Crystal Palace v Southampton Saturday 12th September 2020 // 3pm
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Directors Steve Parish, Chairman David Blitzer, Joshua Harris Chief Executive Phil Alexander
palace √ southampton
Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director
12.09.20
Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell
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Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning
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luka milivojevic
Scott Guyett
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steve parish
Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal
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darren ambrose
Academy Director
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junior eagles
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Daniel storey
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palace for life
Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott
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Commercial Director Barry Webber Operations Director Sharon Lacey Head of Consumer Sales Mike Pink Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production
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James Woodroof Head of CRM & Campaigns Tom McGuiness Editor Dan Blazer Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas Contributors Ben Mountain, Ian King, Daniel Storey, Darren Ambrose, Grace Cullen, Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Pinnacle, Rex Features Printer Bishops Printers
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step back
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1990/91 season
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shaun derry
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palace women
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fixtures & results
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premier league
63 contents
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F
irst and foremost, welcome to Ralph Hasenhüttl, his staff and players from Southampton. If all goes
accordingly, this will be the penultimate match before I can again welcome you, the Crystal Palace supporters. The players and I eagerly await the day Selhurst Park begins to house a crowd again,
I eagerly await the day Selhurst Park begins to house a crowd again
even if it will not be the usual capacity support we are accustomed to receiving. With this in mind and with a successful pre-season
passed the ball and also by our movement
behind us, alongside the addition of some
off the ball to create the numerous goal
talented players, I am looking forward to the
chances that we did.
season ahead. Nathan and Eberechi have added
Although their chances were limited in these pre-season games, I must give credit to
youthful energy and competition to the squad
the younger players who have spent recent
and we are eagerly awaiting the return of
weeks with us. We have relied upon many
recognised senior players such as Gary Cahill,
of our Academy prospects in the absence
Mamadou Sakho, James Tomkins, Christian
of many first-team regulars, and they have
Benteke, Connor Wickham, Patrick van
conducted themselves admirably.
Aanholt and Luka Milivojevic.
They are a credit to the club, and I was
We have enjoyed positive results and
confident in giving them some game time
encouraging performances from our pre-
when more experienced players needed
season schedule, with wins over Oxford
resting. I am certain that some of them will
United, Charlton Athletic and Millwall and a
continue to benefit from senior exposure in
draw with Brøndby IF, which hopefully have
the league and cup this season.
given the squad confidence and momentum
Today we return our focus to the
for their return to competitive football,
Premier League, and to ensuring this club
and I have been gratified by consistent
secures another season of top-flight football.
performances across the team.
I will always start a campaign with the
I felt that, although the Millwall
primary aim of avoiding relegation, but know
scoreline was close, we gave an impressive
that Crystal Palace can strive for greater
account of ourselves, as we had done in
success after this is achieved. That is not
previous matches. The players then played
to say that safety should be overlooked as
exceptionally well against Brøndby, and
an accomplishment, however, and today is
we were deeply unfortunate not to win. We
the first of 38 steps on that path to a ninth
need to be more clinical in front of goal,
consecutive top-flight season.
of course, but I was encouraged by our overall competence against such an adept opponent, and in particular by the way we
I hope this afternoon’s match is a successful start. Enjoy the game.
The manager
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I
t was great to return after my period of self-isolation; I trained every single day at home during that time, but you cannot
replicate the enjoyment of being amongst this squad. I was pleased that I felt fine after my 45 minutes against Brøndby IF, with the season having not finished too long ago, it wasn’t the usual pre-season feeling.
potential for fans to start returning to our home of Selhurst
I watched the pre-season games that I could not take part in via Palace TV, and it was great to see Wilf scoring regularly.
celebrate our high moments is something we
It’s a great positive for us and him, and that
all desperately want. It will be special when
will bring him great confidence that all front
that time comes.
players need. The 4-4-2 system we have used in
However, before that potential October reunion, we have a busy fixture list with the
pre-season has helped us in creating more
Carabao Cup draw having been made. We go
chances and scoring more, with players like
to Bournemouth three days after our season-
Wilf benefitting and Jeff being played further
opener against Southampton and four days
forward at times. However, we know we
before we travel to Manchester United.
must be careful not to lose our organisation
And if we are successful against
and structure that has seen us maintain our
Bournemouth, we will be back up there to
position in this league.
play against the holders in Manchester City a
Our first test is Southampton; a team that has remained quite similar in recent seasons, and a manager who has brought them
few days later. It is already a potentially tiring and intense period. But overcoming Bournemouth will not
stability. We know them well, and where they
be easy – just a few weeks back they were
can hurt us, but likewise, where we can also
a Premier League rival and came close to
showcase our qualities.
avoiding relegation.
We are expecting a tough game but the
This season is unique, and we must
expectation, as we are at home, is for us to
be careful with how we manage the same
get the points, and I believe in the team to
number of games in a shorter time. But we
do that. However, as we still remain in this
have our aims as a club and as players and
situation without fans, I cannot say home
we will always strive to be optimistic. As
advantage is what it used to be.
captain of this club, I would love nothing more
I am excited to read that there is potential for fans to start returning to our home of
than to bring a successful cup run to you all. Before that, though, we must perform
Selhurst in the not too distant future, even if
for you today. It does not matter that you are
it will be in largely reduced numbers. Having
not here; we know you cheer us on around
just a few of you back around us, to hear your
the world.
songs and encourage us when we need it or
Make some noise!
The captain
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herever you are in the world today, I hope you are well – and as excited as everyone here at the club as we
enter our eighth successive Premier League campaign today. Today will be a season-opener like no other without you, and we are counting the days when we can welcome supporters safely
we are counting the days when we can welcome supporters safely
back to Selhurst Park. We are also hopeful that we could get back to an even greater level of normality soon, with the ultimate goal
one pitch already being used by the teams,
of course being a packed Selhurst as soon as
whilst the show pitch, base for 3G and indoor
possible. Season tickets are now on sale with
pitch and much of the internal fit out also in
the caveat that you will be refunded for games
progress. With the fixtures now released, I
that you cannot attend, and I am delighted to
can’t wait to see how our sides fare against
say the take up has been immense. Thank you
stronger opposition – we will be showing
to everyone for your support; it means a huge
every Under-23 home game live on Palace
amount in these difficult times.
TV to Members so you can follow the team’s
The mood in the camp is extremely
progress. It is another timely reminder to
positive after a really thorough and
thank our Academy Founder Members, who
well executed pre-season, under the
donated their ticket and season ticket refunds
circumstances. The competitiveness of each of
towards the project. We can’t wait to show
our four games got progressively stronger, with
you around when it’s all finished.
Oxford United, Charlton, Millwall and Brøndby
Finally, thank you for supporting your club
providing excellent preparation for the squad.
by purchasing this programme. Some clubs did
Whilst it’s not sensible to read too much in to
away with producing a matchday programme
pre-season results, winning games certainly
after the restart, but it’s something we take
gives everyone a boost and momentum going
a great deal of pride in producing in-house.
into the new campaign.
For me, it has always been an important part
It’s been fantastic to welcome Nathan
of the matchday experience as a fan – and
and Ebere into our squad, and we are working
hopefully it is an enjoyable read for you all. We
hard to make further additions. We will have
are delighted to welcome Darren Ambrose as
to be patient with Nathan as he builds up
a guest columnist, he was always a popular
his strength and fitness after his operation
figure here and I’m sure his contributions will
earlier this year, but hopefully Ebere will be in
be entertaining and insightful in equal measure.
contention sooner rather than later, following his withdrawal from England U21s last week.
Enjoy the game from wherever you are watching or following.
Our Academy build is ongoing as we enter our first season as a Category 1 setup.
Up the Palace.
The transformation is well underway, with
The chairman
10 James McArthur is 208 appearances up for Palace and very much counting. Here, with Dan Blazer, the midfielder talks about how close he came to joining Leicester City, his changing role under the five managers the Eagles have had during his time and much more.
