Crystal Palace v Leicester City matchday programme by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace v Leicester City Sunday 3rd October 2021 // 2:00pm

palace √ leicester sun 03 oct | 14:00

08 captain 10 chairman 34 darren ambrose 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 Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott Commercial Director Barry Webber Director of Operations Sharon Lacey Head of Ticketing Ally Spicer General Counsel David Nichol Chief Marketing and Communications Officer James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Editor Ben Mountain Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas, Stu Ellmer Contributors Will Robinson, Ian King, Peter Manning, Darren Ambrose, Tash Stephens, Toby Jagmohan, Alexa Terry, Dinesh Sanassee Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Dan Weir (PPA), @SniperPose Printer Bishops Printers

contents

there are times when you have to switch off. I’m fortunate enough to have my family with me, so spending time with my sisters, my mum and my dad where possible, I switch off

briefing palace √ leicester sun 03 oct | 14:00

Fixtures and tickets update -

september/october

Crystal Palace’s Papa John’s Trophy game with AFC Wimbledon has been rearranged. The game will kick-off at 19:45 on Tuesday, 26th October, at the Cherry Red Records stadium. It was initially set for October 5th, but has been moved due to international commitments. Palace’s last Papa John’s Trophy game saw an Under-21s side fall to Sutton United in August, and they will also face Portsmouth in November.

For the first-team, tickets for the Arsenal game (Monday, 18th October, 20:00) and Manchester City (Saturday, October 30th, 15:00) are now on sale to Members with 4,000+ Loyalty Points and all Season Ticket holders. Qualifying supporters are eligible to buy one ticket per Client Reference Number until October 5th, when up to two remaining tickets can be purchased per Client Reference Number. Wolves and Aston Villa home tickets go on sale next week (October 4th). Tickets can be bought online at tickets.cpfc.co.uk.

Dougie Freedman scores first Palace goal, 1995 v Stoke City

Jim Cannon (1953) and Michy Batshuayi (1993) born

Leon McKenzie scores on his debut aged 17, 1995

Nathan Ferguson born, 2000

James M©Arthur born, 1987

Tickets for Palace Women’s three November fixtures are also available now, so make sure to back the Eagles when you can at Hayes Lane.

Fan update Three club legends are hosting in the Premium lounges today: Darren Ambrose, Jim Cannon and Alan Smith. Find out more about Premium hospitality on cpfc.co.uk.

What’s inside Find out… Patrick Vieira’s praise for fans (Page 6), John Burridge’s brutal introduction to Palace (Page 56) and Mark Bright’s predictions for today’s football (Page 69). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester Directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

e nearly played the perfect game against Brighton. We were solid, worked well and managed some good football. Ultimately, we did not get the points we deserved on Monday, but this does not take away from the performance. We were able to take lots of positives as we continue to move in the right direction, so I have to praise the team for their quality in that game. We learned in a really hard way about focusing on the details and ensuring we concentrate on them throughout the match, no matter how long it goes on for. I have been speaking with players individually about that this week, because you win or lose games with these details. It’s all part of a process, and part of that is reinforcing the messages that are most important to our game. Undoubtedly one of the most important strengths we have at Crystal Palace is our supporters. This was proved again on Monday night: the atmosphere was incredible. After Wilfried scored just before half-time, I was walking down the touchline to the dressing room and

the sound you made honestly gave me goose bumps. I could see the excitement and the passion and that exact moment was the best for me since I’ve been here.

After Wilfried scored just before halftime, I was walking down the touchline to the dressing room and the sound you made honestly gave me goose bumps

The Crystal Palace fans – particularly at Selhurst Park – are well known by their passion and the way they support the team. This is what I want people to remember and focus on when they talk about the club. There is no manager

better way to support us than how you have been recently. I would also like to congratulate Wilf on making his 400th appearance for this football club. He is not only an important player, but also an important figure. He is an example to those kids in the Academy today who want to play for us and want to be the next Wilfried Zaha. His passion for winning is unbelievable; he’s always demanding of himself and those around him. This is one of the things I like most about him. Today we face a different challenge. In Brendan, Leicester have one of Europe’s top managers and they have a really good squad, too. They have been a little like us lately, in that they’ve been unlucky with some results and are playing better than their scorelines suggest. It will be really important for us to play this game with a higher tempo and with the same passion we showed against Brighton. I look forward to another home game in front of you all. As ever, thank you for your support

captain

We are working as part of a process under the gaffer, and I know the boys and I are excited and determined to get back those points we lost to Brighton.

e were very disappointed on Monday night because we feel we deserved three points from this game. We had a good performance across the team for the whole 90 minutes and put pressure on Brighton high up the pitch. On top of this, we were supported by an amazing atmosphere that gave us energy and helped to us to play some fast and attacking football. So on other days we will have won this game without any problems, but we conceded at the end and this is football. Accepting moments like that can be the most difficult part of the game sometimes, because when you are so close to the feeling of a win over your biggest rivals and then have that taken from you, it hurts everyone: fans and players. But we must accept this score, identify what went wrong and work hard to correct it. This has been our focus this week. As the manager has said, it’s a learning process and we are still growing well together as a team. With this in my mind, I can say I

have taken many more positives from Monday than the negative at the end. Today we have the chance to put the three points on the board

We know how lucky we are to have the support we do, so to play at Selhurst twice in one week is a very big advantage for us and we must use this against Leicester

we should have got against Brighton. We know how lucky we are to have the support we do, so to play at Selhurst twice in one week is a very big advantage for captain

us and we must use this against Leicester. It can be too easy to look at a team who are not getting the results they want at that moment and think you will have an easy game, but this is something we should not do. Leicester have a very strong squad from their goalkeeper to their strikers and we have had some tough matches with them recently. They will be very determined to pick up lost points as will we, so we are expecting a tough afternoon. I have some good memories against Leicester though and know that if we played like we did against Brighton, or even Tottenham, West Ham and at times Liverpool, in another season we would have more points for the table. Today is the time to get that little bit more luck, carry on showing what we can do and put Brighton in the past. As ever, we know we have you helping us do that. Make some noise!

chairman

Marc Guéhi is already a calm and collected head at Crystal Palace. A man who’s proudly not been sent off at any level, he exudes confidence and assurance both on and off the pitch. Here, he offers Will Robinson an insight into his character.

main interview

n and off the pitch, one word keeps coming back again and again for Marc Guéhi: balance. Whether pirouetting into midfield, preparing for a south London derby or settling into a new dressing room, it’s always the same. Football is a small world, and as we talk Guéhi gestures across the room to his new teammates during the club’s media day. There are plenty he knows from his days at Chelsea and elsewhere. “It’s really good,” he says. “It helps with settling in quickly and allowing you to get used to things quickly, so it’s fantastic to have so many people that I know. But the boys I don’t know, I’m really trying to make an effort. It’s helping me fit in so that’s good.” But again, for Guéhi, there are two ways of looking at it. “Another positive is not knowing people. It allows you to get to know them and where they’ve come from – to build new relationships. It’s good. “I approached it similarly to when I was at Swansea. I was there knowing it was a loan but still did my best to get to know as many people as possible and immerse myself in the club. I signed a long-term deal here and I’ll be doing just the same: getting to immerse myself in the culture and the environment that is Crystal Palace.” Guéhi is certainly not afraid to make his mark, both in polite conversation and beyond. The subject of initiation songs arises. He smiles. “I’ve been told there’s no initiation so I’m happy about

that,” he says, before adding hastily: “I mean, I’d be prepared if there was.” Which song? “Rihanna – Take a Bow,” he answers confidently. For those who don’t know, that’s a relatively slow, emotional track which is certified quadruple platinum. We ponder whether that might be an ambitious effort. “Well, I’m an ambitious person! I think everyone would enjoy that one…”

