Crystal Palace v Liverpool matchday programme by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool Sunday 23rd January 2022 // 2:00pm

palace √ liverpool sun 23 jan | 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 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, Darren Ambrose, Tash Stephens, Toby Jagmohan, Mohamed Rguyeg Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Dan Weir (PPA), Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

You’ve got to make the most of the time you get, right? You’ve got to make the most of your opportunities. Ultimately it’s about making memories. You’re going on a journey in life

briefing palace √ liverpool sun 23 jan | 14:00

Players to donate Palace √ Liverpool shirts to support unwell Croydon children As part of their wider charitable commitments Crystal Palace players have decided to donate their match-worn shirts from today’s Liverpool clash to raise funds for unwell children’s play equipment at Croydon University Hospital. The shirts will be available to bid on from kick-off, meaning you can get your hands on a truly unique piece of Palace history while supporting a wonderful cause.

january/february

All shirts are signed and proceeds raised by the auction will go straight to Croydon’s Power of Play appeal, funding playgrounds, toys and games for children receiving medical treatment. Palace captain Luka Milivojevic said on behalf of the team: “As a team we are really proud to be able to support Croydon’s Power of Play appeal. Many of us are parents ourselves, and we know when a child is sick it’s the small things that can help take their mind off feeling unwell. “We want to thank our fans, and anyone else who is able

Malcolm Allison manages final Palace game, 1981 v Wolves

Ron Noades signs deal to buy the club, 1981

Leeds United 0-1 Crystal Palace, 1976 FA Cup

Batshuayi (2019), Milivojevic, Sakho (both 2017), Ledley, Ince, Dann (all 2014) and Kevin Phillips (2013) join

Danny Butterfield nets hat-trick in Crystal Palace 3-1 Wolves, 2010 (FA Cup)

to make a bid on our matchday shirts and raise money for this cause. The money raised will go towards making the lives of these children in hospital a little easier.” Head to cpfc.co.uk for more details and to get involved!

Fan update Thanks to your fantastic support the FA Cup fourth round tie against Hartlepool has now sold out. Limited tickets may become available closer to matchday - keep an eye on cpfc.co.uk for the latest ticket information.

What’s inside Find out… Patrick Vieira’s Brighton reaction (Page 6), Mark Bright’s explanation of the loan system (Page 42) and a 100-year-old supporter’s Palace memories (Page 47). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Jürgen Klopp, the Liverpool directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

e had a tough game against Brighton and knew the team needed to work hard, which I think they did. We suffered a difficult period in the first-half, and when you are going through those times it’s important to stay tight at the back. Jack was superb in goal and helped to keep us in the game, which meant we didn’t concede and could return stronger in the second-half. Our approach to a difficult spell shows that we are improving: Jack and the rest of the team did really well to stick together. I have a squad that makes my decisions hard to take because the team has always been told to make selections difficult for me. I have this with every player in the squad, and Jack’s performances ensure it is the case for our goalkeepers too. Looking at our attack, the goal reflects how we want to play. Every player contributed by touching the ball in the build-up, and this is rewarding because I want everyone to be involved when we’re in possession. But the game is about having the ball at times and not having it at others, so we

need to do better out of possession to allow ourselves to be stronger as a team. The challenge for us is to improve those details to be a better team. If we can develop in that

the goal reflects how we want to play. Every player contributed by touching the ball in the build-up, and this is rewarding because I want everyone to be involved when we’re in possession area, defend as well as we have more often, and play the way we’re capable of in possession our game will be much stronger. I’ve watched Wilfried, Cheikhou and Jordan play for their countries, manager

Ivory Coast, Senegal and Ghana, at the Africa Cup of Nations. They are important players for their nations and are doing well. I hope one of them will win the tournament; I think it will be good to have an AFCON champion in our squad. Finally, we have sent some younger players on loan this month, and this is really important for their development. To go on loan and experience the men’s game is significant in furthering a player’s ability, and I wish each of those joining new clubs for the rest of the season the very best of luck. But some other talented players will stay and train with us for the majority of the time because it’s better suited to what they need. It’s difficult to make the right decision, but it is agreed by staff across the club. Shaun helps to analyse what the players need and which is the best direction for their development, while Paddy and Brighty at the Academy are involved as well. It’s important for us as a football club to try to get the decision right so the players have the best chance of pushing to the next level. Thank you for your support

captain

Welcome to all of you inside Selhurst Park today for what will be I’m sure a very challenging game for us.

