Crystal Palace v Manchester United programme 2425 by Crystal Palace F.C.

cover story

cover story#3 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 hand-illustrated cover, marking one of the many landmark dates that has made this such a unique place over the last century.

ur timeline for this issue

debut hat-trick in a 3-2 win at

focuses on 1931, where

Selhurst Park. He went on to score

cover star Eddie Nketiah is

36 goals in 34 games in his first

depicted celebrating with

season, topping the division’s

a fellow Palace No. 9 and iconic goalscorer: Peter Simpson.

scoring charts. Simpson would finish as the

Simpson represented Crystal

Glaziers’ top scorer in each of his

Palace between 1929 and 1935 and,

first five seasons at the club, before

in 195 appearances for the club,

injuries saw him depart for West

scored a quite staggering 165 times.

Ham in the summer of 1935.

The Leith-born forward set

On our front cover this week,

many a record during his time in

Nketiah and Simpson are depicted

South London, including highest

in Palace’s cardinal red and blue

number of hat-tricks (19); most goals

kit of the early 1930s, the duo

in an individual game, six against

celebrating yet another goal in front

Exeter in October 1930; and, as

of the Holmesdale Road Stand –

celebrated on our front cover, most

goalscorers of different generations,

goals in an individual season (46

united by club.

goals in 1930/31).

@daveflanagan

@daveflanagan77

Moreover, see if you can spot

The forward first joined Palace

another club legend – media man

from non-league Kettering Town after

Terry Byfield – in the crowd. Terry

facing the Glaziers – then in Division

celebrated 40 years working for

Three South – in the first round of the

Crystal Palace earlier this week; turn

FA Cup in November 1928. Although

to page 64 to find out more.

he did not score, Palace missed out

Remember, you can keep

on promotion that season on goal

collecting each original illustration

average – and manager Fred Mavin

throughout the campaign to build out

saw Simpson as the answer.

timeline from 1924 to the current day

The striker’s impact was

Dave Flanagan

– make sure you get the matchday

immediate, as he promptly

programme each week, then place

dispatched Norwich City with a

them side by side for the full effect!

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

contents

Crystal Palace √ manchester United sat 21 sep 2024 | 5:30pm 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

06 08 12

25 10 CHAIRMAN 36 HALL OF FAME 38 EAGLE EYE

41 STATS 44 DOC BROWN 46 MACCA 50 ACADEMY

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Doc Brown, James

56 PALACE FOR LIFE

McArthur, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur, Laurie Whitwell, Sammy Brough Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

60 100 years of selhurst park

66 from the archive 70 eagle arcade 72 WHAT’S ON?

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and to Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United players and staff for this evening’s game.

ast time we played here at Selhurst Park, against Leicester, we made a great comeback from a difficult position. That was important. We showed again our character and mentality as a squad, with a very good impact from our substitutes. Our point was well deserved, but we know that we made it difficult for ourselves. I mentioned after the game that there was great support from the stands, and that played an important role in our comeback. That support started from the very first moment the players entered the pitch; the fan display ahead of kick-off was fantastic, and showed the togetherness between the stands and the pitch, so thank you. At QPR on Tuesday, especially with it being the Cup, it was important to get the win. In those games, it’s all-or-nothing. It’s not always about playing well if that means you also lose the game – it’s about being efficient, and we were efficient. This is our story at the moment: we’re making it a little bit more difficult for ourselves than we have to. We had the chance to decide the QPR game earlier, but we didn’t, and we let them come back into the game. It was the

This is our story at the moment: we’re making it a little bit more difficult for ourselves than we have to. We had the chance to decide the QPR game earlier, but we didn’t, and we let them come back into the game

Manager

opposite against Leicester, who we gave goals to, and then had to come from behind. It’s on us, when we have the chance to decide games, to take those chances and score those goals. At the other end, it’s the same; we have to be decisive in our defending, and not give our opponents goals so that we have to invest such effort to come back. We achieved the comeback, so that’s the positive thing, but of course we want to make things easier.

it’s on us, when we have the chance to decide games, to take those chances and score those goals. At the other end, it’s the same; we have to be decisive in our defending, and not give our opponents goals so that we have to invest such effort to come back In these kinds of games, it’s about character, it’s about quality, and it’s about belief. This is what we showed at Chelsea, against Leicester and at QPR. We have this mentality, it’s great to know, but it doesn’t always work out this way – we want to be more stable in our game, and this is what we have to find. This is the goal for the next few weeks: to get our stability back.

Ahead of this weekend, I’d like to wish Laura Kaminski and Crystal Palace Women the best of luck in their first Women’s Super League season. When you get promoted, very often you are told it will be such a different and difficult situation to be in – but this was their goal the year before, so I would tell them to enjoy it because they deserve it. They have shown they have the ability to compete in the WSL and take on this challenge. It’s not a difficult situation – it’s the best situation you can have – so enjoy it, and show how good you are. Today, we face Manchester United, who have invested in several players and had some key players return from injury. They are a very good team, and their goal will be to play in the Champions League next season – but, as always, we will play today’s game to win. It’s important to have the belief that we can win every game. It doesn’t mean that we will, but it’s necessary to have that belief – it’s always the first part. If you go into a game, and you don’t believe you can win, usually it doesn’t happen. It’s important that the team and the fans, together, believe we can beat Manchester United – and then it can happen. We know we will have to perform really well today to win the game – but together, it is possible

It’s important to have the belief that we can win every game. It doesn’t mean that we will, but it’s necessary to have that belief – it’s always the first part. If you go into a game, and you don’t believe you can win, usually it doesn’t happen

Captain

marc Guéhi We know that there is room to improve on our recent performances, but we are showing positive signs ahead of today’s game against Manchester United.

thought the forward players were fantastic in the pressure that they applied to Leicester last week, and in their desire to get us back into the game. JP was once again clinical with his chances, and it wasn’t just the starting XI, either – our substitutes all came on and impacted the game. That shows the strength in depth that we have in our squad this season. We showed a good team spirit to come away with a point – a togetherness as a squad – and that will serve us well as we move forward this season. Our performance at QPR was an improvement in some aspects. It was important – being a Carabao Cup match – that we were able to secure victory inside 90 minutes, and avoid going to penalties. We know it wasn’t our best performance, but against a strong Championship club, away at their stadium and in front of their own fans, we needed to be solid at the back and efficient with our chances in order to go into the next round – and that’s exactly what we did. Congratulations to Eddie on his first Palace goal. We already knew what he

against a strong Championship club, away at their stadium and in front of their own fans, we needed to be solid at the back and efficient with our chances – and that’s exactly what we did

Captain

Congratulations to Eddie on his first Palace goal. We already knew what he could do from watching him at Arsenal, but he has made a real impression with his energy and technical ability in training. It was brilliant to see him get off the mark for us with his first goal, I’m sure, of many to come

could do from watching him at Arsenal, but he has made a real impression with his energy and technical ability in training. It was brilliant to see him get off the mark for us with his first goal, I’m sure, of many to come. My congratulations as well to Max, who has made a solid start in his first two appearances. Our defensive partnerships at the back will only improve as we play more games and come to know each other better, but he – along with the rest of the squad – showed his resilience to help us win a difficult game at Loftus Road. Today, we welcome another strong opponent, Manchester United, to Selhurst Park. We know about the level of quality in their squad, so we will need all the characteristics we have shown in recent weeks to succeed today: togetherness, resilience, and team spirit. Those qualities are so important in the Premier League, particularly while we are still gelling as a team. That will come, in time, with hard work. We know we need to try and make life a bit easier for ourselves moving forwards, but there is still a long way to go this season, and I am confident, after our recent displays, that we have all the foundations we need for a successful year. Your support continues to be a vital part of that. You were fantastic against both Leicester and QPR, and I know you will be again this evening as we fight, together, for our first league win of the season

we will need all the characteristics we have shown in recent weeks to succeed today: togetherness, resilience, and team spirit. Those qualities are so important in the Premier League, particularly while we are still gelling as a team. That will come, in time, with hard work

chairman

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

ur last game here at Selhurst Park, against Leicester, was another occasion where we needed the kind of electric atmosphere only you can generate. The fan-led display in the Holmesdale Road Stand was stunning – a fitting celebration of Selhurst’s centenary year – but so too was the noise that you generated throughout the game, even after we fell two goals behind. As Oliver and his players themselves acknowledged after the game, your support helped us fight until the very last kick, and ultimately a point was the very least that we deserved on the day. Today’s match comes off the back of a hard-fought, but well-deserved, win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Progression is always the most important outcome of any knockout fixture, and Tuesday’s victory – against a spirited Championship team in their own stadium – was testament to the resilience and character within our squad, as we advanced to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup for the first time in six seasons. Congratulations to Eddie on his first goal for the club – the first, I

Progression is always the most important outcome of any knockout fixture, and Tuesday’s victory – against a spirited Championship team in their own stadium – was testament to the resilience and character within our squad

Chairman

am sure, of many to come – and to Ebere, for scoring the winner on his return to West London. We now all eagerly await the outcome of the fifth-round draw, which takes place on Wednesday evening.

If we can create the same sort of noise this afternoon, I know we can come away with another positive result and another 90 minutes to remember for a long time to come. Make sure you get right behind Oliver and his players from the first whistle to the last

Before then, Palace are involved in another huge game this weekend, with our Women’s side facing Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow (14:00), our very first match in the Women’s Super League after a historic promotion last season.