I signed a long-term deal here and I’ll be doing just the same: getting to immerse myself in the culture and the environment that is Crystal Palace

The determination to be open with new teammates benefits the football side of things, too. As a central defender, building a relationship with his centreback partner is crucial to a solid defensive unit. “It some cases, it can happen instantly,” he says of playing with a new partner. “It just depends on the new people. There’s definitely a feeling, but you’ve still got to work together, have that understanding about each other’s games, [know] what your strengths are and what their strengths are, and how you can complement each other’s games.” Does this mean a close relationship off the pitch is necessary? “It’s good to be close Marc Guéhi

off the field, to have that good relationship. Some partnerships don’t necessarily need that, they aren’t close off the field. But I’d want to have a good relationship with all my teammates.” Off the pitch, Guéhi is not one to get home and ignore the game entirely. But that doesn’t mean he can’t switch off. “There’s got to be a bit of balance,” he says – and there’s that word again. “Sometimes I’ll play FIFA when I can. I’ll watch Monday Night Football if it’s on. “But also there are times when you have to switch off. I’m fortunate enough to have my family with me, so spending time with my sisters, my mum and my dad where possible, I switch off.” During the coronavirus pandemic, that hasn’t been easy. “It’s been tough. While I was in Swansea I was just training all the time, but once restrictions eased I could [see my family again].” On matchday too, balance is required. Guéhi is not one to get in the zone for kick-off the moment he wakes up; he feels no need to mainline the adrenalin that comes naturally closer to kick-off. But simultaneously, he’s ready to focus when required. “I’m quite relaxed, quite chilled,” he says of his matchday routine. “There is a moment when that switch happens, but in the morning that’s far too early. Once the time comes, I’m ready to step on and really focus on the day, and then I’m in the zone. “But in the mornings I’m quite relaxed. You don’t want to put too

much stress on yourself: there’s enough stress and pressure in the game so you don’t want that on you the minute you wake up.” In the modern game, stress comes from every angle: there’s no switching off with 24-hour coverage and social media attention. “The best thing you can do is take it as a positive,” Guéhi says of media criticism. “It’s only going to make you improve, help you, benefit you if you see it that way. If you’re someone like me, you balance.” That word again. “Sometimes I

in the mornings I’m quite relaxed. You don’t want to put too much stress on yourself: there’s enough stress and pressure in the game so you don’t want that on you the minute you wake up watch it, sometimes I won’t. We’ve got great people here that do the analysis for us, including your own performance and your own strengths and weaknesses – but I think finding balance is key. “The most important thing is knowing for yourself. Someone else will have their opinions, but whether their opinions are right or wrong it’s about knowing for yourself what you did on the pitch.” For a man keen not to let himself get too fired up, Guéhi relishes a big occasion. The south Wales derby was one such fixture. Marc Guéhi

main interview

“To play in it was amazing,” he remembers, puffing out his cheeks. “Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to play in front of fans, but playing in that and experiencing it was one of the best experiences ever. “Even though they’re not there it’s a huge game. You know who you’re playing for. You’re playing for the fans, and for bragging rights.”

You know who you’re playing for. You’re playing for the fans, and for bragging rights

Guéhi grew up watching his new manager, Patrick Vieira, thrive on the biggest stages of all. Those clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United now seem ferocious – both sets of players have admitted that a genuine dislike existed between them. In the modern era players from opposing sides are often close, but Guéhi says the quality hasn’t decreased as a result. “For the viewers, I think it was fantastic like it was before: fantastic to see people fighting in tunnels and all of that,” he says. “But as long as you’re giving your all on the pitch, that’s all that matters. As long as you’re putting your foot into tackles and running until you can’t anymore. Marc Guéhi

main interview

“Speaking for me personally, that’s been the case when I’ve gone to national camps: all the players come together and want to enjoy their time there. You don’t get that opportunity to play with players from different clubs often, and experience the same things they do. “It’s an opportunity that I’ve definitely felt. Spending time with different players and spending time in their company is good.” Deep into our interview, Guéhi’s calm-headedness comes across clearly. We wonder whether he used to see red at youth level; whether a fiery incident was a lesson in keeping calm. We should have known better. “I’ve never been sent off – never at any level,” he says, with an element of pride. “There’s times in games where you’re definitely angry. It’s important that you stay focused, because you’re not only jeopardising yourself but your teammates as well. They need you at your peak, at your maximum. So that’s something I try and do.” Aged only 21, Guéhi has plenty of experience but remains a youngster with the capacity to improve. He certainly hopes to be an example for Palace’s exciting young talent training with the firstteam. But what is the best advice he has ever received? “It’s a tough one to pick one thing out,” he says thoughtfully. “There are so many things you take with you on this journey. Getting back up after a defeat or something hasn’t gone quite your way, and learning from that experience.

That’s the best thing you can do.” As our conversation draws to a close, a group of Academy youngsters walk past and Guéhi gestures towards them. He has plenty advice of his own to share. “They need to have personality – as much as possible,” he says. “They are training with the firstteam for a reason. You’ve got there because you are good enough. The next thing is to be yourself. “That’s important. Be the best version of yourself. Don’t shy away from things. If you’re someone that

There’s times in games where you’re definitely angry. It’s important that you stay focused, because you’re not only jeopardising yourself but your teammates as well

talks, talk. If you’re someone that dribbles, dribble. Just be yourself and showcase that. That’s the most important thing.” One of an exciting set of youngsters ready to make their mark at Vieira’s Palace, Guéhi is a great example of an old head on young shoulders. He’s both an exciting prospect and an example for those below him. He’s a fiery defender and a calm presence at the back. He’s a football obsessive and a has a life outside the game. In the end, it all comes down to balance Marc Guéhi

Marc Guéhi has been with Palace for less than three months, so there’s still a lot to learn about him. Here, we pull out the highlights of his interview to show his behind the scenes personality.

Behind the scenes Best advice received

Initiation song

Getting back up after a defeat. Staying down is the easy option, but getting back up and learning from that experience – that’s the best thing you can do.

Rihanna – Take a Bow. I’m an ambitious person! Everyone would enjoy that…

Best advice given Have personality, as much as possible. You’re there [playing football] because you’re good enough. Be the best version of yourself, and showcase that.

Pre-match routine I’m relaxed, I’m chilled. Once the time comes to step on, I’m in the zone. But in the mornings I’m quite relaxed.

Post-match downtime There’s balance. I play FIFA when I can and watch Monday Night Football if it’s on. But there are times when you have to switch off. the follow-up

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

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

Leicester City F.C. est. 1884

Inside An unbeaten run Darren Ambrose’s happy memories Who to watch

opposition

the Foxes Leicester City

Leicester City’s campaign has not begun as supporters and Brendan Rodgers would have hoped. Two wins and a draw from six games mean the Foxes need to respond.

match preview Leicester have been competing in the Europa League and a faltering start such as this is not uncommon in their situation. Rodgers’ decision to substitute recent signing Ademola Lookman in a 2-2 draw with Burnley was met with boos from the home crowd, however the Northern Irishman was not concerned, saying: “We’ve been together, what, two and threequarters years? So to maybe get the first boo is okay.” After all, this is a side with talent running throughout and has consecutive top-five finishes behind it. Recent results have swung in Leicester’s favour of late, with Palace winning four consecutive games between December 2017-February 2019 by a 13-1 aggregate scoreline, and Leicester winning three of the last four.

Story so far

Position Points Top scorer

Home

away

third

Last five Seasons Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

5th

Vardy (15)

19/20

5th

Vardy (23)

18/19

9th

Vardy (18)

17/18

9th

Vardy (20)

16/17

12th

Vardy (13)

13th 7 Jamie Vardy (5)

Most assists

Pereira/Tielemans (2)

Most passes

Çaglar Söyüncü (461)

opposition

star man: Vardy

Leicester may not have begun in the fashion they’d hoped for, but as usual Jamie Vardy has been on form. He has been the Foxes’ top league scorer for all of the last six seasons.

