Crystal Palace v Leeds United programme by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace v Leeds United Monday 25th April 2022 // 8:00pm

palace √ leeds united mon 25 apr | 20:00

08 captain 10 chairman 34 wembley 40 over the road 47 voices of south london 51 non-league neighbours 61 cpfc 1861 64 palace women 66 from the terraces 70 stats & results

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Executive Phil Alexander Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Zaf Iqbal Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Commercial Director Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Director of Operations Sharon Lacey Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Laura Holland Chief Marketing and Communications Officer James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott Editor Ben Mountain Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas, Stu Ellmer Contributors Will Robinson, Ian King, Peter Manning, Tash Stephens, Toby Jagmohan, Ed Reynolds Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, PPA, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

We agreed on a lot of things, which is obviously why he has started to use me in there quite a lot. I’ve performed well in those positions

briefing palace √ leeds united mon 25 apr | 20:00

Palace for Life launch new campaign Palace for Life Foundation have today launched their Made in South London campaign, aiming to transform thousands more south Londoners’ lives. Made in South London has been launched to raise £1million over the next three years and

april

support 3,000 additional young people in our community. You’ll see a launch film written and fronted by Palace fan Ben Bailey Smith (aka Doc Brown) which features Wilfried Zaha, Marc Guéhi, Eberechi Eze and Patrick Vieira.

Palace promoted to Division One, 1969

Arsenal 2-3 Crystal Palace, 2019

Liverpool 1-2 Crystal Palace, 2017

Crystal Palace 2-1 Watford, 2016 FA Cup semi-final

Martin Kelly born, 1990

The campaign’s goal is critical, and you can find out more details about it on Page 58. If you’re able to, we encourage supporters to donate what they can either today (see below details) or by heading to: palaceforlife.org.

Fan update Keep an eye out for QR codes and Palace for Life staff accepting ‘tap to donate’ donations outside the ground and inside the Fanzone this evening. Any support you can provide is hugely appreciated, and will make a vast difference to our community.

What’s inside Find out… Patrick Vieira’s next steps after Wembley (Page 6), Jeffrey Schlupp’s game in his own words (Page 12) and the Palace fans using their own time to honour club legends (Page 47). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Jesse Marsch, the Leeds United directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

am writing these notes not long after our FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, so unfortunately cannot comment on our midweek game with Newcastle United. Wembley was a really special day for the football club, and I was determined that the players would experience it together. I wanted to ensure each of them understands what it means to this club and its fans to play a game of that magnitude, and what it feels like to play, prepare for and manage a big game of football. Players are encouraged to get back to Wembley having been there once, and it develops their confidence, self-belief and understanding of the level we’re aiming for. Most clubs cannot experience those moments often, so when you do it drives you to return. To do that requires hard work to keep improving individually and collectively as a football club, and these are our most important aims. Away from the result that day showed what this football club is about. The way our fans created the atmosphere and showed their love before, during and after the game

especially meant a lot to me and the players. You were brilliant, as ever, and the incredible noise you made helped to lift our spirits. Regardless, the post-match mood was understandably quiet. I knew the players would be affected by the result because these moments hurt and you don’t want to live through them

You were brilliant, as ever, and the incredible noise you made helped to lift our spirits

again. Everybody wanted to reach the final, so the next day in training the players still had thoughts of the game in their minds. Tuesday was better as we prepared for Newcastle, and now the team is ready again for our final league fixtures. After all, your character grows when you’re hurt, and you develop something inside to handle similar situations better. manager

With six games remaining the team and I are even more focused on the details of our game than we were at the start of the season. We strive for consistency from the first to the last kick of the season, so we have to consistently work hard in training by preparing and concentrating in order to achieve what we want as a football club. The challenge is to keep progressing from the platform we’ve built this year. We can always develop and strengthen the club’s sustainability on the pitch by improving our philosophy. We need to keep improving while accepting no amount of growth can ever be enough. This is how you build a team. Finally, today sees Palace for Life Foundation launch their Made in South London campaign. I have enormous respect for the Foundation’s work and know how well they reflect on our club, community and fanbase. I encourage each of you reading this to learn about their campaign and, those of you able to, to spare any support you can. Thank you for your support

captain

Having played so many games at home recently and then spent several weeks at other stadiums, it will be good to be back at Selhurst Park again.

here are just seven games left of this season, starting today. I feel like the time has gone by very quickly, and that we were welcoming new players in summer just recently. We have come a long way over the course of the season and have more work and success ahead of us, I have no doubt. I am writing this before we travel to Newcastle for the game on Wednesday, meaning I cannot comment on this score. But we are fully focused on our league games because there is a good challenge for us to achieve now: to finish in the top 10. This will not be easy because there are points we need to make up and some competitive teams we will need to get past. But it is a good aim for us to have as a squad and we are all confident that we can do this. The main target, however, is to keep developing, improving the details of our play and ensuring we have a strong and consistent end to this season. We were very disappointed not to win at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final, but to reach that stage is a huge achievement. It was

a very proud day despite the result to compete together at Wembley in front of you all, and what a noise you made.

To hear and see our supporters completely fill the seats and cheer us on like we had won was such a big boost to our confidence and is also motivating for us to keep pushing

To hear and see our supporters completely fill the seats and cheer us on like we had won was such a big boost to our confidence and is also motivating for us to keep captain

pushing, keep working hard to reward the fans who have been behind us always. Deserving to be involved at that stage of a competition that is as big as the FA Cup says a lot itself. We are strong enough to get through to semi-finals and finals and games like the Chelsea ones are lessons for every player, especially some of the young lads in our team who would have benefitted so much from this match. Now, our attention is back on the league, and we have a busy few weeks ahead. There are lots of games and a lot of travel to do, so we must be focused on collecting three points from every match possible and preparing well in the days between fixtures. A last comment on Wembley. There were 10,000 more fans there than we have at Selhurst, but every time we play at home I feel like you make the same noise to get behind us. It says something that we as players could not be surprised by the volume when many would be. I am excited for our final few games in front of that. Make some noise!

chairman

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Leeds United to Selhurst Park for this crucial Premier League fixture, and of course, to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here tonight to get behind Patrick’s team as we continue to strive for a top 10 finish.

am penning these notes just a few days after our FA Cup semi-final and before our trip to Newcastle. I would like to begin by congratulating the players, Patrick and his staff on an exceptional FA Cup run – they gave it everything they had, but it was with immense disappointment for us all that we were on the receiving end of two clinical finishes. We did create chances of our own but a fantastic save denied us the goal in the first-half that might have made a difference. The day itself filled me with pride. The support from each and every person that attended was sensational – the visual display was amazing and you did not stop singing. We all appreciate what a special set of fans we have; what a credit you all are to the club. I do hope we can deliver more days like that one (hopefully with a different outcome) for all of you. As Patrick said during his media duties, I know the players will pick themselves up and fight for every point until the very end of the season as we aim to secure a Premier League top 10 finish. There have been so many positives to take from the season so far, and

The day itself filled me with pride. The support from each and every person that attended was sensational – the visual display was amazing and you did not stop singing chairman

I know everyone is determined to finish it with a flourish. I was absolutely delighted to watch our Under-15s win the regional final of the Floodlit Cup in a tightly contested match at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night. It is a brilliant tournament that we have won in recent seasons, and I very much look wish this talented group of players, led by Dave Cooper, the very best of luck in their bid to secure the national trophy. I was very pleased to learn that Patrick and the players recorded good luck messages to the group beforehand which I’m sure had a huge impact, and I have no doubt that the whole experience of playing in front of a sizable crowd at Selhurst will do wonders for their development. Stay tuned this week for more exciting news about our pre-season tour this July. It is one we are very excited about, and no doubt there will be many of you keen to travel, as you always do so magnificently during pre-season, for what will be our first of its kind in that part of the world. Enjoy the game tonight, and up the Palace

Throughout a storied Premier League career, Jeffrey Schlupp has had to adapt to new managers, new positions and new styles of play. Here, with Will Robinson, Robinson he tells his game in his words.

main interview

or most footballers, the opening question to an interview is a simple one. Indeed, it’s often the characteristic they are best known for, the leading fact on the Sky Sports graphic or the key aspect of their Football Manager persona. When we ask Jeffrey Schlupp the same question, he pauses and smiles. The question is this: If you had to describe Jeffrey Schlupp, what position would you say? After a contemplative pause, Schlupp responds. “Midfielder, I guess,” he says. It’s that simple. But then he leans forwards: “That’s where I play most of my football now, but it depends what role. Sometimes as a No.8, sometimes it’s in a two and a one and I’m in the deeper role. Sometimes it’s a flat three – or one with two advanced No.8s.” For those already finding this answer impenetrable, fear not – Schlupp explains it in greater detail later. But even this first response gives a brief glimpse into a bright footballing brain, one that has been forced to adapt to new styles and positions, and as a result can boast a greater understanding of the game than most of his peers. This is Jeffrey Schlupp’s game in his own words. Coming through the Leicester Academy as a striker, Schlupp’s introduction to first-team football was an unusual one. “There were a few times pre-season where for some reason we only had one leftback in the team,” he remembers.