Then, on Friday 27th September (19:30), we welcome champions Chelsea to Selhurst Park for what should be a momentous occasion, under the lights and live on Sky Sports. Laura and her players have been working hard both on tour in the United States and back home to prepare for the top-flight, and I know how much they would benefit from your support, so please do get down to both matches if you can and throw everything behind the side. A special mention, this week, for our Production Manager, Terry Byfield, who is celebrating 40 years working for the club. After joining Palace as a teenager through a Youth Training Scheme, Terry started out on reception, but has since served in our commercial, box office, publications, communications and marketing departments, working alongside a great number of managers, players, journalists and staff throughout his time at Palace. A Croydon local, he has done his boyhood club proud over the course of four decades, and we are all grateful for his hard work and dedication over such a long spell – thank you, Terry. Selhurst Park under the lights is always a special occasion, and I’m sure it will be no different for today’s match as we look for our first Premier League win of the season. Get right behind Oliver and his players from the first whistle to the last. Up the Palace

A special mention, this week, for our Production Manager, Terry Byfield, who is celebrating 40 years working for the club. A Croydon local, he has done his boyhood club proud over the course of four decades, and we are all grateful for his hard work and dedication over such a long spell – thank you, Terry

Oliver glasner

Pride, happiness, self-expression; Eddie Nketiah is one of South London’s own, a product of his talent, his determination to succeed – and of the community raising him throughout that journey. To celebrate his recent signing for Crystal Palace, the England international took us on a journey back to where it all began… Interview: Sammy Brough Words: Robin Johnson

oliver glasner

eddie nketiah

t the elite level, the margins between the good, the great, and the exceptional are seemingly growing eversmaller. True, while your Manchester City’s of the world may have won three back-to-back Premier League titles in a row, has it ever felt less, before a ball has been kicked, like the result of any one-off game is a given? It follows that, when those margins continue to narrow, it becomes increasingly difficult for clubs to justify gambling on youth. Proven talents abroad, naturally, are easier to favour than local, untested prospects. There is no debating that ‘making it’ as a bona fide Premier League player has never been more challenging – just ask the 99 percent-plus of young players in England who do not. In other words, as a BBC report framed it not too long ago, “there is slightly more chance of [a young player] making it into the top-flight than being struck by lightning – but not by much.” While Eddie Nketiah might have made his breakthrough north of the River Thames, his is a story deeply rooted in a South London community which celebrates, every time he plays at the top level, his achievement in doing so. We saw it for ourselves when, to celebrate his transfer, he took the Palace TV cameras back to what he calls “the Ends.” “I think it just brings back good memories: fun, enjoyment, that family feeling,” the beaming 25-year-old said in the car, Deptford-bound. “Some of my family members are still around the area and my friends still live up close.” He points out the window.

It’s where I grew up, bro. It doesn’t get any more real. You see how many people you bump into naturally. The Ends is always going to be the Ends. Every time I come back, it always puts a smile on my face. It’s good to be home, essentially

“That’s even my cousin right there, you know! That’s crazy! “It’s where I grew up, bro. It doesn’t get any more real. You see how many people you bump into naturally. The Ends is always going to be the Ends. Every time I come back, it always puts a smile on my face. It’s good to be home, essentially.” Along the tour, Nketiah took us to Dolphin Tower, the 17-story tower block in Deptford where he grew up. His nursery is but a short walk away, his primary school just around the corner. The ‘Blue Cage’ – “a concrete football cage with a goal, no nets, where we used to just play for hours on end” – is another location we visit. For any readers yet to view the full feature on Palace TV, it makes for compelling viewing. “I look at it like enjoyment,” Nketiah explains. “I miss it. I miss

eddie nketiah

It’s where you learn most of your trade. That enjoyment, that creativity, that freedom on the pitch, that winning mentality… because at the end of the day, it’s prideful there. Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to come out on top

the days when we used to just go and play, carefree, for hours until my Dad would come and tell me to come back to the house and it’d been enough. “There were some days in the cage it’d just be: whoever comes, there’s two captains, and they’d pick their starting XI. I needed to be [picked] first if you wanted to win! “It’s fun, man. It’s where you learn most of your trade. That enjoyment, that creativity, that freedom on the pitch, that winning mentality… because at the end of the day, it’s prideful there. Everyone wants to win. Everyone wants to come out on top.” Nketiah explains how he began playing Sunday League football at the age of eight for local club Hillyfielders FC, in nearby Brockley. “I used to play on the street all the time – kicking

eddie nketiah

I’ve known Marc [Guéhi] for ages, man, I joined Chelsea at nine and he was there as well. I was probably one age group above him, but he used to play up quite a lot with us. Any tournaments and stuff, we used to travel together, play together

eddie nketiah anything around the house, kicking balls in the garden, so I think my parents just said: ‘Let’s just find him somewhere close where he can play.’” Being from a religious family, his other commitments would sometimes draw the ire of his coach – but Nketiah would usually have the last word. “Church used to clash with the timing for Sunday League, so I used to either show up just before kick-off, or even when the game had already started. “The coach would be fuming, so he would always tell me I had to start on the bench! But if we were losing, he would bring me on as early as he could, and I’d just come on and try and score some goals!” He did so – plentifully – and after one particularly prolific tournament for Hillyfielders, Nketiah attracted the attentions of Chelsea, signing for the Blues as a nine-year-old. There, he met his now-teammate and captain. “I’ve known Marc [Guéhi] for ages, man,” he smiles. “I joined Chelsea at nine and he was there as well. I was probably one age group above him, but he used to play up quite a lot with us. Any tournaments and stuff, we used to travel together, play together. “Our families obviously know each other. I played with him from my time at Chelsea from nine to 14, and then through the England age groups – Under-17s, 18s, through to 21s. And when I made my senior debut [last year against Australia] he was there as well – so we’ve always had that relationship from there.” And another? “Ebs [Eze] is my guy, man – Ebs is my boy! We grew up not too far away. I grew up in

We played together in the U19s, U20s, and U21s. And, obviously, he was there as well when I made my senior debut. We always kept in touch, so it’s nice to be reunited and link up

Deptford, he grew up in Greenwich – that’s maybe like 10, 15 minutes away. “We always just knew each other from the area. We’ve got quite a few mutual friends. And then, yeah, through the age groups, we played against each other, and at England, we formed a really good bond. “We played together in the U19s, U20s, and U21s. And, obviously, he was there as well when I made my senior debut. We always kept in touch, so it’s nice to be reunited and link up. “We look back on it all with fond memories. It’s just amazing to see how far we’ve come. When you are in those age groups, they always tell you how few make it to the top. So to see us playing at a really high level in the Premier League, it’s amazing.

eddie nketiah “My Dad takes good pride in what I’ve done, but he’s also always proud of the boys that he’s met, and has seen their journeys. It’s nice to watch how they’ve grown, and how Marc and Ebs have come on as players – so my Dad’s proud for him and his family, but also to witness those journeys as well.” Nketiah speaks with infectious enthusiasm – but it is a quality also apparent out on the pitch. As manager Oliver Glasner said ahead of Nketiah’s debut against Leicester: “Eddie is a very smart player, and very good technically. But I’m really surprised, in a positive way, how hard he’s working in training – he’s always one of the guys who is running the most, having the highest intensity.” Much has been written of South London’s hotbed of rising footballing talent – but Nketiah has lived it. “There must be something in the ground!” he laughs. “To be honest, you know what it is? I think South London has just got a lot of talented people in general. “Maybe people don’t have the opportunity all the time to showcase some of the talents they have. “But I think football has definitely become a way out for people to obviously not get distracted. I think football is always a way out, a way to express yourself, your talents. That mentality, I would say, is the main important thing. “When you play in a cage, that pride, that ability to be able to showcase yourself and just show the other person that ‘you’re better than them’ kind of thing… that’s the real grit, and winning mentality, that you instil from a young age.

I think football has definitely become a way out for people to obviously not get distracted. I think football is always a way out, a way to express yourself, your talents. That mentality, I would say, is the main important thing

“There’s a lot of egos in there. Everyone wants to have the last laugh. Everyone wants to have that upper hand on someone. I would say that is what really gives people the edge, when you come into adversity or come into situations, to have the confidence to show what you’re about. Players from the South showcase themselves on the pitch, because they have that personality out there.” Nketiah’s personality was tested along his own journey, as he was released by Chelsea aged 14. But it was with Arsenal his talents truly came to the fore, netting a remarkable 39 goals in 39 appearances for the youth team, as well as 28 in 40 for the Under-23s. His senior debut in English football in October 2017 was the stuff of dreams – coming on to the pitch

eddie nketiah

When you play in a cage, that pride, that ability to be able to showcase yourself and just show the other person that ‘you’re better than them’ kind of thing… that’s the real grit, and winning mentality, that you instil from a young age after 85 minutes of a Cup tie against Norwich, and scoring an equaliser 15 seconds later, before netting the winner in extra-time – and his returns with England Under-21s were emphatic, captaining the Young Lions and becoming their record goalscorer with 16 strikes to his name, surpassing Alan Shearer. At senior level, Nketiah continued to round out his game, averaging a goal every 184 minutes played for the Gunners, and netting a number of important strikes. Among them, as recently as January last year, was a brace – and a 90th-minute winner – against today’s opponents Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. His rich vein of form coincided with his first call-up to the senior England squad in August 2023 and, two months later, Nketiah’s debut arrived as a second-half substitute

eddie nketiah

I think Crystal Palace is a wonderful place. I’ve seen a lot of players develop and take the next step in their career here – so that’s what I want to do. I want to improve. I want to play more minutes, and hopefully help the team as much as I can. I’m just going to build on it – and the more I play, the better I’m going to get

eddie nketiah

in the 1-0 win over Australia at Wembley. England internationals and Selhurst Park go together, it would seem. “Obviously, I’ve been at Arsenal for 11 years, so it was like a home for me,” Nketiah reflects. “But leaving, you just want to take that next step in your career. “I think Crystal Palace is a wonderful place. I’ve seen a lot of players develop and take the next step in their career here – so that’s what I want to do. I want to improve. I want to play more minutes, and hopefully help the team as much as I can. “I’m just going to build on it – and the more I play, the better I’m going to get.” Against both Leicester and QPR, Nketiah certainly showed plenty of that