Remember when?

Boot in both camps

Palace put on a run of 13 games against Leicester in which they only lost once between 1978 and 1989. This included a blockbuster 4-4 draw in ’88, when all eight goals were netted within the first 60 minutes: Ian Wright bagged a four-minute brace after goals from Phil Barber and Glenn Pennyfather.

Alan Birchenall

recent form

last time out Leicester City 2 Burnley 2 Sat 25 Sep / King Power Stadium

Starting xi

subs

K. Schmeichel

J. Evans

R. Bertrand

J. Maddison

J. Vestergaard

M. Albrighton

C. Söyüncü

D. Ward

R. Pereira

K. Iheanacho

B. Soumaré

A. Pérez

W. Ndidi

K. Dewsbury-Hall

Y. Tielemans

T. Castagne

H. Barnes

P. Daka

J. Vardy

A. Lookman

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

7 42 5

opposition

‘Birch’, better known for his time with Leicester and subsequent ambassadorship, joined Palace alongside Bobby Tambling in 1970 and became the 70/71 season’s top scorer with 10 goals.

LEADER

253 apps 76 clean sheets

02 03 James Justin

Wesley Fofana

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: FRANCE

04 05 Kasper Schmeichel

Çaglar Söyüncü

Ryan Bertrand

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: DENMARK

NAT: TURKEY

NAT: ENGLAND

Since moving to Leicester in 2011, Schmeichel has been a revelation. The Danish shot-stopper helped his side win the Premier League in 2015/16 and has since gone on to captain the Foxes to FA Cup glory in 2021. He has been a core part of the team throughout.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.89m

Joined

27th June 2011

Debut

6th August 2011 v Coventry City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Manchester City, Notts County & Leeds United. opposition

Daniel Amartey

Ricardo Pereira

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: GHANA

NAT: PORTUGAL

STALWART

326 apps 92 clean sheets

23 27 Jannik Vestergaard

Timothy Castagne

Jonny Evans

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: DENMARK

NAT: BELGIUM

NAT: NORTHERN IRELAND

player profile

POS: DEFENDER

Age

Height

1.88m

Joined

8th June 2018

Debut

18th August 2018 v Wolves

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Manchester United & West Bromwich Albion. opposition

Evans has become a rock at the back for Leicester since his arrival in summer 2018. The three-time Premier League winner has made over 100 appearances for the Foxes and has been a constant figure in their push for the top four. Aged 33, he still plays internationally for Northern Ireland.

07 10 Harvey Barnes

James Maddison

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: ENGLAND

Marc Albrighton

Kiernan Dewsbury−Hall

PLAYMAKER

94 app 13 wins

Youri Tielemans

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: BELGIUM

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.76m

Joined

31st January 2019

Debut

10th February 2019 v Tottenham Hotspur

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Anderlecht & Monaco. opposition

After initially impressing on loan, Tielemans went on to sign permanently for Leicester in summer 2019. The Belgium international has been a regular in the team ever since, and scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, writing his name into Foxes history.

09 25 14 TALISMAN

251 app 123 goals

Jamie Vardy

Wilfred Ndidi

Kelechi Iheanacho

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: FORWARD

NAT: NIGERIA

Ayoze Pérez

Ademola Lookman

POS: FORWARD

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: ENGLAND

Veteran striker Vardy has been a sensation since joining Leicester in 2012. He worked his way up the ranks from non-League to the Premier League and England national team and has been instrumental in the Foxes’ success over the years, scoring well over 100 Premier League goals.

player profile

POS: FORWARD

Age

Height

1.79m

Joined

18th May 2012

Debut

14th August 2012 v Torquay United

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Stocksbridge Park Steels, F.C. Halifax Town & Fleetwood Town. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

After a four-game winning run against Leicester, Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last four against the Foxes in the Premier League (D1 L3).

08 00

Leicester have won just one of their last five away league games against Palace (D2 L2), winning 2-0 in November 2019.

01 07

Passes per match 440

508 shots

65 Shooting accuracy %

28 goals conceded

10 clean sheets

Vicente Guaita

Kasper Schmeichel

Clean sheets

Saves

saves

01 21

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.

Fantastic Mr Fox (& co.) Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s undisputed dangerman, let’s be honest. Even in the loss against Brighton, he was there for any opportunity in and around the 18-yard box. He’s a menace. I think when you say that it can sometimes sound derogatory, but Jamie loves the term, because that’s what he is and he scores goals. Having said that, Leicester of course have a great all-round team. Harvey Barnes has been brilliant since he came in and Youri Tielemans is another with attacking flair. But the one that really makes them tick for me is Wilfred Ndidi. He’s one of the best in that anchoring, central defensive midfield position in the Premier League. As the opposition you want to put someone on him, Conor Gallagher for example, to get in and around him, stop his game and break things up. The players are all good players but they’re nothing Crystal Palace can’t cope with, and nothing they haven’t coped with before. Defensively, Palace will have a challenge today and need to stay alert. But offensively, if you attack

Leicester, they can crumble a bit under pressure. They’re a fantastic counter-attacking side and Ndidi breaks up play for them better than most but you need to get close

The players are all good players but they’re nothing Crystal Palace can’t cope with, and nothing they haven’t coped with before

enough to him to break up his play; Brighton did it fantastically and won the game. Brighton didn’t have much possession but when they had the ball they attacked with intent. If you’re just going through the motions in attack, Leicester will get back into position and it will be a good shape to stop you. If you can win it far up the Darren ambrose

field and attack with speed – which we have in abundance – before they get settled, you will create chances.

Fond foes I enjoyed playing Leicester and have some great memories against them. Ipswich beat them 6-1 in 2002 and I scored as one of the team’s younger players. I’ve got a great picture on my study wall remembering that game. I’m with Matt Holland, who

looks a lot older than I do even though I’ve aged over the years and he hasn’t! I was set up by Mr Finidi George; what a player. I also scored two years in a row on Boxing Day against Leicester in the last minute. One was a winner for Ipswich in injury time and the following was an equaliser for Newcastle. Paul Dickov scored against us in both. Another one that stands out is Wilf’s full Palace debut. It was my first game back after I broke the weight-bearing part of my tibia in pre-season. Wilf and I both scored, and Wilf’s finish was excellent. Alan Lee flicked it on, Wilf held off his defender and volleyed it with the outside of his boot. I’ll always remember it, seeing this young player I felt was going places because of the talent he had.

Litmus test Palace have had a really testing start for their new manager, players and style. But they’ve done well. Their first matches brought six points from Chelsea, newly-promoted Brentford, West Ham, Spurs, Liverpool and Brighton. I’m not sure many people would have said Palace would have much from those first games. I’m a massive advocate of Patrick’s, I think he’s a great appointment and I think Palace will finish in the top 10. The ability in the team is brilliant and six points from those first six games is a good return. If we can go into the next games with that mindset and come away with a few points, it sets up the season tremendously for a busy Christmas.

