three times in his opening six games and raising questions over an England recall, having made his international debut back against Wales back in 2020.

A goal off the substitutes bench against Nottingham Forest, as Newcastle came from behind to claim all three points, will remind Howe and his coaching staff once again of the talent they have on their hands. Whether he can sustain that form throughout an entire campaign will go a long way to deciding the Magpies’ fate come May.

Isak has established himself as one of the finest centre-forwards in Europe, turning heads both in the Premier League and abroad but kept hold of by Newcastle United this summer. He has flourished under Eddie Howe since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022, scoring 10 league goals in his first season and 21 in his second, finishing behind only Cole Palmer

and Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.

He is a 50-time Sweden international, scoring 14 times for his country including four in his last eight games. His next task will be to try to take a talented Swedish squad, including players like Anthony Elanga, Dejan Kulusevski and Viktor Gyökeres to a first major tournament in the post-Zlatan Ibrahimovic era.

Anthony GORDON

Harvey BARNES

squaddepth

st Alexander

Callum WILSON

William OSULA

Jacob MURPHY lw

Miguel ALMIRON

Garang KUOL

lb

Lewis HALL

Alex MURPHY

Matt TARGETT

CB

Dan BURN

Lloyd KELLY

JOELINTON

Sandro TONALI

Sean LONGSTAFF

Dm

Bruno GUIMARÃES

Rb

Kieran TRIPPIER

Tino LIVRAMENTO

Emil KRAFTH

CB

Sven BOTMAN

Fabian SCHÄR

Jamaal LASCELLES

GK

Nick POPE

Odysseas VLACHODIMOS

Martin DÚBRAVKA

John RUDDY

Mark GILLESPIE

through time

1892

A club called Newcastle West End were the initial tenants of St. James’ Park, before merging with Newcastle East End in 1892 and becoming a single club, changing their name to Newcastle United at the end of that year. As the city’s only club, the rate of growth was extremely fast, and they joined the Second Division in 1893 alongside Liverpool and new South London club Woolwich Arsenal.

1905

1951

After reaching the First Division in 1899, Newcastle embarked on a golden era, winning the league title in 1905, 1907 and 1909, losing two back-to-back FA Cup finals in the same period. They finally won the FA Cup in 1910, losing the final next season to Bradford City.

1924

A fallow period either side of the First World War ended in 1924, when they won their second FA Cup, winning a fourth and final league title three years later. Before the Second World War, however, they were relegated to the Second Division, where they would remain for a decade until promotion in 1948.

The 1950s were a golden period, winning the FA Cup three times in five years, beating Blackpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, inspired by legendary figures like Jackie Milburn and Tommy Walker.

1996

Players like Paul Gascoigne, Kevin Keegan, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley came and went in the 1980s with no real sustained success, but the early years of the Premier League saw Newcastle challenging for the title. They were 12 points clear in 1996, before being overhauled by Man United – Keegan’s ‘I will love it if we beat them’ rant remains famous to this day.

dreamfive

GK Shay Given

Given will go down as one of the Premier League’s most consistent goalkeepers, sitting in third place in the club’s all-time appearances charts having played 463 times across 12 years at St. James’ Park. No player has featured more often in Europe for Newcastle than the former Ireland international’s 54 appearances.

def Bobby Moncur

2021

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The Mike Ashley era brought about a struggle to stay in the Premier League, suffering relegation on two occasions, the first under Shearer’s management in 2009, and a huge subsequent turnover of managers. A buyout in 2021 from the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the state of Saudi Arabia, has transformed fortunes on the pitch.

Moncur remains the last captain to lift a trophy in a Newcastle United shirt, doing so more than 50 years ago in the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Despite playing at the heart of the defence, he scored three times in the twolegged final, sealing his place in the club’s history.

mid Peter Beardsley

Having twice won the club’s Player of the Year award, Beardsley left Newcastle for Liverpool in 1987, winning two league titles and an FA Cup, before returning to the North East in 1993 to add to his legacy. He scored 21 goals in his first Premier League season in black and white, with his mazy dribbling marking him out as Kevin Keegan’s finest ‘entertainer’.

fwd Jackie Milburn

Unquestionably Newcastle’s greatest player until another No. 9 arrived, Milburn fired Newcastle to FA Cup glory on three occasions in the golden period of the 1950s. Wor Jackie, as he was affectionately known, scored 200 goals for the club, setting a record that seemed unbeatable – until…

fwd Alan Shearer

The Premier League’s all-time top scorer had already netted 135 topflight goals by the time he joined his boyhood club, eschewing the interest of Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson to make himself a legend at St. James’ Park. He scored 206 goals to break Jackie Milburn’s record, and mark himself down as the club’s greatest ever.

kitstory

Home: 1995/96

The clean stripes, the iconic Newcastle Brown Ale sponsorship. The only thing this shirt needed was a

Home: 2013/14

A fairly boring kit in general, but made even worse by the addition of a bright blue block at the centre.

away: 1998/99

An underrated effort, with the oldschool sponsor complementing the bright blue with gold trim – Brazil meets Tyneside.

away: 2009/10

They may have stormed to promotion, earning 102 points in the Championship, but they didn’t look great while doing it…

celebrity mags

sam fender

You may not be aware, because he very rarely mentions it, but the Hypersonic Missiles singer is a Newcastle fan. Who knew?

ant and dec

Britain’s most famous Geordies are regular attendees at St. James’ Park, and could be forgiven for thinking ‘get me out of here’ over some recent seasons.

tony blair

Blair’s game of head tennis with Kevin Keegan in 1995 was lucky for one of them, but we won't say which. Newcastle blew a 12 point lead in the title race, Labour soon won a first election in 18 years.

greatestgames

0-1

THE ORIGINAL CUP UPSET

Some context: Newcastle dominated the early 1900s. Of their four league titles to date, three came within a five-year spell at the turn of the century, as well as winning the FA Cup in 1910 – they very nearly became the first side to do the double, losing to Aston Villa in the 1905 FA Cup final. But not to be forgotten was an encounter with a plucky side from South London. St. James’ Park was a genuine fortress, with regular crowds approaching 30,000 and an unbeaten home record stretching back more than a year. In the FA Cup itself, they were unbeaten at home for more than a decade, since 1896. That all changed, to the astonishment of the footballing world. More than a century later, the result of that January day in 1907 still lives on as one of English football’s greatest upsets.