I think that was a really important thing, seeing what the gaffer did at the back end of last season. The club really wanted me – that was really nice of them, their commitment – and it’s a really great place to be

energy, spark and creativity, and, after getting off the mark for his new club in midweek, will be hoping to make more memories against the red side of Manchester today. “I was looking at the club as a whole – its values, what they’re trying to do here, what they do with players, how they develop them and give them a platform to showcase their abilities… “I think that was a really important thing, seeing what the gaffer did at the back end of last season. The club really wanted me – that was really nice of them, their commitment – and it’s a really great place to be. “I’m going to give my all. I know what it means to be a South Londoner, so I’m going to show that pride on the pitch, every time I step up.”

captain

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GREAT PILSNER GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING 22

And finally...

and finally...

with eddie nketiah Who were your childhood inspirations as a footballer? Probably the two that inspired me the most were Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho. They’re just people that enjoyed playing football, and that just gave me motivation, when I was growing up, to say: ‘one day I want to have the opportunity to express myself at the highest level, and have fun.’ Those two players look like they’re enjoying football, and that’s what attracts people watching from the outside.

And as an England striker, is there anyone you looked up to? Probably Wazza, man – Wayne Rooney. Just the way he played the game, the passion he had for it, his talent, the goals he used to score, his overall linkup… he could do everything. As a No. 9, 10, he had everything, all those bits and bobs to his game. He had that kind of X factor that could take you off your feet.

Where did your goal celebration come from? It started maybe about four seasons ago, before I went on loan to Leeds. It was my Dad’s idea – I came on against Bayern Munich in a friendly and I scored the winner late on. He put on Twitter ‘if you need a goal, call Eddie’ kind of thing, and we just ran with it! All my boys and friends like it, and it just picked up a bit of traction! I’ve always loved strikers that celebrate – it’s such a blessing to score goals, it’s the best thing you can do in football – so I always celebrate. I used to love watching strikers who came up with a creative celebration. It’s a good moment, one where you can interact and enjoy it with the fans. It’s something to remember.

What’s been the most challenging moment of your career so far? There were loads of challenges and there still are challenges to this day, I think. When I got released from Chelsea, that was probably the toughest one to take, but obviously I’m on a good path right now so I’m looking forward to it continuing.

Everything FOR THE CLUB captain

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manchester united

red devils 1878

Although lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May salvaged European football for the coming season, United will be hoping their league form significantly differs this season, having finished eighth in the previous campaign, their lowest position in the Premier League era. Ten Hag pointed to unprecedented injury crises and the continued speculation around the ownership as contributing factors, but will need to get the Red Devils firing once again.

young guns United have shifted focus from signing established stars like Raphael Varane and Casemiro to targeting stars of the next generation. Much focus will be on how a youngerlooking side can progress, with academy stars like Kobbie Mainoo (19-years-old) and Alejandro Garnacho (20) lining up alongside fellow youngsters Leny Yoro (18), Rasmus Højlund (21), Amad (22) and Manuel Ugarte (23).

hunt for silverware After lifting trophies in their past two campaigns, the Europa League offers United a chance to target another competition, with Ten Hag’s side surely among the favourites to reach the final in Bilbao.

Position

8th

Points

Top Scorer R. Højlund / B. Fernandes

Most Assists Bruno Fernandes

away

A first summer under INEOS control has been a tumultuous one at Old Trafford, bringing about new administrative appointments but with one key figure remaining the same: the manager, Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman takes Manchester United into his third season at the helm, having delivered the League Cup and the FA Cup in previous campaigns – but there will be pressure to improve nonetheless.

Last Season

home

top four hopes

third

a new beginning

manchester united

head2head

1-0 √ fulham Old Trafford

united

draw

palace

√ brighton Amex Stadium

0-3 √ liverpool Old Trafford

0-3 √ southampton St Mary’s Stadium

7-0 √ barnsley

lastfive

2-1

1-1

18th January 2023 Selhurst Park

2-1

4th February 2023 Old Trafford

3-0

26th September 2023 Old Trafford

0-1

30th September 2023 Old Trafford

4-0

6th May 2024 Selhurst Park

Old Trafford

0-3 Southampton √ unITED

“You have to find a foothold in every game, especially away from home. That was a good learning for this team in how to do this. You can see in the games, from the Community Shield on, that this team is growing, but it still needs time.” Erik ten Hag

Saturday 14th September / St Mary’s Stadium

Substitutes 1

A. Bayindir

H. Maguire

Zirkzee

Rashford

Fernandes

Diallo

A. Garnacho

Casemiro

Antony

M. Ugarte

Dalot

J. Evans

E. Wheatley

T. Collyer

goal cards

37 Mainoo

Eriksen

Martínez

de Ligt

24 Onana

subs

3 Mazraoui

manchester united

key players A new era for Manchester United has seen the Red Devils refocus their transfer strategy on top young internationals from across the globe. Here, we pick out four players who United hope could spearhead a European charge this season…

United’s De Ligt -

def Matthijs

de Ligt age

4 Height

6’2

joined

from

2024

De Ligt’s rapid rise to prominence came at a very young age, becoming the youngest player to appear in a European final when he started the Europa League showpiece against Manchester United at just 17-yearsold in 2017. A year later he was awarded the European Golden Boy, the standout footballer under the age of 21, before captaining Ajax aged just 18 as they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup under Erik ten Hag. He moved to Juventus for €75 million while still a teenager, winning the title before being bought by Bayern Munich two years later. Injuries kept him out of much of the first half of the last campaign, before he returned to action and re-established himself as Bayern’s first-choice centre-back, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal. He reunited with Ten Hag in Manchester this summer, moving to Old Trafford alongside Bayern Munich teammate Noussair Mazraoui, and making his debut on the opening day against Fulham.

mid Manuel

Ugarte age

Height

6’0

joined

from

2024

Ugarte was long sought after by United this summer, and on deadline day they got their man, as the Uruguay international arrived to bolster the midfield from Paris Saint-Germain. Described by sporting director Dan Ashworth as ‘one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the world’, he could add bite to midfield after an indifferent start to the campaign at Old Trafford. His breakthrough came in Lisbon, as Sporting began to attract admirers around Europe for their fast-paced attacking football. Ugarte stood out in significant victories, including the defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League, earning him a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite making 37 appearances for the French club, he failed to gel with manager Luis Enrique and was allowed to leave this summer for Old Trafford.

manchester united

Rasmus Rumble Despite injury issues that ensured a difficult first season adjusting to English football, Højlund scored 16 times for United last season including in seven consecutive Premier League games earlier this year, and lifted the FA Cup at Wembley in May. After being let go by boyhood club FC Copenhagen in 2021, he made his way back up via Austrian side Sturm Graz before signing for Atalanta, where his nine Serie A goals fail to fully tell the story of his impact on the side, and his combination of speed and technique began to catch the eye of Premier League clubs. In 2023, he arrived at Old Trafford. His immediate impact came in the Champions League, where he scored five goals in the group stages, but his wait for a Premier League goal continued until Boxing Day, where he found a late winner in a comeback victory over Aston Villa. He has been unavailable this season due to an injury sustained on pre-season tour, but is expected to make his return.

fwd Rasmus

Højlund age

9 Height

6’3

joined

from

2023

Amad had played just five professional games before United committed to bringing him to England from Atalanta, such was their faith in the then-teenager’s talent and potential. His career was a slowburner to begin with, heading out on loan to Rangers, before a year in the second tier saw him burst into life. At Sunderland, Amad scored 13 times in a hugely successful

fwd amad

diallo age

16 Height

5’8

joined

from

2021

loan spell under Tony Mowbray. He returned to Manchester with high expectations, but was made to wait for his chance. Impressive cameos were rewarded with a substitute appearance against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, as United attempted to fight from behind. Amad was crucial in the comeback, scoring the winner in the 121st minute of the match.

