Crystal Palace v Brøndby IF Saturday 5th September 2020 // 3pm
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official matchday programme
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H
ello and ‘welcome back’ to everyone reading this. I hope the past few weeks have been enjoyable for you all and
that, more importantly, you and your loved ones are safe and well. I am disappointed that we are again commencing a period of football without our supporters present. When our match against
Football provided some relief and escape at the height of the pandemic
AFC Bournemouth was postponed in March, none of us thought we would be preparing for the 2020/21 season without you. Alas,
Hopefully this will be a less disrupted
that remains a necessary precaution and
campaign than the last and that we, as a
the safety measures we follow now will no
country and football community, can consign
doubt ensure a swifter and smoother return to
the trauma of recent months to the past,
capacity in the time ahead.
recovering both safely and united after such
Recent months have been unusual both on
a collective upheaval. Football provided
and off the pitch, however, and the turnaround
some relief and escape at the height of the
between seasons this year was incredibly
pandemic, and I have no doubt it will continue
short. As professionals, the players and I
to do so in the coming weeks.
accept the circumstances in which we are
I am pleased to see and hear that fans
asked to compete in, however the three-week
are steadily returning to stadia, and must
summer break and intense end to 2019/20 will
confess I am also relieved to return to a more
certainly have an effect on this season.
normal schedule – playing once or twice a
I am glad we enabled the players to rest somewhat during lockdown, but isolation and
week as opposed to every few days. For our third game at Selhurst Park in the
remotely guided fitness routines are not the
pre-season calendar, I would like to welcome
same as a protracted period with family and
Niels Frederiksen, his staff and players from
friends in the open air, on holiday, or wherever
Brøndby IF. It is a privilege for the club to host
‘home’ feels most natural.
such high calibre opposition, and I have fond
Returning once again this summer was
memories of working in Denmark with F.C.
a positive moment for us as a group, and the
Copenhagen. Brøndby are a club with a top
team began their pre-season preparations well.
pedigree and alongside rivals F.C. Copenhagen
We have a small squad, but it is comprised of
and F.C. Midtjylland comprise a serious threat
fine professionals, and they are as focused
in European competitions. I am expecting a
and excited for the upcoming season as ever. I
challenging and testing afternoon.
am delighted to welcome two new signings to bolster our group, and I am confident that you
I hope to see you all again soon, but in the meantime...
will be as pleased with Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze as we are. They both have bright
Enjoy the game.
futures in front of them.
The manager
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W
e are back already, for our eighth consecutive season in the Premier League, and I couldn’t be prouder
to once again be captaining this side. Nathan and Eberechi have come in and their youthfulness has already been a great injection into this squad. We have a lot of experience but it’s important to find
Our season aims have not changed; we continue to look up and push
that balance between players like Nathan, Eberechi, Tyrick and Brandon with the longtime Palace players like Macca, Jeff and
Of course, we are starting yet again and
Kells. Contract extensions for these guys will
our fans are still not with us. That is what we
be excellent in showing signings like Nathan
want more than most. I saw Ander Herrera’s
and Eberechi the way things work at our club
interview after the Champions League final,
and to help them settle in.
when he said that playing without fans isn’t
With our post-lockdown results, it was pleasing to end the way we did against a Tottenham Hotspur side who, until almost
what football is about. I liked this interview: it was honest, simple and true. I cannot add to that but I will continue to
the last game, had a chance at Champions
keep telling you what your absence means
League qualification. We showed many of
because it is hard for you and us. Especially
the characteristics that had, up until the
in the circumstances we find ourselves in,
coronavirus pause on football, meant we
returning to work after just a three-week
ourselves had a chance at playing in Europe
break. We have planned well, trained right
this season.