2-0

THE JP SHOW

5-1

FIVE-STAR FOOTBALL

When Papiss Cisse gave Newcastle the lead at Selhurst Park back in 2015, there may have been a few sighs of resignation – but the game soon turned on its head. James McArthur equalised for the Eagles just four minutes later, with Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha creating a commanding half-time lead. Bolasie added a fourth shortly after the break, before Macca added a fifth in added time to cap a perfect afternoon.

After smashing five past West Ham the previous weekend, Palace welcomed Newcastle to Selhurst Park for midweek Premier League action under the lights, and provided a fitting display. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hot streak continued, scoring twice in the second-half to make it three straight Premier League wins for the first time in more than a year, with JP the first Palace player to score in five consecutive top-flight home games since Mark Bright in January 1991 – he would later extend that run to seven.

eagle eye

@lee_ryder

Lee Ryder is The Chronicle’s Chief Newcastle United Writer. He joined the newspaper in 2005, and has reported on the club from across England, Europe, China, New Zealand, the United States, Russia, Ukraine and more.

What have you made of Newcastle’s start to the season?

Already there have been some extreme highs with a great win over Arsenal, the Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea and the very impressive come-from-behind triumph at Nottingham Forest. But to go with that, an awful loss away to Fulham, a disappointing home defeat against Brighton and a narrow 2-1 reverse at Chelsea.

The truth is it has been a mixed bag and not the absolutely flying start many anticipated with no European football on the menu. For all that, Newcastle are very much up there in terms of a fight for the Champions League places and there have been plenty of encouraging signs on Tyneside.

I think a lot of people thought that things weren't going to go well because of the political side of things, when sporting director Paul Mitchell, performance director James Bunce and Eddie Howe appeared to clash in July. That was at least the impression many had after some outspoken comments from Howe on the "boundaries" that needed to be respected in terms of the departmental dynamics.

The truth is it has been a mixed bag and not the absolutely flying start many anticipated with no European football on the menu

Shortly after, Mitchell made comments saying that the scouting network was not "fit for purpose", which again indicated trouble. However, that seems to have settled down now and a smiling Bunce in dressing room victory pictures as well as Mitchell and Howe pictured together after unveiling Anthony Gordon's contract suggests things can work for the greater good at Newcastle.

What constitutes success?

It's a minimum of qualifying for one of the European competitions – even the Europa Conference League. A cup run would be nice, but a sign of progress would be getting back into continental competition again.

I honestly don't think you'd have a player in that dressing room disagreeing with me on that. If you asked them if they have hit their very best levels yet I think they'd say no. What I believe is that there is much more to come from this team and probably the only thing that they have lacked is a consistent run of results.

Perhaps they are timing their run a bit on that one, because if they can notch four or five wins in a row

across the festive period they'd have a wonderful foundation to build on going into 2025. Things seem bright again and you write this lot off at their peril. Just when you think they have come off the tracks they dig deep and get a massive result or two.

Will they look to be active in the January transfer window?

We've had an early warning from Eddie Howe that there are no guarantees but I think they will be looking for one or two signings this winter. It feels like some trading is possible because there are a couple of senior internationals who could see January as an opportunity to move on. If you handed me a blank cheque I'd bring in another centre-forward and a right winger.

Who is Newcastle’s most important player?

It's Joelinton in my humble opinion, because Newcastle thrive when he is in his very best form. He was absolutely immense against Nottingham Forest recently and physically he is a star to be feared. He wins a lot aerially and is such a fierce competitor whether he is playing defensively in midfield or contributing offensively. He will also weigh in with a goal or two as well and after Howe got the best out of him, the £40million paid for the Brazil international could be their best pound for pound buy in recent history.

Whose contribution often flies under the radar?

Dan Burn, because he sets the tone in games and does a lot of the less glamorous stuff, whether that is a

he sets the tone in games and does a lot of the less glamorous stuff, Whether that is a last-ditch tackle, communication on the field or even pulling off a technical foul and taking a booking for the team

last-ditch tackle, communication on the field or even pulling off a technical foul and taking a booking for the team at a time when the team is under the cosh.

You can throw Sean Longstaff into that conversation as well. Having watched him come through the youth team I know he can bring goals and assists to the table, but his role under Howe often seems to be more of the defensive graft and rolling his sleeves up. When he's not selected, the team miss him.

Give us a name for the future to look out for…

Sean Neave is a young Geordie centre-forward who is grabbing the attention for the Under-21s after coming through the Under-18s. We've had some interesting Academy breakthroughs such as Elliot Anderson, Lewis Miley, Longstaff and Paul Dummett down the years, but to bring through a goal machine would be special. It's still early days for Neave but he could have something that Howe likes the look of .

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3

league wins in a row for Palace against Newcastle between 1971 and 1972, with today a chance for the first back-to-back wins since.

1 win in the last nine visits to Selhurst Park for Newcastle, who won their first four visits in the Premier League.

0 points dropped by Newcastle after taking the lead this season.

doc brown

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...

JUSTIN TIME

No one ever says “I love to say I told you so”. If that grating phrase is ever uttered, it’s invariably prefixed with “I hate”. Fair enough – it’s clearly an incredibly annoying riposte that smacks of arrogance and hubris. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the kind of people who gleefully say “I told you so” are up there with the most irritatingly smug human beings on earth.

That said, I told you so.

Wait! Don’t turn the page! Hear me out! Writing a column for the club you love every other week is a joyous challenge, but it is also challenging when A) your remit is to always be cautiously upbeat and B) the club you love is Crystal Palace. The confidence in a club in our position is regularly plagued by fragility and as Eagles fans we know all too well the emotional risks attaching to having hope.