He’s back on the training field which is great for him. When he does return it will give the place a real lift

Swift recovery, Ebs I’ve seen what Eze’s said recently about his recovery and think he’s a charming young man. I’ve interviewed him myself - he’s very humble and down to earth. I think having that injury and the text from England would have broken me. But he seemed to relish the opportunity to get back and know what he can achieve in the game, which is anything. He is a magnificent football player with the world at his feet. Before he signed I spoke with Matty Bloomfield, who played alongside him at Wycombe. He said: ‘This player is the real deal. He will go all the way to the very top,’ and I totally agree from what I’ve seen. He’s back on the training field which is great for him. When he does return it will give the place a real lift. He’s going to come back into a team that he’s going to relish playing with: an attacking team who like to keep possession. It’s the exact style to suit the player he is. I’m looking forward to seeing him in this particular system and I wish him the very best for however long it takes him to come back. The Crystal Palace medical staff are fantastic, they won’t rush him and he’ll come back when it’s right

darren ambrose

writers Alexa Terry

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 Alexa Terry. “From when I was playing to the game now, there are a lot more resources there,” Leon McKenzie opened up to talkSPORT in May 2021. “There’s a lot more empathy around mental health. If it would have been in my day, it wasn’t talked about. It was more taboo. Now, it is spoken about and wouldn’t be alien if it was a topic on why a player was struggling.” McKenzie and Darren Ambrose, writing in the Palace programme, are among many athletes that have opened up about their own thoughts and experiences around mental health issues. McKenzie has now built an organisation called Mind Reposition, with the purpose of broadening the understanding of mental health issues across the UK. With World Mental Health Day approaching (10th October), there’s no more poignant a time to discuss the topic. Fans have also been playing their part to break the stigma around mental health and men speaking up. In order to raise awareness of mental health and suicide, Palace fans embarked on three #WalkAndTalk events before the pandemic struck.

The events saw supporters team up with opposition fans to walk from the away ground to the home ground where a game was taking place. The furthest fans walked was from Selhurst all the way to the Emirates in April 2019; that’s 11 miles! The purpose of the walks were for football supporters from all different clubs to unify and demonstrate the benefits of speaking out if you are facing a mental health problem. There is still a long way to go to break the dogma of staying silent, particularly in the world of sport, but at least the goalposts are in sight. Support sites suggest multiple things to support your wellbeing. A few include: • Physical exercise; whether that’s a short walk or a kickabout with your mates, anything to get your body moving and out in the fresh air. • Maintaining a healthy diet and reducing alcohol intake. • Getting quality sleep. • Prioritising time for the things you enjoy. Yes, watching Match Of The Day should be a priority. Most importantly, try not to bottle things up. Look out for yourself and

aspiring writers

your mates, and never be afraid to speak up. If you would like more guidance on wellbeing, the Premier League have started a #StayWell hub on their site with information from experts. There are many professional services at hand to listen and offer advice if you need it, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Useful contacts • Samaritans, open for anyone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 116 123 • If you prefer to write things down, use the Samaritans’ email service: jo@samaritans.org • CALM, open 5pm-midnight every day: 0800 58 58 58, or the CALM web chat • Shout, open 24/7. You can text for free on 85258

Impressed by what you’ve read, and need work from a media professional? You can discuss work opportunities with Alexa and our other aspiring writers by emailing programme@cpfc.co.uk.

In-game Purchases (Includes Random Items)

inside the academy copers cope road

Inside Meet the U18 ‘keeper who’s moved 5,700 miles for Palace Hear from the second half to the U23s’ ex-Eagles duo Steve Kember: south London’s finest servant

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.

OWEN GOODMAN age: 17 / position: Goalkeeper / joined: 2016

highlights so far Making his England Under18s debut against Coventry City’s Under-23s after joining the Young Lions’ training camps in previous years.

Take note of An easy strength to spot, Goodman is one of the tallest players in the squad. His height – 6’3” – ensures he can cope well in the air, even against older opposition. But Goodman’s size belies his shot stopping ability, and the young ‘keeper is athletic and reliable when blocking goalbound efforts. inside the academy

getting to know OWEN GOODMAN -

Owen has all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper. He can make world class saves, even at such a young age and he has a fantastic physical presence Paddy M©Carthy u23s manager

Footballers and their families uproot to accommodate careers on a regular basis. Travelling across London or relocating further south are both relatively common practice for players in the Palace Academy. But few teenagers have upped sticks across 5,700 miles to pursue their passion. “I was born in Romford. I moved to Canada when I was four and lived there for about nine years,” Owen Goodman says, explaining his journey to south London. “My mum is really good friends with Kanu, the ex-Arsenal striker part of the Invincibles. He came over to my town at a camp and brought over a guy [Colin Cardines] who works in the Palace scouting system. “He wanted to bring me over, thinks I’m good enough. I came over and was able to show what I can do. “To be honest for the first year or so it was really tough – a new area, completely different. Where I lived, everyone’s close to you, everyone’s around you and there’s no transportation. You come to London and there’s transportation everywhere, people everywhere. It’s completely different.” Moving any distance is a life-changing experience for a 13-year-old and his family. With it comes huge risk, but this decision has been thoroughly vindicated over the last year, as Goodman made his England U18s debut in November before signing a professional deal with Palace the following summer. Inside the academy

“I got selected [for a training camp] and was buzzing to go. We had two games, Southampton and Coventry [Under-23s]. I didn’t play the first game but then got told I’d play against Coventry, and I was nervous; a lot of nerves because you’re making your England debut and don’t want to slip up. “I felt nervous [at kick-off] but after 20 seconds they came down and I made a double save. After that, I felt much better, more into the game.

i always see myself as quite confident and motivated to really do the best I can do. What my parents have given me, I want to be able to give back to them. To give back to them, I want to do what I’m best at, which is football “[Now] I really want to get some good minutes in, play for the [Palace] Under-23s and hopefully by the end of the season I want to be part of the Under-19s team going to the Euros for England. I’m really looking to be the best I can be.” For a teenager who’s moved 5,700 miles, it's no wonder

inside the academy

Darren Powell I’ve been with Palace’s Academy for over five years now, and have recently joined Paddy as Under-23s assistant manager.

first took a lot of the current U18s and U23s at Under-14 level and moved up with them to Under-15s. I got to know the ability and personalities of that group and we went on to win the Floodlit Cup. It’s no surprise to me that so many of those boys have persevered through the age groups and are still part of the system, because it’s a good blend of talent and a willingness to work. Every one of the players is coachable and wants to learn, which enables us as coaches to create an enjoyable but demanding environment. It’s been interesting to see players develop from my perspective. They progress at different rates and you can see that now: some have shot up and are excelling with an older group, while some need more time to develop steadily. When Paddy and Shaun went up to the first-team in summer we all had an inkling that one or both might stay there. I took the U18s in pre-season alongside Dougie Wright and when Paddy was given the U23s he asked if

I’d do it with him. I’ve always been keen to work with the older lads having done so alongside Richard Shaw a few years ago, so said I would. We knew it would

We want the players to perform in a certain way to give the best account of themselves because we have belief in them and in what we’re doing

be a challenge but we also knew we believe in getting the group to play a certain way. My role is hands on, as it is for all coaches. We discuss matches, weekly or daily Inside the academy

schedules, what the boys require and how their sessions need preparing. But it’s been a tough few weeks with back to back games, which the boys have handled well. They’ve worked their socks off and are really competing. We want the players to perform in a certain way to give the best account of themselves because we have belief in them and in what we’re doing. Wherever we lie at the end of the season, that’s where we lie. It’s about developing footballers and playing a style we all understand is best for their progression. Each of us wants to win but ultimately it’s more important that the boys learn and show people they can play football the proper way. Finally, I’d like to express my appreciation for all those fans who follow the Academy lads; we love to see you come out to support the boys whenever you can. Hopefully we can entertain you, because the football we’re trying to play is exciting and there’s a message behind it. I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of you this season

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.