e have played in some difficult matches recently, with two London derbies and of course the away game with our rivals Brighton. We faced different challenges in each of these but I was pleased with the way the lads approached them all. The only match we did not come away with something was West Ham, but I felt we were the best team in this game. Our second-half performance against Millwall was also better of the two sides and I thought our attacking boys gave them not much of a chance once we found our rhythm. Brighton was a little bit different – I don’t think we were the better team for quite a lot of this game, but we showed our ability to deal with some different situations. We had to play with a bit less of the ball than we are used to and we prefer to, so to score a good goal and look ready to win was I will say an achievement. Now the thing we must do is make some consistency in our

the thing we must do is make some consistency in our performances so more games have us in control for longer times and end with the scoreline we want

captain

performances so more games have us in control for longer times and end with the scoreline we want. But we have progressed in the FA Cup, put in a very encouraging performance and again taken something from the Amex, so I can be satisfied with our start to 2022. When I am watching the team I am proud of how we are playing and improving, and I know this is my time now to fight as hard as ever to help the boys in every role I can. This is something I promise to always do when I pull on the shirt of Crystal Palace. Today we need our fight as much as ever, as we welcome one of the best teams in the country to our home. Liverpool have always been a very difficult opponent and we all understand the threat they bring with them today, even without some key players. But, as ever, we have our supporters and our determination to fight here at Selhurst. These are important in playing well and earning something from this match. Make some noise!

chairman

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Liverpool to Selhurst Park, and of course, welcome to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here this afternoon to get behind Patrick’s team.

always feel this fixture is extra special; we’ve had some amazing battles with Liverpool over the years. It’s rarely a dull 90 minutes and hopefully we can serve up something special again today. It has been an encouraging few weeks at the club since our last home outing. The FA Cup victory over local rivals Millwall was an extremely pleasing day in what was a fiercely competitive encounter, and I’m absolutely delighted that Patrick’s side overcame the challenge to have reached the fourth round. Our home tie with Hartlepool is a mouthwatering prospect, and the early ticket sales suggest we could be in for a packed house – which will really make it quite the occasion, with thousands also travelling from the League 2 club. The match with Brighton resulted in another hugely valuable point on the road, and one of the best team goals I can recall. When you’re in the moment, you don’t necessarily realise how special the goal is – but watching it back countless times as I have (and

I’m sure you have too!), it really is magnificent play from everyone involved, and brilliantly put away once again by Conor. Our Under-23s secured a hugely impressive win over Chelsea on Monday at the Academy in a tight contest. Amongst our staff,

The match with Brighton resulted in another hugely valuable point on the road, and one of the best team goals I can recall Chelsea are always considered to be the top benchmark in Academy football, so any positive result against them is rightly celebrated. It was also pleasing to see Nathan Ferguson secure some minutes as he continues his return to full fitness. Paddy’s side face Liverpool chairman

on Monday lunchtime, another game which is to be broadcast on Palace TV+. Our Women’s team are absolutely flying at the moment and sit in third place in the Women’s Championship after winning at Durham, in what is their most successful campaign to date, and also face Liverpool today. I was immensely shocked and saddened to learn of two former players passing away this week. Paul Hinshelwood contributed enormously to our club over a 10-year period and was voted into the ‘centenary XI’ in 2005, which is testament to how highly regarded he was amongst supporters. Jamie Vincent played for the club in the 1990s, at the start of his career throughout the Football League which spanned almost two decades. We send our condolences to Paul and Jamie’s families at this sad time. As always, I urge you to get behind Patrick’s team as loudly as you can to create that magnificent Selhurst Park atmosphere. Up the Palace

Approaching a decade at Crystal Palace, Joel Ward is more than accustomed to life in the Premier League fast lane. But, after all these years, he tells Will Robinson why he still strives for moments of peace.

main interview

efore the first sound of the referee’s whistle, there comes a peculiar time on matchday. The pre-match build-up has been and gone. The bubbling anticipation rises, the collective butterflies flutter; the rain crashes down from a swirling, billowing south London sky. Cameras click and flash from left and right, and outside television trucks beam the action to every corner of the globe. The players are out, but the main event is yet to begin; the gladiatorial combat of Premier League football is just moments away. Amidst the furore and the chaos, there is just enough time to take a moment: to think, to reflect and to look ahead. Joel Ward takes that moment. If there is one thing life has taught him, it’s to appreciate the opportunity to seek out peace and calm. “We’re in a world now where everything is instant,” he says, pausing to contemplate this philosophy. “Everything is on demand and everything is a million miles per hour. To step back from that and to recharge and to reflect a little bit is great. “That’s what I do in terms of prayer on the pitch. It’s just a moment I can take to say thank you for the privilege and blessing and platform to do what I love doing. It’s an opportunity to have that moment of silence.” For the stereotypical footballer, seeking out silence might be an odd proposition. When holidays come around, it is the regular haunts of Dubai, Los

Angeles and New York that pepper Instagram feeds. Not for Ward. “[I] find things to do that may be slightly different, or explore something completely different,” he explains. “I’ve done a little bit of Scandinavia, Iceland, Norway and other places. We spent some time down in Cornwall which was beautiful. It’s amazing what you’ve actually got on your doorstep.