Bearing that in mind, I hope you’ll join me in a tiny bit of smugness for the manner in which I’ve remained positive this season. Despite dismissive comments from mainstream pundits, I genuinely believe our league position is a false

one and that we still have plenty to look forward to this season. No one gave us a hope in hell against Spurs – I did. No one gave us a hope in hell against Villa – I genuinely did. Plagued by injuries, missing sold players – we’ve been up against it from the first day this season started and personally I think we’ve outperformed outsiders’ expectations despite the negative results. We’ve drawn games we should and could have won and for the most part we’ve been totally in the games we’ve lost and we’ve done this with a threadbare squad.

We can harp on about the end of last season ‘til the cows come home but what we’re facing this time around is an incomparable challenge, so as is my job description, I’m gonna focus squarely on the positives. Yes, we’ve not always got it right on the pitch, but what a breath of fresh air it is to have someone like Oliver Glasner trying to work out different solutions for different opposition. A lot of other teams of our level (including past incarnations of our own team) may well have looked at Villa and thought: “They’re a dangerous team, let’s sit back and hope we can nick

In the space of a little over a fortnight, this kid made his Premier League debut, his international debut and scored his first senior goal in English football. In the same space of time, I played a five-a-side, cooked a half decent spag bol and had six visits to the pub

something”. Glasner studied their approach and constantly exploited the space left in behind their highpressing midfield to stunning effect with both our goals.

In addition to this brave and bold outlook, in my humble/arrogant opinion we’ve also just been gifted the moment of the season so far. You know exactly what and who I mean. Yep, The Kid. Justin Devenny’s goal was the most joyous moment I’ve had as an Eagle this season, for so many reasons. The first is the most obvious: it is always an unbridled joy to see a youngster burst onto the scene. In the space of a little over a fortnight, this kid made his Premier League debut, his international debut and scored his first senior goal in English football. In the same space of time, I played a five-a-side, cooked a half decent spag bol and had six visits to the pub.

The levels of achievement did not go unnoticed.

Then there was the context of the goal: with Deano’s wonder save the passage of play was almost reminiscent of the famous “here’s Hogg… DEENEY!!!” sequence, which is up there with my favourite footballing moments of all time, particularly because that story ended with us getting promoted in the drabbest possible antithesis of that moment football-wise… sorry Watford but lol. Throw in the Hendo knee-slide and THAT photo of three of our senior players worshipping at a delighted Devenny’s feet as if he were some kind of Northern Irish deity and you have an explosion of joy that will still be at the top of my internal highlight reel come May.

Justin has done with his feet what I’ve been trying to do with

the keyboard: find light in the darkness. His very existence in a starting eleven reflects that, having been thrown in at the deep end in response to what has been nothing short of an injury crisis. Pretty daunting when you think about it, and yet.

So yes, of course I’m gutted we went on to do a bit of trademark Palace-Defending-A-Corner nonsense but who thought we’d get anything at Villa Park? *Columnist smugly raises his hand*.

I’m not saying we’re going to wipe the floor with Newcastle today, but when it comes to another game where we run another massive football club mightily close with scant resources, I will love to say I told you so.

James M©arthur

james m©arthur

Palace legend James McArthur made 253 appearances for the club, playing over 19,000 minutes in all competitions across nine years. Below, he gives his thoughts on improving performances, Justin Devenny and hitting the back of the net against Newcastle…

A good point

Aston Villa have been great for a couple of years now. Villa Park is always a place that is very, very hard to go to and get results. I think when you're leading late on, you're disappointed when you don't hold onto the lead but before the game, I think if you offered anyone a draw, it is a really good point.

I mentioned last time about trying to not look at the league table. They’re in the bottom three, but I think they can take confidence from recent results.

Obviously Fulham wasn't the result that the lads wanted, but that happens in the Premier League. You're going to lose games that you feel that you should win, but bouncing back with a good point is so important.

I think people are starting to play with a bit more confidence. When you look at it from a fixtures point of view, I don't see many games where I don't fancy the lads to get a result.

The Premier League is so tough, and I'm sure when you get that win and that little bit of a run, then they'll really push away from that bottom, but definitely things are going in the right direction.

Devenny’s delight -

To play in Scotland with Airdrieonians, and then to go to the Premier League is some story in itself, to be honest. To play in the Under-21s is really good, but to make the step up and do what he’s doing in the first-team, is a real credit to Justin Devenny and his family.

The scouting system at Crystal Palace is great. That they could recognise a boy at Airdrie, and that they could sign a player who could eventually play in the Premier League, is really good. The boy has really made the step up and is pushing each time to get better as a player.

To make his debut a couple of weeks ago will have been such a high and a surreal moment for him. I came from Hamilton, a club at the same level in Scotland, and when you make that step up to the Premier League, it is surreal. You’re still pinching yourself each moment, going from there to playing against the best players in the world.

To get that goal, in a moment like that, is something that he will remember forever.

The scouting system at Crystal Palace is great. That they could recognise a boy at Airdrie, and that they could sign a player who could eventually play in the Premier League, is really good. The boy has really made the step up and is pushing each time to get better as a player

My own first

I can remember my first senior goal for Hamilton against St Johnstone in 2006. It was a tackle! The ball went through, one-on-one with the ‘keeper, and I literally just tackled into the keeper, and it went over him!

No matter what level you're playing at, that first goal is such a great moment – but doing it at the top of the game is something special.

Let's say you score for Hamilton against St Johnstone. It's your moment, and a great moment for you, but no one else really knows! But when you're on the biggest stage, scoring in the Premier League, everyone goes: ‘Who's that boy?’

Festive fixtures

-

I used to love this month – I used to love playing games – but now I’m sitting here on my sofa, I couldn't think of much worse, to be honest!

When you're in that moment, it is great because you're literally recovering and playing games. When you're on good runs at Christmas, you're looking forward to the next game. When you're in bad form, you've got the chance to make things right straight away.

For the lads, it's not been start to the season they would have wished for, but with how many games you've got in this short period of time, you can start climbing the table very fast if you get a winning run going.

When you are playing so many games back to back, this is when you need that momentum, to go into it feeling like you're going to win every game.