South London, through & through -

STEVE KEMBER Born First-team debut

8th December, 1948 1st January, 1966

Appearances

295

Goals

inside the academy

Steve Kember was born and brought up in the Croydon area - living in the same building as future manager Roy Hodgson and began supporting Palace in the old Third Division South aged five. When attending John Ruskin he represented Croydon & Surrey Schools in each age group and in 1963 signed schoolboy forms with Palace before becoming an apprentice. Kember had already played in the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup before his 16th birthday in September 1964 and early the following season made his first appearance for the Reserves, netting a penalty in his second game while also being included in the Youth Cup team. On 8th December, 1965, his 17th birthday, Kember signed professional forms and on January 1st, 1966, manager Dick Graham gave him is first-team debut in a 1-1 away game at Bristol City. Two days later Graham was sacked and replaced by caretaker Arthur

Rowe and the next Saturday Kember scored the game’s only goal at home to Bury. By the end of the season he had established himself in the starting XI, with Bert Head arriving as manager. Kember featured for England Youth in a friendly against Palace at Selhurst Park on November

in October 1978 manager Terry Venables brought Kember back to Selhurst Park, making him the first Palace player to be involved in two promotions to the top-flight

1st, 1966. The following May he was part of the Three Lions squad that reached the European Youth Tournament final in Turkey, which meant he missed the final two league games at home to Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was named Player of the Tournament. A year later Kember captained the club’s Junior team in Inside the academy

a competition in Holland with Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur and other clubs. He was again named Player of the Tournament as Palace became the first non-Dutch side to win. Ever-present for all the league and cup games in Palace’s promotion season of 1968/69, Kember was one of the reasons the club survived in Division One. He also gained an England Under-23 cap that season. In August 1971 he was handed the captaincy permanently in place of the departed John Sewell, but just a month after was sold to Chelsea and later signed for Leicester City. In October 1978 manager Terry Venables brought Kember back to Selhurst Park, making him the first Palace player to be involved in two promotions to the top-flight. In February 1980 Kember played his final game for the club but in the following years served it in many capacities, starting with the youth and Reserve set-up. In November 1981 Kember began his first stint as manager, replacing Dario Gradi only to be dismissed in the summer. Two decades later, with the club in imminent danger of relegation from Division One, Kember returned as caretaker manager for the final two games – winning in dramatic fashion against Stockport County to ensure survival. A year later he was again caretaker for a month and was made permanent from April to November 2003, with Iain Dowie being installed a month later. Steve Kember is truly ‘made in south London’

BESPOKE SHIRTS FROM

£79 £120

Offcial Club Tailor T&C's apply

13 Pall Mall | www.apsleytailors.com | info@apsleytailors.com Minimum order of 4 shirts. Available on selected fabrics

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 Palace’s Head of Analysis Ben Stevens reveals how the club’s backroom staff help prep the team throughout the week and why his field has changed so much.

Voices of South London

nalysis is one of the fastest moving fields in football, and has developed particularly quickly at Crystal Palace over the last four years. Around 2017, Sporting Director Dougie Freedman changed Ben Stevens’ role from a first-team analyst to Head of Analysis; pulling a recruitment and analysis department together under one umbrella. With Freedman’s aim being to enlarge and solidify the structure, Ben has grown the team so that today the club has two first-team analysts, two recruitment analysts, two data analysts and Ben, who leads the first-team and recruitment roles. The Academy has its own staff. First-team and recruitment analysis are different specialities, with different purposes and different staff to cover them. But they both share a need for data, something Ben says has grown significantly since his career began 15 years ago: “When I first started not all games were covered, so you’d have gaps in your log of data. The data available to you was from a small sample. “Now you have the emergence of fantastic data analysts that are not from a football background but a mathematical background that actually put together all your technical data with your physical data to come up with completely new metrics. So the data scope has just gone through the roof.”

This is a field which Ben only sees advancing further, in line with how the wider world is changing in its demand for immediacy. “People use data in their daily lives and want it instantly,” he says. For example, when watching a Premier League game, look to the bench and you will often see a member of staff with an iPad. “That's a stream from the analysts. Every team does it. It’s a video of what's happening in the game live but also what's been clipped and the stats, whether that's technical or physical. The problem is there is a huge mound of information being thrown down plus what is already happening and the concentration on the game. So Voices of South London

The problem is there is a huge mound of information being thrown down plus what is already happening and the concentration on the game

it’s sifting through and getting the key elements across that is the major [task].” Fans and the media are starting to become more aware of statistics now, whether that be expected goals (xG) at the end of a game on Match of the Day or on social media. Ben sees positives in this discussion becoming more prominent. But

it’s also worth noting that stats used by the media and fans will always be different to what goes on at clubs. Where clear-cut, easy to digest stats might be the ones that get picked up online, club staff have a more nuanced perspective. “It’s brilliant people are talking about it... That's what the media can help with. If they put wrong or misleading stats out there it’s harmful, but if they put correct stats out there and get people talking about it, that's [positive]. “For stats to work they have got to be internal massively because the internal people should know what they are looking for. “There will be more [stats] with the emergence of tracking and event data where stats don't mean anything to another club or the public but they are really important internally. So you've got to ask the question: ‘What is the point of this data? Why are we using it?’”

It’s hard to predict what the future may hold in terms of analysis and technology. Right

That's what the media can help with. If they put wrong or misleading stats out there it’s harmful, but if they put correct stats out there and get people talking about it, that's [positive]

now, the tools at Ben’s disposal are different to those he had when he started. In another 15 years, they will have changed further. Voices of South London

He explains: “You think there is nothing left and then someone throws a curveball... the one that is being pushed right now is virtual reality. If you imagine what that is, that's people taking the data from matches and throwing it into virtual technology with a headset and everything and training people on spatial awareness through that. “I'm still sceptical because when I’ve tried it out with a couple of companies I feel sick using it! But more and more kids are coming through with virtual headsets, so you've got to look and go: ‘What's society doing?’ That always drips back into sport.” The analysts who are largely in the background do a lot for a football club and play an important part in a side’s success. Football may look like 22 players on a field and a small coaching setup, but there is much more detail behind it. The next step in analysis is only just starting

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 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.

Non-League Neighbours

beckenham town In this edition, we introduce a team with origins stretching back to 1887: Beckenham Town, a club with famous fans, ex-Eagle players and lofty ambitions.

league table pos CLUB

recent results P

1-2

Pts hassocks

beckenham town

badshot lea

walton & hersham

2-5 BALHAM

Stanhope Rovers. In 1980 they moved to their 4,000 capacity Eden Park Avenue home, and have been thriving ever since. Arrive at the ground and it all looks very south London: on a matchday you’ll see a narrow street lined by parked cars, arrowing towards a small set of turnstiles. But make it through and you’ll enter the more picturesque world of non-league football. A wooden hut borders one side of the green expanse that is revealed – two pitches, one for the matches and one for warmups alongside. The building is a one-stop shop for non-league essentials, housing the hubbub of the bar, the enticing smells Non-League Neighbours

beckenham town

2-0 beckenham town

estled in south London, alongside a cosy clubhouse and a grassy picnic area on one side, lies the Main Stand of Eden Park Avenue, where a faithful group of supporters come to see Beckenham Town play. Here sits a club that can trace its roots back more than 130 years. The original Beckenham Town joined the Kent County Football Association in 1887, having been established some years earlier. It’s safe to say it’s been quite the journey since. After bouncing between the London League and amateur football, the club folded in 1969 to be reborn two years later out of a local junior side called

beckenham town

COBHAM

of the burgers, the boisterous noise of the dressing rooms and the steps onto the pitch itself. The main seated stand runs along one touchline, with timber benches sporadically available elsewhere. Between the two dugouts sits two chairs raised up on a scaffold, like a tennis umpire’s seat – these may be reserved for VIPs. A ‘no ball games’ sign is jokingly laid pitchside. It sounds very non-league, but don’t let its local charm fool you – this is a club on the rise. Before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the lower leagues in 2020, Beckenham were top of the table and on course for their highest finish since their