“As a young boy aged 16 or 17, you just fill in wherever you’re put. “There were a couple of games when we went away in Sweden, where there were supposed to be two players for every position and they would play a half each. But one position, leftback, there was only one. “I played the first-half upfront, and then the second-half at left-back – they were like: ‘Yeah, put the young boy there.’ Somehow I got Man of the Match and they soon realised I could do a job there.”

I played the first-half up-front, and then the second-half at leftback – they were like: ‘Yeah, put the young boy there.’ Somehow I got Man of the Match and they soon realised I could do a job there

For a while, it seemed this was a brief flirtation with fullback and nothing more. Schlupp went on loan and played as a centre-forward, and all was back to normal. Then he returned to Leicester City. “I came back for the next pre-season when I was 18. I made my debut for Leicester up-front, and then ended up playing the last 10 minutes at left-back in the same game,” he says. “So that was that.” This frequent switching could overwhelm a young player, but for Schlupp it opened his mind to jeffrey schlupp

thinking about new positions and increased possibilities. “[Adapting] was just something I seemed to do well,” he says. “When we were doing training sessions and the manager was speaking to defenders and midfielders – even while I was playing up-front – for some reason I would just take stuff in naturally. Then, if I did get put out of position, I would have some idea of what it takes to play there.” Arriving in south London, Schlupp’s life as a striker was seemingly over. “I got here under Sam Allardyce,” he explains. “I was playing at left-back… Then we signed Patrick van Aanholt maybe two weeks after, which then meant that I started playing left-midfield, where I had played a load of times for Leicester. At the time that was probably my most natural position.” It took time for a move into central midfield to come to fruition. “It wasn’t until Roy [Hodgson] came in. There was one game, I think it was Huddersfield away, and he wanted me to man-mark one of their midfielders. “That was the first time I played in that position and I actually really enjoyed it. From there it became a thing that if we played in a 4-3-3, I could play on the inside left as a No.8.” When Patrick Vieira arrived last summer, Schlupp made sure to tell him of his newly favoured place in the side. “We all had individual meetings when we were over at St George’s Park. It was just to speak about where I saw

myself playing and where he saw me playing,” he explains. “We agreed on a lot of things, which is obviously why he has started to use me in there quite a lot. I’ve performed well in those positions.” This is where Schlupp’s striker’s education kicks in – as does his experience playing out-wide. “You don’t get a lot of players that play centrally that have a change of pace,” he says. “So I already feel like I’ve got an advantage.

centrally is where I feel like I can use my main attributes, which are pace and power, against people that might not have that. [The manager] encourages me to do it all the time “You get that with quick wingers and full-backs, but centrally is where I feel like I can use my main attributes, which are pace and power, against people that might not have that. [The manager] encourages me to do it all the time.” The detailed work that goes into every match becomes clear when talking with Schlupp, a fact often overlooked by pundits who focus only on lineups or formations. It took time for Vieira’s philosophy to bed in. It wasn’t just a question of patience; there was serious work put into every training session and piece of analysis. jeffrey schlupp

main interview

“You can say it’s the same formation, but it’s a completely different system,” he explains. “You have to adapt to what the manager wants now. It was a bit fresh and a bit raw. It was a lot different to what we were used to before. “On the ball we’re playing out a lot more from the back, and off the ball we’re pressing higher. Then we go and analyse it in the video room, and see what we need to work on. We take it from there.”

On the ball we’re playing out a lot more from the back, and off the ball we’re pressing higher. Then we go and analyse it in the video room, and see what we need to work on. We take it from there

For Schlupp in particular, there is a balance to be struck in central midfield. His game has to adapt depending on who he plays with, whether it be a more defensive duo of Will Hughes and Cheikhou Kouyaté, or an attacking pairing of Conor Gallagher or Eberechi Eze. “The first thing is that we all play the system well when any of us are in the midfield positions,” Schlupp begins, mulling the question over as he speaks. “We’re clever enough players to know that whoever is in there, we play a similar system. “Then it depends on the tactics of the game. Sometimes [Vieira] wants the two holding jeffrey schlupp

main interview

midfielders to stay deeper, and then, where Conor is playing, for him to advance more. Or maybe for both No.8s to advance more – it depends really. “Everyone is clever and capable enough to know their roles. That’s something we have worked on a lot: rotations on and off the ball, and it has shown.” In midfield there is one trait Schlupp is proudest of: his ability to burst through tight gaps and emerge still holding the ball. He laughs when we ask him to reveal the secret behind his signature move. “If I see a gap, I’m going for it! It’s instinct. I trust my pace and power to get through. It’s just one of those things where most defenders think: ‘He’s not going to get through there’. And then I do. It’s the element of surprise, where they don’t even see it coming and then when they do, I’m already past them.” Instinct, yes – but completely spontaneous? Not a chance. At Wolves away Schlupp burst into the area and won a penalty. It was something he worked on in the build-up to the game. “The way they play, there is a gap between the central midfielders and the winger,” he explains. “We obviously explored that in the meetings before. [Vieira] was telling me: ‘If you get an opportunity to exploit that position, then burst through.’ That’s what I did.” For all his focus on his new midfield role, Schlupp points out that football is a vastly different game from the one he learned as

a teenager. Gone are the fixed and rigid roles of the past. “Back then, if someone was scoring it was definitely the striker and no one else,” he says. “Now it is way more fluid, way more people changing positions. Now you get strikers who might play on the left, whereas before a No.9 was a No.9. “Now you’ve got players who can play more different positions, and it’s way more fluid. It’s nice to see.” As our talk comes to an end, we have barely wavered from the initial question. This conversation has all been about establishing one thing: how to describe Jeffrey Schlupp the footballer.

Back then, if someone was scoring it was definitely the striker and no one else. Now it is way more fluid, way more people changing positions. Now you get strikers who might play on the left, whereas before a No.9 was a No.9 His position may have changed, but in the end it’s clear that the man himself is always looking to learn, forever absorbing new information to help him improve. He has moved from striker to left-back, from left-winger to central midfield, developing new ways of playing along the way. Who knows where he might play next, or whether this role will be his last, but you can be sure of one thing: no one will be better prepared for all eventualities than Jeffrey Schlupp himself jeffrey schlupp

The holder of a Premier League winners’ medal himself, Jeffrey Schlupp knows exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of English football. Here, he picks his dream 5-a-side team from Premier League champions.

N’Golo Kanté The guy is a joke! He covers ground like… it’s ridiculous. The energy, the stamina – and he can play. He’ll be remembered as one of the top, top midfielders of the Premier League, definitely.

Kasper Schmeichel In goal, Kasper. He’s great with his feet, he pulls off worldies and he’s a natural leader.

Vincent Kompany At the back, I’ll have to go Kompany. Everyone knows how good he was: dominant, and he could play as well. There are obviously other greats, but he’s actually someone that I played against quite a few times and I got to see personally how good he was.

Eden Hazard For me, Hazard is the best player I have ever played against in the Premier League. He just used to go past people without even trying. I used to find it so funny – he just went past people and it was effortless! He’s the best player I’ve played against in the Premier League for sure. the follow-up

Thierry Henry I’ve mixed it up here: some that I’ve played with, some not. I have to go with Henry – he’s just a class above, isn’t he?

Rebrewed from head to hop. Carlsberg Danish Pilsner. NEW Brew NEW Glass NEW Fount Still iconically Danish.

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

leeds united F.C. est. 1919

Inside Season-saving form Who to watch Wembley

opposition

the whites leeds united

Leeds United have overturned a disappointing season with a strong run of form in recent games under new manager Jesse Marsch.

match preview They’re certainly not in the clear yet, but Marsch’s side appear to have turned the tide and – almost – saved their campaign. The Whites are nine points clear of the drop but 18th-place Burnley hold a game in hand. Leeds have collected 10 points from their last four to put daylight between them and the bottom three – a contrast to six consecutive losses in February and March. Until recently the Yorkshire side were conceding too many goals, and have still shipped the most in the league (68). That is padded out by a five-game run in which Leeds leaked 20 goals, and in recent games they have conceded a more sustainable four from four. Should they maintain this form it appears Marsch will stave off relegation and steer his team to safety.

Story so far

Position Points Top scorer

Home

away

third

Last five Seasons Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

9th

Bamford (17)

19/20

1st (Champ)

Bamford (16)

18/19

3rd (Champ)

Roofe (14)

17/18

13th (Champ)

Roofe (11)

16/17

7th (Champ)

Wood (27)

16th 33 Raphinha (10)

Most assists

Daniel James (4)

Most passes

Luke Ayling (1,306)

opposition

Marksman: Raphinha

As well as being Leeds’ top scorer with 10 league goals, Raphinha has taken the league’s sixth-most shots (76). He has however hit the woodwork more than any player (seven).