manchester united

gk Altay

Bayindir age

joined

26 2023

def victor

Lindelöf age

joined

30 2017

def harry

maguire age

joined

31 2019

1 from

2 from

5 from

gk tom

heaton age

joined

38 2021

def Noussair

Mazraoui age

joined

26 2024

def Lisandro

Martínez age

joined

26 2022 30

from

3 from

6 from

gk André

Onana age

joined

28 2023

def Matthijs

de Ligt age

from

joined

25 2024

from

def Tyrell

Malacia age

joined

25 2022

from

manchester united

def Leny

Yoro age

def

from

age

joined

18 2024

def Jonny

evans age

joined

36 2023

from

mid bruno

fernandes age

joined

30 2020

from

Diogo

Dalot

joined

25 2018

def harry

amass age

from

41 from

academy

mid

Christian

Eriksen age

joined

32 2022 31

from

def luke

shaw age

joined

29 2014

mid mason

mount age

from

joined

25 2023

from

mid

casemiro age

joined

32 2022

from

manchester united

mid Manuel

Ugarte age

joined

23 2024

fwd Rasmus

Højlund age

joined

21 2023

fwd Amad

Diallo age

joined

from

9 from

22 2021

from

mid kobbie

mainoo age

from

mid Toby

Collyer age

from

academy

fwd

Marcus

Rashford age

from

academy

fwd

Alejandro

Garnacho age

from

academy 32

Joshua

Zirkzee age

joined

23 2024

fwd

antony age

joined

from

24 2022

from

manchester united

squaddepth st Rasmus HØJLUND Joshua ZIRKZEE Ethan WHEATLEY

Marcus RASHFORD

Alejandro GARNACHO Amad DIALLO ANTONY

am Bruno FERNANDES Mason MOUNT

cm Kobbie MAINOO Christian ERIKSEN

Dm lb

Manuel UGARTE CASEMIRO Toby COLLYER

Luke SHAW Tyrell MALACIA Harry AMASS

Diogo DALOT Noussair MAZRAOUI

Lisandro MARTÍNEZ Harry MAGUIRE Jonny EVANS

Matthijs DE LIGT Leny YORO Victor LINDELÖF GK

André ONANA Altay BAYINDIR Tom HEATON

Loaned In

New Signing

Academy Graduate

manchester united

through time 1902 Founded by railway workers as Newton Heath in 1878, Manchester United’s modern identity was borne of a financial crisis in 1902. With huge debts and a winding-up order issued, captain Harry Stafford secured financing when his St Bernard’s dog Major escaped and found local brewer John Henry Davies, whose daughter was so smitten with the dog that he was persuaded to help save the club. Having moved from Newton Heath, they debated a new name, and – after disregarding ‘Celtic’ and ‘Central’ – chose ‘United’ as a new suffix.

assistant Jimmy Murphy, winning back-to-back titles in 1956 and 1957 with an exceptionally young, home-grown side and becoming the first English team to compete in the European Cup – before disaster struck. The Munich Air Disaster on 6th February 1958 killed 23 people, including talisman Duncan Edwards and seven more players, with many others – including Busby – significantly injured.

1968 Busby and Murphy rebuilt the side around Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law, and led the club to European glory at Wembley, as Eusebio’s Benfica were swept aside and United became the first English side to lift the trophy just a decade after Munich.

1999 -

1958 Matt Busby transformed the club after the Second World War alongside

After inconsistency – and even relegation – in the 1970s and ‘80s, Alex Ferguson’s arrival in 1986 precipitated another period of success, with the crowning achievement coming at the Camp Nou. With the European Cup seemingly slipping away to Bayern Munich, United scored twice in three minutes of stoppage time, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winner securing the treble.

1878

Founded as Newton Heath LYR

1902

Reborn as Manchester United

1908

First league title

1946

Appointment of Matt Busby

1958

Munich Air Disaster

1968

European Cup winners

1969

Sir Matt Busby resigns

1986

Alex Ferguson appointed

1992

Premier League winners

1999

Treble winners

2011

Record 19th league title

2013

Sir Alex Ferguson retires

manchester united

dreamfive GK Peter Schmeichel ‘The Great Dane’ captained United to the treble in 1999, having joined the club for just £500,000 – a price Sir Alex Ferguson declared to be the ‘bargain of the century’. He was also part of Denmark’s 1992 European Championship-winning side.

cb Rio Ferdinand A six-time Premier League winner, Champions League-winning captain and named in the Premier League’s best-ever side upon its 20th anniversary, Ferdinand won 81 caps and is a member of the England and Premier League Hall of Fame.

cm Paul Scholes Scholes won 11 league titles, three FA Cups and two Champions Leagues at Old Trafford, scoring 155 goals in 718 appearances for the club. “He is the best midfielder of his generation,” said then-Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.

cm Bobby Charlton Arguably England’s greatest-ever player, Charlton survived the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 and went on to win the European Cup, the World Cup and the Balon d’Or in a remarkable twoyear period. He scored 249 goals in 758 games for United.

st George Best

2013 -

Pelé good, Maradona better, George Best. Football’s original superstar was named by FIFA as the fifth-best player of the 20th century, joint with Johan Cruyff. He scored 179 goals for United, and was as famous off the field as he was on it.

A period of unprecedented success, winning 13 of the first 20 Premier League titles, two European Cups and four FA Cups, inspired first by the home-grown ‘Class of 92’ including Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, and later by young superstars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, came to an end as Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement.

manchester united

kitstory best

celebrity red devils

worst

USAIN BOLT

Home: 1992/93

Home: 2018/19

Simple, sleek. Extra points for the nostalgia-inducing open neck lace-up collar, with a graffiti-style background that was well ahead of its time.

For a peculiar season, United wore black shorts rather than white for their home kit, with red socks and a shirt which faded into darkness towards the bottom.

best

worst

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist, fastest man in history, wannabe footballer. Bolt asked for a trial at Man Utd after retiring, and was given… a place in the Soccer Aid XI at Old Trafford.

HARRY STYLES While Taylor Swift attends the Superbowl, Styles was at Kenilworth Road last season supporting the Red Devils. English football at its finest.

JULIA ROBERTS Hollywood royalty Julia Roberts visited the team on pre-season tour last season after declaring her love for the club to a bemused Graham Norton.

LUKE LITTLER Darts’ newest superstar is two years younger than Kobbie Mainoo, and hopes United can reel in the big fish this season.

away: 1991/92

away: 1995/96

A classic of the adidas originals era. Those who were brave enough to hold on to this for a couple of decades are sitting on a small fortune.

A kit so bad Sir Alex Ferguson forced his players to change out of it at halftime away at Southampton, claiming they couldn’t see one another.

STORMZY Born in Croydon near Selhurst Park, Britain’s biggest rapper is… a Man Utd fan. Oops.

manchester united

greatestgames 1-2 FROM WAY OUT He had absolutely no right to try his luck from there. But try his luck he did, and we’re still talking about it more than a decade later. Darren Ambrose, take a bow. At Old Trafford in the League Cup quarter-finals back in 2011, Man Utd were punished for making one change too many as then-Championship side Palace – with a young Nathaniel Clyne in defence – caused a major shock, beating the then-champions in their own back yard to reach the last four. The pick of the goals came from Ambrose powering home from an absurd distance, a goal which Gary Neville later picked as the best he had ever seen from a visiting player at the ground. Eat your heart out Ronaldo.

1-2 THE LATE LATE SHOW Ecstasy to agony to ecstasy again, all in the space of five minutes back in 2019. Palace were clinging on for a famous victory at Old Trafford, and thought they were nearly there when Dan James equalised in the 90th minute. As the fourth official held up the board for added time, the narrative was set: United were pushing for a winner. Except, things don’t always go according to script. Instead, Palace pushed forwards and fed Patrick van Aanholt, who powered past David De Gea to give the Eagles all three points and send the away end into delirium. The journey back to South London must have been some celebration…

4-0 SHADES OF ‘72 For the first time, a league double over Man Utd. The Eagles had won at Old Trafford thanks to Joachim Andersen’s goal, and were looking to do the same at Selhurst Park back in May – but nobody could have expected what was to follow. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise (two) were on the scoresheet, with the Eagles evoking memories of Don Rogers, Alan Whittle and the heroes of 1972 who had beaten United 5-0 in one of the club’s greatest games.

manchester united

eagle eye

@lauriewhitwell

Laurie Whitwell has covered Manchester United for The Athletic for the last five years, speaking on the world’s biggest Manchester United podcast, Talk of the Devils. He was nominated for sports scoop of the year at the 2019 SJAs for breaking Wayne Rooney’s move to DC United, and has previously also worked for the Daily Mail for nine years. How would you rate United’s business in the transfer window? Pretty good overall. They signed players in all the key positions identified at the start of the summer – striker, midfielder, centre-back – and generally kept to a fairly restrained budget. They pushed the boat out for Leny Yoro, but consider him a fair price given his age and potential. Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee arrived before the summer tour, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui ready for the Premier League start. Manuel Ugarte took longer, but United wanted to wait until they had money coming in from the sale of Scott McTominay. Zirkzee, De Ligt and Mazraoui have already made an impact. How much has changed behind the scenes? Lots. There is a whole new football executive structure in place, headed up by sporting director Dan Ashworth, with technical director Jason Wilcox and interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell also influential. Omar Berrada is getting

There is a whole new football executive structure in place, headed up by sporting director Dan Ashworth, with technical director Jason Wilcox and interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell also influential

manchester united

another player yet to make his debut is Harry Amass, a 17-yearold left-back. He gained first-team experience in preseason, ahead of time, because of injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but has shown real promise and could in the future make that spot his own

to work as chief executive, with the impetus for change set by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford. Then there are the 250 or so staff members who are leaving as part of the INEOS cost-cutting, which has provoked some strong feelings. What constitutes a successful season for Erik ten Hag? Champions League qualification would be regarded as a success. Anything less inevitably brings scrutiny on Ten Hag’s position.