and are ready to go but it is sometimes hard to
Looking back, I will remember the whole season fondly. I think of Jordan’s strike at the
know how your body will react. Our final test before Southampton come
seaside or his Goal of the Season v West Ham
to our home of Selhurst is against Brøndby
United, of the performance the team put in at the
IF. The guys always look forward to our
Etihad and my penalty in the comeback against
high-profile friendly that means the start
Arsenal at the Emirates. It was a season of
of our season is close - it’s usually a great
spells – after beating Burnley in November
family-fun day and we meet lots of new faces
we lost just once in the next nine league
when we stop for pictures and autographs.
games. Then the run of four clean sheets that
It sadly will not be like that today but it still
came before and after lockdown. We had our
offers us a unique experience in facing a team
moments: good, bad and near misses.
from Denmark’s main league who also play
Our season aims have not changed; we continue to look up and push towards the top-
regularly in the Europa League. Wherever you are...
half, but with an appreciation that for this club to secure a ninth season running in the best league
Make some noise!
in the world would be a great achievement.
the captain
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I
am delighted to be welcoming such high calibre opposition to Selhurst Park today as we prepare for our eighth consecutive
season in the Premier League, and I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible back to Selhurst Park soon. It isn’t long until we’re able to host supporters again to follow the team in
striking a healthy balance between youth and experience
person, and I eagerly await the day Selhurst houses a full crowd. A packed house, vibrant atmosphere and the matchday itself is what
Nathan and Ebere. Both of these young men
first attracts and then holds on to all of us as
are exceptionally talented players in their
football fans.
own right and represent fantastic arrivals
Fortunately, we are nearing being
into Roy’s squad, but equally importantly,
reconnected with such experiences, and
they truly represent our long-term ambition.
whilst we must compete in two competitive
Crystal Palace has always thrived with
home games behind closed doors, we will see
hungry young players in the squad, and
many of you soon. It will not be the same with
we are intent on striking a healthy balance
reduced capacity, and nothing can replicate a
between youth and experience.
matchday with 25,000 fans, but it is a step in the right direction back towards normality. We are firmly of the opinion that this
I must credit the work that takes place every day of the year behind the scenes to identify and attract such players, and rest
might be sooner rather than later, which is
assured that Dougie, Roy and I have a shared
why we have placed Season Tickets on sale.
vision about our future and what is required
None of us want a less than full stadium when
to fulfil our ambition. I hope you see further
crowds are allowed as we especially need
evidence of this in the coming weeks.
a full Selhurst, so thank you to all those fans
It has been a promising pre-season so
who have already purchased and I would
far with wins over Oxford United, Charlton and
encourage as many of you as possible to do
Millwall, and I’m pleased that so many of you
the same.
tuned into the matches on Palace TV, where I
Credit must go to the Premier League and all of the staff here at the club for not only
hope you are also watching today. I cannot think of a better way to prepare
organising a well-run, safe and successful
for our Premier League opener this time next
completion of last season, but also for ensuring
week than by hosting such a fine club in
a swift turnaround in preparation for 20/21.
Brøndby IF. I look forward to a fantastic and
Every week, leagues, clubs and individuals
competitive challenge this afternoon, and to
find themselves in uncharted waters, so it is no
another memorable season for the club.
mean feat to have played every single game. Another step in the right direction over recent weeks has been our signings of
Thank you for your continued support, and stay safe everyone. Up the Palace.
the chairman
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game that changed my career 1-1
A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them;
17th December, 2011 Premier League
hard work rewarded and a dream achieved. However, that footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest impact on a player’s career.
“Straight away, though, I was like: ‘I’ll have a bit of that’”
Throughout this season, we will be talking to past and present Eagles to find out which match has had the biggest bearing on their career. This week it is Peter Pan himself, Aaron Wilbraham, on his Premier League debut for
“Coming on against Everton at Goodison Park was
Norwich City on 17th December, 2011; a game
my Premier League debut and the first thing I had
that ended with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
to do was mark Marouane Fellaini at a corner – he was massive, aggressive and trying to elbow me because I was trying to pull his shirt. “Straight away, though, I was like: ‘I’ll have a bit of that.’ “I remember my teammate at the time, Marc Tierney, saying to me after the game: ‘Tick!’ as in: there’s another league achievement ticked off,
alby
getting a taste of the Premier League. “When I talk about my change in mentality
that allowed me to still be playing at 40, it was that moment; having a taste of that and exposure to the Premier League. “Since then, if you look at my career, I’ve had
the promotion with Palace to the Prem and then straight to Bristol City and winning the league with them. Then heading to Bolton Wanderers and keeping them up on the last day, and scoring against Newcastle United in the FA Cup with Rochdale. “That Premier League debut changed me.”