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f Fixture Release Day is an excitable rush for footballers to see who they will be starting
and closing the season against – as well as scans for a few former teams, London derbies and a trip to the seaside – then Media Day is the dreaded equivalent of an away game against Aston Villa on, well, Boxing Day. Media Day represents broadcasters’ one chance to get all the headshots, goal celebrations and ‘Swipe up’ Instagram Story plugs their content calendars dictates. For all involved, it can be a long and somewhat repetitive day when you add in the kit changes. Not for James McArthur, though, with the central midfielder clearly starting his seventh season with the Eagles as he started the previous six: laughing, joking and loud. Therefore, Macca was more than happy to be pulled out of line for the BT Sport headshots to speak to us. “It’s not something you really think about as a football player: I want to get to this number or that number,” McArthur begins to explain that becoming part of the Eagles’ prestigious 200 Club isn’t something, for now at least, that he reflects upon. “Even now, after reaching 200, I don’t think I now want to hit that [specific] number; I just want to play as many games as I can.
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“That’s always been my aim: to
Even off the field, I enjoy speaking to the younger lads, help keep team spirit high and it’s a place where I would honestly like to finish my career
keep playing, because we’ve got a strong squad so it’s tough to always keep playing – especially when you’re getting a wee bit older now. “I am proud of it but I think I’ll be prouder of it when I stop playing and look back.” The man from Glasgow arrived in 2014 from Wigan Athletic and now, with the most Premier League wins of any Crystal Palace player, reveals just why he, Palace and south London get on so well. “I’ve never had the ambition to leave because this club is fantastic,” he says. “It’s what I would describe myself as a player: hardworking, down to earth and even when things don’t go as well, they stay with you. “It’s ambitious, wants to kick on and be better every single day,” he adds. “Even off the field, I enjoy speaking to the younger lads, help keep team spirit high and it’s a place where I would honestly like to finish my career.” Clearly, this is very much a mutual feeling when reviewing the club’s social media comments. Alongside Martin Kelly, Stephen Henderson and Jeffrey Schlupp, McArthur made up a quartet of contract extensions back in August. Again, though, like the 32-capped former Scotland international’s outlook on joining the 200 Club, there’s no suggestion it’s coming to an end.
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“With signing a deal, I don’t think to myself that’s where it is going to end,” he says. But Macca is now not just talking about his time as a footballer with Palace, he is referring to life in south London. “Even after the first couple of days at Palace, the boys make you so welcome and the coaching staff have always been excellent throughout my time. “[Player Liaison Officer] Danny Young and [Head of Sport Science
I knew good things about Crystal Palace and thankfully it worked out and I’m now at this great club and have loved every minute of it
and Strength & Conditioning] Scotty Guyett typify it all: people who have been here for the same duration as me – they’ve made it so comfortable since I walked in
going to get that move back to the Premier
the door.
League. It’s mentally tough. But that’s football and
“You can still see it now when
I don’t think of Leicester in any other way now.
new guys walk in the door, these
“I knew Barry Bannan was here and he
guys are so important and people
made it easy for me to walk in the door. Even with
don’t see them.
that, though, if Barry had phoned me to say this
“Personally, I’d like to stay
was the worst club in the world, I still would’ve
here for the rest of my life but
joined because I played against Palace for Wigan
my wife, she’s from Glasgow, so
and the atmosphere that day was amazing.
we will probably head back to
“I knew good things about Crystal Palace
Scotland. Though that goes to
and thankfully it worked out and I’m now at this
show how comfortable I am here.”
great club and have loved every minute of it,”
But how comfortable would McArthur have been at Leicester
McArthur says with a smile. If McArthur is a dream interviewee with
City? Because that’s where the
copious amounts of unprompted quotes and
now-32-year-old was heading
anecdotes, then he must be every managers’
in the summer of 2014. “I was
ideal footballer. Across Neil Warnock, Alan
meant to go to Leicester and a
Pardew, Sam Allardyce, Frank de Boer and
fee was agreed. But then Esteban
Roy Hodgson, McArthur has never made fewer
Cambiasso went there and it was
than 31 appearances in a season. A permanent
tough at the time,” he explains.
industrious cog.
“I was in the Championship with Wigan and you think you’re
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But if we know why Macca has been an ever-present, does he? He bashfully knocks back
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the question – we get that; no one likes talking about themselves – but we prompt him to have a go because a player who refers to himself as “not a star, not anything but maybe just a reliable player,” deserves their moment in the sun after such loyal and consistent service. “Probably my hard work and I bring energy into the team; I try to help others,” he begrudgingly suggests. “But I don’t really know because if you asked each manager, it would be for different reasons. “Under Pardew I was more of a goal threat, maybe he would say that,
I was lucky I won it with Wigan but to go from such a high to such a low, If I could change back any game to try and win it, it would be that one – that’s the one that we felt got away
because he played me a little further forward. Whereas the gaffer now has played me in different positions.” Next up: the highlights. But it’s hard to forget Macca’s quote from earlier in the interview when he
“If I could change back any game to try and win it, it would be that one – that’s the one that we felt got away.” Thankfully, it’s as if James Tomkins has
referred to the club and himself as
sensed both the Programme Editor and his
always wanting “to kick on and be
teammate, Macca, are about to spiral at the
better every single day,” because
thought of what might’ve been at Wembley in
the highlights he puts forward are,
2016 when he walks past with a light-hearted
well, lowlights.
quip about the midfielder’s new deal.
“There have been many good
Tomkins doesn’t break stride, turns his back
times. When you score two in a
to Macca and walks over to the Getty Images
game; that’s fantastic. I could say
stand, because he knows that if he allows the
I scored two in a game against
dressing room joker a second to reply, he will
Liverpool but we lost 4-2 so it’s not
be on the receiving end of Kent County Cricket
really an amazing moment.
Club’s training ground hall being engulfed by a
“Again, the FA Cup final was amazing to get there but that will
chorus of laughter. Our time with McArthur has been
never be a nice memory. I was lucky I
bookended by light-hearted moments, with the
won it with Wigan but to go from such
bits in between showcasing a dedicated, happy
a high to such a low,” an obvious
and proud Palace man.
grimace pierces the almost permanent Macca smile for a brief second.
We couldn’t sum up Macca’s six seasons and counting in south London any better than that.
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Target Practice Andros Townsend
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Copers cope
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game that changed my career 2-0
A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them; hard work rewarded and a dream achieved. However, that footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest
Sunday 18th August, 2002, Premier League
impact on a player’s career. 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 former Palace ‘keeper Nico Vaesen’s turn to relive a truly daunting Premier League bow: facing Arsenal a season before they became invincible.
“Once you’re in the tunnel of Highbury and you see Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, David Seaman and Patrick Vieira, you know you’re there.”
“When I played in my first Premier League game, after we’d won promotion with Birmingham City, it was away at Arsenal. “Once you’re in the tunnel of Highbury and you see Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, David Seaman and Patrick Vieira, you know you’re there. “We lost the game 2-0. But I remember being amazed by the Arsenal players’ awareness. That game was a moment of joy and satisfaction, having reached the Premier League, but also a moment of: right, okay; this is what is required. You cannot rest now you’re here. “That was a game with a certain meaning to me.”
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I’ve been back involved with the club’s media for a couple of years now. There was no place I wanted to go and work more than Crystal Palace but, as a player coming to the end of their career, I didn’t want to admit I was retired, so it took me a while to get my head around that before committing to a media career. I’m delighted to have been offered this column in the matchday programme. What you’ll get from me is an honest opinion. You may not agree with it – but I hope it drives a healthy debate. And, of course, I’ll throw a few stories in along the way.
Pre-Season Neil Warnock is brutal; real old-school. He used to set-up a 440m track and whenever he wanted he would shout: ‘On the line!’ and those three words still give me nightmares now. You’d make your way to the line and he’d say: ‘Go’ and you’d be looking to make your way to the end in roughly 6570 seconds; it’s a good pace but not too tiring. Neil could have you doing it again one-minute later or midway through a seven-v-seven game - he’d call it, and all of a sudden ‘not too tiring’ became ‘absolutely knackering’! One day we came in and the gaffer wasn’t there which we were pleased about. But then we’ve looked out onto the pitches and the track was set-up. Keith Curle was the No.2 at the time and he said to us: ‘We are going to do one run; if you all finish in under one-minute you can go home. Don’t tell the gaffer, though.’