That’s what I do in terms of prayer on the pitch. It’s just a moment I can take to say thank you for the privilege and blessing and platform to do what I love doing. It’s an opportunity to have that moment of silence

“You’ve got to make the most of the time you get, right? You’ve got to make the most of your opportunities. Ultimately it’s about making memories. You’re going on a journey in life, and you have to relish that.” Memories are certainly something Ward has plenty of. Not all trips are about the serene, but often they are more Bear Grylls than pampered luxury. “We go off the beaten track, we explore and we see some amazing things,” he says. “Certainly in Norway that was the case. There wasn’t any electricity. No running hot water, so you had to pump it from a well and then joel ward

heat it on the fire. It was the bare necessities, I’d say! “Sometimes you’ve got to take yourself out of your comfort zone and try something a little bit different. When you’re building a fire or something like that, there’s something in me which is still drawn to that. Being in the wilderness is something I enjoy.” It’s no surprise that Ward’s childhood was an active one. “I can’t really remember a time we were inside and not out,” he says. “Whether it was building treehouses and zipwires with siblings or friends, we were always outside getting up to something. “I like to stay active. I feel the best when I’m out and about. A little bit of golf, fishing or out on the bike, just being in the sticks is good for the mind, body and soul.” Unlike many in the dressing room, he is not, then, much of a gamer. “I’ve flirted with it a few times,” he laughs, “but I realised quickly that there are far better people out there than me. In the end, the controller gets thrown against the wall! It’s better that I just go outside and stop it, and keep my head away from that stuff.” Finding serenity in the forests of Norway or the waves of Cornwall contribute to Ward’s chance, in his own words, to “enjoy God’s gift”. His faith is something that he values strongly. “I don’t think anyone can say it is plain sailing,” he remembers of his early journey navigating the often poorly-matched worlds of football

and religion. “You will always have your ups and downs. “From an early age I had a great support network around me and great people that played pivotal parts in my life. I always come back to that moral compass, and that points me to something bigger than myself. “I’ve always had an anchor, and that’s my faith. Whatever storm or chaos is present, it’s something I can anchor myself into.” While religion has long been associated with sport in European nations – most Spanish stadiums have a chapel built alongside the tunnel – the English game has been less entwined.

From an early age I had a great support network around me and great people that played pivotal parts in my life. I always come back to that moral compass, and that points me to something bigger than myself

According to Ward, that is now changing. “It’s certainly become a lot more open in the last 10 years,” he says. “People are a lot more open. I certainly think now because the league we are in is so diverse, which is great. “I’ve never been someone to hide it away or hide who I am. I’ve always been proud of what I believe in. I’m proud and I’ll stand tall.” joel ward

main interview

Now a father, a new chapter of Ward’s journey has opened. As we speak, he is heading home to be with his family. Sorry for the delay, Joel. “I’m busy chasing my little boy around,” he laughs. “As soon as I walk through the door, he wants to jump all over me and play, so that’s become the pattern of the day. “I go and give my wife a bit of a breather when I can, because he has got some energy and he enjoys being out and about.” Like father, like son, then.

Bless him, he enjoys football for a few minutes and then sees something else and runs off to do that. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it when he’s a bit older

Ward has been quick to introduce the world of football, but there is still work to be done. “He enjoys it and he plays it, but like many one-and-a-half year olds, the attention span won’t stay with something,” he admits. “Bless him, he enjoys it for a few minutes and then sees something else and runs off to do that. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it when he’s a bit older. “When there’s a big, exciting moment if he comes to games, he loves the noise and he loves the crowds. He loves it when the stadium erupts for a goal. It wasn’t until this season that he could come and watch, really. It’s a joy to have joel ward

main interview

him there, as it is with having the family and the fans as well.” So has fatherhood changed him? “Absolutely,” Ward says firmly. “When you have that dynamic and something comes into your life, it changes your outlook, your perspective, your priorities. “Everything that you do changes. It’s the most amazing thing. I feel so blessed that I’m on that journey.” Coming up for a decade at Selhurst Park, Ward has transformed into something of a father figure in the dressing room, too. Suddenly the squad around him is a young one, with talented, hungry players keen to make their mark. “I like to think I can add and help and encourage and build up some of the younger players,” he says, thoughtfully. “To have an impact on how they do things, and just encourage them to express themselves. “They are such talented players. To go out there and make a name for themselves – if I can come alongside people and [help them] do that then [that would be] amazing. “When I think about my time as a young professional, I had countless players who helped me as well, and guided me at times throughout my career. I would love to be able to return that favour.” Recently crowned Player of the Month for the first time, perhaps there is still a part of Ward keen to show who’s in charge. He laughs: “It could be something like that…

“With any change, there are always challenges that present themselves. I think we’ve got a great balance. Obviously we saw some big characters leave in the summer, but we’ve got big characters still here and big characters that have joined. “I definitely think there’s some great cohesion in the squad, and as we develop and as we grow, and learn more and play more together, then there’s going to be a stronger bond going forward as well.”