game that changed my career
10 With a new contract signed at Palace, Stephen Henderson doesn’t view himself as a third-choice ‘keeper. Here, with Dan Blazer, the man between sticks talks Vicente Guaita, conversations with Dean Kiely before signing for Palace and plenty more.
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main interview
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T
he old adage ‘there’s no place like home’ couldn’t be truer for Crystal Palace goalkeeper,
Stephen Henderson, with the proud Irishman having spent the three or so weeks footballers called a summer break back home. “I pretty much had a staycation in Ireland,” Henderson reveals. “I’d say they [Republic of Ireland] are twice as strict as back here [on COVID-19 protocols] – as I left for pre-season back here they were starting to lock counties down again, which is quite worrying. “As you can imagine the shopping centres are dead, and the famous Grafton Street in Dublin had not a soul on it; very sad to see. “But my family’s and my staycation was something we had never done before and it was truly enjoyable - it went very quickly as you can imagine.” With Henderson revealing what his summer break entailed, the ‘keeper inadvertently answered our second question: where is home? After all, it’s a fair question; this is a Dubliner who moved to Aston Villa’s youth team before heading to Bristol City and by the time you throw in 11 loan spells, and a move from Nottingham Forest to Crystal Palace, Henderson’s longest permanent stay at one club, with no loan spell upheaval, was his two years at Charlton Athletic. “Good question!” Henderson amusingly quips that he himself
official matchday programme
Eventually I imagine I’ll end up back in Dublin but you just never know – that’s the plan today but it could change tomorrow
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doesn’t know where he’ll ‘hang his hat’ come the end of the day. “It has been exhausting; I’ve probably lived in 15 different properties and I’m currently moving again because my rented property has been sold, so it has been a bit stressful. “It is part and parcel of the career, I suppose,” he accepts. “Eventually I imagine I’ll end up back in Dublin but you just never know – that’s the plan today but it could change tomorrow.” The plan at the moment is very clear, though: be ready to step in between the sticks for Crystal Palace if the opportunity arises. Despite not yet having featured competitively for the first-team, Henderson must be doing something right, with the former West Ham United shot stopper recently signing a new contract for the Eagles, alongside Jeffrey Schlupp and Martin Kelly. “When I signed, Deano [goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely] laid it out to me: I’m out of contract; I was jobless. I’m a realist and I know what the game is like,” Henderson admits. “I had a good conversation with Deano and he told me exactly my role. Furthermore, I knew I was up against, in my opinion, one of the top ‘keepers in the league in Vicente [Guaita], so it wasn’t a case of that I was going to come in expecting to play. “But instead: show a good account of myself, encourage
main interview
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them, too, and work on staying fit, which has been a problem throughout my career. “Thankfully I didn’t miss a day of training last year and played Under-23 games so it was good.” Very much objective complete in Henderson’s first season in south London. But what next and why the decision to remain an Eagle? “I love working with Deano; I’ve learnt so much from him plus the gaffer, Ray [Lewington] and Dave
I’m constantly learning; we have a fantastic manager that I’m taking stuff on board from for my coaching journey as well
[Reddington] – don’t get me wrong, it is obviously frustrating not playing but seeing where I was maybe two years ago, I’m just grateful to be at a Premier League club like Palace
Bridge. But at other times, it has offered a talented
and still learning from the boys.