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I’ve never run so quick in my life
I remember when I went on loan
– even Julián Speroni came in at 55
to a Greek side, Apollon Smyrni, from
seconds. I’ve no idea if the gaffer knows
Birmingham City and I missed my
now or whether Keith had something to do that clashed with training, so his clock was always going to end under one-minute.
if we can get a minimum of seven points, it’s a good start second daughter’s third birthday – there were a few tears. And then there are those Christmases you spend in the team hotel - Aston Villa away will not have gone down well with the players with young children.
√ Southampton I remember playing for Newcastle United against Palace’s opponents today, and in the ‘03/04 season, on the final day, we
Fixture Release Day
were going for UEFA Cup qualification – we needed a point to secure the spot but
If you’re a young player, playing in
it also meant we would be in three weeks
the Premier League, you’re looking
earlier for pre-season.
at the Liverpools, the Manchester
There was an amusingly mixed
Uniteds, the Arsenals and the likes
reaction in the dressing room after I had
of Tottenham Hotspur with their new
scored in the 90th minute to make it 3-3
stadium and wanting to give it your all
against Southampton!
against those opponents. You are also looking to see
I also scored a header against the Saints for Ipswich, and that goal
whether you can pick up points in the
ranks as one of my favourites. I’d been
first five games. Palace’s opening run
working a lot with Terry Connor, the
is a tough start, but as a player you’re
assistant manager at the time, on my
thinking that if we can get a minimum
heading and arriving in the box at the
of seven points, it’s a good start.
right time.
When you get a bit older, though,
When I managed to score that
you start looking at your partner’s
header, I was buzzing and I ended
and kids’ birthdays – I used to always
running over to Terry and celebrating
enjoy playing on my birthday, though,
with him – I got stick for weeks after
and the extra buzz that brought.
from the lads for going over to Terry.
darren ambrose
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Junior EAgles
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School In Focus With schools reopening this month, south Londoners will be excitedly returning to the classroom to show their friends and teachers the new hobbies and skills they’ve picked up during the Palace for Life Summer Extravaganza. Throughout August, Palace for Life hosted FREE sessions across south London, including a holiday camp at Heavers Farm Primary School in South Norwood. From football to cheerleading, footgolf to DJ workshops – which included DJ Milktray letting the next generation of musicians in on a few of his secrets when on the decks. Those that were lucky enough to attend the Summer Extravaganza also bagged themselves a Palace-themed activity pack, so be sure to ask around your classmates if you can share some of the goodies inside!
Guess who
Badge jumble
Can you guess the four players in this face
Can you guess the four clubs from these
mash-up?
mixed up badges?
01
02
03
04
01
03
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04
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wordsearch
spot the difference
Can you find the seven hidden football-themed
Can you find the five differences in these
words below?
two Andros Townsend pictures?
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Seven words to find:
selhurst, holmesdale, palace, zaha, eagle, goal, schlupp Now make a sentence using all of the words you’ve found!
answers
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missing from Charlton sock 4. Townsend’s boot colour 5. ‘8’ missing from Townsend’s shirt 2. Number ‘5’ missing from Charlton shorts 3. White mark
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front of Townsend’s shirt.
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Villa 4. Sheffield United. Spot The Difference: 1. Puma logo mising from Andros Townsend. Badge Jumble: 1. Chelsea 2. Burnley 3. Aston Guess Who: 1. Martin Kelly 2. Scott Dann 3. Jeffrey Schlupp 4.
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Happy 80th Birthday Brian
Freddie Clyro is a fourth-
Welcome to the world Charles
Cochrane! Love from all your
generation Palace ticket holder.
Parker Francis Clarkson,
family! Enjoy your day!
Mum, Dad, nans and grandads
born 12 April, 2020.
wish him a very Happy 6th Birthday on the 21st September.
Colin Morbin celebrating his
Julie Grant at the 2004 play-off
Wherever I am Crystal Palace
80th birthday and looking
final, wonderfully and lovingly
are always with me. Cuba 2010.
forward to his 72nd season as
remembered by all her family. 17th
a Palace supporter. Seen here
September would have been her
reflecting on bygone days.
58th birthday. Happy Birthday.
Happy 18th Birthday to George
Happy Birthday Linda Grilli; a
Hoping we will all be back at
Long from all at CPFC.
super mum and super nonna. Love
Selhurst Park together soon.
Emilio, Dawn, Katy, Lucia, Michael and Shelley. Eagle since 1948. Send your message (max 25 words) with a picture to programme@cpfc.co.uk for a chance to be in a future edition. official matchday programme
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Happy 4th Birthday. Lots of
Good luck this season. I’ll be
Thanks for a great staycation,
love from Mummy, Daddy
shouting, screaming, stamping
guys. Can’t wait until we can all
and your big brother Riley.
my feet and biting my nails as
be together again in Selhurst.
I watch you guys go up, up and up. Maddie Anstee.
Cracking few days in Bristol. Never
Remember this, mate? Got
Happy Birthday, Jo-Marie! I
know what you are going to find.
to do it again when we can.
can’t wait to take you to your first
Love Paul and Sue xx
game at the home of the Eagles.
The face you pull when you
Hopefully it won’t be snowing
Have a good birthday,
aren’t at Palace’s season-opener.
by the time we get back
Chromedawg! Celebrate properly
Going for a 3-0 win today.
inside Selhurst. COYP!
soon. Love from all the boys x
Send your message (max 25 words) with a picture to programme@cpfc.co.uk for a chance to be in a future edition. messageboard
32
Say, for instance, an academy graduate gets a 20-minute debut at the end of a game. Most of the people in the stadium that day will walk home
A
having decided whether that player is worth t any given time, a player is viewed in one of
the manager’s time or not. For good or for bad,
three different ways: either he’s rated, he’s
because it works both ways. From that point, either
not or he’s unknown.
the player is waved off any time he comes up in
That third category has almost become
redundant. The trend now is to know everything. Or at least to pretend to. Football knowledge used to
conversation, or he becomes a little cause célèbre – the answer to every deficiency the team has. It’s a natural habit, but it’s such an interesting
be more traditional. It used to mean being able to
one. It stands contrary to the game’s eternal
recite FA Cup winners or name teams that started
truths. Players change. They grow. They learn.
obscure games in long-forgotten seasons. Now,
They adapt. They get better. Sometimes they get
it’s about knowing how close to the first team a
worse. Sometimes they become lazy or entitled or
16-year-old Bulgarian full-back is.
blighted by personal adversity. Everyone knows
What hasn’t changed, however, is that once a player has made a first impression, that identity tends to calcify. It’s difficult to describe why that
this, because it’s always part of the conversation around football. On the one hand, then, football is a fluid
is. One day a player is standing on the pitch for the
concept which changes week to week, with all
first time – his socks too high, his shirt too big - and
sorts of variables and unknown factors. On the
the next, you have this strangely fixed perception of
other, players retain the same shape first assigned
what he can go on to achieve.
to them, damned forever to have a set of strengths
Maybe there’s a pressure for fans to be that
and weaknesses that never change. It’s as if they
way? Vote this way, vote that. Phone in to this
aren’t highly pliable at all, or that they’re not being
number, like or retweet if you agree. Culturally,
influenced by small coaching armies every day of
football is very like that now and it helps to shuffle
their professional lives.
players into one of those two categories: good or
This column was brought to you by the writers
bad. Generally it’s forever, too, because how often
of FourFourTwo - if you want more like this to read,
does a player cross the boundary in between?
the next issue is on sale on September 23rd or
Rarely. Most of us are not only stubborn in how we
subscribe for only a £1 via the link below.
watch the game, but we also make our minds up ludicrously early and adopt oddly inflexible positions.
By Seb Stafford-Bloor - FourFourTwo
33
Est.