For all the criticism he gets, Bruno Fernandes remains the most influential player at United. His absence at Selhurst Park last season illustrated that point

His absence at Selhurst Park last season illustrated that point. Diogo Dalot was United’s player of the year last term, but still he does not get widespread recognition. He is always fit and often plays out of position on the left due to injuries. A selfless player. Give us an academy name for the future to keep an eye on… Toby Collyer, the 20-year-old midfielder, got his first senior minutes as a substitute for Casemiro against Liverpool, and Ten Hag really likes him. But another player yet to make his debut is Harry Amass, a 17-year-old left-back. He gained first-team experience in preseason, ahead of time, because of injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, but has shown real promise and could in the future make that spot his own

Which players could have a breakout season? Amad has enjoyed a good start to the campaign, finally a regular starter after four seasons at the club. He is showing an effectiveness to go with his undeniable technical ability. Who is United’s most important player – and whose contribution flies under the radar? For all the criticism he gets, Bruno Fernandes remains the most influential player at United.

west ham united

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manchester united

HEAD TO HEAD

dean

henderson

andre

onana

Goals

Penalties won

Penalties scored

Clean sheets

Apps

Clean sheets

Yellow cards

Clean sheets

Saves

262

Saves

156

Penalties saved

High claims

Passes per match

25.64

Passes per match

36.38

Sweeper clearances

age

joined

Apps

nat

Red cards

wins in the last six meetings for Crystal Palace, having won three of their previous 19 encounters.

times Nathaniel Clyne has faced Manchester United in his career, more than any other opponent.

21.7

average age of Manchester United’s goalscorers this season.

Delivered by:

age

joined

nat

west ham united

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doc brown & james m©arthur

doc brown

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...

A RESILIENCE BOOM (BOOM BOOM) When I was about six-years-old, I lost my footing in the comfortably shallow public paddling pool of a park in North London. I thrashed around as if I’d been thrown off a boat in the middle of a storm-hit ocean, inhaling chlorinated water and spewing the burning liquid back through my underdeveloped nostrils. My eyes stung with a mix of both the chlorine and actual tears. Even though when I finally stood up it was clearly apparent that the deepest part of the whole pool barely reached my midriff, from that day forth I avoided deep water at all costs. I bunked swimming lessons at school, remained on the sand during beach holidays while family and friends frolicked in the surf… I didn’t even like crossing bridges over the Thames. It wasn’t until my late thirties that I allowed my brother-in-law to teach me a few simple techniques and I’m immensely proud to say that today I am more than capable of about seven breaststrokes spanning almost 11 yards before I seize up and sink. Success. And it only took

three decades. Some people might call that “pathetic” or “oversharing” – I call it resilience. And on a day when we welcome historically perhaps the biggest football club in the world to Selhurst Park, it’s resilience in all its forms (not just overcoming the very real terror posed by paddling pools) that I want to celebrate. I think we can all agree we haven’t started the season in the swashbuckling manner with which we ended the last, but I also think we can agree that most of us assumed there’d be a bit of beddingin time required. It’s true, we haven’t managed a Premier League win yet, but since Chelsea I’ve sensed something building that until now I hadn’t quite been able to put my finger on. But when JP stepped up to calmly dispatch a penalty under extreme pressure last weekend, I recognised exactly what that something was: resilience. Conceding a goal straight from the restart at the beginning of the second-half had felt like an irritating Palace throwback, the groans around the stadium suggesting

when JP stepped up to calmly dispatch a penalty under extreme pressure last weekend, I recognised exactly what that something was: resilience.

doc brown as much – an opportunity lost in a game we had every chance of getting something from. What felt fresh was the unshakeable spirit that immediately followed. Equalising straight away… What? Last minute pen? Okay!

it’s amazing when you see the emotion of a whole team plus thousands of supporters embodied in one person and I really felt that with Jean-Philippe It was, of course, a game we should be winning on paper – especially with such a good record against Leicester at home – but if there was any kind of win you can take from a literal draw, for me it was that determination not to lose. It’s amazing when you see the emotion of a whole team plus thousands of supporters embodied in one person and I really felt that with JeanPhilippe. And the more I thought about him, his performance and overall attitude, resilience was the word that kept ringing in my ears. Bear in mind this guy got 13 goals in our last 15 games of last season. By the summer he had every right to go put his feet up and post restaurant snaps on Insta from Dubai.

Know what he did? He went to Brazil and organised his own five-day training regime, even getting a former Flamengo fitness coach to help put him through his paces. He didn’t make the French squad for the Euros – again, if that were me I’m heading straight to Nandos for a week, drowning my sorrows in Peri-Peri sauce. This guy just thinks, “all good, I’ll make the Olympic team instead.” Oh, and make it to the final and battle for the golden boot – why not. In the wider world of football, his had previously been a name that was rarely on the lips of anyone outside of SE25. Now when non-Palace people talk Palace with me, their opener is almost always “that Mateta bangs ’em in doesn’t

he? We could use him at our place.” I love that. I love it because it only takes a game or two to become “maligned” in the judging eyes of football fans, but behind closed doors – or in JP’s case, on Brazilian shores – the hard work and the self-belief never stops. That’s why today, what with it being perhaps the last sunny weekend of 2024, I’ve set up some pre-match drinks in my garden, a tentative barbecue and a homemade corner flag stuck in the turf for me and my mates to attempt kung fu kicks on, in homage to the big man. No paddling pool though. What do I look like – JPM? I could never match that level of resilience. UTP

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 delves into his memories – good, bad and unforgettable – of facing today’s opposition, Manchester United…

Character and intent To come back from a losing position, 2-0 down against Leicester, shows that the lads have got great character. I mentioned this against Chelsea as well, which is a really positive thing. Obviously, they would be disappointed by conceding two goals and going 2-0 down at home, but to come back and get a result is very important. Sometimes at the start of the game you think a draw is not a great result, but I think the lads will feed off coming back and getting that result. I mentioned before about the Palace fans and how important they are. They showed their importance again by sticking with the team. That gives the lads a platform to try and get back in the game. When you get that first goal, the fans just ramp it up again – the momentum it creates is very important. The manager made a lot of attacking changes towards the end of the game, and it was the right thing to do, because you need to get back into it. There’s no use doing the same thing and expecting

something different. Oliver Glasner is a manager who is willing to risk it all to get the result that’s needed. I think the lads will buzz off that. When you are behind, you know that it creates an intent of what we’re doing here, trying to get back in the game. It’s not a “let’s see what happens” – it’s a “we’re going to make this happen”. When you’ve got a manager like that, the players will feed off it.

Bedding in period I think when new players come in, it does take a bit of time. It probably takes a bit more time because the lads have lost some big members of the squad, so we’re not just adding to a squad that is settled. It’s big pressure on the new boys to come in and step up straight away – but, at this level, you need to do it fast and win games while you’re trying to settle in. This is our third game in eight days, and I think the lads will like that. At the start of the season, everyone’s raring to go and buzzing. It’s another opportunity to impress the manager.

I think when new players come in, it does take a bit of time. It probably takes a bit more time because the lads have lost some big members of the squad, so we’re not just adding to a squad that is settled

James M©arthur

When you’re a new player coming into the building, you want those opportunities. I’m writing this column before the midweek game at QPR, but games are what every player wants – you want that opportunity to go and win, and to do well.

Memories against United I obviously faced Manchester United in some big games with Palace, including the 2016 FA Cup final. Before that game, everybody was looking forward to the opportunity to win the trophy. It was just one of those occasions where you take it in so much.

It became United dominating. When Jesse Lingard got the goal right at the end of extra-time, it was demoralising – we knew it had slipped away. To be there, 1-0 up, and not win it, it wasn’t a nice moment, but it was still a great achievement to get there. We did have some good results at Old Trafford later, though – for three seasons there, we didn’t lose a game. To get results up there was always incredible, and that shows you that Palace, on their day, can beat anyone. In August 2019, we conceded a last minute equaliser – but then for Patrick van Aanholt to get a winner in the last minute, it was a surreal moment. You go: “I can’t believe we’ve done this!” There’s no better way of winning a game. The following season, we won 3-1 at Old Trafford, behind closed doors. That season was a weird, weird feeling – but fans or no fans, it was a great result, and a great day for the club.

Opportunity awaits -

It was a very tight game, and when Jason Puncheon scores that goal in the 78th minute, it’s like: “wow, this is amazing.” Being honest, we probably went back to a protective mode of “we’ve got the opportunity to win it – don’t lose it”, rather than keep on doing the right things and keep going forward.

Everyone looks forward to playing the so-called big teams, but Manchester United have been one of the biggest clubs in the world since you can remember – so the lads have got an opportunity to go and make their own name against them. In football, you can never, ever predict where you’re going to win or where you’re going to lose. It’s a very dangerous game because, for instance, you say we should beat Leicester at home, and you don’t – or

Manchester United is one of those games where nobody will really expect Palace to get a result – except from inside that changing room, where the lads will be demanding from each other they go and get a win

you should lose to Chelsea away, but you end up getting a result. Manchester United is one of those games where nobody will really expect Palace to get a result – except from inside that changing room, where the lads will be demanding from each other they go and get a win, because I don’t think the lads will be delighted with their points tally so far. But you get one win and everything changes, and everyone starts looking up the way. Hopefully they can do that

captain

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INSIDE PALACE

inside palace

palace academy With so much talent coming through at Crystal Palace, it’s time to grill the next generation on the key quickfire questions past, present and future. This week, 18-year-old winger Asher Agbinone, named on the first-team bench recently, tackles our questions…

FACT FILE

Best moment of your career so far?

first position?