‘keeper another chance and that’s certainly how
“Vicente and Wayne [Hennessey] are excellent and Deano is one of the top coaches in the country. “I’m constantly learning; we have a fantastic manager that I’m taking stuff on board from for my coaching journey as well. “I’m just trying to take the
Henderson views his role in Roy Hodgson’s squad – he’s not making up the numbers. “I’m taking everything more seriously across diet, gym work and sleeping – all the things that contribute keeping yourself at the highest level,” he reveals. “I’ve had two potential career-ending injuries, which I was lucky to come back from – the last one I did was the real kick up the bum I needed
positives despite not playing at the
and said: ‘this can’t happen anymore’ so I worked
moment and staying ready if the
harder in the gym and got myself into the best
opportunity ever does arise,” the
physical shape I could be in.”
former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international says with a spark. The perceived third-choice
The goalkeeping position is the most competitive in a squad; there was no slotting in at right-back for Henderson when Guaita and
goalkeeper in football has always
Hennessey were both fit. Therefore, it can be
been a fascinating position. At
assumed that it is a difficult internal balancing act
times, it has seen unlikely moves
when the player keeping you away from first-team
such as Scott Carson joining
minutes makes an uncharacteristic mistake.
Manchester City or a 38-year-old Rob Green heading to Stamford
official matchday programme
Not for Henderson, though; he is there for his teammate as a priority – just like he was on
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1st February, 2020, when an own goal from Palace’s No.31 handed Sheffield United all three points. You can sense Henderson recoil when he goes on to say: “I can’t speak for other goalkeepers, but when stuff like that does happen – which isn’t often with Wayne and Vicente – the emotion I get is exactly like I’d done the same thing in a game: that sickly feeling where
In the grand scheme of things, he has been fantastic. If it wasn’t Jordan it was Vicente as Player of the Season for me
you just want to jump in a hole. “I was gutted for Vicente but I knew he would bounce back and he had already made four or five good saves in that game. “In the grand scheme of things,
Henderson’s career isn’t a standard one. Eleven loan spells, two almost-career-ending injuries, 16 league appearances since 2016 off the
he has been fantastic. If it wasn’t
back of making 53 between 2014-2016; it has been
Jordan [Ayew] it was Vicente
one full of adversity and upheaval as well as highs
as Player of the Season for me,”
such as being called up to the Republic of Ireland
Henderson reveals.
international squad.
Throughout our chat, the word
It’s perhaps not the career path he envisaged
‘coaching’ regularly pops up. And
as a Dubliner moving to Aston Villa’s academy, but
the way Henderson has conducted
the 14 years and counting as a first-team player
himself at Palace suggests that he is
mean Henderson knows exactly what to say when
fully aware that, in all but job title, he
asked: what would you say, as a coach, to your-
is a football coach due to the close-
18-year-old-self breaking through?
knit relationship between the club’s Academy and first-team squad: “As a senior player, it is right
“Don’t take anything personally from any criticism,” he instantly responds. “And stay off social media. I just don’t think there’s any real
to set a good example when
positives from it to be honest, especially for young
you do dropdown to the ‘23s
kids now.
because you’re trying to show
“When you’re doing well it is great. But when
professionalism and encourage
it is going tough it can be a toxic environment -
the lads because a lot of them
kids now are fully aware of the beauty and the
don’t know what they’re in for.
beast of social media.”
Perhaps they know the ups but
And Henderson is fully aware of the beauty
more so the downs is what you
and the beast of a footballer’s career. But for the
can prepare them for or help them
2020/21 season, he has his sights firmly set on
through,” he explains.
being belle of the (foot)ball.
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B
røndby IF are one of the most decorated clubs in Denmark, currently experiencing a resurgence after
near-collapse in recent years. Their high calibre squad features internationals, notable new arrivals and promising young talents.
opposition
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player profile
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Age
25
Height
1.88m
Foot
Right
Joined
Jul 1, 2018
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Eintracht Frankfurt II, 1899 Hoffenheim II, 1899 Hoffenheim, Brøndby IF
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Marvin Schwäbe POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: GERMANY
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Keeping the third most clean sheets in the league last season, Schwäbe has been a regular No.1 for Brøndby over the last two campaigns. With Germany Under-21 experience also under his belt, the shot stopper is one to watch.