Remember when?

Boot in both camps

Palace beat Leeds 1-0 in the 1975/76 FA Cup on their way to a historic semi-final. Dave Swindlehurst bagged at Elland Road as the south Londoners ended Leeds’ seven-game unbeaten home run, and later beat Chelsea as a third-tier club.

Shaun Derry

recent form

Recent clash Watford 0 Leeds United 3 Sat 9 Apr / Vicarage Road

Starting xi 1

subs

I. Meslier

K. Klaesson

S. Dallas

P. Struijk

L. Cooper

K. Phillips

D. Llorente

J. Gelhardt

L. Ayling

L. Hjelde

M. Klich

C. Cresswell

R. Koch

C. Summerville

J. Harrison

S. Greenwood

Rodrigo

N. Kenneh

Raphinha

D. James

First sub Second sub Third sub Yellow card Red card Goal Own goal

20 22

opposition

Derry had a spell with Leeds between 20052007, sandwiched by time at Palace. The Whites loaned Derry to Palace in 2007 and the move soon became permanent.

The No.1

67 apps 15 clean sheets

03 05 Junior Firpo

Robin Koch

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: GERMANY

06 14 Illan Meslier

Liam Cooper

Diego Llorente

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: FRANCE

NAT: SCOTLAND

NAT: SPAIN

After initially joining Leeds on loan during their time in the Championship, Meslier has gone on to become first-choice ‘keeper for the Whites. In his debut Premier League season, he became the first goalkeeper under the age of 21 to record eight clean sheets.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.93m

Joined

8th August, 2019

Debut

6th January, 2020 v Arsenal

PREVIOUS CLUB: Lorient. opposition

Stuart Dallas

Pascal Struijk

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: NORTHERN IRELAND

NAT: NETHERLANDS

South Londoner

61 apps 12 clean sheets

35 04 Adam Forshaw

Luke Ayling

POS: DEFENDER

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

Charlie Cresswell

Age

Height

1.85m

Joined

11th August, 2016

Debut

13th August, 2016 v Birmingham City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Arsenal, Yeovil Town & Bristol City. opposition

Ayling was ever-present during Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League and played a vital part in securing the club’s promotion from the Championship in 2019/20, which saw him win the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award.

20 22 10

Marksman

Daniel James

Jack Harrison

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: WALES

NAT: ENGLAND

59 apps 16 goals

23 38 Kalvin Phillips

Crysencio Summerville

Raphinha

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: NETHERLANDS

NAT: BRAZIL

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.76m

Joined

5th October, 2020

Debut

19th October, 2020 v Wolves

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Avaí, Vitória Guimarães, Sporting Lisbon & Rennes. opposition

Raphinha hit the ground running upon arrival at Elland Road, slotting into the firstteam after joining in October 2020. His pace and trickery out wide saw him involved in over 15 goals for Leeds last season.

09 43 46 ExEagle 74 apps 20 goals

Mateusz Klich

Jamie Shackleton POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: POLAND

NAT: ENGLAND

Patrick Bamford

Tyler Roberts

Rodrigo Moreno

POS: FORWARD

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: WALES

NAT: SPAIN

Bamford has been the No.9 at Leeds since his arrival at Elland Road in 2018 and has delivered season after season. After scoring 16 goals in 2019/20 to help Leeds secure promotion from the Championship, he went one better and scored 17 in the Premier League last season. He has suffered with injury throughout the current campaign.

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.85m

Joined

31st July, 2018

Debut

11th August, 2018 v Derby County

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Nottingham Forest, Chelsea & Middlesbrough. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

Leeds have won their last two league games against Palace, though both have been at Elland Road. They’re looking to complete their first league double over the Eagles since 1994/95.

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last five home league games against Leeds (W3 D2), winning this exact fixture 4-1 last season.

51 01

01 91

Pass accuracy % 80%

78% shots

327

428 goals

38 goals conceded

31 clean sheets

Joel Ward Appearances

Clean sheets

Luke Ayling Appearances

Clean sheets

opposition

ambrose from the studio

In each programme, club legend Darren Ambrose provides his unique insight into the opposition – offering analysis and expert opinion as a player-turned-pundit.

Through gritted teeth I grew up supporting Spurs, so it’s not easy to praise Arsenal. But even I have to admit they deserve it: look at how they’ve improved this season. They started with three consecutive losses and immediately the grumbles about management and direction began. Now, Mikel Arteta is close to Manager of the Season, and deserves to be seriously considered if he secures a top four spot.

CHELSEA √ PALACE WEMBLEY STADIUM Despite the result Palace fans made themselves known at Wembley as they competed with Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

He’s built a squad by removing any players causing issues and to stick to his guns despite the stick he was getting deserves massive credit. They have fantastic attacking players: Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka in particular. Saka is going to be an England stalwart

Mikel Arteta is close to Manager of the Season, and deserves to be seriously considered if he secures a top four spot

and will play most games until he retires from international football. Aaron Ramsdale, for me, is one of the signings of the season. I heard a lot of supporters complain when he joined but he’s been fantastic and more than justified his move. Darren ambrose

There’s a balance between youth and experience at Arsenal. Xhaka, Partey and Lacazette support talented young players. Ben White and Gabriel are getting better at the back and Gabriel Martinelli just needs to up his goals tally to be a really talented player.

Called it

Turning my attention to Palace, this game is a chance to reverse what happened at the Emirates. That match stands alongside Leicester, Brighton and West Ham as a result we deserved more from. We could have earned all three points that day and Palace need to take confidence from that: if they play how they can it will be a great game with a positive result in their favour. Palace are flying high at the moment and need to keep doing what they’re doing to make this season even better. Coming into the Stoke game I said if they can progress in the cup, beat Wolves and take something from Man City the whole season will be redefined. Now we’re going to Wembley and chasing the top 10: it could be one of the best seasons in recent history. That’s down to Patrick Vieira, and his gameplans have been spot on lately. We’ve seen out games against Stoke, Wolves and City and shown that we can manage the various periods well. Had we beaten City it would have been fully deserved, which is credit to Patrick and the players. Now, I make a lot of predictions in my line of work – and not all of them are right. But let’s dwell on this: I’ve had a few come off lately! I said before City that they’d press and Palace would counter with their talented attackers. I even thought we could nick it, which Conor Gallagher almost did at the end. Arsenal like to dominate

games and this evening will be similar to the City match, but few teams can do it that well and we’re more likely to see Palace weather an early storm before utilising their offensive strengths. I’m not gloating here (much), but I called it against Everton too. On the mic in the hospitality lounges I said Palace could get four goals, and got shot down. They absolutely destroyed Everton after riding the early pressure. Lastly, I’d like to wish Andros all the best in his recovery. That injury looked like a nasty one and he seemed to be in a lot of pain. Andros is a great guy, was a great servant to Palace and I hope he returns to full fitness soon.

It shows that if you’re doing the right things you’ll get the accolades. now I’d like to see him play with the confidence that will come after earning a few more caps

Three returning Lions Okay, one last correct prediction: Tyrick Mitchell in the England darren ambrose

squad. I said that at the start of 2020/21 and got shot down a bit by my colleagues on talkSPORT. I was disappointed when Tyrick didn’t get the initial call-up after keeping Riyad Mahrez quiet for 90 minutes. I spoke to him about it and he was very down to earth, and I was delighted when he then got the call. He’s going to be on cloud nine coming into this game. It was his first international call-up at any level; he did it the hard way. It shows that if you’re doing the right things in the Premier League you’ll get the accolades. Now I’d like to see him play with the confidence that will come after earning a few more caps: he’ll start to drive up the wing a

writers Ed Reynolds

After widespread job cuts caused by the pandemic, it’s harder than ever for journalists to find work. This page offers three aspiring writers space to display their views and skill. Today, we hear from Ed Reynolds.