Being on the bench against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with the first-team.

first match you went to?

position

winger

Mbappé, I’d say… but I watch a lot of players so it’s hard to pick just one.

Croydon FC.

It was at Croydon FC – I was already playing two years up!

i model my game on...

Cristiano Ronaldo.

first match you played in?

nationality

My one-v-one ability.

childhood idol?

Striker.

age

strongest attribute?

past First team?

asher Agbinone

present

My first match was a Palace game in, like, 2010, when the Crystals first came out! I couldn’t really see much though, I was tiny!

First shirt?

Favourite TV show? The series Power or BMF.

future in five years time... Hopefully be playing in the Premier League at the highest level, and playing for my country.

champions league or world cup? World Cup for sure.

Arsenal 2007/08 - it was their white away kit with the burgundy stripes. My Mum got me the whole kit!

i want to improve...

first boots?

manager or pundit?

Black and white Umbros with the tongue, metal studs, same as Mofe [Jemide]!

Pundit – it’s less stressful than being a manager!

My shooting.

inside palace

fixtures&results

pos Club

GD Pts

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

ars

whu

nfo

ful

mci

mun

liv

sou

-2

cry

bha

che

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST Tue 20

Stevenage

0-1

Sat 17

Tottenham Hotspur

4-6

Fri 23

Blackburn Rovers

7-2

Sat 24

Southampton

1-1

Fri 30

Leeds United

1-1

Wed 28 Birmingham City

3-0

Sat 31

3-0

4-2

SEPTEMBER Real Sociedad

Fri 20

Reading

Sat 14

Norwich City

Tue 24

Gillingham

Sat 21

Fulham

sun

Sat 28

Aston Villa

new

avl

-1

OCTOBER

OCTOBER Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

Fri 18

Sporting CP

Fri 25

Southampton

NOVEMBER Fri 1

Tottenham Hotspur

Tue 5

Peterborough United

Fri 29

Newcastle United

december Tue 10

2-2

SEPTEMBER

Tue 17

Mon 30 Nottingham Forest

Reading

RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16 Liverpool JANUARY Mon 6

Fulham

Fri 10

Leicester City

Fri 17

RB Leipzig

Sat 5

Liverpool

eve

-3

Sat 26

Leicester City

nor

NOVEMBER

lee

Sat 2

Arsenal

tot

-1

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

der

-2

Sat 23

Arsenal

lei

-2

Sat 30

Brighton & Hove Albion

wba

-4

DECEMBER

rea

-4

Sat 14

wol

-4

stk

-8

Chelsea

JANUARY Sat 11

West Ham United

mid

-5

Sat 25

Tottenham Hotspur

bla

-9

FEBRUARY Sat 1

Southampton

Sat 8

Reading

pos Club

GD Pts

Mon 20 Wolves

Sat 15

Norwich City

avl

Mon 27 Norwich City

Sat 22

Aston Villa

bha

FEBRUARY

MARCH

lei

Mon 10 Stoke City

Sat 1

Fulham

ars

Mon 17 Aston Villa

Sat 8

West Ham United

tot

cry

sou

ful

-1

whu

-1

rea

-4

nor

-6

wba

-7

che

-7

Mon 24 West Bromwich Albion MARCH

Sat 15

Chelsea

APRIL

Mon 3

Arsenal

Sat 12

Leicester City

Sun 16

Manchester City

Thu 17

Arsenal

Sat 26

West Bromwich Albion

APRIL Fri 4

West Ham United

Mon 14 Chelsea

MAY Sat 3

Brighton & Hove Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19th September.

inside palace

palace academy Speaking after Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad in the Premier League International Cup, goalscorers Adler Nascimento and Jemiah Umolu reflected on the side’s set-up so far, and their development goals for the season…

eal Sociedad were the visitors at the VBS Community Stadium on Tuesday night, as Crystal Palace Under-21s began their defence of the Premier League International Cup. Just over four months after the Eagles lifted the trophy following a 1-0 win over Jong PSV at Selhurst Park, Darren Powell’s side were back in action in a development competition they have enjoyed greatly in recent times, having also finished runners-up the previous year. That defence did not get off to the finest start as the Basque outfit raced into a 1-0 lead inside the opening 30 seconds of the match, Sydney Osazuwa intercepting a loose backpass and finishing coolly. An even contest followed, but Palace managed to claw a goal back on the stroke of half-time through Nascimento, who cut in from the left, beat three players and slotted a cool finish into the bottom corner. Not too long after the restart, and Palace were ahead, taking the lead through Umolu who side-footed home from Caleb Kporha’s precise low ball in.

The advantage was short-lived, however, as Sociedad managed to pull it back to 2-2 just seven minutes after going behind, Unax Agote finishing after Palace failed to clear their lines. Both sides fought tooth and nail in the 20 minutes that remained, but neither could find an elusive winning goal on the night.

The hope of every game is to grab three points. I don’t want to talk too far ahead into the future – we’ll just let the football do the talking for us Jemiah Umolu

“I think we played well as a team, but it was a shame not to come away with all the points,” Nascimento admitted. “We played well in the first-half, but during the second half we kind of dipped off a bit. Part of the second half, I reckon we were good.”

Umolu added: “I think the team did really well to get back from being 1-0 down. We were 1-0 down very early in the game, and obviously everyone dug deep, but then we did well enough to get a couple of goals back and go one up. “I really hoped we could have held onto that lead, but we did have multiple chances after that to win the game at 2-2. “Obviously, a draw gives us something to go back to training and work on, really.” With the U21s being the final stage of youth football before reaching the first-team, the side line-up in a similar manner to that of the senior side to ease that transition. Head coach Powell replicates the first-team formation with three central defenders flanked by wing-backs, and three more attacking-minded players further up the pitch, allowing for easier adaptation when players make the step up. Nascimento has been playing in the wing-back role this season, something slightly different from his normal position as a winger – but it is a challenge the 19-year-old has relished. “It’s good playing as a wingback,” he said. “I mean, it’s not too different from the position I normally play on the wing – there’s just a lot more defensive duties. “You just have to be a lot more switched on, but I’m getting used to it quite quickly. It’s a very good position, especially for my development.” Where Nascimento has been adapting to his new position, Umolu has been adapting to an entirely new environment, after joining the club in

inside palace

the summer following a move from West Ham United. The forward impressed on trial last season, even scoring in the Premier League International Cup semi-final last season in the 4-2 win over Everton at Selhurst Park. Commenting on his time in red and blue thus far, the forward said: “I think I’m starting to fit into the squad very well. Obviously, the boys have helped me a lot – same with the coaches. “I think I’ve started off quite well, getting on the scoresheet a couple of times, and I managed to grab another goal today – so hopefully there’s many more to come.“ The U21s have had a middling start to the season so far, with one win, two draws and a defeat in their opening four games across all competitions, but that will not alter their approach. Nascimento said: “Hopefully we’ll just keep on grabbing as many wins as possible throughout the season, and just take each game as they come along, and not look too far ahead. “We’ll be good. As long as we keep sticking to our game plans, we’ll be a very hard team to beat, for sure.” Umolu added: “We will try and rack up as many wins as possible throughout all the competitions we play in and just try to progress as a team as much as we can. “The hope of every game is to grab three points. I don’t want to talk too far ahead into the future – we’ll just let the football do the talking for us.”

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Asher AGBINONE

Victor AKINWALE

Cormac AUSTIN

Luke BROWNE

Rio CARDINES

Jesse DERRY

Name

apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

Dean BENAMAR

Benji CASEY

Freddie COWIN

Euan DANAHER

Justin DEVENNY

Matteo DASHI

Billy EASTWOOD

Jesse DERRY

Chima EZE

Craig FARQUHAR

Zack HENRY

Chris FRANCIS

Marcus HILL

Joe GIBBARD

Mofe JEMIDE

Jake GRANTE

Jasper JUDD

Sean GREHAN

Jackson IZQUIERDO

Joe KHOSHABA

Mofe JEMIDE

George KING

Caleb KPORHA

Enrique LAMEIRAS

Finley MARJORAM

Jack MASON

Zach MARSH

David MONTJEN

Roshaun MATHURIN

Louie MOULDEN

Joshua MUWANA

Kurai MUSANHI

David OBOU

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

Stuart ODURO

Adler NASCIMENTO

Chuks OKOLI

David OBOU

Jadan RAYMOND

Jerome OSEI

Dylan REID

Caleb REDHEAD

Kaden RODNEY

Sean SOMADE

Joe SHERIDAN

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

Franco UMEH

Harry WHITWORTH

Jemiah UMOLU

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

Tyler WHITE

Seb WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19 September. th

inside palace

palace women Last weekend saw the closure of the Women’s transfer window, and following a busy summer of incomings and outgoings, Crystal Palace are all set to embark on their first-ever Women’s Super League season…

he Eagles were once again busy on transfer deadline day, adding former Bayern Munich and Liverpool winger, Katie Stengel; Wales international left-back Lily Woodham; and England youth forward Poppy Pritchard (on loan) to their roster. Those additions brought the total number of new faces in red and blue this season to 13, following those of goalkeepers Milla-Maj Majasaari and Shae Yañez; defenders Brooke Aspin, Jorja Fox and Katrine Veje; midfielders My Cato, Mille Gejl, Josie Green and Lexi Potter; and forwards Indiah-Paige Riley and Ashleigh Weerden. With such wholescale changes requiring time for the team to find its rhythm, Laura Kaminski’s side have enjoyed a carefully constructed pre-season, which included a first-ever training camp and match abroad – against Utah Royals last month – and which culminated in an impressive 4-0 win over ADO Den Haag in South London last week. Cato, Abbie Larkin (two) and Izzy Atkinson got the goals that day, with the Eagles playing some exciting football live in front of the Palace TV cameras.