Braces against Newcastle

I scored two against Newcastle back in 2015, didn't I? It was one of the games where it’s surreal on the pitch. When it’s such a high-scoring game, you’re like: ‘Are we actually up by so many goals?’

I scored two against Newcastle back in 2015, didn't i?

I can remember towards the end of that game, I scored in the last minute of injury time – but I had cramp just before it! I knew the right thing to do was just to sit, but because the game was done, I just decided to go forward and see what happened – and luckily it fell to my left foot and I finished it.

Those games are amazing, because the confidence you take from winning games at Christmas gives you the momentum you need to feed off. It’s fine margins in this league, and I think the lads just need to keep doing what they're doing, and it will turn for them.

There were so many new faces coming into the team and there have been a lot of injuries. I think now people are starting to bed in and feel more comfortable with the new players. Everyone’s starting to get used to each other more and more. I think the second part of the season, the lads will really kick on .

I used to love this month – I used to love playing games – but now I’m sitting here on my sofa, I couldn't think of much worse, to be honest!

CHOOSE YOUR WIIINGS

RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS.

palace academy

With so much talent coming through at Crystal Palace, it’s time to grill the next generation on the key questions past, present and future. This week, Under-18s goalkeeper Jack Mason tackles our quickfire questions…

FACT FILE

past

childhood idol?

David de Gea. Watching him play as I grew up inspired me to become a better goalie.

first match you played in?

It was against our local rivals, Letchworth. We had a bit of beef with them for a while! It was a battle and the game ended 10-9 to us or something ridiculous.

It was a Wayne Rooney shirt from the 2006 World Cup, which my dad got for me.

First boots?

The blue and white Adidas Messi boots that said Messi all over them.

strongest attribute?

For me it’s communication, talking and organising the box.

i model my game on...

Jordan Pickford, England’s No. 1. I’m a similar height to him so we have a

Favourite Palace player?

Dean Henderson.

future

in five years time...

Hopefully in the Palace first-team, but if not I would like to be playing as much as I can at the highest level possible.

champions league or world cup?

World Cup. 100%.

i want to improve...

My distribution.

manager or pundit?

Manager, but I wouldn’t turn down being a pundit.

fixtures&results

AUGUST

Tue 20Stevenage L 0-1

Fri 23Blackburn Rovers W 7-2

Fri 30Leeds United D 1-1

SEPTEMBER

Tue 17Real Sociedad D 2-2

Fri 20Reading D 1-1

Tue 24Gillingham W 3-1

Mon 30Nottingham Forest W 2-1 OCTOBER

Sat 5Brighton & Hove Albion L 0-10

Fri 18Sporting CP L 1-2

Fri 25Southampton W 2-0 NOVEMBER

Fri 1Tottenham Hotspur W 5-1

Tue 5Peterborough United L 1-4

Fri 29Newcastle United december

Tue 10RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16Liverpool JANUARY

Mon 6Fulham

Fri 10Leicester City

Fri 17RB Leipzig

Mon 20Wolves

Mon 27Norwich City FEBRUARY

Mon 10Stoke City

Mon 17Aston Villa

Mon 24West Bromwich Albion MARCH

Mon 3Arsenal

Sun 16Manchester City APRIL

Fri 4West Ham United

Mon 14Chelsea

AUGUST

Sat 17Tottenham Hotspur L 4-6

Sat 24Southampton D 1-1

Wed 28Birmingham City W 3-0

Sat 31Reading W 3-0 SEPTEMBER

Sat 14Norwich City W 4-2

Sat 21Fulham L 0-6 Sat 28Aston Villa L 1-3 OCTOBER

Sat 5Liverpool L 2-5

Sat 26Leicester City D 1-1 NOVEMBER

Sat 2Arsenal D 1-1

Sat 9West Bromwich Albion D 2-2

Sat 23Arsenal W 2-0

Sat 30Brighton & Hove Albion DECEMBER

Fri 6Manchester City Tue 17Chelsea JANUARY

Sat 11West Ham United

Sat 25Tottenham Hotspur FEBRUARY

Sat 1Southampton

Sat 8Reading

Sat 15Norwich City

Sat 22Aston Villa MARCH

Sat 1Fulham

Sat 8West Ham United

Sat 15Chelsea APRIL

Sat 12Leicester City

Thu 17Arsenal

Sat 26West Bromwich Albion MAY

Sat 3Brighton & Hove Albion

palace academy

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Justin Devenny, the most recent prospect to progress into the first-team from the Palace Academy. Here’s everything you need to know about the youngster from his early playing days right through to that goal against Aston Villa last week…

born in Scotland, 21-yearold Justin Devenny joined Palace in the summer of 2023 from Scottish Championship side Airdrieonians. He made his way up the ranks of the Kilmarnock Academy, along with a brief stint on loan at Broomhill FC, before joining Airdrie initially in 2021/22 on loan, making the move permanent in 2022/23.

After helping the Diamonds to promotion to the Scottish Championship at the end of 22/23, Devenny made the move to South London, and has since been a regular in Darren Powell’s Under-21s.

In his first season in red and blue, Devenny made 31 appearances for the U21s, with six goals and four assists across all competitions. He played a major part in the side’s progress towards winning the Premier League International Cup, scoring in the semi-final victory over Everton at Selhurst Park.

During the mid-season break in March, Devenny had his first taste of first-team experience, as he featured in the side’s friendly against Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt. He also featured in the first-team side

during their tour of the United States ahead of 2024/25, playing in both games against West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Devenny started the first 10 games across all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign for the U21s, captaining the side, scoring twice and notching an assist.

His performances for the U21s saw him earn a place in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time in September against Chelsea, before making his debut from the start against Fulham at Selhurst Park in November. He played 75 minutes under the lights in SE25, receiving a warm ovation from the Selhurst faithful when he was substituted off.

“As soon as I knew [I was starting], I just couldn’t hide the smile on my face,” Devenny reflected on his debut. “It was a bittersweet moment because obviously I’m grateful, and it’s such a great achievement for myself, but it’s hard to look past the result right now.