When I think about my time as a young professional, I had countless players who helped me as well, and guided me at times throughout my career. I would love to be able to return that favour

For Joel Ward, there is no challenge that cannot be combatted with calm and careful consideration. Like any skill within the game, it’s one that needs training; an ability to step back and reflect, honed over years of concentrating on the important things. As a footballer, a father and a person, Ward craves that short period of tranquillity, the opportunity amidst the chaos to take a moment to himself and do something so simple, and yet so often neglected in the modern world: to stop and think. It’s an opportunity he grasps joel ward

Joel Ward has played with countless talented teammates during his long stay at Selhurst Park – but who would make it into his dream five-a-side team?

Dream five-a-side Jeff Schlupp He’s dangerous in a five-a-side. You can’t give him any space because he’s so powerful and he gets his shots away.

Scott dann I would have V [Vicente Guaita] in goal for shot stopping and reactions – but normally you get five outfield players! I’ll have Dannsy as an organiser. He’ll set the team up and get things going.

Glenn Murray

Danny Gabbidon

Yohan Cabaye

His ability on the ball, reading of the game, and just because he’s a cool guy as well. He’s always sharp and looking suave.

I’d have Yohan in the centre. Jeepers – this is a tough question. There are so many players – I haven’t even got a formation yet! the follow-up

Who would I go for up top? Two defenders, two in midfield, so I need an out and out goalscorer like Glenn Murray. He was always a moaner in training and I don’t think he’d mind me saying that. But, boy, could he finish when it came to a matchday. If I could have his matchday performances in the fivea-side that would be great.

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

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

Liverpool F.C. est. 1892

Inside Opportune timing The real dangerman Ambrose analyses recent battles and an upcoming challenge

opposition

the reds liverpool

It’s never easy facing Liverpool, who currently sit second in the table having overcome Brentford 3-0, but now may be the best time of any.

match preview

Story so far

The Reds are without forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, who are both at the Africa Cup of Nations. The pair have scored 24 league goals between them this season and are the biggest attacking threat in the squad. Naby Keïta is also at the competition, and there are several players unavailable through injury. This spell has seen Liverpool secure three wins from their last seven games, with those coming in a penalty shootout, against League One Shrewsbury Town and most recently against Brentford. That said, Palace will have highscoring meetings with Liverpool at the back of their minds when Jürgen Klopp’s side visit south London today. They have an evenly split two wins, two losses and two draws from their last six league outings.

Home

third

Last five Seasons

Position

2nd

Points

Top scorer

away

Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

3rd

Salah (22)

19/20

1st

Salah (19)

18/19

2nd

Mané (22)

17/18

4th

Salah (32)

16/17

4th

Coutinho (13)

Mohamed Salah (16)

Most assists

Trent Alexander-Arnold (10)

Most passes

Virgil van Dijk (1,432)

opposition

Dangerman: Diogo Jota

In the absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané Jota provides Liverpool’s main attacking threat; he has scored 10 league goals this season, the second most of anyone.

Boot in both camps

Remember when? Palace made it six home games unbeaten against Liverpool with a 3-1 win in November 2014, with Dwight Gayle, Joe Ledley and Mile Jedinak the scorers.

recent form

Recent clash Liverpool 3 Brentford 0 sun 16 Jan / Anfield

Starting xi 1

subs

Alisson

I. Konaté

A. Robertson

J. Milner

V. van Dijk

J. Gomez

J. Matip

T. Minamino

T. Alexander-Arnold

K. Tsimikas

C. Jones

K. Gordon

Fabinho

C. Kelleher

J. Henderson

N. Williams

D. Jota

T. Morton

R. Firmino

A. Oxlade-Chamberlain

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

opposition

Stan Collymore Collymore joined Palace from Stafford Rangers as a teenager, but struggled to cement his place ahead of Mark Bright and Ian Wright. He played 81 games and scored 35 goals for Liverpool after signing in 1995.