1885 opposition
34
southampt match preview Of teams to have played in at least 10 Premier League seasons, Southampton have the worst win percentage on matchday one, winning just two out of 21. But that doesn’t necessarily make the Eagles the favourites today, with Palace having won just three of their 22 Premier League matches against the south-coast side. The Saints were perhaps one of the few teams pleased for an opening day fixture away from home, with Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side setting club-records last season. Only Liverpool and Manchester City bettered the Saints’ nine wins and 31 points on the road in 2019/20, each top-flight records for the club. Both sides go in to today’s game with strikers coming off the back of season-best
Ralph Hasenhüttl
The good thing is we had the last season not so long ago so it is not so difficult I think and for everybody it’s the same. 2019/20 run-in
returns in the Premier League. Danny Ings’ 22 Premier League goals last season were the most by a Saints player since James Beattie in 2002/03 (23). Furthermore, Ings has
3-1
W {H) 26.07.20
0-2
W {a) 19.07.20
1-1
D {H) 16.07.20
been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 14 away Premier League starts (12 goals and two assists). Roy Hodgson is able to turn to Jordan Ayew for the south Londoners’ firepower, with Palace’s No.9 scoring in 64% of Crystal Palace’s Premier League victories last season. Furthermore, the Eagles remained unbeaten in all nine games in which the Ghanaian scored, taking 23 points.
official matchday programme
35
ton f.c. premier league wins
all-timers Jason Dodd
105
Claus Lundekvam
95
Matthew Le Tissier
80
James Ward-Prowse
80
100
James Beattie
68
Marian Pahars
42
Danny Ings
29
premier league goals
Matthew Le Tissier
Likely lineup 1 2 5 4 3 17 8 6 11 10 9
MŠCarthy Walker-Peters Stephens Vestergaard Bertrand Armstrong Ward-Prowse Romeu Redmond Adams Ings
1
2
17
5
4
8
6
10
9
3
11
opposition
01
player profile
36
Age
30
Height
1.93m
Joined
1st August, 2016
Debut
21st September, 2016 v Crystal Palace
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Reading, Queens Park Rangers & Crystal Palace
28
Alex M©Carthy POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
02
A familiar face to Palace fans, Alex McCarthy is beginning his fifth season with the south-coast club having moved from south London in 2016. The one-capped England international is beginning this campaign as No.1 having
Angus Gunn
Kyle Walker-Peters
POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
usurped Angus Gunn during the
03
2019/20 season – Gunn’s final league start was the 9-0 defeat to Leicester City back in October.
94 apps 17 clean sheets official matchday programme
Ryan Bertrand
Jack Stephens
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
05
37
18
22
Yan Valery
Mohammed Salisu
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: GHANA
35
42 apps 8 clean sheets
04 06 Jannik Vestergaard
Jan Bednarek
Oriol Romeu
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: POLAND
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SPAIN
POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK
player profile
Vestergaard came through the academy of Brøndby
Age
28
Height
1.99m
Bundesliga that the centre-back
Joined
13th July, 2018
with 1899 Hoffenheim.
Debut
12th August, 2018 v Burnley
IF. However, it was in the made his senior breakthrough, Stints then at fellow top-flight German sides, Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, saw the defender pick up a reputation as a goalscorer. That,
PREVIOUS CLUBS:
coupled with a spot in Denmark’s
1899 Hoffenheim II, 1899 Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen & Borussia
2018 World Cup squad, saw the
Mönchengladbach
Saints move for Vestergaard.
opposition
38
12
17
Moussa Djenepo
Stuart Armstrong
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: MALI
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SCOTLAND
19
08
11
Sofiane Boufal
Nathan Redmond
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: MOROCCO
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
player profile
231 apps 22 assists
Age
25
Height
1.73m
Joined
Academy graduate
Debut
25th October, 2011 v Crystal Palace
James Ward-Prowse POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
Having been at the club since the age of eight, Ward-Prowse made his first-team debut in the League Cup against the Eagles. Since then, the recentlycapped England international has risen to the role of club
PREVIOUS CLUB:
captain and, if played today, he
Southampton
will make his 271st appearance for the Saints.
official matchday programme
09
player profile
39
Age
28
Height
1.78m
Joined
9th August, 2018 (loan)
Debut
12th August, 2018 v Burnley
PREVIOUS CLUBS: Bournemouth, Burnley & Liverpool
20
Danny Ings POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
07
The former Liverpool striker is coming off his best top-flight season in front of goal, with Ings hitting the net 22 times in the league – a tally that sure him finish just one goal short of the frontrunner, Jamie Vardy.
Will Smallbone
Shane Long
POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND
10 111 apps 43 goals
14
Ché Adams
Michael Obafemi
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND
POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND
opposition
40
#11
#11
zaha
remond
Age 27
position winger
nationality civ
Age 26
position winger
nationality eng
apps
goals
assists
apps
goals
assists
% 4,524
537
330
35
big chances created
18
Shot Accuracy
shots
25
Crosses
207
Passes
big chances created
24
Shot Accuracy
shots
36
Crosses
Passes
215
% 36
5,747
523
380
34
37
41
#18
#8
mŠarthur
Ward-Prowse
Age 32
position cm
nationality sco
Age 25
position cm
nationality eng
apps
goals
assists
apps
goals
assists
% 10,022
137
604
72
Fouls
22
Tackle Success
Tackles
22
Crosses
231
Passes
Fouls
18
Tackle Success
Tackles
23
Crosses
Passes
280
% 368
6,826
1,098
259
63
191
opposition
42
In our game There’s always room for passion. There’s room for rivalry. There’s room for emotion. But there is no room for racism. If you see it, report it. Download the Kick It Out app, or tell a police officer or steward in the stadium.
official matchday programme
43
Crystal Palace have
Southampton have won
won just three of their
their last three away
62
22 Premier league
53
Premier League visits to
matches against
Crystal Palace without
Southampton (D6 L13)
2
conceding a single goal.
4
match facts
31
51
GOALS
376 499 SHOTS
36
57
50
EXPECTED GOALS
44
60
58
GOALS CONCEDED
49
8
AVERAGE POSSESSION %
54
EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST
10
12
SHOT CONVERSION RATE %
13
POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING
10
9
CLEAN SHEETS
6
17
POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING
goal times time
SCORED
CONCEDED
time
SCORED
CONCEDED
0-15
1
7
0-15
5
7
16-30
3
6
16-30
9
12
31-45
6
7
31-45
8
9
46-60
6
13
46-60
11
8
61-75
5
5
61-75
7
12
76-90
10
12
76-90
11
12
opposition
44
what’s the storey @danielstorey85
play a 4-5-1 (as he did last season)
Deal with the high press
with three central midfielders
Another crucial element of
who can pick up Armstrong and
Southampton’s direct football
Redmond when they move into
is that it does not rely on them
their territory.
retaining possession. One
backs to follow that pair infield or
The alternative is to go
of the basic philosophies of
straight to the head of Long;
Hasenhüttl’s managerial style
there can be few better forwards
is his demand that his teams
in the air under six feet tall in
press high up the pitch to force
Europe. Last season, only seven
turnovers that then lead to high
It would be deeply unfair to
strikers won more headers than
chance creation.
describe Southampton as a long-
Long in the Premier League
ball team - Ralph Hasenhüttl’s
despite the Irishman only starting
played forward, the four
style has far more nuance than
15 league matches. His career
midfielders and two strikers are
that. But the presence of Danny
has been rejuvenated under
expected to push up the pitch
Ings as an aerial presence and
Hasenhüttl, culminating in a new
and close down defenders as
Shane Long as a second striker
contract this summer.
quickly as possible, blocking
Watch the direct balls to Ings
As soon as the ball is
with two advanced midfielders
passing lanes and either
tucking inside makes the direct
forcing their opponents to
ball from defender to the final third
attempt low-percentage balls
a useful weapon for beating the
up the pitch or regaining
opposition press. Those passes
possession and creating
are generally played into central
overlaps in the final third. Palace were caught out
areas as Southampton look to feed off second balls. Only three
in exactly this way in the
teams in the Premier League
same fixture last season,
attempted more long balls last
when a long ball ended with
season: Sheffield United, Burnley
Palace possession but saw
and Wolverhampton Wanderers. With Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond instructed to tuck in to create a 4-2-2-2 rather than a typical 4-4-2, Jack Stephens or Jannik Vestegaard are able to bypass the central midfield pair and land the ball at the feet or chest of Armstrong or Redmond. Roy Hodgson will have to decide whether to order his full-
official matchday programme
the direct ball from defender to the final third a useful weapon for beating the opposition press
them hounded 30 yards from goal. A quick regain led to Armstrong receiving the ball at his feet, and he scored from outside the box before Palace could regroup. Defenders must be ready to pass the ball quickly and accurately, with midfielders and forwards showing for the ball immediately when necessary.