Palace for Life Foundation is the official charity of Crystal Palace and has been working in south London communities for over 25 years. The charity works with over 13,000 people each year and aims to help change young people’s lives across south London. To signify the 15-year anniversary of the flagship community programme Premier League Kicks, the Foundation recently hosted a tournament to showcase the programme’s positive impact. Conor Gallagher, who attended the anniversary event, described the importance of Kicks, saying: “I think it’s so important for them [children] to have a place to go and play sport with other kids, to express themselves and have fun.” Palace for Life have been running Kicks sessions since the 2006/07 season. The Foundation raises money throughout the year, one of their key events being the Marathon March. Taking place on Saturday, 24th September, this year those involved will walk 26.2 miles around south London. The walk begins at Selhurst Park, goes through south London and ends with a lap around

the pitch. In the previous five years the Marathon March has raised over £450,000 for the Foundation, with fans, management and the Chairman all being involved in some capacity in previous years. Fundraising has made it possible for the Foundation to launch numerous campaigns and initiatives that look to change lives for south Londoners. Targeted intervention is one example, with the Breaking the Cycle initiative, a 12-week mentoring programme for people between aged 10-18 who may be vulnerable or at risk to criminal exploitation and activity. The Foundation builds a safe, comfortable, one-to-one environment to listen to young people and help create positive strategies going forward. Furthermore, the charity works with Lambeth Council on the Chances project. Aimed at 10–17-year-olds, the Chances project uses sports and other activities to reengage or reintegrate young people with education, employment, and other positive pathways. Patrick Vieira reiterated the impact of football in the community and its ability to “bring people together” at a Q&A hosted by Palace for Life Foundation. aspiring writers

Additionally, the Foundation has started numerous programmes which focus on those with disabilities. Palace for Life Foundation supports people of all ages with a disability, helping participants improve skills, physical fitness, and build self-esteem. There are numerous initiatives such as the Down’s Syndrome football team, who have weekly sessions. Former manager Roy Hodgson said of the team: “It's very difficult not to enjoy their company.” Crystal Palace and Palace for Life Foundation have held an active place in south London for the last 25 years. The charity not only focuses on helping to build, or rebuild, lives in the community, it also provides chances that people may not have otherwise. The club and its fans have continued to show their care and commitment towards south London, in large part through their involvement in Palace for Life Foundation. Impressed by what you’ve read, and need work from a media professional? You can discuss work opportunities with Ed and our other aspiring writers by emailing programme@cpfc.co.uk.

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inside the academy copers cope road

Inside How Scott Banks secured teenage professional football Paddy McCarthy reflects on a successful season He's here, he's there... remembering Vince Hilaire

inside the academy

over the road The Palace Academy has produced players from Steve Kember to Wilfried Zaha, and plenty more in between. Here, we look at some of the talented prospects in the system today.

Scott Banks age: 20 / midfielder / joined: 2020

highlights so far Scoring Clyde’s Goal of the Season against Peterhead while on loan in 2018/19 – a move which led to Banks playing in Dundee United’s first-team and eventually joining Palace.

Take note of Banks is a silky attacker who can find a defence-splitting pass, beat them with the ball at his feet or place a goal from 25 yards. Keep an eye out for his set pieces, too, with the Scotsman scoring several screamers – most recently his effort against Tottenham. inside the academy

Getting to know Scott Banks -

“The Clyde loan was my first taste of men’s football. For me it was pure enjoyment. Being around the atmosphere, fans, the players fighting for every win; it meant so much”

Scott Banks was too small for Under17s football. The teenage Scotsman, then leaving behind his Under-15s teammates for the step above, was told he’d have to drop back down if he wanted any gametime. “That was a bit of a hit to the ego,” he says with a laugh today. Barely two years later, however, the midfielder had bagged a Goal of the Season award in senior, professional football after a 25-yard screamer for loan club Clyde. From there Banks’ career moved fast. He earned the approval of Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson while securing promotion with Clyde and joined United’s firstteam upon return. There followed 13 professional appearances, a first Scotland youth call-up and soon a move to Premier League Crystal Palace. At Palace, Banks earned his Scotland Under-21s debut, and further loans to Alloa and Dunfermline Athletic. For a lad too small for Under-17s football, this was quite the recovery. “I’m really fortunate to have a really good support network around me,” says Banks. “My family, friends back home. Everything. I think I’ve got really fortunate with the cards I’ve been dealt. They keep me really grounded and there’s no way I would be doing what I’m doing if they weren’t there. I’m really fortunate to have who I have around me and don’t take it for granted.” Like many youth players Banks benefitted hugely from his loan Inside the academy

experiences. Starting the first aged 17 in the Scottish fourth tier, Banks found himself no longer competing for points in an academy, but responsible for his teammates’ livings instead. “It was a livelihood and bonuses were on the line for players and for me it was pure enjoyment,” he says, still fond of the four-month period. “For whatever reason before I kicked a ball the fans were right behind me and still follow me now from that loan. So I had a really good time there and can’t speak highly enough of that club. “We managed to get promotion there which still to this day is one of the best moments of my career. The feeling of that promotion – we had a pitch invasion. It was crazy to me.” Banks had been with Dundee United from the age of 12. He started off as a cunning No.10, playing behind the striker and compensating for his height with an abundance of trickery. He says he began by idolising players like Neymar and Ronaldinho, those in a similar mould who play best with the ball at their feet. But more recently Banks has found a new role model, one somewhat closer to home: “Tyrick Mitchell is a great one and has made that step. For him being in the first-team it’s not so much his positioning [that I admire] but how he managed to take that step, playing so well week in, week out at such a young age in the Premier League. It’s such a good example of what next. It’s not my position but it’s the mentality he has and the high performance every week. It’s something I hope I can replicate.”

inside the academy

Paddy M©Carthy We’ve been pretty pleased with this season on the whole and have three games remaining. We’ve taken to this level exceptionally well after back to back step-ups, seeing success both collectively and individually and a lot of growth in our players.

e’ve had first-team debuts, successful loans, one player make a move to League One and the players performing well in most if not all games. The collective target was to keep the team in the league, which is the highest level of Under-23s football. We believe a more challenging games programme is better for the players’ development. It’s a tight league and points are important but we’ve gone into every game with the mindset of playing in the right manner: on the front foot, looking to win and controlling games in and out of possession. Results are a byproduct of performance, and we’ve met our ambitions to stay in the league and play games our way. We knew we had the quality in our squad to cope at this level. Being able to compete in the top-flight of Under-23s football gives everybody belief, and to do it not by luck but by design is encouraging for us as a club and academy. What also encourages us is our players are competing

against the top talents, many of which are internationals. That means those watching them, be it our first-team manager who attends every home game, other teams’ first-team managers, or scouts, have no doubt the players can compete at this level.

To have exposure of training in the first-team environment with the success they’ve had this season is great for them That leads to loans, successful transfers and first-team debuts, which we’ve had two of so far this season. Tayo, an Under-18 scholar, making his professional debut should be celebrated as a huge success. Jes also made his debut and is constantly over at training with the first-team alongside a lot of the other lads. To have exposure of training in the

Inside the academy

first-team environment with the success they’ve had this season is great for them. Those debuts are the pinnacle of what we’re doing and give us belief that we belong at this level. When a player comes back from training with the first-team they galvanise their teammates by saying how magnificent it is and showing it’s not that far away. From a coaching perspective there are different challenges with Under-23s football compared to Under-18s. The players’ motivations are different, for a start. The Under-18s have the same objective: to earn a professional contract and join the Under-23s. That’s relatively easy to manage, whereas Under-23s have different visions, experience and are at different ages. We have to bear in mind that individuals’ ambitions may vary, so we can support them in being best prepared for the step they’ll take. But to continue succeeding we have to continue buying-in to what we do as a team. It all comes back to the team, with recognition of the individuals at this club along the way

made in south london After a landmark season Club Historian Ian King looks back at Palace’s Academy history, recalling some of our proudest former graduates from the huge number to have made their name in SE25.

here and there -

VINCE HILAIRE Born First-team debut

October 10th, 1959 March 2nd, 1977

Appearances

293

Goals

inside the academy

Vince Hilaire grew up in the Forest Gate area of east London and went to primary school with the likes of Chris and Henry Hughton. He had an aptitude for both cricket and football at secondary school – playing the former to county standard for Essex Schools over roughly four years. However Hilaire came to Selhurst Park through his football team Beaumont when Palace scout Arnie Warren, who was good friends with Hilaire’s manager, reported the youngster to Malcolm Allison. No doubt the club also saw Hilaire play for Newham Boys in an Under-15 schools final at Selhurst when Jerry Murphy played in the opposition for East London Boys. Initially a central midfielder Hilaire was inspired by Laurie Cunningham, then with Leyton Orient, and moved to the wing. Upon signing apprentice forms for Palace in 1975 Hilaire, at Allison’s behest, became the subject of a television documentary about a youth

footballer. Such were his ball skills that the teenage winger soon played a few Reserves games and was a member of the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup and FA Youth Cup squads for three seasons, two of which successfully won the Youth Cup under John Cartwright’s tutelage. After signing professional forms in October 1976 Hilaire made his first-team debut from the substitutes’ bench at Lincoln City in March 1977, followed by two more appearances in that promotion season. In Division Two his first starting role came at the Den against Millwall in the opening game and he scored one goal in a 3-0 victory. Hilaire featured 32 times in that consolidation season as he showed his precocious skills. Perhaps his best for us came in the titlewinning campaign of 1978/79. Hilaire was ever-present with the club again in the topflight and in October 1979 won the first of his nine England Under-21 caps, vindicating his selection by scoring on his debut against Bulgaria. The disastrous 1980/81 season witnessed Palace’s relegation followed by a rapid change in managers and players that caused Hilaire to become a bit of an enigma with his balance, control and darting runs in inconsistent teams. A good example came against Middlesbrough in February 1984 with two Palace players sent off Inside the academy

for the majority of the secondhalf. Left up-front on his own and able to turn the opposition’s defenders, Hilaire was eventually fouled in the penalty area and Peter Nicholas tucked home the game’s only goal.

palace fans were grateful that Hilaire stayed so long during those troubled times, leaving for Luton Town in summer 1984 just as another skilful winger arrived at Selhurst Park: the club’s new manager

Palace fans were grateful that Hilaire stayed so long during those troubled times, leaving for Luton Town in summer 1984 just as another skilful winger arrived at Selhurst Park: the club’s new manager

South London is a unique place to live, work and experience. In each programme, we shed light on a few of the names or events that have shaped and continue to shape our half of the city. In this edition we hear from two supporters, David Jamison and Lee Snashfold, who orchestrated the restoration of former player Billy Callender and former manager and secretary Edmund Goodman’s graves.