“It’s what you dream of, and to have obviously the great supporters behind us as well, it’s always good. Again, as I said, it’s hard to look past the result and that’s just what’s playing

That’s what it starts with, just an opportunity and then you’ve just got to grab it with both hands. I feel like I have done that, but for me, this is not where I want to end. This is where I want to just keep going and going

on my mind now – but I’m sure I will reflect and look back on this.”

While the result wasn’t in Palace’s favour and left a dent of sorts on Devenny’s debut, his performances didn’t go unnoticed: he earned a place in the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time in his career a few days later.

He was called up by Michael O’Neill ahead of their final UEFA Nations League games against Belarus and Luxembourg, making his senior international debut against the latter off the bench. Devenny came

on for the final few minutes as Northern Ireland topped their group in the Nations League, securing promotion to compete in League B in 2025/26.

After returning to South London from international duty, Devenny was straight back into training with the first-team and started once more at Villa Park last weekend.

He was on somewhat familiar territory, having been in the squad for the victory in the League Cup a few weeks earlier, but this time it was his chance to make an impact and he duly did.

Just 60 seconds after Dean Henderson saved Youri Tielemans’ penalty, Devenny was wheeling away in celebration as he got on the end of Ismaïla Sarr’s cut back across the box for a first-time finish.

His goal put Palace 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time and the side ultimately came away with a point from Villa Park in a 2-2 draw.

From making his first-team debut at Selhurst, earning a senior Northern Ireland international cap, to then notching his first goal for Palace all in the space of two weeks has been nothing short of remarkable for Devenny.

“Honestly, I was just given an opportunity,” he told Palace TV at Villa Park. “That’s what it starts with, just an opportunity and then you’ve just got to grab it with both hands.

“I feel like I have done that, but for me, this is not where I want to end. This is where I want to just keep going and going. The reception I got at the end was very, very special and I’m just delighted.”

palace women

As the final international break of 2024 approaches, several Palace players are preparing for crucial matches on the European stage.

From Euro 2025 qualifiers to high-profile friendlies, here’s a rundown of the players representing their countries in the coming weeks…

Josie Green & Lily Woodham wales

Defensive duo Josie Green and Lily Woodham have been called up for Wales’ pivotal Euro 2025 play-off final against the Republic of Ireland.

In October, Green and Woodham both played key roles as Wales edged past Slovakia in a nailbiting clash to stay in contention for qualification.

The first leg of their play-off takes place on Wednesday, 27 th November, at the Cardiff City Stadium, where they will look to secure an advantage ahead of the return leg in Dublin.

Katrine Veje & Mille Gejl denmark

Denmark internationals Katrine Veje and Mille Gejl continue to represent their country, earning spots in the squad for their friendly against Iceland on Monday, 2 nd December.

Denmark have already secured qualification for Euro 2025 after finishing second in their A-tier group. Veje and Gejl featured prominently during October’s friendlies against South Africa and the Netherlands.

Both summer signings have been integral to Palace Women’s debut WSL campaign, appearing in nearly every single game in the top-flight.

my cato sweden

My Cato’s superb form for Palace has earned her a second call-up to the Sweden senior team, with a potential debut for the Blågult (The Blue and Yellow).

In October, Cato captained Sweden U23s in a friendly against the Netherlands, assisting their only goal in a 1-1 draw. Domestically, her contributions for Palace have been

equally vital; she assisted IndiahPaige Riley’s opener against Everton and scored in Palace’s narrow 3-2 loss at Aston Villa.

“It feels really good, it’s an honour and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Cato said, speaking to Palace TV about her senior call-up.

Sweden face a crucial twolegged play-off against Serbia, with the first leg away on Thursday, 28 th November, as they aim to secure their Euro 2025 place.

brooke aspin england u23s

On loan from Chelsea, centre-back Brooke Aspin has been named in the England U23 squad for matches against Norway and Sweden.

Aspin recently played the full 90 minutes for Palace against titlechallengers Manchester City and came on at half-time in the fixture against Aston Villa.

The U23 Lionesses will first travel to Fredrikstad, Norway, on Thursday, 28 th November, before hosting Sweden in Doncaster on Monday, 2 nd December.

lexi potter england u19s

Fresh from winning Palace’s Player of the Month, Lexi Potter retains her spot in Lauren Smith’s England U19 squad.

The team begins their Euro 2025 qualification campaign against Turkey on Wednesday, 27th November, as part of Group A4, which also includes hosts Poland and Italy.

Potter has been a consistent presence for Palace this season,

playing 90 minutes against Manchester City, Everton, and Aston Villa in November.

Remarkably, she has played more minutes than any other U19 player in the Women’s Super League this term, highlighting how important she is to Palace.

fixtures&results

Sun 22Tottenham Hotspur

october

Izzy Atkinson & Abbie Larkin ireland

Palace’s Irish pair, Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin, are set to face their Welsh teammates in the Euro 2025 play-offs.

Ireland comfortably dispatched Georgia in the previous round and now take on Wales in a two-legged final. The first leg will be held in Cardiff on Friday, 29 th November, with the second to follow in Dublin.

Atkinson and Larkin have been instrumental for Ireland in their campaign so far, and both will be eager to make an impact in these decisive fixtures.

With five nations represented and several pivotal matches ahead, the international break offers Palace players the chance to shine on the world stage .

2-0 december

Sun 8West Ham United

Wed 11Tottenham Hotspur

Sun 15Manchester United january

Sun 19Arsenal

Sun 26Tottenham Hotspur february

Sun 2Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 16Manchester United march

Sun 2Liverpool

Sun 16Aston Villa

Sat 22Everton

Sun 30Arsenal april

Sun 20Chelsea

Sun 27West Ham United may

Sun 4Leicester City

Sun 11Manchester City

palace for life

Three Crystal Palace Under-18s Scholars helped unveil a brandnew Astroturf pitch at Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Croydon, which will host free weekly Premier League Kicks session every Thursday afternoon.

crystal Palace Under-18s players Charlie Walker-Smith, Jack Mason and Chuks

Okoli, along with Academy Player Care Officer and former Palace Midfielder Alex Wynter, joined pupils at Oasis Academy Shirley Park school in Croydon to celebrate the opening of the pitch, which has been three years in the making.