Jens Martin Gammelby
Sigurd Rosted
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY
05 36 apps 13 clean sheets official matchday programme
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Andreas Maxsø
Hjörtur Hermannsson
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ICELAND
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14
17
Kevin Mensah
Andreas Bruus
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
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32 apps 3 goals
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Joel Kabongo
Anton Skipper
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
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player profile
Anthony Jung Age
28
Height
1.86m
Foot
Left
Joined
Jul 1, 2018
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: GERMANY
Germany Under-20 defender Jung is a stalwart part of the Brøndby defence, playing more games in the back line last season than any other player.
PREVIOUS CLUBS:
Having played for FSV Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt II, FSV Frankfurt II, FSV Frankfurt,
and RB Leipzig, the 28-year-old is
RB Leipzig, Brøndby IF
reaching the peak of his career.
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07
18
Rezan Corlu
Jesper Lindstrøm
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
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1 goal 3 assists
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Morten Frendrup
Lasse Vigen
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
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player profile
Josip Radosevic Age
26
Height
1.80m
Foot
Right
Joined
Jul 27, 2018
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: CROATIA
A regular defensive midfielder, Radoševic plays a key role in maintaining Brøndby’s relatively tight defensive record. The Croatian suffered a serious shoulder injury in October 2019,
PREVIOUS CLUBS:
but still played 27 of 36 games
Hajduk Split, Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg, Hajduk Split, Brøndby IF
for the Danish outfit.
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player profile
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Age
27
Height
1.73m
Foot
Right
Joined
Jan 11, 2019
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Elfsborg, Union Berlin, Brøndby IF
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Simon Hedlund POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: SWEDEN
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Signing a four-and-a-half year contract in January 2019, Hedlund has proved a fine bit of business for Brøndby. Bagging four times in half a season, he went on to be involved in 16 goals in 19/20 - a key part of the attack.
Anis Slimane
Peter Bjur
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY
42 5 goals 11 assists
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Tobias Børkeeiet
Mikael Uhre
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NORWAY
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: DENMARK
opposition
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Manchester United v Crystal Palace, 4/10/97 Former Brøndby IF ‘keeper, Peter Schmeichel, is beaten by a George Ndah effort. However, the Palace striker’s attempt at Old Trafford goes just wide in a game the Eagles eventually lose 2-0.
official matchday programme
ADAPT
ACCELERATE
TOUCH
LIGHT
SPEED
FINISHING
Crystal palace f.c. Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO (GK) Wayne HENNESSEY Jeffrey SCHLUPP Christian BENTEKE James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON James McCARTHY Gary CAHILL Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Jaroslaw JACH Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nya KIRBY Brandon PIERRICK John-Kymani GORDON Malachi BOATENG Jaïro RIEDEWALD Ryan INNISS Nathan FERGUSON Eberechi EZE
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 27 31 33 34 35 37 40 41 42 44 45
Brøndby IF
Andre Marriner Eddie Smart Andy Hendley Steve Child
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 11 14 16 17 18 19 21 22 24 25 27 28 29 30 42
Marvin SCHWÄBE (GK) Jens Martin GAMMELBY Anthony JUNG Sigurd ROSTED Andreas MAXSØ Hjörtur HERMANNSSON Rezan CORLU Mikael UHRE Kevin MENSAH Michael TØRNES (GK) Andreas BRUUS Jesper LINDSTRØM Morten FRENDRUP Lasse VIGEN Josip RADOSEVIC Joel KABONGO Anis SLIMANE Simon HEDLUND Anton SKIPPER Peter BJUR Mads HERMANSEN (GK) Tobias BØRKEEIET