Voices of South London

ast year it was unsurprisingly difficult to spot a Palace connection with Edgewell Cemetery in Prudhoe, Northumberland, should you find yourself there. Almost 300 miles from Selhurst Park, Prudhoe, a town of just 12,000, has little to do with the club – at least not on the surface. But within Edgewell Cemetery lies the grave of Billy Callender, the great Palace goalkeeper of the 1920s who tragically took his own life aged 28. Callender’s grave was until recently hard to find, left largely untouched for almost 90 years following his death. Should you walk through Prudhoe on Sunday, 24th July this year, the town’s Palace connections will be out in force, with wreaths and a crowd of supporters alongside Callender’s newly refurbished grave in Edgewell. That’s thanks to David Jamison and a wealth of donors who funded and conducted a restoration project on Callender’s grave in time for the 90th anniversary of his death. The idea came when Jamison saw Callender’s grave and decided he’d help clean it up to lay flowers there on the anniversary. After posting about it on his Facebook group Crystal Palace Programmes Throughout The Years, Jamison saw the project “mushroom” as donations poured in, the local council became involved and his “laying a few flowers” became much more. But the commemoration didn’t stop at Billy Callender. Around

the same time that Jamison saw Callender’s grave, Lee Snashfold saw Edmund Goodman’s, the secretary who helped turn the club professional in 1905 before managing it for 18 years. With a career in the cremation and burial industry (having worked on memorials to WG Grace, Frederick Wolseley and Robert Fortune – his four-time great uncle), Snashfold started fundraising to restore Goodman’s grave. One of his initial donations came from Jamison, who contributed the excess funds from his own efforts. When Snashfold saw donations slow to a halt, he emailed the club asking for promotion on the website. He was told instead to start work, with the club covering the remaining cost. Having contacted Goodman’s grandson Chris Middleton for permission, Snashfold was given a glimpse of the man, who Voices of South London

was an amputee, that he was commemorating: “He’d lean on his crutches while swinging his one good leg with a football, kicking it in the garden with him [his grandson] as a kid,” Snashfold says. “And the other thing that touched me was what he [Middleton] remembers most: as long as Palace and Aston Villa won Goodman was happy – they were his two teams.” Both Jamison and Snashfold are Palace fans coincidentally living in Northern Ireland, and had to commit hours to the fundraising tasks. They were both motivated by the desire to commemorate two figures who shaped the club, with Jamison also touched by Callender’s story (opposite). “It hit home,” he says. “Truthfully, I was near tears. I’ve had a few bad things in my life when I was young because of what’s happened over here in Northern Ireland. I know what

those sort of feelings are like. “The guy had such a tough upbringing and Ella [Callender’s fiancée who died of polio aged 23] was his life, his world. When she went, unfortunately he had to go, too. It’s just unbelievable. But it’s true and it’s heart-breaking stuff. I can imagine what the guy felt and it brings tears to your eyes.” Jamison and Snashfold now intend to restore Charles Woodhouse’s grave in Beckenham.

There are certain Palace players who stick out in history and things have happened to them and, through no fault of their own, their graves have been left

Jamison says: “There are certain Palace players who stick out in history and things have happened to them and, through no fault of their own, their graves have been left.” “Thanks to everyone who contributed and supported,” says Snashfold. “I hope like me you now think it’s a worthy memorial.”

The story of ‘Wor Billy’ Billy Callender joined Crystal Palace in 1923 after being spotted with his local side in Prudhoe. Raised by foster parents and born William Coulson, Callender would likely have spent life in the pits if it weren’t for football. He took over from Jack Alderson upon Alderson’s departure at the start of 1925/26, and went on to play 225 matches for Palace – considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of the period. Tragedy struck Callender and his fiancée, Ella Leslie, when Ella contracted polio some time in 1930. She had supported Callender from the stands at home matches – a rarity for partners at the time – and they would have married but for Ella falling ill. Ella passed away after two years in which Callender became a carer, pushing her in a wheelchair around Thornton Heath. She died aged 23 in May 1932. Callender finished the rest of the season before returning to the north-east for summer; his last appearance came in a home draw with Voices of South London

Clapton Orient, keeping a clean sheet in front of 10,286 fans. He is said to have been one of the most popular figures at the club, but bashful when receiving the crowd’s vocal praise. Callender returned from a summer spent with family and registered with Palace for the new season. The next day, trainer Jack Jones found him dead in the Main Stand having hanged himself from a beam. In his pocket were letters from and a faded photograph of Ella. Jamison, who organised tributes to Callender for the 90th anniversary of his death, has arranged for flowers to be concurrently placed on Ella’s grave in Elmers End. “Three-hundred miles away and 90 years apart,” he says, “they’re going to be re-joined.”

Supporters wishing to attend Callender’s memorial service can do so at 1pm on Sunday, 24th July at Edgewell Cemetery. The address is 20-17 Edgewell Rd, Prudhoe, NE42 6JJ.

21 years of Together for football Unlocking the power of pitches Transforming lives Strengthening communities Tackling inequalities Improving accessibility Football Foundation The Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation has been investing into communities like yours for the last 21 years. Building football facilities and using the power of pitches to transform lives.

Find out more about the Football Foundation, its impact and the future plans for your local area: footballfoundation.org.uk

non-league neighbours corinthian-casuals & bromley f.c. Surrounding south London’s only Premier League club is a range of non-league sides. In each programme, we catch up with four – Beckenham Town, Bromley, Corinthian-Casuals, and Holmesdale F.C. – to cover the people who sustain south London’s rich non-league scene.

league table pos CLUB

recent results P

Pts

potters bar town

-18

corinthian-casuals

-7

wingate and finchley

-15

Pts

pos CLUB

carshalton athletic

corinthiancasuals

folkestone invicta

bromley

boreham wood

bromley

yeovil town

-4

Non-League neighbours

eastleigh

bromley

1-2 0-3 2-2 0-0 0-2 0-2

corinthiancasuals

horsham

corinthiancasuals

maidenhead united

bromley

dagenham & redbridge

Corinthian-Casuals After a year covering the story of Corinthian-Casuals both past and present, it is worth stepping back and reviewing where we have been.

ours to Budapest and Brazil. Sell out stadiums in São Paolo. Supplying the entire England XI twice. You might be wondering: Is this normal for a non-league club in south London? We can assure you, it’s not. But that’s what makes Corinthian-Casuals so special – as their Chairman, Brian Vandervilt, told the programme so astutely: “We’ve got an amazing history, and yet we’re of the past.” It is certainly a struggle to be an amateur club in an increasingly professional non-league world. Tracing their origins back to the world-famous Corinthian of the early 20th century, the club is a place of pilgrimage for many a football purist. Indeed, most matchdays have an international flavour, as Brazilian fans descend on King George’s Field to pay homage to the team that served as the inspiration for their beloved side. Corinthian’s own inimitable style won them plaudits far and wide. In 1883 they

invited Andrew Watson, the first black player to feature at international level, to join the side. In 1904 they put 11 past Manchester United in what remains the Red Devils’ heaviest defeat. And perhaps most significantly, they spread the game to foreign shores.