reformation in 1971. With nine games to go, the season was declared null and void. Some luck. But the ambition is there. In 2003 they secured a grant of £100,000 from the Football Foundation – a mammoth amount at that level – to improve their ground. Their pitch has won awards for its condition ever since. Like many non-league south London clubs, Beckenham’s existence has included a certain amount of overlapping with the club down the Holmesdale Road; many of the fans are also Palace supporters. It’s no surprise given their location that plenty of former Beckenham stars have also graced the field at Selhurst Park. Fred Dawes, who played more than 200 times for Palace and went on to manage the club, represented the Becks. Roy Greenwood, a staple on

the left-hand side in the 1950s, came to Palace via Beckenham, as did goalkeeper Ray Potter. There have been other prestigious names too. Regular Irish international Pat Saward enjoyed a long career at Aston Villa, after learning his craft with Beckenham Town. Centrehalf Horace Lowe secured a move from south London to Real Sociedad, where he went on to manage the club for five years. More recently, Teddy Sheringham was on the books. But it’s not just on the pitch. Former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was President of the club during his stint as the MP for Bromley. Ex-Vice Presidents include Sydney Wooderson MBE, one of Britain’s greatest long-distance runners. But it’s the future that appeals to Beckenham now. With the reorganisation of the lower steps in the football

pyramid, they’ll play in the southern Premier Division of the Combined Counties League next season. Should they gain promotion, they’ll be playing at a higher level than ever before.

It’s no surprise given their location that plenty of former Beckenham stars have also graced the field at Selhurst Park Beckenham Town demonstrate the fascinating history behind the small, one-sided stands and rickety turnstiles of non-league football in south London. How many other clubs could claim to be a link between Harold Macmillan, Teddy Sheringham and a former Real Sociedad manager? But with the season having started, only one thing stands out now: the relief that comes with playing football again, and all that entails: beers, burgers, barbeques; making new friends and catching up with old ones; standing on familiar terraces in the sun and rain, be it for a Premier League classic or a Level 10 encounter. Football is back, and Beckenham Town – like so many clubs that make up south London’s rich footballing culture – are ready to write the next chapter

Non-League Neighbours

Crystal Palace v Leicester City Championship 2/1/2006 Andy Johnson, a home star “under the hammer” from Leicester’s Dion Dublin.

moment in time

moment in time Premier League 27/9/2014

Players celebrate Mile Jedinak’s goal in a 2-0 win at Selhurst .

Crystal Palace v Leicester City

john burridge From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Here, we look back at some of the best. Today, John Burridge explains how he became a fan favourite and club icon in a handful of seasons.

t the end of the 1970s, Crystal Palace were an exciting team, known for their promising, dynamic youngsters and eye-catching, passing football. For the recently signed John Burridge - then joining his fifth of 29 professional clubs - understanding Palace’s tactics was learned the hard way. “I remember getting the ball,” he looks back, laughing. “Kenny Sansom came and stood 10 yards away from me. He went: ‘Give me the effin’ ball.’ I didn’t know Kenny then, he wasn’t an England international. He was only 17 or 18 and said: ‘Give me the ball.’ I said: ‘Eff off!’ I booted it downfield. He was only 10 yards out and there’s a lad waiting 20 yards away to trap him. So I booted it again [the next time]. “He’s come back and shouted at me. He says: ‘Give me the ball. You’re giving it away.’ So I got the ball the next time and said: ‘Here you are, have it.’ “He’s put his head down and run up, one-two off [Jerry] Murphy and he’s 70 yards down From the Archive

“We faced Ipswich in the first game of the season at Selhurst Park,” he recalls. “Full house. They were one of the strongest teams in the league in them days. Powerhouses. We go 1-0 up in the first-half. Great. Second-half, we scored just after half-time: 2-0 up. We get another. Game over, right? “So, down at the Whitehorse Lane, I thought: ‘B------s to it.’ I climbed up onto the joint of the crossbar. I was sat there saying to the crowd: ‘Great game from up here, lads!’ They were wetting themselves.”

the field. He’s played it into Swindy [Dave Swindlehurst], got it back, got to the byline and flicked it back for Mike Elwiss to score. He’s come back and said: ‘Give. Me. The. Effin’. Ball.’” Alongside reliable, athletic performances between the posts, Budgie became known and loved for his eccentric nature. But for all his antics, fans were still taken aback one afternoon in 1979 as they saw the ‘keeper perched atop the crossbar by the Whitehorse Lane End.

I climbed up onto the joint of the crossbar. I was sat there saying to the crowd: ‘Great game from up here, lads!’ They were wetting themselves

Mounting the goal frame wasn’t the only off-the-wall trademark of Burridge’s, however, and the watching Selhurst crowd would often see the ‘keeper far closer to the pitch, studs raised and hair grazing the turf. “You came out at five to three,” Burridge says. “I played for Villa in a practice game at the From the Archive

start of the season in Bilbao. The Russian goalkeeper came out and he trained for 20 minutes before the game started. I thought: ‘That’s fantastic, I’m going to do that when I get back [to England].’ “When I went to the Palace, I went out onto the field and the groundsman says: ‘Where are you going?’ I said: ‘I’m going to warm-up.’ He said: ‘Not with that ball you’re not. You can warm-up on the side, yeah, but you’re not going on the field.’ So I walked out of the tunnel on my hands.” Of course he did

palace for life Soccer Schools return for half-term

alace for Life Foundation’s highly-rated Soccer Schools are taking place during the October half-term, and you can make sure your football-mad youngster gets to enjoy a packed day of professionally-run, fun sessions by booking a place now. These great days take place across south London and are designed by coaches at Palace for Life Foundation and Crystal Palace F.C. to give under-7s to under-12s girls and boys the chance to train like a pro in the school holidays. Soccer Schools run from 9:00-16:00 and include fun-packed sessions to help youngsters develop their football and meet new friends.

Soccer Schools include: Fun, practical sessions to enhance player development • Interactive workshops to promote respect and fair play • FA-licensed, DBS-checked coaches with first aid and safeguarding qualifications Throughout the half-term there will also be girls-only Soccer Schools and fantastic Goalkeeper Soccer Schools ran by expert coaches. The Goalkeeper Soccer Schools allow budding ‘keepers to experience the same sessions that Palace Academy goalkeepers take part in; as well as unique, intense and specialist coaching for the young players. •

palace for life

The children are active for a large part of the day, playing and training, but they also learn a lot about tactics, teambuilding and general health and fitness Talented players who attend Palace for Life Soccer Schools will also have the chance to progress to Player Development Centres, where they will be able to join the Player Pathway. This leads into the Crystal Palace Academy for those who show the potential to progress. In the last three seasons, 10 players have signed for the Academy directly from the pathway, and a further 34 have been offered trials. One parent whose child attended a Palace for Life Soccer School last year said: “The children are active for a large part of the day, playing and training,

SUPER DRAW but they also learn a lot about tactics, team-building and general health and fitness. The coaches treat the children with care and respect and have high expectations of attitude and behaviour. The price for a full day is very good value and lets the children really focus on developing skills that they are passionate about.” To view dates across October visit palaceforlife.org and search ‘October Soccer Schools’. To find out more about Palace for Life sports courses and holiday activities you can sign up to our newsletter by visiting palaceforlife.org and searching ‘contact preferences’

Enter the Palace for Life Super Draw to support Palace for Life From just £5, you can win up to £1,400 worth of cash prizes with proceeds helping us to support the young people of south London who need it most.

palace for life

extra a month

Search ‘Get Sky Sports’ Ends 30 September 2021. 2 for 1 channel offer: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football: £18 extra pm for 18 months (then £22pm). Requires Sky Signature (£26pm for 18 months, then £31pm; £20 set-up). New 18-month min. terms. Prices may change during this period. Over 400 games: based on 128 Premier League games; 228 English Football League games (includes 80 red button matches); up to 48 Scottish Professional Football League games; and up to 44 Women’s Super League matches shown across the football season from 31 July 2021 to 29 May 2022. General: Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Weekend set-up costs £15 extra. Connect to TV using HDMI cable. Sky Q kit is loaned to you at no cost and must be returned at the end of the relevant subscription. You own the Sky dish. Prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord’s). UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residential customers only. Email address required so we can keep in touch about your services. Correct at 15 July 2021. Further terms apply.