Now, the WSL – the elite division of the Women’s game – awaits in earnest. Palace kick off a historic campaign against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, with the match – which will take place at Brisbane Road – kicking off at 14:00 BST. The stage will then be set for a special night at Selhurst Park; our first home game of the 2024/25 season, with Palace hosting Chelsea, winners of the last five WSL titles, on Friday, 27th September at 19:30 BST. A fortnight later, the Eagles will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to the VBS Community Stadium in

Sutton, kicking off at 14:00 on Sunday, 13th October. Tickets for all three matches are now on sale via cpfc.co.uk, as are 24/25 Women’s Season tickets – which also grant priority booking for away matches and games at Selhurst Park. Ahead of the new season, Aimee Everett – whose first season as captain culminated in the Eagles’ recordbreaking promotion – admits she is looking forward to the challenge. “The new girls who have come in have been a great addition to the squad, every single one of them,” she said in a recent Palace TV interview. “We’ve had a fantastic pre-season and it’s been really good to get to know them all. “With my role as captain, it’s obviously important to make sure that everyone that comes in feels a part of the club and buys into our culture. Not just me, but all the girls from last year, I think have helped with that too. “That’s what football is about; creating a comfortable environment for everyone to be in. I think all of the new girls have settled in great, they are all very different and that’s what we like. We all add different things to the group. It’s exciting.” Everett first joined Palace in the summer of 2021, and admits the club has come a long way in a short space of time: “It’s been a while now! Seeing the difference from where we were then, to where we are now, in the Super League… and the work that Laura and the staff have all done to improve us as players, it’s a huge improvement.” The 23-year-old is anticipating that Palace will have to vary their

inside palace

style of football from that which successfully propelled them to the Championship league title last season. “The Championship is a very difficult league, and a lot of people that have played in it will know that,” she admitted. “We like to play football. We did that last year very well, and we want to still do that, but it’s a completely different test and I think we’ve got to be quite smart. “With the quality in the Super League, it’s just growing and growing every year. I think we’ve got to be adaptive; we might look different each week, but I think we’re more than capable of doing that. “We had a fantastic season last season, and week after week, what the staff put out prepped us well each week. This year is a step up – but I think we’re ready for that. We’ve got a great group as a whole, players and staff.” As for Palace’s two opening games of the season, away at Tottenham and at home to Chelsea, she smiled: “They are two very different challenges, but I think we are more excited than we are nervous going into that first game. “With Chelsea, we obviously experienced that a little bit last year [in the FA Cup, when Chelsea won 1-0] – but I think we’re all just excited to get going. “The club have aims and ambitions, and the WSL is where we want to cement ourselves for years to come, hopefully progressing up the league – so fingers crossed.”

fixtures&results Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)

playerstats Name

apps goals

Chloe ARTHUR

SEPTEMBER

Brooke ASPIN

Sun 22

Tottenham Hotspur

Izzy ATKINSON

Fri 27

Chelsea

Annabel BLANCHARD My CATO

october

Aimee EVERETT

Wed 2

Aston Villa

Sun 6

Leicester City

Sun 13

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 20

Liverpool

Jorja FOX Mille GEJL Fliss GIBBONS Josie GREEN

november

Shanade HOPCROFT

Sun 3

Manchester City

Elise HUGHES

Sun 10

Everton

Abbie LARKIN

Sun 17

Aston Villa

Sun 24

Charlton Athletic

Milla-Maj MAJASAARI

Lexi POTTER

december Sun 8

Poppy PRITCHARD

West Ham United

Wed 11 Tottenham Hotspur Sun 15

Hayley NOLAN

Manchester United

january

Indiah-Paige RILEY Molly SHARPE Katie STENGEL Katrine VEJE

Sun 19

Arsenal

Ashleigh WEERDEN

Sun 26

Tottenham Hotspur

Lily WOODHAM Annis-Clara WRIGHT

february Sun 2

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 16

Manchester United

Shae YAÑEZ

march P

GD Pts

ars

Aston Villa

avl

Sat 22

Everton

bha

Sun 30

Arsenal

che

cry

eve

Sun 2

Liverpool

Sun 16

pos Club

april Sun 20

Chelsea

lei

Sun 27

West Ham United

liv

mci

mun

tot

whu

may Sun 4

Leicester City

Sun 27

Manchester City

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 19th September.

inside palace

palace for life 26.2 miles might seem a long way, but that’s why the Marathon March is rewarding – and totally doable. From training programmes, a fundraising guide, fuel stops, maps and mile markers, we’ll have you covered every step of the way – so here are FIVE things every first-time Marathon Marcher needs to know…

26.2 MILES? NO PROBLEM There’s no denying it’s a long way (that’s why we do it!) but it’s an achievable challenge. The Marathon March isn’t a running race, it’s a walk, and you’re encouraged to go at your own pace. Plus, there are plenty of stops along the way to sit down and refuel. When you sign up, we’ll also send you a Marathon March specific training programme which has been designed by a qualified sports coach to help with your preparation.

FLYING SOLO? NO BIG DEAL Whether you’re marching for the first time or the eighth, there are at least two things every Marathon Marcher has in common: a love for Palace and South London. The Palace community is a welcoming and inclusive one, and you’ll be walking through many

donate to palace for life below

inside palace

familiar landmarks which will no doubt spark conversation. A lot of Marchers – we’re expecting over 200 of them – tend to spend the time sharing their Palace memories or speculating about the rest of the season! Plus, if you need some downtime and want to do it alone for a bit, that’s fine too.

WE’LL HELP FUNDRAISING Fundraising can be daunting, especially in the current financial climate. We know that asking friends and family to donate to your fundraiser isn’t always possible but we are on hand to help. We have just launched a brand-new guide which includes tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your fundraising (you’ll receive this when you sign up) and we have a team of fundraising experts who can help you with any

questions you have. There’s also an option to fundraise as a group, which many people opt for as it spreads the responsibility between you.

WHAT IF I GET LOST? It’s very unlikely you’ll get lost. There will be hundreds of Palace fans in their matching shirts who you can follow. We have a route map which you can download onto your phone, a physical map on arrival will also be available, and there are mile markers and directions across the entire route. There will also be a contact for staff in case you need to speak to anybody.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? It varies, but most people find it takes them between six and eight hours. Five if you’re really going for it

For more information on where the money you raise goes, head to the news page on the Palace for Life website. To sign up for the 2024 Marathon March, scan the QR code.

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100 years of selhurst park

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…

ne year after the opening of Selhurst Park, Palace found themselves back in Division Three South – and it is fair to say the 1925/26 season did not begin well. Five straight defeats never provides the most promising of platforms with which to kick things off, but by the end of the campaign, there had been three newsworthy events which stood out from an otherwise middling season. In October, Secretary-Manager Edmund Goodman acquired the services of bustling centre-forward Percy Cherrett from Plymouth Argyle. Hailing from Christchurch, Dorset, Cherrett went on to become a dependable scorer for the side – and form certainly improved with his introduction as our new acquisition netted six times in three successive victories (against Bristol City, Watford and Brentford). Then, towards the end of November, it was announced that Goodman, after 19 years in charge of team matters, would be relieved of this part of his duties and return to the role of solely Secretary. The Board must have been thinking of this move for a few weeks as it was understood that, with the increased administration that

came with the new ground, it would be necessary to appoint a manager for the team. After a 0-2 home defeat to Gillingham on Saturday, 21st November, the club advertised for such a person, with Alex Maley – formerly of Clyde, Clydebank and Hiberian – taking charge and guiding the club to 13th and sixth-placed finishes in the two seasons that followed.

Palace’s eventful start to the season continued the following Saturday, 28th November at home to Plymouth. Just a week earlier, Queen Alexandra had passed away, so a minute’s silence was held before the start. Amidst a cold winter, a significant fall of snow had covered the whole pitch, and the lines needed to be brushed clear before the game kicked

100 years of selhurst park England v Wales at Selhurst Park, 1st March 1926.

off. What followed was one of the most remarkable encounters seen at Selhurst Park as the two teams shared 10 goals between them. Palace were 2-4 down at half time, Cherrett having scored against his former club, but – remarkably – fought back to take a 5-4 lead, only for Argyle to snatch back parity in the final 30 seconds. It continued to be a lively first couple of years’ existence for Selhurst Park. Just nine days after Palace had suffered their biggest FA Cup defeat, 4-11 at Manchester City, the club hosted the only full international match to be held at the stadium on 1st March – St. David’s Day. Fittingly, England entertained Wales.