There is a big feeling that, whilst our history is amazing, we’ve been left behind by remaining amateur. But so be it. That’s our intention and always will be In the modern era, however, their progress is to some extent constrained by their tradition, remaining an entirely amateur side. Their players are not paid wages and have no contracts, and therefore nothing prevents Non-League neighbours

them moving on to bigger things. Former Palace midfielders Andy Gray and Alan Pardew are two such examples. Others, however, may join for lowerranked or smaller clubs that pay. “There is a big feeling that, whilst our history is amazing, we’ve been left behind by remaining amateur,” Vandervilt pondered. “But so be it. That’s our intention and always will be.” For all the incredible moments that mark their extraordinary history, there is one thing Corinthian-Casuals have in common with their non-league colleagues: at the heart of the club is a core of tireless volunteers that make every matchday so special. “We won’t be competing for the title, but we’ll be giving it a go and seeing what we can do,” says Stuart Tree, long-time committee member. “But going down on a Saturday and seeing everyone… it’s just a community thing.” And, in the end, that is what football is all about

bromley f.c. In August we introduced Bromley by their affectionate – but slanderous – nickname: ‘The Worst Football Team in Britain’. Those who have come to know the club over the course of this season will have soon realised we were right to warn against judging a book (literally in this case) by its cover.

romley’s foray into the world of arts and literature may have been in a less-than-complimentary guise – an endeavour which, it should be noted, they have always embraced with grace and good humour – but they are a football club going places fast. After agonisingly missing out on promotion in the play-offs last season, this season they still fill the leading pack – and have earned a trip to Wembley in the FA Trophy final in May. Much of that progress has come under a man well-known to Crystal Palace fans: former goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman. His managerial influences extend across to Selhurst Park, as well as elsewhere in the game: “Right from Steve Coppell… through to obviously Alan Pardew and Arsène Wenger,” he told the programme – the latter a reference to his spell as Arsenal’s goalkeeping coach. “They all had influences on me in the role I’m in now.

I’m really grateful that a lot of these people still keep in touch with me: Alan Smith, Coppell, Pardew, Gareth Southgate.”

You support if you’re winning every game or if you’re losing every game. You don’t run away. You don’t say: ‘I’m not watching that rubbish’ – and believe me, we saw some dreadful rubbish over the years! It’s important to remember, however, that much of the club’s spirit comes from the long-term, grassroots supporters. The greatest example, Roy Oliver, has been following the club since the 1950s when he sold lottery tickets “for tuppence each.” Non-League neighbours

“You support the team home and away,” he told us earlier in the season. “You support if you’re winning every game or if you’re losing every game. You don’t run away. You don’t say: ‘I’m not watching that rubbish’ – and believe me, we saw some dreadful rubbish over the years!” This is the attitude that sustains Bromley, from their obscurity in the mid-20th century to their relative success today: the loyalty and generosity of their supporters. Football is about community, and what better exemplifies that spirit than a 74-year-old fanatic entering his seventh decade of fandom and still volunteering every matchday? Bromley are far from ‘The Worst Football Team in Britain’, but the words of the late author of The Bromley Boys, where the nickname was borne, still ring true for them and football clubs up and down the country: “The only time I felt I truly belonged was when I was watching Bromley.”

Leeds v Crystal Palace Second Division 05/11/1983 Tony Evans celebrates after scoring in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in 1983.

moment in time

Leeds ‘keeper David Harvey saves from Alan Irvine.

Second Division 22/09/1984

Crystal Palace v Leeds

moment in time

dean austin From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Today, Dean Austin describes what happens on Palace’s first – and so far, only – competitive European ‘tour’.

cademy graduate Jimmy Hibburt describes his visit to Samsun, Turkey, with Crystal Palace in 1998 as ‘welcome to hell’. He paints a vivid picture of fans ‘spitting’ with ‘knives’ in a ‘real hostile’ atmosphere. Hibburt – who was only 18 in the summer of ‘98 – ended his cameo in Turkey by clambering into a police escort with Terry Venables. But Dean Austin – 28 by comparison and a battle-scarred enforcer – remembers a different trip. “That’s what it’s all about,” he says nonchalantly. “I quite like atmospheres like that.” Hibburt and Austin’s differing experiences come from the Intertoto Cup, Palace’s first venture into European-wide football. The Intertoto Cup was an accompanying tournament to the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. It hosted teams who failed to qualify for either of those competitions but, in 1995, became a route for teams into the UEFA Cup (now Europa League). Clubs earned entry to the summer-long tournament From the Archive

through application rather than merit, so when Crystal Palace were relegated in the Premier League’s bottom place, the Eagles still secured their spot on a European tour. A onematch European tour, that is. Palace fell 0-2 against Samsunspor six days before finding themselves sitting in the shade in a Turkish park, Venables running through tactics for an out of shape pre-season squad. “It was a very long journey,” Austin continues. “We got up the following morning planning on running through some set pieces. We got up, had breakfast, left the hotel early and went to a pitch they’d found us. “Terry got us in the shade and just went: ‘There’s no way we can do anything in this heat. You’ve got to save your energy, it’s going to be hard tonight.’ It was extremely hot, about 110°F [43°C].”

It was a fantastic atmosphere… It was full with about 9-10,000 people with flares and a lot of noise. For someone like me, I quite like atmospheres like that Austin recalls the clash itself: “It was a fantastic atmosphere… It was full with about 9-10,000 people with flares and a lot of noise. For someone like me, I quite like atmospheres like that. As a professional footballer, it’s one of the reasons you play. You long to be playing in big stadiums with big crowds and great atmospheres. From the Archive

“But it was a tough game, it was a tough game and, to be fair, they were better than us. They were far, far fitter than us... I just remember it being incredibly hot and very, very, very difficult.” Palace fell to a Serkan Aykut brace – the Samsunspor icon adding to Ugur Dagdelen and Tümer Metin’s efforts at Selhurst to dispatch the south Londoners 4-0 on aggregate. The rest of the trip went no better for Venables’ men, who, according to Austin, were under strict instructions to stay in the hotel before returning home to battle unsuccessfully for Division One promotion. Not quite the European tour of glamorous spots and heroic games, but then how else would we want it?

palace for life made in south london Crystal Palace F.C. and Palace for Life Foundation aim to transform the lives of thousands more young south Londoners with the new campaign Made in South London.

rystal Palace’s charity arm Palace for Life Foundation has launched its latest fundraising campaign today at Selhurst Park, Made in South London, to raise £1million over the next three years to help transform the lives of over 3,000 additional young people. The launch film was written and fronted by the multi-talented creative and life-long Palace fan Ben Bailey Smith (AKA Doc Brown). The film sees Ben walk the streets of south London, bumping into some familiar Palace first-team faces in unfamiliar roles, including Wilfried Zaha (the driver), Marc Guéhi (the lollipop man), Eberechi Eze (the barber) and manager Patrick Vieira, en route

to Selhurst Park. You can check it out on Palace for Life’s website. Despite the light-hearted nature of the film, the campaign’s goal is critical. Many parts of south London are in the bottom 10% of the most deprived areas in the city, which as a result forces a continuous cycle of dangers and challenges for young people. The Foundation’s host borough Croydon had 1,817 violent crimes reported last year, making it the most violent in London. There has been a 60% increase in knife crime in London in the last four years, and just last year, 30 children across the city, five of which were in Croydon, lost their lives through violence.

palace for life

The ambitious campaign target of £1 million will help the Foundation scale projects aimed to enrich young people’s lives, through tried and tested programmes which are already being delivered in local boroughs. With these vital funds, Palace for Life Foundation will: • Inspire 3,000 young people from the most disadvantaged areas, through free weekly sporting activities at 10 new venues • Kickstart 300 young people into their future careers through its social mobility programme • Divert 300 young people away from crime, gangs and anti-social behaviour through one-to-one mentoring Palace for Life Foundation has been supporting its community for over 25 years through its flagship programmes such as Premier League Kicks, which offers free sports activities diverting young people from anti-social behaviour; its Social Mobility programme, aimed to support 16-23-year olds furthest from the job market to gain relevant skills; and Breaking The Cycle,

one-to-one mentoring to help young people turn their lives around.

I’ve grown up in south London and know there are many people from the area that have so much potential. Palace for Life do a great job working with young people in our community eberechi eze In the last three years, the Foundation has supported over 40,000 children and young people in schools and in the community; delivered free weekly sport sessions at 30 different venues across south London; helped 500 young people get into education, training and employment; mentored 400 young people who have been excluded from school, or involved in crime or gangs – all while increasing its BAME representation to over 50% and female representation to over 38%. South London is a diverse community, and it is the charity’s belief that if young people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – are provided with opportunities, they will contribute enormously to the capital’s future south of the river. As vulnerable young people climb out of the pandemic, growing up in London continues to be tougher than ever, so Palace for Life Foundation is calling on the local public to donate what they can

Support the Made in South London campaign and Palace for Life’s goal to help even more young south Londoners to achieve their potential.

visit palaceforlife.org or scan below

palace for life

feel it all

It’s a bold statement, but Crystal Palace Football Club has a legitimate claim to being the oldest league side in existence still playing professional football. Throughout the club’s 160th anniversary season, author and supporter Peter Manning explains the fascinating tale of Palace’s history from 1861 to 1915, a history acknowledged in their 1906 handbook, laying out in each edition why the club’s heritage stretches further back than ever thought.

cpfc 1861

n the last programme we saw how Crystal Palace Football Club made the transition from being an amateur side to a professional Southern League outfit. In this edition we’ll cover their final 10 years at the Crystal Palace before being forced to move during the First World War.