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 learned that the Crystal Palace Club played its first recorded match on 15th March 1862, against Forest F.C, the first organised football team in London. It was also the first match played between two clubs who would go on to found the Football Association and establish the rules of what many now call ‘soccer’. It was the beginning of a long and unique history for the sport now played and watched by millions globally. In this edition we explore where the Crystal Palace Club went from here and summarise our history up to the time we left the Crystal Palace in 1915, showing why we have links back to the amateur football club that was founded in 1861.

Q: After forming a football team, what was next for the Crystal Palace Club? A: Football was a disorganised game in 1862. It tended to be played by the public schools and by cricketers who wanted to keep fit in the winter and even then, this was only among themselves. There were no organised clubs that played each other until Forest and Crystal Palace’s first game in 1862. Crystal Palace counted among their numbers the Cutbill brothers, and at least one of the brothers, Arthur Lockett Cutbill, had also played for Forest as he

is shown in the oldest known photograph of a football club, one of Forest taken in October 1863.

There were no organised clubs that played each other until Forest and Crystal Palace’s first game in 1862 In 1863 Crystal Palace played a third, newly organised team, the N.N’s (or No Names) team of Kilburn. Among their players was Alex Morten, who also played cricket for Crystal Palace. Also playing for the N.N’s in that match were Arthur Pember and Ebenezer Morley who, as we’ll see in later programmes, respectively became the first President and Secretary of the newly formed Football Association. In those first two Crystal Palace matches we find five of the eight Founding Fathers of the FA – Pember, Morley, the two Alcock brothers of Forest, and Crystal Palace’s own James Turner, playing against each other and no doubt talking about the future of football over post-match drinks. These three clubs, together with the Barnes club, which Morley went on to found, comprised the core sides who formed the Football Association. This was no easy task, as the founders had a head-to-head battle with other clubs whose cpfc 1861

game was based on the Rugby code and who wanted their brand of football to become the accepted version. After six acrimonious meetings the ‘soccer’ code won the battle and gave us our football of today.

Q: So where did Palace go from here? A: The Football Association was a very fragile body in its early years and Crystal Palace, as one of the four core soccer clubs, played their part in keeping it going. In an effort to widen football’s appeal Charles Alcock launched the FA Cup in 1871, which was open to all clubs affiliated to the FA, with the winner being effectively crowned the country’s top club. Again, Crystal Palace were heavily involved, with club captain, Douglas Allport, being one of the three FA Committee members who chose and bought the first FA Cup trophy. Palace

James Turner

entered the very first FA Cup competition in 1871 but were unfortunately knocked out in the semi-final by the Royal Engineers. Having gone from strength to strength, suddenly Crystal Palace stopped playing football in 1876. In a later programme we will explain the reason this happened and explode the myth, handed down for generations, that the club was disbanded because of the Crystal Palace’s financial troubles. It wasn’t, and went on to survive until the start of the 20th century. In 1892, the FA Cup final was expelled from Surrey’s cricket ground, the Kennington Oval, because of the damage it caused to the cricket pitch. With two exceptions, the final had been played there since its inauguration in 1872. The Crystal Palace Company’s Entertainments Manager, Henry Gillman, seeing an opportunity to bring even larger crowds into the Crystal Palace, had the brainwave of filling in the Palace’s two neglected fountains and building England’s first national football stadium at Sydenham to host the final. The stadium’s first FA Cup final, between Aston Villa and West Brom, was held in April 1895 and was a roaring success. It was the first of 20 finals that would be played there until 1915. The final would become an event of such national importance that it was considered an unofficial bank holiday.

FA Cup final 1895

Naturally, the Crystal Palace Company wanted to squeeze more revenue out of its new stadium, so the amateur Crystal Palace football team took to the field again and played friendlies against the top teams in the country. But they didn’t attract the crowds the Crystal Palace Company wanted. The company glanced enviously across south London at its Football League neighbours, Woolwich Arsenal, and saw them drawing crowds of 25,000; so decided the way forward was to turn the amateur Crystal Palace football club into a professional outfit. They did so in 1905, with the help of cricketing legend Dr W.G. Grace, the company’s Sporting Director. Throughout the season, we will explore the club’s history at the Crystal Palace in depth and the background to our claim to have links all the way back to 1861 when the club was founded. A claim based on undisputed, provable facts. There was only one magnificent 19th century building cpfc 1861

called the Crystal Palace; there was only one Crystal Palace Company that owned and managed everything that went on in the Palace; and only one football team who played under that name at the Crystal Palace. It was the football club of the Crystal Palace. When Crystal Palace turned professional in 1905 those historical links were recognised by the club and the footballing establishment of the day, as we’ll see in a later programme

NEXT TIME In the next edition we’ll look at the muddled state of football in the 1860s and the appearance of Crystal Palace as one of the founder members of the Football Association. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

charley clifford I signed for Palace this summer having been at Charlton Athletic since joining one of their community coaching schemes around the age of 11. I’ve settled really well.

hen I was about 15 Charlton were relegated and pulled the funding for their women’s team. That was a bit of a blip but the ex-player Paul Mortimer got us back up-andrunning and from there began a process of getting the club back to where it belongs. When I was a kid the women’s team was very successful, so I was proud we managed to get them into the Women’s Championship. In my last year as an Under-16 I asked Morts if I could train with the Reserves to get a taste of women’s football, and when I turned 16 I started training and then playing regularly with the first-team. Going from kids’ football to women’s football is completely different, but I ended up breaking their record appearances with my 273rd match. So I know a lot of players who’ve represented both clubs, including Leigh, Hannah and Siobhan at the moment. I also played against Annabel and Bianca for a long time and have competed alongside Pam McRoberts, Gemma palace women

what the rivalry’s about for both teams. I hope we can overcome that and end up on top. There was a game last season which we drew 1-1, but the match itself was good: there were tackles flying in throughout. I had to help our new girls understand the rivalry, because playing in a London derby is one of the best feelings, especially when you come out on top. Now, I want to do what I can to help Palace and I’m totally committed to that

Bryan and Ciara Watling. The rivalry between Palace and Charlton has always been good, and has been phenomenal over the last five years. But there weren’t any concerns in moving to Palace. The difference is it’s a completely new team but I’ve played against Dean for a long time and we know what one another are about. I was coached by James Marrs too so know what his style is. That and coming in already knowing players helped massively. The only thing I might have struggled a bit with was not knowing where to go, whereas with Charlton I knew the place inside out! Not knowing my way around or the security guards’ names are small details that make a big difference. Other than that,

I’ve settled in really well, the girls have been brilliant and everyone gets on so well. We’ve now got to a point where things are starting to gel both on and off the pitch.

playing in a London derby is one of the best feelings, especially when you come out on top We play Charlton in November, but thankfully their team is quite new, so I don’t know many players too well. It’s going to be a massive game and being on the flipside now I know palace women

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, lifelong support Michael Burles has written to tell us of his friend David Parsons’ achievements with England Over-70s.