45
Beware shots from distance
Armstrong getting the ball into
The rise of expected goals into
and close them down before
the mainstream consciousness
they shoot. If that does happen,
as a measure of chance quality
Vicente Guaita must get himself
shouldn’t overshadow the fact
into a position to dive at full-
that clubs have been using the
stretch earlier than normal. As
data for years. Put simply, it
well as Armstrong, Redmond
measures the likely chance of a
scored from the edge of the box
shot ending in a goal according
in this fixture last season.
feet outside the penalty area
Only Manchester City scored more goals from outside the area than them last season, and no team scored a higher percentage of their goals from 20+ yards
to the location of the shot, using average data of thousands of players and shots. The general
Important to start quickly
advice: avoid shots from acute
If Southampton had one general strength last season, it was
angles or distance, instead
starting games quickly. They scored 19% of their goals in the first
focusing on more interplay to
20 minutes of matches, and their 10 goals in the first 20 minutes
create chances with better
was bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal,
hope of ending in goals.
Chelsea and Everton. No team outside last season’s top six
But every team is different, and Southampton have proven
scored the first goal more often in their matches. That matters to Palace because it reflects their own
themselves adept under
weakness. Hodgson’s side were the only Premier League team
Hasenhüttl of scoring from
that failed to score in the first 10 minutes of a match last season,
distance. Only Manchester City
and only Watford conceded more goals over that period - no
scored more goals from outside
team had a worse goal difference in the first 20 minutes.
the area than them last season,
Similarly, no Premier League team conceded the first goal in
and no team scored a higher
the game more often than Palace (24 out of 38 matches). If their
percentage of their goals from
ability to gain points having done so was better than 11 teams,
20+ yards. Individually, Kevin
they do not want to be expending so much energy chasing the
de Bruyne was the only player
game during a relentless Premier League schedule.
who scored more goals from outside the box than Ings, who has a useful habit of taking his shots early and catching out goalkeepers before they are set. The message to Palace defenders is obvious: as well as blocking off passing lanes into the penalty area, they must beware of Ings and Stuart
19% Goals 20 Mins
They scored 19% of their goals in the first 20 minutes of matches, and their 10 goals in the first 20 minutes was bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton.
daniel storey
46
47
Ten questions that link Palace and today’s opponents that will test even the biggest Eagles fan. Time to earn your ‘Palace Encyclopaedia’ nickname.
01
06 Fitz Hall was managed by Iain Dowie at
A fan favourite for both the Eagles and the
Crystal Palace and which other club?
Saints, but for whom did Jason Puncheon play the most for?
02 Palace signed Fitz Hall from today’s
07 Mel Blyth left south London for the south
opposition but who did the centre-back
coast, but during his time with the Saints
leave south London for?
he had a loan spell back in London with which club?
03 John Burridge played for 30 clubs across his 28-year career but from the list, who
08 Danny Butterfield’s iconic hat-trick against
didn’t the former Palace and Saints
Wolverhampton Wanderers is the club’s
‘keeper represent: Aston Villa, Newcastle
fastest. But did the makeshift striker score
United, Sheffield United, Blackpool and
his trio of strikes in 06:48 or 11:01?
Birmingham City.
09
04
Iain Dowie had a brief spell with Palace
Nathaniel Clyne made his first-team debut
as a player after leaving Southampton but
for the Eagles in a Championship game in
which London club did Dowie finish his
2008 but who were the opponents that day?
05
playing career with?
10 Crystal Palace brought José Fonte to
Palace’s last win over Southampton came
English football before selling the defender
in January, 2018, in a 2-1 victory despite
to Southampton. But which other Premier
Shane Long’s first-half opener. Who scored
League club did Fonté play for?
Roy Hodgson’s side’s goals that day?
answers 1 Oldham Athletic 2 Wigan Athetic 3 Birmingham City 4 Barnsley 5 West Ham United 6 Crystal Palace 7 Crystal Palace 8 06:48 9 Queens Park Rangers 10 James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic
opposition quiz
48
49
fantasy dinner party
Keith Richards “Definitely Keith Richards; he’d be my number one dinner guest. The stories, man. I was a little bit obsessed with the Stones and still am to be honest.”
Joseph Stalin “I’m fascinated by Russian history.
Crystal Palace players past and present
Not because I’m a Stalinist, I’m not.
will be inviting guests to dinner each
I’m fascinated by Tsarist Russia, the
week, with no restrictions and no
changeover in 1917 and the Bolsheviks and
judgements on who they choose – after
all that side of it. Lenin and Stalin and then
all, Come Dine With Me is always
Stalin is in the cabinet with Lenin and rises
better viewing when personalities and
to power and rules with an iron fist. Maybe
ideologies clash.
not a great dinner guest to be honest…”
This week, Damien Delaney is in store for quite an explosive night but
Genghis Khan
hopefully the Rolling Stones influence
“A guy in a village at 15 rose from
won’t mean the guests will be leaving
literally nothing to become arguably
saying: I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
the most powerful warlord there was
(from the dinner party).
in an amazingly short span of time. His leadership and ferocity is probably unmatched.”
Chairman Mao “Imagine uniting a community of a billion or so people. The force of personality these people must have had is insane.”
Napoleon Bonaparte “Again, just fascinating. I don’t admire these people but I have an absolute fascination with historical leaders.”
I have an absolute fascination with historical leaders
fantasy dinner party
ready Career s. course ips. nticesh Appre es. Degre
take control. stand out. apply for a course now. LSEC.ac.uk 020 3954 4000
51
Copers Cope Road is home to Palace’s first-team Training Ground and, just a few steps down on the other side of the road, you’ll find the Eagles’ Category 1 Academy complex.
over the road at copers cope
52
O
ff the back of signing for Crystal Palace, Jake Giddings talks to Dan Blazer about how he came
for a trial in March but after two days, the United Kingdom went into lockdown. Palace’s Academy coaches had, however, already seen enough of the bright talent. “I was gutted,” Jake Giddings says honestly. And why wouldn’t he be? There’s no need to pretend that leaving the club he had been with since the age of five wasn’t difficult. But West Ham United’s loss is the Eagles’ gain, with Giddings leaving one Category 1 Academy behind to join another. “It’s a big change of scenery,” he reveals. “I was at West Ham for 13 years; I knew everything about the club and where everything was.” But what the midfielder is quickly realising is that Crystal Palace Football Club always looks after its own, no matter how fresh in the door you are.
It’s a big change of scenery, I was at West Ham for 13 years; I knew everything about the club and where everything was
official matchday programme
53
“I was there [at Palace’s Academy] in March but I was only there for two days because the lockdown kicked in,” he says with an indication that those months of not knowing were testing for an 18-year-old who has only known football. “It was one of the most uncertain and toughest times because I had left West Ham in the March and I shot
Having a coach who used to play similarly to me means they understand where you’re coming from
straight out to Palace, but obviously they couldn’t make a decision after two days – or so I thought. “That was one thing that was
factor the former Hammer puts down to making the switch from east to south London: “Having a
brilliant about the club, they kept me
coach who used to play similarly to me means they
involved and had me involved in the
understand where you’re coming from and why you
squad team meetings over Zoom. I was
do the things you do on the pitch.
involved from minute one of the lockdown
“For example, in the season before last, Jack
which was a massive for me – I felt like I
Collison was manager of West Ham’s Under-18s
was worth something to them.”
and we got on well; he was still young, just finished
Despite the inclusion off the pitch, Giddings knew it was on the pitch that
the game and played in my position. “I felt like I clicked with him really well and it
his true worth needed proving and
has been similar with Shaun – the knowledge that
concerns over having just two days
he has, that I might not yet have, is going to be
down Copers Cope Road with the
passed over.”
Palace coaches crept in. “I was sitting in my house for three months straight, thinking: ‘What do I do? I haven’t played in a game since February;’ I just thought the worst.” Those fears, although revealing
Like many of his red and blue teammates, Giddings arrives with first-team exposure during his time at West Ham: “The season before last I was over at Stratford for a couple of days training with the first-team,” he reveals. “I knew Declan [Rice] from when I was
a grounded attitude, were misplaced,
younger, and he obviously plays in my position, so
because in 48 hours Shaun Derry and
he was very good [at looking out for Giddings].
his coaching staff had seen enough.