Crystal Palace Football Club turned professional at a difficult time. The main aim of its owners, the Crystal Palace Company, was to tap into the thousands of new visitors that professional football could bring to the palace. The company had already seen how successful football could be when attracting tens of thousands from all over the country to the FA Cup final. But as we saw in the last programme, Palace only just managed to scrape enough votes to get into the Second Division of the Southern League, which meant they would only play the top teams’ reserve sides and the smaller teams in the south-east. But it was what it was, and Palace had to make the most of it.

Q: So how did Palace get on in the Southern League?

A: They did very well in their first season. The club signed Jack Robson, who managed Middlesbrough for 15 years, as manager, and he put

Edmund Goodman, Palace’s longest-serving manager together a team of experienced professionals from the north and midlands who found the Second Division easy. After losing their opening game Palace sailed through their first season unbeaten and finished as champions. They then had to negotiate the politics of

Along the way palace picked up the ‘Glaziers’ nickname, a moniker they kept until Malcolm Allison changed it in 1973 the Southern League again and try to get elected to the First Division (there was no automatic promotion). The First Division clubs voted to re-elect their two bottom sides but also to increase the division from 18 teams to 20, taking the top two from the Second Division. So Palace made cpfc 1861

the jump up and would now play the likes of Spurs, Southampton and Fulham. Along the way they picked up the ‘Glaziers’ nickname, a moniker they kept until Malcolm Allison changed it in 1973. Life in the First Division was a lot more difficult, but the highlight of Palace’s 1906/07 season was their magnificent cup run. After an easy qualifying win against Rotherham County, Palace then drew the plum tie of the first round, away to Newcastle. Newcastle were the top team of the day; they were current Football League leaders and had been cup finalists at the palace the year before. They had not lost an FA Cup game at home since 1896 and could field 10 full internationals. Nobody gave the newly professional Crystal Palace a chance, and yet they won 1-0 in a match that is still considered one of the greatest cup upsets of all time. Palace went on to beat Fulham and Brentford but did not quite reach the heights of their 1871/72 forebears, losing to Everton in a quarter-final replay. In total nearly 200,000

people watched the Palace cup games, including crowds of over 20,000 at all the home matches. It proved to the Crystal Palace Company that their professional football club could be a successful, viable business.

In total nearly 200,000 people watched the Palace cup games, including crowds of over 20,000 at all the home matches Unfortunately for Palace, though, that success came at a price as a number of star players were poached by Football League teams at the end of the season and there then followed years of moderate success. 1907 saw the astute club secretary Edmund Goodman take on the additional role of manager (he remains Palace’s longest-serving), but it was off the field where he had the biggest impact on the club. Head to Page 47 for more on him.

Q: Why did Crystal Palace Football Club eventually leave Sydenham? A: In 1909, the Crystal Palace Company finally folded under the weight of its debt burden and went into receivership. The Crystal Palace, which had

had 200 million visitors since it opened in 1854, was considered a national treasure and every effort was made to try and save it. With the palace’s future finely in the balance the 1910/11 season opened with rumours that Crystal Palace Football Club might also have to close if the landmark could not be saved. In the event Palace had a good season by equalling their highest position of fourth in the Southern League as the palace struggled on. But ultimately the courts decided that the palace and all its assets should be put up for sale by auction in November 1911. At the 11th hour the Earl of Plymouth, a great supporter of the Crystal Palace, stepped in and agreed to purchase it on the nation’s behalf alongside its shares in Crystal Palace Football Club. The Earl became the club’s first president. The aim was to then simultaneously raise enough funds by donations so the Crystal Palace could be bought for the nation. It wasn’t until June 1914 that the full amount was raised and ownership of the palace and its shares in Crystal Palace Football Club could be passed to a new trust. So Crystal Palace became the first and probably only football club to be owned by the nation, and the trustees would hold those shares until 1950. Meanwhile, further storm clouds were gathering and on August 4th, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany. The trustees cpfc 1861

immediately offered use of the palace to the government, who gladly accepted, and the palace became a training station for 10,000 naval recruits for the duration of the war. It was clear that, at some stage, football would end in Sydenham, and it was abruptly announced on 9th February, 1915, that Palace had played their last competitive game there, a home victory against Reading just three days earlier. So after over 50 years Crystal Palace Football Club had to leave Sydenham. The Crystal Palace Company that hoped its football club would become a leading team and revenue earner would no doubt be delighted at what the team has achieved today. The DNA of the Crystal Palace and the Crystal Palace Company very much lives on!

NEXT TIME In the season’s final two programmes, we will summarise the facts that support Palace’s claim to have been founded in 1861 and how today’s club is directly descended from those early pioneers. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

sophie m©lean When I joined at the start of this season the club had clear aims to push ourselves as high as possible. Now we’re sitting in third with two games left and could even finish second, and I feel we’ve met those aims.

e’ve exceeded expectations this season by sticking to our gameplan and trying to work and progress with it. With several signings in summer we knew it would take some time to get into the swing of things, but we started so well that we’re still sitting in the top three despite a brief dip in results after Christmas.

As soon as I joined I could feel everyone was comfortable and wanted each other to do well, which is really hard to find That fast start was down to our team dynamic. As soon as I joined I could feel everyone was comfortable and wanted each other to do well, which is really hard to find. You’re always going palace women

to thrive if you’re playing with people who you want to succeed. I also felt that over two seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, when we earned promotion into the Women’s Super League. The team dynamic here is similar and that’s crucial in succeeding, so next season we can hopefully push for another top spot.

My personal highlight was scoring against Blackburn, because I don’t score often! We won 2-1 and it felt like quite a big deal for me The points we’ve earned are a collective highlight from this season. I don’t think anyone expected us to do as well as we have. For me the best games were beating those teams that have always been our rivals, like Charlton. We did that twice, which was a big deal for all of us, especially those who’ve played for them or against them over the years. Things like that give us a buzz and motivate us to keep working hard. My personal highlight was scoring against Blackburn, because I don’t score often! We won 2-1 and it felt like quite a big deal for me; though I can’t remember the goal too clearly. I palace women

think I’ve done well and been able to help the team after starting the season mostly on the bench. I got myself into the starting XI for a run of games and have largely stayed there since. Next season the target is to get on those scoresheets a bit more! The most important thing for me, though, is looking forward to training. I’ve been welcomed really well and love all the girls, so I look forward to every session. Now we’re under a bit less pressure because of the points we’ve collected, but we want to keep working hard, change nothing and finish on a high. We train at the standards and intensity with which we play, so if we keep that up, we can continue to make history this season

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Make sure to get in touch with the details on Page 67 to share your own message.

Happy 17th Birthday Freddy. Have a great day. Love from Mum, Dad, Grace and Steve the dog

Great job from Nathaniel Holah belting out chants in front of the Covent Garden crowd pre-Wembley. Well in, Nate! Brilliant effort thank you for your vocal support.

The friends and family of lifelong Palace fan, Colin Smith, wish him a very happy 60th Birthday and hope that he enjoys this special day watching the game.

Our dear brother passed away suddenly, he was an avid fan of Crystal Palace, will be so sorely missed by his family and all who knew him. Fly high with the Eagles xx

from the terraces

For our Dad/Gramps, Terry Coleman, who we got our love of CPFC from. Gone too soon x

Sadly announcing the passing of Terry Mulholland. 21/09/1937 – 18/03/2022. Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather & friend to many. Loyal supporter & past member of the CPFC Vice Presidents club. He will be dearly missed.

Happy 70th Birthday to Big Jim, the greatest Dad and Grandad. Many great years of supporting Palace together and many great years ahead. Love the Beveridges and Cleavers. Xxx

You battle every challenge you’re put up against and overcome so many hurdles along the way. You are a true inspiration to us all. Always keep smiling. Happy Birthday Xx

Special birthday wishes to a super son, husband, daddy and loyal Palace supporter. Happy 40th Birthday Tim! Love from all your biggest fans!

This is Wilfred Bull who sits in the Arthur Wait with his Dad and Grandpa - no prizes for guessing who his favourite player is!

Happy 30th Birthday to Deano! Eagles up the Palace! From all your family and friends x Happy 12th Birthday Evie. Love, Mum, Dad, Ruby and all your Family xxx Enjoy the Game! Happy 10th birthday to Violet Brackstone in her first season as a Crystal Palace season ticket holder, love Mum and Dad.