Indomitable

119 apps 54 clean sheets

Alisson

04 05 Virgil van DIjk

Ibrahima Konaté

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: NETHERLANDS

NAT: FRANCE

Joe Gomez

Kostas Tsimikas

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: GREECE

Alisson has been a revelation for the Reds since joining in 2018, helping them to the Champions League title in 2018/19 and the Premier League in 2019/20. He even won Liverpool’s Goal of the Season award in the 2020/21 season after scoring a late winner against West Bromwich Albion.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.91m

Joined

19th July, 2018

Debut

12th August, 2018 v West Ham

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Internacional & AS Roma. opposition

32 66 26

Wideman

Joël Matip

Trent Alexander-Arnold

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: CAMEROON

NAT: ENGLAND

204 apps 59 clean sheets

76 03 Neco Williams

Fabinho

Andrew Robertson

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: WALES

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: SCOTLAND

player profile

POS: DEFENDER

Age

Height

1.78m

Joined

21st July, 2017

Debut

19th August, 2017 v Crystal Palace

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Queen’s Park, Dundee United & Hull City. opposition

After arriving from relegated Hull City in 2017, the Scotland international wing-back has been a constant feature for Liverpool. His combination play with Trent AlexanderArnold on the opposite flank has been a major contributing factor to the Reds’ success in recent years.

06 07 Thiago

James Milner

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: ENGLAND

Leader

380 apps 33 goals

08 15 Naby Keïta

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Jordan Henderson

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: GUINEA

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.82m

Joined

9th June, 2011

Debut

13th August, 2011 v Sunderland

PREVIOUS CLUB: Sunderland. opposition

Passing his 10th year at Anfield, the Liverpool captain has become a household name like his predecessor Steven Gerrard. The 2019/20 Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year has gone from strength to strength and will look to add more trophies to his cabinet as one of the league’s stand-out leaders.

20 09 10 Dangerman

106 apps 35 goals

Diogo Jota

Roberto Firmino

Sadio Mané

POS: FORWARD

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: SENEGAL

Mohamed Salah

Divock Origi

POS: FORWARD

NAT: PORTUGAL

NAT: EGYPT

NAT: BELGIUM

Jota joined Liverpool with the unenviable task of breaking into their prolific frontline. In two seasons he has surpassed expectations and has played more games halfway through 2021/22 than he did throughout 2020/21, showing his centrality to Jürgen Klopp’s side.

player profile

POS: FORWARD

Age

Height

1.78m

Joined

19th September, 2020

Debut

24th September, 2020

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Paços de Ferreira, Atlético Madrid & Wolverhampton Wanderers. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

Liverpool have won their last six Premier League away games against Palace, netting 19 goals in these meetings. Before that, Palace were unbeaten in four.

Liverpool are yet to win a league match in London this season, drawing with Brentford, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and losing to West Ham.

36 01

01 28

Passes per match 453

606 shots

239

406 Shooting accuracy %

36 goals conceded

18 clean sheets

Joachim Andersen passes

1,188 Clearances

Joël Matip passes

1,074 Clearances

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.

In the ring We come into this game on the back of three derbies in less than three weeks: West Ham, Millwall and Brighton. Of the loss, win and draw, ironically I think we played best against West Ham. Palace dominated the first-half and were undone by the Hammers being clinical. The penalty decision for Luka’s handball was frustrating, although it was right. It was a penalty, sure, but if a top-flight referee doesn’t know from three yards away and they need five or six replays of each angle to decide, it isn’t clear and it isn’t obvious. VAR hasn’t been brought in for decisions like that, so it’s an unfortunate way of reaching the right outcome. The Millwall game was crucial because it sat between two derbies – or what we’ll call ‘derbies’ for the sake of convenience here. If we didn’t win that we’d go to Brighton with two defeats behind us. But the team did well, and Michael Olise’s performance stood out in that. I’m extremely impressed every time I see him play; he has a fantastic left

foot and I look forward to seeing him get a run of games as a serious talent in a seriously talented attack. Brighton was probably the worst of the three performances for Palace, but we ended up with a

I read that in the last three games at the Amex Palace have scored four goals from their last four shots on target. That’s incredible

point and could have left with three. I read that in the last three games at the Amex Palace have scored four goals from their last four shots on target. That’s incredible. The goal was another good one from Conor Gallagher, who is Darren ambrose

also hugely impressing me. I have no doubt he’ll be a permanent fixture in the England team soon because of his energy and enthusiasm, amongst other traits. But Brighton deserved more from that game in terms of possession and shots, so it was good to see Palace still come away with something. We’ve dominated the stats in most games this season, so we saw the team handle a new challenge against Brighton.