“And Robert Snodgrass. I spoke to him for a
Giddings returned after lockdown to the
few minutes after the training sessions; he was
offer of his first professional contract – a
very complimentary but he knew I needed to do
chance he excitedly refers to as being
other things to get to that next level.”
“thrown in the deep end.” Giddings plays a similar position to
That next level, Palace and Giddings both hope, will arrive in south London because, after
the one his now-coach, Derry, played
all, as our recent Academy recruit says himself:
during his professional career – a
“Sometimes the grass is greener elsewhere.”
over the road at copers cope
54
55
From current or past employees of the club to unsung heroes, people looking to make a difference to those who have found fame: south London is a special place to live, work and experience.
Voices of south london
56
T
his week, Britain’s boxing
phone his attacker was
cruiserweight champion,
searching for.
Richard Riakporhe, talks
“I stepped outside of this
coming to my aide. “Being stabbed at that young age sort of made me
through his upbringing on the
house party and this bloke is
cool; I had a story already at
Aylesbury Estate, being stabbed
stabbing people for their phones
15-years-old.”
at 15-years-old and how now he
left, right and centre,” Riakporhe
is helping schoolchildren avoid the
begins to detail the incident like
what Britain’s future boxing
path his own childhood followed.
it was happening all over again.
champion had gone through
“For a good four years,
“I didn’t even have a phone
Then, after the dust settled,
sunk in: “Later on, I explored the
my brother and I used to play
but when he asked for it I was
seriousness of the stabbing and
football every single day.
just mumbling.
I realised could’ve been dead –
Football was all that consumed our minds.” For boxer Richard Riakporhe, although he would
“I can remember exactly how it felt now. It was like time slowed down.” Riakporhe doesn’t recoil
a lot who had suffered that same stabbing had passed. “I wanted to live better, do better, make my parents
see crime whenever looking
or take a moment to pause;
proud and help people in my
out the windows of his home
he continues to add further
community.”
located in the Chartridge block,
traumatic context to the night.
growing up on the infamous
“The blood just kept on
However, finding the balance between helping
Aylesbury Estate had its merits.
trickling down. I lifted up my
friends in the Aylesbury Estate
“I like having those moments to
top and that’s when everyone
without Richard himself being
remember,” he says.
panicked and called the
pulled back in was a tough
ambulance.”
balance to find.
“Looking back at it now, there were times where I kind
But the person who made
“I had to make a decision
of regretted growing up in
the frantic call to the emergency
to follow a different path and
that type of environment and
services still beggars belief a
it was really difficult because
getting involved with that type
decade and a half on.
I had friends who grew up in
of lifestyle,” Riakporhe reflects.
“The guy who stabbed me
that area that were pulling
“But at the same time it made
was actually the one who called
me back.” Riakporhe, again,
me who I am.”
the ambulance.”
doesn’t break stride but a
It would be easy to dismiss
The realisation that Richard
recollective sigh at friends
Riakporhe as pontificating for
might not have been here,
lost from a previous time feels
show, but the now-30-year-old
talking to the club he had long
audible. “It was a battle within
nearly didn’t – and statistics
dreamed of playing for as a
myself – it was really difficult.“
suggests, possibly shouldn’t
youngster, only really registered
– have made it past the age of
with him a few years later:
the 15.
“I went through a traumatic
Riakporhe did take that new path, though, with the aim of making his parents proud. 15
experience at a young age,
years on from nearly losing his
Riakporhe was stabbed after
so at first I had a lot of family
life, the south London-born boxer
failing to hand over the mobile
and friends focused on me and
goes into schools up and down
Attending a house party,
official matchday programme
57
The guy who stabbed me was actually the one who called the ambulance.
the country with his programme – raising awareness of knife crime amongst the younger generation. But not every child that Riakporhe comes across will have grown up in the equivalents of the Chartridge block. Richard’s programme accounts for that, though: “It is tricky but at the same time they have different types of struggles. “I tell them my story and the change in me and although they might not relate to my background, the core message is there and that’s something I hope they can take from it: it is never the end – you have to keep on pushing; everything is possible.” The realisation occurs to us that we are yet to talk to Britain’s cruiserweight champion about boxing, such are the depths to Riakporhe’s journey into the ring. We put the question to him: Do you view yourself more as a boxer or do you associate more with the programme in schools? “It goes hand in hand,” he says. “What I realised is, for the kids to see me as a role model, I needed to have something to show them. I needed to win fights and that was – and is – my driving force in the ring. “I have a deep love for boxing and I have my own goals. But that is driven by wanting to make a difference outside the ring; I want to leave a legacy. “I’ve seen so many champions come and go but once upon a time they were kings walking down the street. “I think it is more significant when you help other people and you stand up for what is right. That’s why we remember people like Muhammad Ali.” Richard Riakporhe’s legacy is already confirmed. However, with aims of becoming world champion in the next two years before moving up to the “iconic stage of heavyweight,” it’s safe to say there’s plenty more still to be added.
voices of south london
58
palace for life
T
his summer, Palace for Life Foundation worked with hundreds of local
youngsters, providing free activities such as football, cheerleading and tennis to get children active following months in lockdown. Our Summer Extravaganza Holiday Camp ran throughout August and one of those who attended was nine-year-old Alfie. Alfie and his family were introduced to Palace for Life through our cooking workshops earlier this year, during which Alfie and his mum learned how to make a number of low-cost and nutritious meals. It wasn’t just Alfie who took something away from the workshops, his family received a slow cooker and a cookbook packed with simple and healthy recipes to practice at home. According to
official matchday programme
Anything that’s healthy was a big enemy; he was a bit of a fussy eater but now he is more open to trying new foods. Even if it is just the tiniest bite, he’s willing to take that bite
59
he knows now what the food labels and colours mean and he’s beginning to preach to me about what’s going in the trolley! Alfie’s mum, Kirsty, the newly-discovered foods produced a change in Alfie’s eating habits: “Anything that’s healthy was a big enemy; he was a bit of a fussy eater but now he is more open to trying new foods. Even if it is just the tiniest bite, he’s willing to take that bite.” Alfie also began to attend our Healthy Eagles sessions in the community that taught him about food groups, portion sizes and vital skills like food label reading. Kirsty took notice of the effect the lessons were having on Alfie during their shopping trips: “Very rarely would he come out for a full week’s shopping but recently he’s begun to come out with me, he knows now what the food labels and colours mean and he’s beginning to preach to me about what’s going in the trolley!” Although our community sessions ceased due to the COVID-19 lockdown, that didn’t deter Alfie and he completed our virtual Healthy Eagles programme. He was sent a special activity book in the post which was accompanied by
The Marathon March is back on Saturday 10th October 2020, but this time, there is a twist. Come together with fellow fans to celebrate our club and raise money for the south London community as we recover from the pandemic. We will start and end our 26.2 mile walk at Selhurst Park, with a brand new route visiting sites around our home of south London. Government guidelines will be followed at all times. To sign-up visit palaceforlife.org and search: Marathon March
educational videos. Once our Summer Extravaganza began, Alfie was back and we were delighted to see him trying out a number of new sports and activities alongside his new friends! Find out more: www.palaceforlife.org / @PalaceForLife
After a challenging start to the year when many of our sessions and events were cancelled, we received an amazing boost of more than £50,000 in ticket refunds from Palace supporters! Thank you to everyone who donated to Palace for Life Foundation.
palace for life
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official matchday programme
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Crystal Palace v Southampton, 3/12/2016 Christian Benteke made Fraser Forster want the Selhurst Park turf to swallow him up, with the Eagles striker capitalising on a sliced clearance from the Saints ‘keeper.
Step back
62 @pnm1979
official matchday programme
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The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss will review those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and do a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts.
kit or miss
64
T
he last kit affected by Palace’s fleeting affair with having no official badge, this retro classic
from 50 years ago saw one of our final seasons in claret and blue before Malcolm Allison’s historic re-brand
What we like: No branding, no designers, no distractions. This kit is as retro as they come while still catching the eye. We love the crimped collar and cuffs, too.
in 1973. Palace shirts dropped the club crest in favour of a red and blue shield - and then nothing - from 1964, but adorned kits with the words ‘Crystal
Even better if: A claret and blue sash would have been phenomenal. Just for one season.