DAVID PARSONS In 2009 I set up a team called Crystal Palace and Dulwich veterans and entered the side into the Over-45s National Veterans Cup. We played in the competition for two or three seasons and reached the semi-finals one year. One of our players was David Parsons, a Palace Season Ticket holder in the Main Stand who was later selected to play for the England Over55s team against Wales. Over the last 12 years he has played for the England veterans at Over-55, Over-60 and Over-65s and even earned Man of the Match in the first Over-65 international against Wales four years ago. Last week at St George’s Park, he played in what is believed to be the first Over70s international ever in the NHS Challenge Trophy match. England won 3-0 over Wales, with Dave setting up two chances for his teammate Rob Beal.

Dave is a very modest man and, as you can see, is lean and fit for a 72-yearold! Well done, Dave.

Dear Leo, Happy 10th Birthday! We love you lots and hope you’re feeling Glad All Over, from Mum, Dad, Chloe and Jet x

Got something to share? Email us on programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of no more than 200 words with a (printable) opinion or story. Alternatively, use #CPFC on Twitter and we’ll keep an eye out!

from the terraces

Please join me in wishing David Bonser, dedicated Palace fan, a very happy 60th birthday for Friday 8th October. Good luck for doing the ‘Marathon March’ too. With love from Soraya and all your family and friends. Xxx

A very Happy 18th Birthday to Alfie Penfold – we are all so proud of you! With all our love, Dad, Suzanne, Joe, Jasmine, Nan and Grandad xxx Matilda Bo Christine Parkinson was born on 9th September 2021. Another Palace fan to the family. Up the Palace.

Congratulations to Sienna Iverson for being such a big girl at your new school. Sienna loves Palace and Wilfred Zaha.

Welcoming a new little Eagle into the world - Phoebe. Already counting down the days until her first trip to Selhurst with daddy!

Rudy is very excited to finally get to join older brothers Kayde, Marley, Ernie, Grandad Clarke and his mum for his first time at Selhurst Park today.

Charles Shillitoe passed away on the 8th May 2021, supported the Eagles for over 50 years. Loved and missed by all the family x Happy birthday Chloe! Lots of love Mum, Dad, Albie and Tilly.

Happy Birthday to life long palace fan Vince Cristiano. Lots of love Jules, Mia, Amelia and Marcus xx

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk

Happy birthday to Callum & Elle. You two are my world! I hope you both have an amazing day love Dad/Rob x

Alan James Smith, life long Palace fan, passed away on Wednesday 22nd September. He will be sadly missed by all the family.

from the terraces

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 former Palace manager brought Damien Delaney to Leicester City?

Kevin Phillips won the European Golden Shoe with which club?

Overall, how many separate player or manager (including caretaker) spells did Steve Kember have with Palace?

True or false: Alan Birchenall played senior football for England.

Paddy McCarthy represented both Palace and Leicester. But at which now-Premier League club did he begin his youth career?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

Despite being raised in Kent, this LBC radio host started supporting Leicester when he visited the city aged six. His grandfather supported the Foxes, and he now lives in south London.

BEAT BRIGHTY In each edition, club icon Mark Bright calls it how he sees it and predicts scores from the day’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

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

ANSWERS Guess who: Lee Sinnott Spot the image: Page 23 Quiz: 1) Peter Taylor 2) Sunderland 3) Six 4) False 5) Manchester City Famous Fan: Nick Ferrari Guess the Ground: Banks’s Stadium - Walsall

games

team stats: women / U23s / U18s Victor Akinwale Akinwale made his first competitive U23 appearance of the season v Man City. He will be hoping to secure more this campaign.

Grace Coombs Coombs made her competitive Palace debut when she started against Liverpool. She signed this summer.

Jadan Raymond Raymond has now netted three from six games - averaging a goal every other appearance from midfield.

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

AUGUST Sun 29

Bristol City

W 4-3

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Everton

W 3-1

Sun 5

London City Lionesses

L 1-2

Fri 27

Sun 12

Sunderland

D 1-1

Sun 26

Liverpool

L 1-2

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

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 Wed 15 Bristol City Sun 19

Lewes

JANUARY Sun 9

Sunderland

Sun 16

Durham

Sun 23

Liverpool

FEBRUARY Sun 6

Bristol City

Sun 13

London City Lionesses

MARCH

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur Fri 15

Brighton & Hove Albion

Fri 22

Derby County

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers Sun 7

Chelsea

Sat 20

Liverpool

Fri 26

Manchester United

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United Mon 20 Derby County JANUARY Mon 10 Everton Mon 17 Chelsea Mon 24 Liverpool FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur Mon 21 Manchester United Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 6

Coventry United

Sun 13

Lewes

MARCH Mon 14 Manchester City

Sun 27

Charlton Athletic

Mon 21 Arsenal

Sun 3

Blackburn Rovers

APRIL Mon 4

Sun 24

Watford

Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers

Sheffield United

MAY Mon 2

APRIL

MAY Sun 1

Leeds United

Leicester City

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 DECEMBER Sat 4 Tottenham Hotpsur Sat 18 Brighton & Hove Albion JANUARY Sat 8 Norwich City Sat 15 Fulham Sat 22 Birmingham City FEBRUARY Sat 5 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 19 Arsenal Sat 26 Norwich City MARCH Sat 5 Leicester City Sat 12 West Ham United Sat 19 West Bromwich Albion APRIL Sat 2 Aston Villa Sat 9 Southampton Sat 23 Reading Sat 30 Chelsea MAY Sat 7 Brighton & Hove Albion

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

Name

Apps

Bianca Baptiste

Goals

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Name

Apps

Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Jay-Rich Baghuelou

Ryan Bartley

Scott Banks

Kalani Barton

David Boateng

Freddie Bell

Malachi Boateng

Maliq Cadogan

Junior Dixon

Owen Goodman

Leanne Cowan

John-Kymani Gordon

Reece Hannam

Coral-Jade Haines

Annabel Johnson

Sophie McLean Chloe Morgan

Nya Kirby

Jake O'Brien

David Omilabu

Dan Quick

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Sean Robertson

Aidan Steele

Emily Orman

Gracie Pearse

Molly-Mae Sharpe

Lizzie Waldie

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

James Taylor

James Leonard

Joe Ling

Fionn Mooney

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

David Ozoh

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Joe Sheridan

Dylan Thiselton

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

Matthew Vigor

Jack Wells-Morrison

Oliver Webber

Rob Street

Kanye Jobson

Cameron Lewis-Brown

Cardo Siddik

Leigh Nicol

Jackson Izquierdo

Danny Imray

Goals

Harry Freedman

Millie Farrow

Apps

Victor Akinwale

Name

Tayo Adaramola

Grace Coombs

Aimee Everett

Goals

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth

Vonnte Williams

A GD Pts

she

mci

0 18 9

9 14

cry

dur

bha

7 13

CHE

18 6 12 12

sun

13 5

liv

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

14 7

pos CLUB P W D

5 13

ars

18 13 5 13

ful

lee

18 13 5

ars

0 14 9

tot

15 11

bha

15 7

8 10

3 10

sou

15 7

8 10

11 -2 8

lei

8 10 -2 6

lon

whu

2 14 11

cha

mun

8 12 11

7 -1 9

bla

cry

4 14 14 0

whu

lew

lei

8 12 -4 5

tot

3 12 16 -4 6

8 12 -4 5

10 avl

3 18 16 2

10 liv

3 10 18 -8 5

12 bla

2 13 18 -5 4

12 bir

7 16 -9 3

13 eve

6 12 -6 4

13 wba

8 18 -10 3

6 10 -4 3

14 nor

2 22 -20 0

cry

8 -1 4

10 bri

7 -2 4

cov

9 -6 1

12 wat

11 -7 0

14 der

che

women/u23s/u18s

rdg

11 -2 3

0-3

18th

15:00

D 0-0

13th

Sat 24

Watford

19:45

Sat 28

West Ham United