Key men, *those* two aside We face a fantastic team in Liverpool, who sit second in the table, so know they’re favourites to win and that to get anything out of the game will be fantastic. Palace can go out and relax somewhat, play the way Patrick will want them to against the big sides and ensure they give Liverpool a great game. Thankfully two of Liverpool’s biggest threats are away, along with some of ours, at the Africa Cup of Nations. It doesn’t mean they’re weak, but it provides Palace with an opportunity. The standout performer in Mo Salah and Sadio Mané’s absence is, for me, Diogo Jota. When he joined people thought no one could break into that front-three, but he’s come and been absolutely fantastic. He’s proved when one of them aren’t playing that he can step in and make a real impact. It’s difficult to go to a team as second or third choice and have much motivation, but he went with confidence and today if you talk about Liverpool’s attack, you talk about a front four. The full-backs are threats too. Palace’s widemen have a difficult choice to make: do they let the defenders go forwards, play cat and mouse, and gamble on them losing the ball to leave behind space? Or will the full-backs’ quality earn them three assists in 10 minutes because we’ve let them run? If you can get that battle right against Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, you’ll find

joy. They love to go forward, so if you can rely on Palace’s full-backs dispossessing them while you’re still high up the pitch, or if they’re not productive that day and struggle to make dangerous crosses, you’ll find loads of space and the time to attack far up the wings. We were on the wrong end of the stats at Brighton, and can expect to be so against Liverpool. So the challenge today will be to utilise the ball and maybe play the counter-attacking style we’ve come to know well. Palace might be able to get in behind and to the corners, where they can get balls into the box for Odsonne Edouard and Christian Benteke.

monkey hangers and giant killers Drawing Millwall and Hartlepool to start this season’s FA Cup campaign gives Palace a shot at darren ambrose

a nice cup run. But that comes with its own danger. Hartlepool might not be flying high in League Two, but this is an opportunity for them. They’ll approach it like it’s a cup final and, as we saw with Newcastle v Cambridge, upsets happen regardless of the strength of your team. So Palace have to be professional if they want a cup run. I was involved in reaching the League Cup semi-final in 2011/12 and it was a fantastic occasion. Thankfully I’ve never been on the reverse of that: a giant killing. We thought we might be heading that way when Newcastle were drawing 0-0 with non-league Yeading after 50 minutes, but, following a telling off by Graeme Souness at half-time and goals from Lee Bowyer and Shola Ameobi, we avoided a major upset. I hope things aren’t so tense for Palace

writers MOHAMED RGUYEG

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 Mohamed Rguyeg.

The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on January 9th in Cameroon, with a group stage that saw 24 teams whittled down to 16. The tournament, considered a festival of Africa, has already entertained with brilliant performances. However, leading up to the competition mainstream media and even some football clubs were suggested to have shone a negative light on it. Some sides refused to release players to African nations, showing what is perceived to be lack of respect towards the tournament. Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira reiterated the importance of the competition in a press conference by saying: "I believe that this competition needs to be more respected - because this competition is as important as the European Championships." The tournament is contested by some of the finest players in the world, including Paris SaintGermain’s Achraf Hakimi, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and arguably the best player in England, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. Thirty-two Premier League players were called up to AFCON, including our very own Jordan Ayew representing Ghana,

Cheikhou Kouyaté representing Senegal and Wilfried Zaha representing Ivory Coast. For competitiveness, the Africa Cup of Nations has always thrown up some of the biggest upsets in international football, and this year has been no different. Equatorial Guinea pulled off one of the greatest shocks as they beat holders Algeria 1-0. Les Fennecs had not lost a fixture since October 2018 and were two games away from matching the longest unbeaten international run in history. On the same day we had another major upset as Sierra Leone, ranked 108th in the world by FIFA, salvaged a late draw against Ivory Coast. Wilfried Zaha was at his best that afternoon, winning a penalty and assisting Ajax’s Sébastien Haller with an impressive pass through the middle. The game seemed under control for Les Éléphants until a bizarre, last-gasp Alhaji Kamara goal gave Sierra Leone a famous draw. Further eye-catching drama followed when the Comoros, a tiny archipelago with fewer than 900,000 inhabitants, overcame four-time winners Ghana 3-2. So the disrespect towards the competition is surprising to see, with journalists suggesting players aspiring writers

shouldn’t have travelled to Cameroon due to COVID-19 concerns. But the same journalists championed the European Championship last summer which saw footballers and fans travel between 11 countries. This Africa Cup of Nations is only contested in Cameroon, resulting in much lower risk of spreading of the virus. England and Crystal Palace icon Ian Wright called out the coverage by saying: "Players are getting asked if they will be honouring the call-ups to their national teams. Imagine if that was an English player representing the Three Lions. Can you imagine the furore?" As we approach the business end of the competition, I would invite fans and media alike to watch the tournament and consider it an equal to the European Championship and Copa América. Three of the most talented Palace players in recent years competing certainly suggests so. Impressed by what you’ve read, and need work from a media professional? You can discuss work opportunities with Mohamed and our other aspiring writers by emailing programme@cpfc.co.uk.

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inside the academy copers cope road

Inside Meet the Academy’s latest signing Mark Bright explains the loan system Look back at Victor Moses’ rapid rise

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.

Killian Phillips age: 19 / position: Centre-midfield / joined: jan 22

highlights so far Making his senior professional debut for League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United in April 2020.