Palace’ written on them in gold between 1967-72. This class from ‘71/72 saw the club return to a bold white, claret and blue for the first time since the early ‘60s. The two straight, uninterrupted bars of colour through the centre of the shirt was a dynamic new design from the club as well, and hasn’t been replicated on any other kit.
official matchday programme
Wore it best: Mel Blyth
65
The finest hour:
Story of the season
Trumping Sheffield United 5-1 to record just one of eight league wins that season.
‘71/72 saw Palace consolidate their top-flight status for the third season running, which was no mean feat for their first spell at such a tier. However, it proved to be a disappointing campaign in which the south Londoners only narrowly avoided relegation before falling through the trap door the following season. The ‘71/72 season marked the beginning of the end for manager Bert Head who, after seven years in charge, departed in 1972/73. Of
Where are they now? Claret and blue died a swift death when Malcolm Allison modernised the club to sport the colours of Barcelona. The printing of just ‘Crystal Palace’ on shirts came to an end in ‘71/72, making this shirt a true relic of Palace history.
course, under Head’s successor, Malcolm Allison, Palace suffered consecutive relegations.
Buyers’ guide: As is always the case, the older the kit, the harder it is to find. If you manage to track one down online, it’ll likely set you back to the tune of £100. Alternatively, you can buy replicas of the 1972 shirt via the Club Shop for far less. It’s not quite the same, but it may have to do. And, no, that’s not an intentional plug. Unless a shareholder’s reading, of course.
Honourable mention: ‘80s away sash A red sash on a light blue background designed by adidas and ridiculously hard to track down. Sumptuous; the shirt lover’s Holy Grail.
kit or miss
66
We’ve made the beer better. Worth a try? Probably. Carlsberg Danish Pilsner. Rebrewed for a crisper taste.
67
Club Historian, Ian King, looks back at the 1990/91 campaign that saw a Wembley return and confirmed Palace, for one season at least, as the third-best club in the country.
1990/91 seaon
68
wasn’t rubbing the salt into the wounds of our relegated tenants, then the fact rumours surfaced that the transfer fee for Humphrey was in lieu of unpaid rent, certainly was. Not only were changes taking place amongst the playing staff, Palace’s Selhurst Park had seats fitted in the Arthur Wait enclosure with the club continuing to act on the Taylor Report’s recommendation regarding all-seater stadiums. Despite such measures, crowds
W
were still reluctant to return to football
hen the dust had settled on
grounds – Palace’s average attendance
Palace’s two FA Cup final
in 1989/90 of 17,105 was the 10th highest
ties against Manchester
in the league. As in previous pre-seasons,
United, the club could, despite the
Coppell took his squad on a six-game
disappointment of the replay, look back
10-day tour of Scandinavia – the Eagles
on a successful campaign back in the top-flight after relegation in 1981. A 15th place finish, with London rivals Millwall and Charlton Athletic
Scorers from the Caribbean tour: Ian Wright 6, Geoff Thomas 1, Andy Gray 1
relegated, the Eagles could head off on a four-match end-of-season tour of the Caribbean with their heads held high – two victories, one draw and a defeat wasn’t a bad outcome after the Herculean effort given across the Division One season.
Results: Trinidad & Tobago national side 2-2 Caribbean XI 0-4 Jamaican XI 2-0 Cayman Islands XI 4-0
Palace saw their standing amongst the footballing world, as top-flight FA Cup
returned from Sweden with a goal
finalists, grow significantly and Steve
difference of +34 having conceded just
Coppell was well aware of two things:
two; the biggest margin of victory coming
he needed to strengthen the squad and
in the 8-1 over Hallstahammar.
he needed to do so whilst the south
Returning back home the big
Londoners were being talked about.
news was the capture of Wimbledon’s
In came midfielder Glyn Hodges from
central defender Eric Young for £850,000
Watford and Charlton Athletic’s captain
and former Don Wally Downes joined
and right-back John Humphrey – if that
Coppell’s coaching staff.
official matchday programme
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competition involving three Italian clubs: Torino, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. After losing to Fiorentina 2-1, it meant the Eagles would face European Cup Winners’ Cup holders, Sampdoria, to decide who would finish in third-place – Torino would play Fiorentina in the final. Against Sampdoria, despite it being a pre-season, the south Londoners secured one of its most enjoyable results, with Perry Sucklinginspiried heroics culminating in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory. Upon returning from the pre-season travels there was very little time left to prepare for the season’s opener at Luton Town on 25th August, 1990, where the players would have to contend with an artificial pitch and the fact there there would be no away fans in attendance.
Young was reacquainted with his former Dons
JOHN HUMPHREY
FA Cup-winning defensive partner Andy Thorn. “The substantial investment we have made in these players [Hodges, Humphrey and Young] is a clear indication of our determination to make the current season a successful one,” Coppell commented upon securing his three main targets. A couple of days later Palace were on their travels again to take part in the Baretti Cup - a
Full list of 1990/91 pre-season results: July 23rd: Hamränge GIF 0 Palace 6 July 24th: Väsby IKFK 0 Palace 5 July 26th: IF Sylvia 0 Palace 5 July 28th: Hallstahammars SK 1 Palace 8 July 30th: Nykvarns SK 0 Palace 6 July 31st: Alnö IF 1 Palace 6 August 11th: Colchester United 0 Palace 1 August 14th: Hull City 2 Palace 2 August 17th: Bristol City 1 Palace 1
JOINED FROM: Charlton Athletic, June, 1990 DEBUT: 25th August, 1990, v Luton Town (A) LEFT FOR: Charlton Athletic, July, 1995 PALACE APPEARANCES: 203 PALACE GOALS: 2
1990/91 seaon
70
official matchday programme
71
W
ith several months in lockdown, plus the new infrastructure developments at the club’s
Academy Training Complex for our Category 1 status, it has been a unique pre-season. With the Academy plans still at stage one of development, we haven’t been able to get properly immersed in our new environment.
aim is to continue to develop players for the first-team coaching staff
However, this has allowed the team to have a varied pre-season - we’ve spent time at the first-team’s facilities, Sydenham School and the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. We thought long and hard about what sort
Going into a Category 1 games programme, we’ve made a few adjustments to the squad. The players that have arrived,
of pre-season schedule to put together for the
a large portion of them have experience
team. We exposed them to the Conference
playing at this level last season which will be
South’s Tonbridge Angels: a strong and athletic
invaluable to those players who have been
side plus we played League Two’s Crawley
with us longer.
Town – a narrow 2-1 defeat to Football League opposition was commendable. On the flipside to those opponents, we
There’s a real excitement going into a new category of games, supported by the new Academy Training Ground. But we
then played two established Category 1
appreciate that those positives happening all
Academy outfits in Chelsea and Fulham. And in
at once will also be tough; it’s a substantial
that Chelsea game, Baba Rahman and Danny
and quick change.
Drinkwater played, a pair who joined Chelsea
We’ve got to find our feet at this level –
for a combined £57million – being able to
and I include Paddy McCarthy and myself in
expose the lads to that level of opposition was
that, too – so this will be a transitional season.
incredible for their development. We lost 3-1 to Chelsea but we competed
But as always, the aim is to continue to develop players for the first-team coaching
and contributed to the game; we spent large
staff; a pathway that I'm proud to say was
parts of the game without possession but we
well-trodden last season.
showcased a defensive structure that could give us a chance against a team of that calibre.
It is brilliant to see the boys go up to those levels, and to be handed plenty of
We are as close to match fitness as we can
minutes in pre-season off the back of making
possibly get as we head into our season-opener
Premier League matchday squads at the end
against Fulham in two days, which is remarkable
of the last campaign.
when you consider the several months the staff
Equally, it has driven the lads that weren’t
and players spent away from the club during
presented with that opportunity. They all want
lockdown. To be approaching Monday in the
the same. And I always tell them: I don’t want
condition we are in is credit to the performance
them to be with me; I want them up there with
coaches and the players’ application.
the gaffer and Ray.
shaun derry
72
official matchday programme
73
I
t has been a tough period waiting for information to come out regarding how the women’s game was going to push forward
and continue. It was a drawn-out process but I’m glad the new season has begun. Despite the long process, it gave us plenty of time to prepare. Therefore, we made sure we got our recruitment sorted quickly and
strange having our first home game of the season without fans
got to work as soon as we knew the 2019/20 season wasn’t continuing. In Chloe Morgan we’ve brought in an
league so it isn’t an easy task. However, I’m
experienced ‘keeper that we needed after
comfortable in saying that the side we’ve put
we let Lucy Gillet go. Chloe has plenty of
together, including the backroom staff, is the
experience, has won the Championship with
best in my time as manager.