The state-of-the-art facility will not only improve PE and sports lessons for the school but will also serve as the venue for a new Palace for Life Premier League Kicks session. These free sessions, open to boys and girls aged 11–16, will run every Thursday from 16:15 to 17:30, giving young people in the local community a new space to play and develop their skills.

Premier League Kicks is a programme – primarily funded by the Premier League – that operates across clubs throughout the football pyramid nationwide. It uses the power of football and other sports to create safer, healthier and more respectful communities by developing young people’s potential.

It is all for free in the areas across the country that are often the most deprived and in need of safe spaces for

donate to palace for life below

young people to express themselves. Premier League Kicks can often be many youngsters’ first introduction to football, and our various teams at Palace for Life work closely together to ensure there is a clear pathway for talented participants.

To find out where we run Premier League Kicks sessions in South London, head to the Palace for Life website.

“We’re so proud of what we’ve built here and even prouder of how it’s being used,” said Oasis Academy Shirley Park’s Headteacher Saqib Chaudhri at the opening. “It’s taken three years of meetings, persistence, and determination to get this done. Now, we finally have a high-quality pitch for the school and the local community.

“Sport is about so much more than just what happens on the pitch. It’s a massive industry with endless opportunities, and we hope this facility inspires you all to dream big, both on and off the field.

“Of course, the pitch is also where the fun – and the hard work – happens. So, take care of it, use it, and treat it like it’s yours. With this pitch at the

We’re so proud of what we’ve built here and even prouder of how it’s being used. It’s taken three years of meetings, persistence, and determination to get this done. Now, we finally have a highquality pitch for the school and the local community

heart of our community, we’re showing how much we care, and we hope it helps you all build bright futures.”

The Palace Scholars joined pupils for the launch, leading football drills, competing in some intense one-v-ones, and answering questions about life as Academy players at Crystal Palace.

The event also marked another step in the strong relationship between Palace for Life Foundation and Oasis Academy Shirley Park, and we’re excited to see it prosper over the coming weeks, months and years .

To help Palace for Life change the lives of more young people in south London, donate using the QR code.

100 YEARS OF Selhurst Park

As Selhurst Park celebrates its 100 th year during the 2024/25 campaign, club historian Ian King is looking back at a century of history from 1924 to the current day…

in the Selhurst Park story, there have been no shortage of supporting characters. Although most flock to SE25 to watch Crystal Palace play, there have been a few occasions when the Eagles aren’t on the bill. The first was an international between England and Wales in March 1926, and the 1930s saw annual games between the British Army and the armies of France or Belgium, right up to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. During World War Two, plenty of games took place at Selhurst Park, including the Royal Navy against the Civil Defence. The final army game took place as late as February 1962.

Back in October 1956, when National Service was still in force, a game between a Palace XI and an Army XI produced the prospect of 17-year-old Johnny Byrne, playing his first senior game for the club. He had a formidable task that afternoon, coming up against Manchester United’s 20-year-old Duncan Edwards just two days after his latest appearance for England. Both found the back of the net in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Edwards would tragically die

just two years later in the Munich Air Disaster.

Selhurst Park was also the venue for the 1948 Olympics, marked on the front page of this programme. It hosted two football games, with Egypt taking on Denmark and Republic of Korea coming up against eventual gold medal winners Sweden.

The 1951 Festival of Britain saw Crystal Palace lining up against French club Nancy, and as the decade progressed, there were games against guest oppositions, as

well as a match between a Trinidad XI and the Corinthian League in October 1953. There have also been amateur internationals, with England taking on Ireland in 1929, South Africa in 1953, Ireland again in 1954 and Scotland in 1964.

crowd for Under-23s fixtures in 1974 and 1975, as England took on Czechoslovakia and Portugal – Peter Taylor featured in both games. In April 1975, East London Boys played Newham Boys, a match which involved a young Vince Hilaire.

During the 1960s, SE25 was a popular venue for fixtures between county school sides, and in November 1966 the Glaziers’ Under20s played against an England Youth XI, which included future legends Peter Shilton and Trevor Brooking. There was a sizeable

The European Youth Championships selected Selhurst Park as a venue for three matches in 1983, including sides like Yugoslavia and Italy, while England – featuring Perry Suckling and Teddy Sheringham – came up against Iceland

100 years of selhurst park

ian king’sSelhurst Squad

More than 900 players have graced the turf at Selhurst Park across a century of special memories, but who makes Ian King’s squad of the finest in each position?

blyth joined the club in the summer of 1968, arriving from Scunthorpe United for just £9,000. Bert Head had raised the money by selling Alan Stephenson, desperate to build a side capable of challenging for promotion to the First Division.

Initially playing as an inside forward, he scored on his debut at Cardiff as part of a four-goal thrashing, but just a few games later his height and stature saw him moved into the heart of defence, where he developed a formidable partnership with John McCormick. The duo would start alongside one another for most of the next four years, with Blyth able to bring the ball out of defence knowing that his McCormick would be there to cover for him.

Blyth

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He soon regained his spot at centre-back alongside McCormick, helping the club survive in the First Division until 1973; by the time the Glaziers were relegated, only goalkeeper John Jackson had made more top-flight appearances than Blyth.

An injury towards the end of the campaign kept him on the sidelines, missing out on the promotionclinching game against Fulham, but he was back in action in the First Division, often moving into midfield to accommodate new signing Roger Hynd. His more advanced role would allow him to score Palace’s first goal in the top-flight, netting against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw. He followed this up by scoring from 25 yards out at Everton.

After a double-relegation, Blyth moved to Southampton in September 1974. His replacement, Ian Evans, would suffer a horrific leg injury in 1977, with Palace moving to bring Blyth back on loan, where he played six more times for the club. After retiring, Blyth could be seen regularly at Selhurst Park, before sadly passing away at the beginning of this year.