Just nine days after Palace had suffered their biggest FA Cup defeat, 4-11 at Manchester City, the club hosted the only full international match to be held at the stadium on 1st March – St. David’s Day

Despite being a Monday afternoon, a crowd of 23,000 was in attendance – and it naturally turned out to be a good day for the Welsh. It is reported that the visitors played as a good team, whereas the England players appeared more as a collection of individuals. A collision of players led to Bullock of England having to leave the field for a time and his absence led to Wales opening the scoring through Fowler. Bullock’s head injury incapacitated him for the rest of the game, and despite Walker equalising early in the second-half, a goal from Willie Davies and another from Fowler ensured the Welsh registered a 3-1 victory in the British Championship fixture

100 years of selhurst park

ian king’s Selhurst 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?

he year of 1969 was something of a family affair for Paul and Martin Hinshelwood, brothers who were playing for Croydon Schools when both were invited for trials with Palace, duly signing on as apprentices. Originally a forward, Paul was handed his first-team debut by manager Malcolm Allison in September 1973, but over the next three seasons accumulated just over 20 appearances and four goals. In the summer of 1976, Terry Venables took over from Allison, and Paul was once more restored to the team in more of a midfield role. But Venables must have seen a hidden talent in him, as from November, he appeared in the Palace team at right-back, having first played in that position with the Reserves. Paul naturally blossomed into his new role in the team, forming a partnership with Kenny Sansom on the left-hand side and offering the Eagles a new dimension. He also developed a unique tackling style, sliding in from behind on a player and somehow coming out the other side with the ball to set up counter-attacks – a prominent feature in Palace’s promotion from Division Three.

Park for Oxford United, having amassed 319 appearances. As if to prove he had not lost his goalscoring abilities, he added a further 24 goals from his full-back position, including a brace of penalties against Cambridge United here in August 1981. Sadly, Paul passed away in January 2022 at the age of 65.

paul

Hinshelwood position

nationality

Paul was virtually now everpresent in the side, but a cartilage injury sustained in October 1978 meant he was out of action for two months of the Division Two championship-winning season. When back in Division One, Paul hardly missed a game, gaining two England Under-21 caps (as an overage player) and winning the club’s Player of the Year award for both seasons. Paul continued to play through the club’s upheavals of the early 80s, at times appearing at left-back and as a central defender. In the summer of 1983, he left Selhurst

100 years of selhurst park

EDWARDS honourable JACK -

Mentions JOHN SEWELL -

John came to Palace from Charlton in October 1963, but missed the last part of that promotion season into Division Two through injury. Following the departure of Alan Stephenson in March 1968, Sewell took over the Palace captaincy, and thus he was Palace’s skipper at the time the club first reached the topflight of English football. This immaculate footballer maintained his high level of performance for our initial two seasons in Division One and chipped in with some vital goals. In 1971, Sewell departed Palace for Orient after more than 250 appearances for the club; he then played and settled in America.

BERT HOWE Coming to Selhurst Park from nonleague Faversham in December 1958, aged 20, Bert went on to be a reliable and determined full-back over the next eight years as the club climbed from Division Four to Division Two. National Service interrupted his football career for two seasons, but on his return, Howe was a regular feature of the team covering both full-back positions. He featured in just over 100 consecutive games between October 1962 and December 1964 and took part in every game of the 1963/64 promotion season.

As a 20-year-old Welshman, Jack joined Palace in September 1949 from non-league Lovells Athletic, and was soon thrust into the limelight following a career-ending injury to Fred Dawes. The stocky, tough-tackling and fearless Edwards helped Palace through the dark playing days of the early 50s as the club had to seek reelection after finishing bottom of Third Division South on two occasions. In 1956, Edwards became skipper, with his determination and enthusiasm suiting him for the role as the club then managed to emerge from the doldrums so that, by the time of his final appearance in 1959, he left the club in seventh place in Division Four.

TED owens From his arrival in the summer of 1934, Ted Owens was the first choice rightback, as the club strove to gain the only promotion place out of Division Three South, finishing second in 1938/39, and he formed a partnership with Dawes on the left side for over a century of games. His only goal came in an FA Cup game at Accrington in December 1937, when he was forced to play at outside right following a knee injury, and found himself on hand to hammer home a cross and set up a tie with Liverpool. The Second World War ended Ted’s association with the club. Next ISSUE Ian King continues his pick of Palace’s right-backs for his ultimate Selhurst 100 squad…

selhurst

Squad JOHN GK JACKSON

1964-1973

nigel gk martyn

1989-1996

Paul HINSHELWOOD 1973-1983

..................... .....................

100 years of selhurst park

stories of Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park isn’t just a Premier League football ground, but the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, whose stories stretch back a century. Here, we speak to a legendary figure celebrating 40 years working for his boyhood club this very week…

n 17th September, 1984, a fresh-faced young man named Terry Byfield started his job as receptionist at Crystal Palace through the club’s Youth Training Scheme. Four decades – and a plethora of varied roles – later, Terry continues to serve the club with wisdom, vigour, decency and – as anybody who knows him well enough will tell you – no shortage of dry wit. “I suppose looking back over that length of time, both on and off the pitch, there’s been a lot of highs, lows, stories, whatever… I would say it’s gone by quickly,” he smiles. “But I think that’s because no two days are the same at a football club. “I’m certainly proud to be coming up to a landmark point in my career, and it’s not until you reach that point, and people start congratulating you on it, that you realise a) how long it is and b) what has actually been involved! “You know, whether it’s ranging from the first home game under Steve Coppell, or Ian Wright coming on as a substitute to win us a game against Oldham, or being at Wembley for the FA Cup final, or being in the Premier League for 12 years… It’s incredible, really, to be at your football club for 40 years.”

Hailing from a South Londonbased family of some-Millwall, but mostly-Palace (he assures us), supporters, Terry first began backing the Eagles in the 1970s. Among the Palace side of the family was his Dad, who duly brought Terry the schoolboy to Football Combination – “what we now know as Under-21s” – and Under-18s matches. Terry fondly recalls watching, in the late 70s, the Youth Cup-winning teams of Vince Hilaire and Peter Nicholas as one of 200 or 300 fans present. Terry and his friends eventually became Season Ticket Holders in the Holmesdale. He left college with three O-Levels, unsure of his next steps, but “sort of having an inkling I wanted to do some kind of journalism.” Prospective applications to local publications went nowhere, so Terry did the next most logical thing: in 1984, he wrote directly to Crystal Palace Chairman, Ron Noades, asking for work. “I don’t think I even said what department!” Terry laughs. “I just said ‘are there any roles available?’ “I got a reply back a few days later: Ron said to please ring our secretary and book in an appointment. I came in, had a chat with him in his office for about an hour or so, and left. Not long after, I got

I came in, had a chat with him (ron noades) in his office for about an hour or so, and left. Not long after, I got a letter to say they were going to take me on in the administration side of the club, on £26.25 a week on the YTS (youth training scheme)!

100 years of selhurst park

a letter to say they were going to take me on in the administration side of the club, on £26.25 a week on the YTS!” After a few weeks’ working in the commercial department of the club, Terry moved into a role on reception: “A tremendous role where you know everything that was going on, because you’re answering the phone and letting people in at the door every day. “I was here when Ian Wright first turned up to meet Steve Coppell – and I didn’t have a clue who he was! I went to Steve, ‘Ian Wright is here to see you’, and a few weeks later he was playing for us! “It’s hard to get across, but it was a completely different set-up – a different world.” As Terry progressed, so too did his duties at the club. After a lengthy stint on reception, he became Assistant Club Secretary under Mike Hurst, and also became involved in the club’s box office. Ever-versatile, it was in the role of Assistant Club Secretary where Terry made his most noticeable impact to supporters, setting up a publications department alongside Pete King. There, the duo soon became well known for running the match programme, Palace News, and ClubCall, the telephone information service.

After a successful stint in the post, Terry became Communications Manager at Selhurst Park around the time Sky Sports began to grow, helping a myriad of managers and players through ever-burgeoning demands for press conferences and interview requests. It was Terry’s longest role at Palace – he later became Content Editor, before adopting his current title of Production Manager – but it was simply working for the club from which he drew the most pleasure, the most pride. “It’s as though you’re not going to work every day,” he explains. “Obviously, you’re here to do a job, but all along, whatever task you’re given, you’re not looking at it as if you’re at work. “You just end up soaking up the fact that you’re doing it for a club that you’ve supported since you were a boy, and that your family supported before that. “You can go from going up to Newcastle in the Premier League in 1995, knowing you’ve got to win to stay up, and all the week before you think it’s going to happen… and then on the day, you get relegated. The club has to change, you move back into Division One, and that episode’s gone – so you move on to another one.

“Where the club are now is just on another level to those days of everyday problems at the training ground, struggling to pay bills and run the club. It’s a different world. As a fan and an employee, you couldn’t want for anything else, you know. “We used to be known as a ‘yo-yo club’, but since getting promotion against Watford, with the takeover in 2010 and the new shareholders that have come in since, it’s grown to a position where the season’s starting and everyone’s thinking ‘can we raise it to another level?’ “Because I’ve done various roles, there’s never been any fear of it getting boring or thinking ‘how long is this going to go on for?’ It’s gone very quickly, and the reason it’s gone quickly has been because it’s been exciting. “Many Palace fans will say that to follow the club is a rollercoaster ride – and I’d say it’s exactly the same behind the scenes.”

Got a Selhurst story to tell? Let us know by emailing selhurst100@cpfc.co.uk!

2010 from the 100 years of selhurst park