Tottenham and was looking for a place to come where she would feel comfortable again. Another major incoming was Coral-Jade
We started our league campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Charlton. Although it was tough to concede a late equaliser, I was
Haines; she came in a bit later than the others
delighted with the team's character to respond
but was worth the wait. I had extensive
to going a goal down in the manner we did.
conversations with Coral-Jade, and bringing in
Tonight we play London City Lionesses,
someone with Champions League experience
and although not much has changed for them
is a major coup for the club.
player-wise, they have brought in a new
Kat Natkiel, too, was another one I wasn’t
manager and backroom staff. They are one of
quite sure if we would get over the line after
the full-time teams in the league, so there won’t
four high-profile seasons with Brighton,
be any issues with a lack of match fitness.
and leaving a Women’s Super League side.
It will be strange having our first home
However, we were able to convince her that
game of the season without fans – we had
our project was the right one for her.
a couple of pre-season games, including an
It feels strange to have started a season
excellent away game against Women’s Super
without Freya Holdaway – my long-term captain
League side Bristol City, plus Charlton in the
but also my eyes and ears on the pitch. We had
league last week, so the team are now used to
extensive and difficult conversations but we are
the no-fans experience.
all hoping that Freya will return, one day, and take up the offer of a coaching position with the club.
Our fans are the loudest in the league, home and away, so naturally not having them
Annabel Johnson has been named our
there will be a big miss for us. But across
new captain and she is excelling already in the
social media, players’ personal sponsors
role; I can already see the decision in awarding
and responses to things such as this column,
her the armband is paying off.
we know the supporters will still be with us
The aim for the season is a top-five finish
throughout the 90 minutes tonight and hopefully
but there are a handful of full-time clubs in our
we can deliver what will be a huge three points.
dean davenport
74
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official matchday programme
Sep
oct
nov
dec
jan
London City Lionesses
Blackburn Rovers
London Bees
Durham
Leicester City
Sheffield United
Coventry United
Liverpool
Lewes
Charlton Athletic
London City Lionesses
Durham
Leicester City
Blackburn Rovers
London Bees
Sat 12
Sun 27
Sun 4
Sun 11
Sun 18
Sun 1
Sun 8
Sun 6
Sun 13
Sun 20
Sun 10
Sun 17
Sun 24
Sun 7
Sun 14
West Bromwich Albion Norwich City Aston Villa Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City
Mon 21 Fri 25 Fri 2 Mon 19 Mon 26 Mon 2 Mon 9 Mon 23 Mon 30
Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City
Mon 15 Sun 21 Mon 1 Fri 12 Mon 22 Mon 12
may Sun 2
STATS
Middlesbrough
Result
Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)
Mon 26
may Mon 3
Aston Villa
Fri 5
Lewes
Norwich City
Mon 1
Newcastle United
West Bromwich Albion
Mon 25
Coventry United
Fulham
Mon 18
Sun 25
Middlesbrough
Sun 10
Newcastle United
Fulham
Mon 14
dec Mon 21
Opposition
Date
Sheffield United
2-2
Result
Sun 4
Liverpool
Opposition
Charlton Athletic
Sun 6
mar Sun 7
feb
apr
Sep oct nov JAN FEB MAR APR
Sep oct Nov dec jan feb MAR APR may
Date Southampton Arsenal Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur Brighton & Hove Albion West Bromwich Albion Fulham Southampton Arsenal Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa
Sat 19 Sat 26 Fri 2 Sat 17 Sat 24 Sat 31 Sat 7 Sat 28 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 17
Sat 8
Sat 1
West Bromwich Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion
Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham
Sat 12
Sat 24
Opposition
Date
Result
75
May
April
March
February
January
December
November
October
September
Southampton
Tue 15
Bournemouth
Sat 19
Manchester United
Sat 26
Everton
Sat 3
Chelsea
Sat 17
Brighton & Hove Albion
Sat 24
Fulham
Sat 31
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sat 7
Leeds United
Sat 21
Burnley
Sat 28
Newcastle United
Sat 5
West Bromwich Albion
Sat 12
Tottenham Hotspur
Tue 15
West Ham United
Sat 19
Liverpool
Sat 26
Aston Villa
Mon 28
Leicester City
Sat 2
Sheffield United
Tue 12
Arsenal
Sat 16
Manchester City
Wed 27
West Ham United
Sat 30
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wed 3
Newcastle United
Sat 6
Leeds United
Sat 13
Burnley
Sat 20
Brighton & Hove Albion
Sat 27
Fulham
Sat 6
Tottenham Hotspur
Sat 13
West Bromwich Albion
Sat 20
Manchester United
Sat 3
Everton
Sat 10
Chelsea
Sat 17
Southampton
Sat 24
Leicester City
Sat 1
Manchester City
Sat 8
Sheffield United
Wed 12
Aston Villa
Sat 15
Arsenal
Sun 23
Liverpool
official matchday programme
Result Attendance
Position
Jordan Ayew
Opposition
Sat 12
Card Red Card
Cheikhou KouyatĂŠ
Date
Yellow
Max Meyer
Goal(s)
Scott Dann
Unused Sub
James Tomkins
Used Sub
Luka Milivojevic
Started
Patrick van Aanholt
Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture
Joel Ward
76
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Andros Townsend Wilfried Zaha Mamadou Sakho Wayne Hennessey Jeffrey Schlupp James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke Connor Wickham James McCarthy Gary Cahill Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick John-Kymani Gordon Malachi Boateng JaĂŻro Riedewald Ryan Inniss Eberechi Eze
77
10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45 -
Fixtures & results
78
Club
P
W
D
L
F
A
GD Pts
1
Arsenal
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Aston Villa
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
Brighton & Hove Albion
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
Burnley
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
Chelsea
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
Crystal Palace
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
Everton
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
Fulham
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
Leeds United
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
Leicester City
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
11
Liverpool
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
Manchester City
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13
Manchester United
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
14
Newcastle United
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
15
Sheffield United
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
Southampton
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
17
Tottenham Hotspur
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
West Bromwich Albion
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
19
West Ham United
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
20
Wolverhampton Wanderers
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Gameweek 01
premier league
FULHAM √ wolves
West brom √ leicester
12th September 12:30
13th September 14:00
palace √ southampton
spurs √ everton
12th September 15:00
13th September 16:30
West Ham √ newcastle
brighton √ chelsea
12th September 15:00
14th September 20:00
liverpool √ leeds
sheffield utd √ wolves
12th September 17:30
14th September 20:00
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 James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Christian BENTEKE Connor WICKHAM James McCARTHY Gary CAHILL Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Jaroslaw JACH Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nathan FERGUSON Nya KIRBY Brandon PIERRICK John-Kymani GORDON Malachi BOATENG Jaïro RIEDEWALD Ryan INNISS Eberechi EZE
02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45
southampton F.c.
Jonathan Moss Marc Perry Dan Robathan Simon Hooper Craig Pawson Nick Hopton
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 22 23 28 29 35 41 44
Alex McCARTHY (GK) Kyle WALKER-PETERS Ryan BERTRAND Jannik VESTERGAARD Jack STEPHENS Oriol ROMEU Shane LONG James WARD-PROWSE Danny INGS Ché ADAMS Nathan REDMOND Moussa DJENEPO Michael OBAFEMI Stuart ARMSTRONG Yan VALERY Sofiane BOUFAL Will SMALLBONE Mohammed SALISU Nathan TELLA Angus GUNN (GK) Jake VOKINS Jan BEDNAREK Harry LEWIS (GK) Fraser FORSTER (GK)
*Squad numbers correct as of 7th September