ALAN STEPHENSON

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honourable Mentions selhurst Squad

LEN CHOULES

Choules (above) arrived at Palace at just 19-years-old from Sutton United, making his first-team debut two years later in 1953 and remaining at the club until 1962, helping the club through the dark days of the mid-1950s. Originally starting as a full-back, he moved into the centre of defence where his rangy, angular figure, coupled with his height and heading ability, made him a standout player in the side.

BOBBY GREENER

Greener has the distinction of having played at both The Nest and Selhurst Park, arriving in 1921 and staying for 11 years. He made a place in the team his own, occupying the heart of defence for almost a decade. A year after his departure, he was back as an assistant and later a ‘trainer’, lasting through the Second World War until 1954. In later life, he aided the ground staff, accumulating over 30 years of experience with the club before passing away in February 1970.

Signing professional forms in 1962, Stephenson forced his way into the promotion-winning team the following season, with his combination of strength and style making him a distinguished defender – and later captain. He gained England youth honours, before making an inevitable departure for First Division West Ham United for a whopping £80,000.

JIMMY WILDE

William Charles ‘Jimmy’ Wilde (above) was one of the rare footballers who joined Crystal Palace direct from the Army, arriving in 1928. An elegant centre-half, he was a dominant figure for eight seasons, six as captain, as the club were twice pipped to the only promotion place in Division Three South. Injury reduced his appearances towards the end of his Palace career, but he continued to nurture younger talent, including Arthur Hudgell, who would later leave the club for a record fee.

Next ISSUE

Ian King continues to look at centre-backs for his ultimate Selhurst 100 squad...

Peter Wall 1944-2024

Peter was born in Shropshire in 1944, beginning his footballing career with Shrewsbury Town prior to successful spells with nearby Wrexham and, in the First Division, Liverpool.

It was in South London where Peter spent the longest chapter of his career, however, joining Crystal Palace in the summer of 1970 to become a key part of Bert Head’s side.

Peter went on to set up our firstever winning goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 1970, and played 89 times for Palace.

Sadly, Peter’s third season with the club was ended prematurely when, just three games into the campaign, he sustained a broken leg against former club Liverpool at Selhurst Park, not long after being selected for an initial England squad.

After his rehabilitation, a spell on loan at Leyton Orient in 1972/73, and a brief battle with hepatitis, Peter returned to the pitch under new manager Malcolm Allison in the 1973/74 season, before returning to regular action from February 1975 onwards.

Having previously been deployed as a skilful left-back, Peter adapted

his game under Allison to become a dependable figure in a ‘sweeper’ role.

He was instrumental in our run to the 1975/76 FA Cup semi-finals, playing in our famous wins over Leeds, Chelsea and Sunderland as we reached the last four of the FA Cup for the first time in our history, despite Palace being a Third Division side at the time.

Following Ian Evans’ injury at the beginning of the 1977/78 season, Peter took on the captain’s armband under the late Terry Venables.

He went on to make a total of 208 appearances for the club in all competitions over eight seasons in South London, scoring four goals, before concluding his playing career in the North American Soccer League (NASL) with St. Louis Stars and then the California Surf, whom he later went on to manage.

In 1985, Peter was awarded MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) Coach of the Year as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lazers, whom he led for five years.

The club are deeply saddened by Peter’s passing, and the thoughts of everyone are with his family at this time.

from theArchive

When Crystal Palace face Newcastle United these days, it’s always anyone’s game – but more than a century ago, one side was the biggest in the country and the other was fighting to emerge from non-league. The result? One of English football’s greatest shocks to this day.

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some context: Newcastle dominated the early 1900s. Of their four league titles to date, three came within a five-year spell at the turn of the century. They were crowned champions in 1905, 1907 and 1909, as well as winning the FA Cup in 1910 –they very nearly became the first side to do the double, losing to Aston Villa in the 1905 FA Cup final.

Years later, Peter McWilliam –who played at the heart of defence in that first great side – confidently stated: “The Newcastle team of the 1900s would give any modern side a two-goal start and beat them, and furthermore, beat them at a trot.” He had clearly forgotten an encounter with a plucky side from South London.

The Glaziers had beaten Rotherham County in the fourth

qualifying round, a match played at neutral Stamford Bridge because of a double-booking fiasco: a rugby international was taking place in South London.

Then, the big draw: away at St. James’ Park. The ground was a genuine fortress, with regular crowds approaching 30,000 and an unbeaten home record stretching back more than a year. In the FA Cup itself, they

newcastle √ palace 12th January 1907 / St. James’ Park

The 1905 FA Cup Final played at Crystal Palace, as Newcastle beat Aston Villa.

were unbeaten at home for more than a decade, since 1896.

The papers delighted in Newcastle drawing what was perceived as one of the easiest opponents in the competition, and the form pointed to one obvious result: the Magpies had dropped fewer points than anyone in the First Division, while Palace had only been back playing competitive football for two years in the Southern Division.

But in football, as is still true today, none of that matters once you cross the white – well, muddy – line. If you were to step out of a time machine into a febrile, crowded St. James’ Park, a few unfamiliar sights might have greeted you.

Firstly, there was no away end as such. This mattered little, as there wasn’t really an away following to facilitate. Palace had taken 1,500 fans to Stamford Bridge in the previous round, but the long journey to the North East meant – according to the club’s estimates – just two or three had travelled. Against 28,000 home supporters, it would prove a struggle to make themselves heard.

The rain trickled down all afternoon, billowing this way and that in the wind and soaking those in the stands. The teams emerged into the drizzle, Newcastle in their traditional black and white shirts with blue shorts, Palace in their claret and blue shirts handed down to them by Aston Villa.

There was some difference in the pedigree of the sides. The hosts fielded 10 full internationals, while Palace had a novel way of saving money: club secretary Jack Robson,

a former employee of Middlesbrough, had signed several northern players who failed to make it at his former club. Their family roots in the North East meant they had a place to stay, and the club wasn’t burdened with a bill for accommodation. Just four of the side had ever played in the Football League, let alone for their national side.

a scorching drive into the back of the net – past Newcastle’s legendary goalkeeper Jimmy Lawrence in goal.