Take note of Phillips is a versatile midfielder who is as comfortable deputising in the centre of defence as he is pushing up to support the attack. He has the energy to play box to box and looks to keep the ball at his feet, moving between the No.4 and No.10 roles. inside the academy

getting to know Killian Phillips Killian Phillips joined the Crystal Palace Academy just days after fellow Irishman and Ireland Under-21s teammate Jake O’Brien earned a loan move to League Two Swindon Town. Aged 19, he put pen to paper with a club where opportunities to progress weren’t just talking points in the signing process, but tangible possibilities taking place that very moment.

We believe Killian has great potential to develop and all the attributes to have a career in the game. He will definitely add to the group both on and off the pitch with his experience of first-team football Paddy M©Carthy u23S manager

Paddy was talking to me about trying to find different clubs and said it’s like buying a home; when you walk into the right home you know Phillips saw Palace’s first-team travel to Millwall with two of his soon-to-be-teammates on the bench, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and Jack Wells-Morrison. So while he left senior football in Ireland behind, the teenage midfielder had very real assurances around him that moving to south London was a step forward. “Jes did well and you’ve seen Patrick Vieira gave him the chance,” Phillips says after joining. “I’m sure if you’re doing well you’ll get your chance with the first-team. Jake’s obviously got a move now Inside the academy

to League Two and I’m sure he’ll do well. It [Palace] is the right club where if you’re doing well you’ll get your chances. “I clicked with Jake when I was away with the [Ireland] Under-21s and he’ll probably be my best mate here now because he’s another Irish lad.” Phillips swapped Ireland for Beckenham when he departed Drogheda United, a side he made 31 senior appearances with. His debut there came in a summer 2020 friendly, and almost a year later the midfielder was involved in competitive games. From that point on - a clash with Shamrock Rovers he stayed in the team, competing in the top tier of Irish football. But his career with the Drogs was part-time, meaning Phillips has to adapt to not only a new country, but new routine and intensity, too. He relishes the challenge. “It was the first time I’ve ever been away from home and the first time I’ve been on trial with a club… It’s my first time in a full-time environment so coming in every day – I can’t wait. It’s what I dreamed of as a youngster so I’m delighted to be here. “I’m 19-years-of-age so still have loads to learn in the game and want to have a good career. I think this is the best place for me to develop. “[The facilities are] a joke. It’s unbelievable. Compared to Ireland it’s on a whole different planet. It’s the best place we can develop and you won’t find better training grounds than this.”

inside the academy

Mark Bright We’re currently finalising any loan agreements we might make this month to ensure the right players can develop through this hugely beneficial system.

hen you play men’s football it accelerates your development by teaching you to cope with pressure, but it also furthers the development of players who remain with us: we don’t want to hold back anyone in our Academy who’s ready to take the next step, and loans have an effect on that. Jake O’Brien has recently been loaned to Swindon Town, for example, which meant Cardo Siddik could make his return from injury in the Under-23s. Both players have stepped up a level. When you do join a league side, you compete with players who’ve made hundreds of appearances and can teach you the nuances of professional football. That builds your armoury to help you have a good league career. Recently Gareth Southgate picked an England team where 10 of the starting 11 had been through the loan system, which shows how much it encourages your development. I remember in my time at Palace Richard Shaw and John Salako were both loaned out and returned ready to compete for their place.

But not every loan works, and we don’t get it right 100% of the time. There are lots of challenges involved, so I and others at the club have to learn from any mistakes. To make as many loans

many of our boys are in-demand. It shows that the time and effort spent on our Academy, and the hugely important loan system, pays off

as possible succeed we first try to identify the right club for each player, and once they’re there we ensure constant support. To decide the right move we look for the right system. To use Jake as an example again, he’s

Inside the academy

joined Swindon because their centre-backs play out from the back, like our first-team does. We then have several people at the club touch base with the players to support them while they’re away. That might be me or it might be a coach, Player Care Officer, Player Liaison Officer or someone from the offices. We once had a player out on loan whose mother became very unwell. His manager, Derek Adams, drove him halfway from the loan club back to London – well over 100 miles – because he felt he had a duty of care. I hold Derek in very high regard for that. The playing side may well be down to the players, but ensuring our lads are supported is our responsibility. Finally, you’ll see the strength of our Academy now reflected in the loans that happen: we liaise with clubs who are higher in the pyramid or enjoying really strong seasons, because many of our boys are in-demand. It shows that the time and effort spent on our Academy, and the hugely important loan system, pays off

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.