Happy 16th Birthday Charlie Liddle! Hope you have had an amazing day. Love Mum, Dad & Harry x

We are sad to announce the passing of life long Palace fan, Jamie Hoath. With his father, Jim, and brother Mark, he was a long term season ticket holder in the Stephenson Lounge area. Jamie (on the right) is seen here with his late father (on the left) back in 2010. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

from the terraces

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

quiz, games, brighty & more!

Put your Palace, opposition and Premier League knowledge to the test in our various challenges below. The perfect way to pass time pre-match - let us know how you fare via social media!

Guess who

Spot the image

Can you guess the ex-Eagle above just from their picture?

The above cut-out is taken from an image in this programme. Can you find what page it’s on?

matchday quiz 1

Which manager signed Nigel Martyn for Everton?

Which player’s signing fee did Terry Venables pay half of with his own money?

Paul Hart had two former players on his staff while managing Palace. Dougie Freedman and who else?

Did Tomas Brolin play more times for Palace or Leeds?

David Hopkin left Palace for Leeds in 1997. Who did he join in 2002, after his second spell with Palace?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

Can you work out which Football League club’s stadium this is?

This famous Leeds supporter has thrown a kettle over a pub. What have you ever done?

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

Brighty

You

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

ANSWERS Guess who: Darren Patterson Spot the image: Page 58 Quiz: 1) David Moyes 2) Rachid Harkouk 3) John Pemberton 4) Leeds 5) Greenock Morton Famous Fan: Ralph Ineson Guess the Ground: Holker Street − Barrow AFC

games

team stats: women / U23S / U18S Coral-Jade Haines Haines won the club’s Goal of the Month award for March after the exceptional strike against Charlton Athletic.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi Rak-Sakyi is the third-top scorer in the Premier League 2. He needs to close Man City’s James McAtee by four.

Ademola Ola-Adebomi Ola-Adebomi signed his first professional contract with the club this month.

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

AUGUST Sun 29 Bristol City SEPTEMBER Sun 5 London City Lionesses Sun 12 Sunderland Sun 26 Liverpool OCTOBER Sun 3 Sheffield United Sun 10 Coventry United Wed 13 Lewes Sun 31 Watford NOVEMBER Sun 7 Durham Sun 14 Charlton Athletic Wed 17 Reading Sun 21 Blackburn Rovers DECEMBER Sun 12 Bridgwater United Wed 15 Bristol City JANUARY Sun 16 Durham Sun 23 Liverpool Sun 30 Lewes FEBRUARY Sun 6 Bristol City Sun 13 London City Lionesses Sun 27 Sunderland MARCH Sun 6 Coventry United Sun 13 Lewes Sun 27 Charlton Athletic APRIL Sun 3 Blackburn Rovers Sun 24 Watford MAY Sun 1 Sheffield United

W 4-3 L 1-2 D 1-1 L 1-2

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Fri 27

Everton

W 3-1

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

D 0-0 W 3-2 W 1-1 (4-3)

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

D 2-2

Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur

W 4-3

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers

L 1-2

Sat 6

Chelsea

W 2-1

Sat 20

Liverpool

W 3-0

Sat 27

Manchester United

W 2-1

L 0-1 L 0-0 (4-5)

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United

L 2-4

W 3-2 L 0-4 W 3-1

JANUARY Mon 10 Everton

D 2-2

Mon 17 Chelsea

W 3-2

Mon 24 Liverpool

L 0-2

FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur

W 4-1

Sun 20

D 2-2

W W L W

3-1 3-2 1-3 2-1

L 0-4 L 1-5 W 1-0 L 0-1 L 0-2 W 1-0 W 2-1

Manchester United

Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion W 2-0 MARCH Sat 12

Manchester City

L 1-2

Sat 19

Arsenal

D 1-1

APRIL Mon 4

Leeds United

L 0-4

Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers MAY Mon 2

Leicester City

Mon 9

Derby County

women/u23S/u18S

AUGUST Sat 14 Leicester City Sat 21 West Ham United Sat 28 West Bromwich Albion SEPTEMBER Sat 11 Aston Villa Sat 18 Liverpool Sat 25 Southampton OCTOBER Sat 2 Reading Sat 16 Manchester City Sat 23 Birmingham City Sat 30 Arsenal NOVEMBER Sat 6 Chelsea Sat 20 Fulham Sat 27 Aston Villa DECEMBER Sat 4 Tottenham Hotpsur Wed 8 Barnsley JANUARY Sat 8 Norwich City Sat 15 Wolves Sat 22 Birmingham City FEBRUARY Sat 5 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 19 Arsenal Sat 26 Norwich City MARCH Sat 5 Leicester City Fri 11 West Ham United Sat 19 West Bromwich Albion APRIL Sat 2 Aston Villa Sat 9 Southampton Tue 12 Brighton & Hove Albion Sat 23 Reading Sat 30 Chelsea MAY Sat 7 Brighton & Hove Albion Sat 14 Fulham

W 3-1 W 2-1 W 3-2 D 2-2 L 2-3 W 1-0 D D L W

3-3 2-2 1-2 3-2

L 3-4 D 1-1 W 3-1 W 3-0 W 2-1 D 0-0 L 1-1 (5-6) W 4-0 W 4-2 W 5-0 W 1-0 W 2-1 L 1-2 W 3-0 W 6-1 L 2-3 L 0-1

Name

Apps

Skye Bacon

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Bianca Baptiste

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Name

3 4

Apps

Goals

Victor Akinwale

Scott Banks

David Boateng

Malachi Boateng

Harry Freedman

Name

Apps

Joshua Addae Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Ryan Bartley

Kalani Barton

Freddie Bell

Maliq Cadogan

Junior Dixon

Owen Goodman (GK)

Grace Coombs

Owen Goodman (GK)

Leanne Cowan

John-Kymani Gordon

Aimee Everett

Reece Hannam

Danny Imray

Nya Kirby

James Leonard

Jake O'Brien

Cameron Lewis-Brown

Joe Ling

Adler Nascimento

Millie Farrow

Coral-Jade Haines

Alex Hennessy

David Omilabu

Annabel Johnson

Killian Phillips

Sophie McLean

Chloe Morgan (GK)

Leigh Nicol

Emily Orman (GK)

Dan Quick

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Kaden Rodney

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

Cardo Siddik

David Ozoh

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Molly-Mae Sharpe

Rob Street

James Taylor

Dylan Thiselton

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

liv

20 15 4

1 42 8 34 49

bri

20 11

6 40 23 17 36

lon

20 11

7 29 20 9 35

cry

20 10 3

7 31 36 -5 33

Zach Marsh

Aidan Steele

Lizzie Waldie

Hope Smith

Kanye Jobson

David Obou

Sean Robertson

Jackson Izquierdo (GK)

Fionn Mooney

Gracie Pearse

Isabella Sibley

Goals

Laurence Shala

Joe Sheridan

Matthew Vigor

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth (GK)

Vonnte Williams

mci

24 14 6

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

4 55 31 24 48

pos CLUB P W D 1

sou

22 16 2

A GD Pts

4 66 31 35 50

whu 24 13 3

8 50 36 14 42

whu 23 15 4

4 59 25 34 49

ars

5 54 46 8 39

cry

5 53 28 25 43

24 10 9

mun 24 11

lei

22 13 4

8 44 39 5 38

ful

22 13 4

5 46 25 21 43

24 10 7

7 36 46 -10 37

che

22 13 3

6 58 37 21 42

she

20 9

6 31 23 8 32

liv

24 9

8 40 36 4 34

lei

23 12 5

6 43 28 15 41

dur

20 9

7 26 26 0 31

tot

23 9

8 47 43 4 33

ars

23 11

6 49 42 7 39

20 8

8 22 17 5 28

cry

23 10 3 10 47 45 2 33

bha

22 9

11 51 49 2 29

2 10 21 22 -1 26

bha

24 9

9 40 39 1 33

tot

22 9

0 13 45 54 -9 27

22 7

3 12 35 47 -12 24

wba 23 7

2 14 34 61 -27 23

cha

lew 20 8

10 bla

24 7

9 44 52 -8 29

10 rdg

24 8

11 30 43 -13 29

12 lee

24 7

5 12 42 45 -3 26

12 avl

23 5

4 14 41 63 -22 19

13 che

23 5

11 32 41 -9 22

13 bir

22 3

4 15 25 62 -37 13

23 4

3 16 30 49 -19 15

14 nor

23 2

1 20 17 70 -53 7

sun

20 6

10 BLA

20 5

2 13 16 35 -19 17

20 2

5 13 17 43 -26 11

12 cov* 20 3

7 10 16 32 -16 6

14 der

wat

9 21 27 -6 23

eve

* 10 point deduction

women/u23S/u18S

MAY

APRIL

March

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

Chelsea

KICK-OFF 15:00

Result 0-3

Sat 21

Brentford