Palace’s win was “to the utter astonishment of the football world,” wrote The Penny Illustrated Paper, while Athletic News added: “[It would] be many a long day before the glorious victory will be forgotten”

The final whistle confirmed one of the great cup shocks: non-league Palace had beaten championselect Newcastle United. St James’ Park gave the travelling Glaziers a standing ovation as they left the field, and news of the result was soon being gawped at far and wide. Palace’s win was “to the utter astonishment of the football world,” wrote The Penny Illustrated Paper, while Athletic News added: “[It would] be many a long day before the glorious victory will be forgotten”.

Legend has it that, while the northern players stayed with their families that night, a depleted squad arrived back in South London long after midnight to be greeted by a crowd of more than 2,000 supporters who celebrated long into the night.

The rest of the team returned home the following Monday, with fans gathered in their numbers once again to hoist captain Wilf Innerd on their shoulders and parade him through the streets in adulation.

Such was the home side’s confidence, that the fans shelved their normal intimidating welcome and applauded the Palace players onto the field – but then things went wrong. Just before half-time, Horace Astley, the club’s top scorer, skipped around two defenders and unleashed

After the First World War, Palace drew Newcastle once again in the FA Cup first round, where the memories of 1907 were still raw. “Now the moment for revenge has arrived –after 13 years,” wrote the Dundee Evening Telegraph, “but even yet the name Crystal Palace is sufficient to cause trepidation in the minds of Newcastle’s supporters.”

More than a century later, the result of that January day in 1907 still lives on as one of English football’s greatest upsets .

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.

eagle arcade

Another matchday is upon us at Selhurst Park, so it’s time to get your heads in the game – can you tackle all our tough teasers below?

Can you fit all 14 names to represent both Newcastle and Crystal Palace?

Prove that you are eagle-eyed – which ball is the real one?

the ex-Palace player based on their former clubs!

what’son?

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…

sun 15 dec | 14:00

To follow Palace’s Premier League clashes, the hunt for Academy silverware and our first season in the Women’s Super League, subscribe to Palace TV+ by scanning here:

saturday, 30 november

FA Cup Third Round Draw.

monday, 02 december

Black Friday deals end.

monday, 02 december

30 november, 2011

01 december, 2012

01 december, 2018

01 december

03 december

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06 december

Darren Ambrose’s longrange screamer helps Palace win at Old Trafford.

Neil Warnock turns 76.

Christian Benteke turns 33.

Glenn Murray and Owen Garvan help Palace thrash Brighton.

Andros Townsend scores

stunner against Burnley.

Shaun Derry turns 46.

from the terraces

The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

18th Birthday Mia, we hope you have a great day. Lots of Love from Dad, Betsy, Grandad, Nan and all the family.

big welcome

Welcome to Joshua Hagan-Dennis who was born 26th October 2024 to dad Stefan (Season Ticket holder for around 25 years), mum Olivia (lifelong Palace fan) and brother Sebastian who has just turned 3 and featured in the programme when he was born too. Grandad David is a very proud Palace fan who loves how much Palace gear Josh has inherited from his brother Seb!

Happy 70th, Stuart! From promotions to those “oh-so-close” semis, you’ve been through every Palace rollercoaster. Here’s to more goals and glory with friends and family at Selhurst!

Happy

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to Selhurst Park, Will! Massive Palace fan who bleeds red and blue. Hope you enjoy your very first game!

Happy birthday to Jessie, Palace’s biggest cowgirl fan!

Happy 72nd Birthday to Joe! Life long Palace fan from Holmesdale End to Sydney, Australia!

Welcoming Harvey Wilkins to his first of many Selhurst Park visits – come on Palace! Have a Great Day! Lots of love from the Gillie’s XXX

Happy 60th Birthday David Caisley and congratulations on making it to your first ever Palace game coming all the way from America for the big day

Thank you Ben Collins for all your hard work and good luck!

Welcoming Newcastle’s biggest fan to Selhurst Park, hope you enjoy the day and Palace score 10! Almiron says hi! Love Shelby x

RIP and soar away, Jonathan Master: lifelong eagle, who passed away unexpectedly in November aged just 52. Love from Tristán, Nigel, Matt and all your fellow Palace mates.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard.

Happy 21st birthday Sam. Love from the Coventry family.

RIP John Jarrold 83 - a lifelong Palace fan travelling to all those famous cup and league games (and some not so!)Loved By Many

24/25 fixtures & results

Crystal palace f.c. newcastle united f.c.

Dean HENDERSON (GK)

Joel WARD

Tyrick MITCHELL

Rob HOLDING

Maxence LACROIX

Marc GUÉHI

Ismaïla SARR

Jefferson LERMA

Eddie NKETIAH

Ebere EZE

Matheus FRANÇA

Daniel MUÑOZ

Jean-Philippe MATETA

Jeffrey SCHLUPP

Nathaniel CLYNE

Daichi KAMADA

Will HUGHES

Adam WHARTON

Chris RICHARDS

Trevoh CHALOBAH

Cheick DOUCOURÉ

Matt TURNER (GK)

Remi MATTHEWS (GK)

Chadi RIAD

Kaden RODNEY

Franco UMEH

Justin DEVENNY

Caleb KPORHA

Zach MARSH

Asher

Martin DÚBRAVKA (GK)

Kieran TRIPPIER

Sven BOTMAN

Fabian SCHÄR

Jamaal LASCELLES

JOELINTON

Sandro TONALI

Callum WILSON

Anthony GORDON

Harvey BARNES

Matt TARGETT

Alexander ISAK

Emil KRAFTH

William OSULA

Odysseas VLACHODIMOS (GK)

Lewis HALL

Tino LIVRAMENTO

Nick POPE (GK)

Jacob MURPHY

Miguel ALMIRÓN

Lloyd KELLY

John RUDDY (GK)

Joe WILLOCK

Mark GILLESPIE (GK)

Dan BURN

Sean LONGSTAFF

Alex MURPHY

Garang KUOL

Bruno GUIMARÃES

Lewis MILEY