boy wonder -

VICTOr MOSES Born

December 12th, 1990

Appearances

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inside the academy

Moses was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but tragedy struck when he was 11 as his parents were killed in religious riots. He then came to England and was placed with foster parents in the Croydon area, going to school first at Stanley Technical in South Norwood and playing football for Cosmos 90 F.C. in the Tandridge League. It was here Palace scouts noticed Moses and the club soon offered him a place in the Academy. In 2004 the teenager moved to Whitgift school and was coached by Colin Pates, the former Chelsea defender. By now he was netting regularly for the school team, winning trophies and playing for Palace’s Under-14s. Such were his prodigious skills that he was soon involved with the Eagles’ Under-16s and Under-18s at a young age, and for four seasons he was a feature of the FA Youth Cup teams that included the likes of Nathaniel Clyne. Before he reached 16 Moses was chosen for several Reserve games, by which time he was also recognised by England at all levels from Under-16 to Under-21, and in

August 2007 he reached the semifinal with England in the Under-17 World Cup in South Korea. Moses returned from that competition with a thigh injury and by the time he was fit again in October Neil Warnock had replaced manager Peter Taylor. The Yorkshireman had no hesitation in turning to the club’s Academy by first giving a debut to 15-year-old John Bostock and then to Moses at Cardiff City on November 6th. He replaced Bostock

he was soon involved with the Eagles’ Under16s and Under-18s at a young age, and for four seasons he was a feature of the FA Youth Cup teams that included the likes of Nathaniel Clyne

for 18 minutes in a 1-1 draw. By the end of that season Moses had made 16 appearances and netted three goals as the club reached the play-off semi-finals against Bristol City. Having made a pre-contract agreement, he then signed his first professional contract a month later on his 17th birthday. Moses was having his most productive time as 2009 drew to a close and the team was in touch Inside the academy

with the play-offs. However off the pitch clouds were gathering over the club’s financial position with wages being paid late. Premier League sides were waiting to swoop for Moses’ signature with Palace demanding at least five-million-pounds, but on January 27th, as the players famously stepped from the plane at Newcastle airport for an evening fixture at St James’ Park, they learned the club had been placed into administration. The administrator instructed Warnock to not play Moses and within a few days he was sold to Wigan Athletic for £2.5 million. His last appearance was the previous Saturday in an FA Cup draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a week earlier he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Plymouth Argyle. In August 2012 Chelsea bought Moses for £9 million and over the past nine years sent him on loan to various clubs, including Liverpool. He is now with Spartak Moscow permanently

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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 100-year-old supporter Connie Mullins shares the stories from her “first 100 years”.

Voices of South London

moved to SE25 with my family when I was 12 and I have lived in the same house, overlooking South Norwood, for nearly 90 years now. I was working at Hartley’s, the jam manufacturer, when the war broke out and continued to travel to London Bridge each day. I remember walking from the station one day to find Whitworth Road in complete chaos after a bombing raid; it was unrecognisable, and I needed help from someone nearby to find my way across Whitehorse Lane and get back home. The disruption the Blitz caused to train services became so bad I found myself waiting in massive queues at Forest Hill for two hours, so the Hartley’s staff slept at the offices on weekdays. One evening the building suffered a direct hit, leaving my colleagues and I stuck in a lift. Some of the men died when the bomb hit their part of the building but thankfully most of us were safe. I have avoided the use of lifts ever since! After the jam factory bombing I decided I would like to go into the airforce. I joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), which was established as a female auxiliary of the Royal Airforce in 1939. I served in the WAAF from 1943 to 1947; first at a large RAF base outside Cambridge called Waterbeach. There I learned to ride a bicycle. During the war I moved to two other bases, Mepal and Marham, also in East Anglia. Mepal played a major role in the war as it was the base where the Lancaster bombers started their raids.

I flew out to Dresden where they were photographing the terrible effects of the bombing and was horrified at the sight, but realised it was similar to what I had seen in London earlier in the war. Later in the war another bomb fell even closer to home, damaging several houses on my road. Our house lost its roof and every ceiling except the dining room. My mum had left a meat pudding slow steaming in the kitchen while she was at work and, unlike the roof, it stayed intact after being flung to the top of the road. Our neighbours set about eating it! Life was to change when I met George in Jersey with my friend Joan in 1948, my first holiday after the war. I married George at Parchmore Methodist Church in Voices of South London

after moving with me to South Norwood, george had a football ground right on his doorstep. He started going to matches and, eventually, around 1951/52, I thought: ‘Why not join him?’ Thornton Heath, in 1951, and our son David was born in 1955. My marriage also opened the 70-year chapter of my life involving Crystal Palace. George was a keen football fan and supported Arsenal from a distance in Jersey before the war but, after moving with me to South Norwood, had a football ground right on his doorstep. He started going to matches and,

eventually, around 1951/52, I thought: ‘Why not join him?’ At first we stood on the Park Road terrace, but took our first seat in the Main Stand when I was expecting David. George was not used to sitting down at football and got cramp in his leg - he had to get up and stand at the back! When David was born my mum and her friend Jesse used to look after him on Saturday afternoons so George and I could go to the games - now back on the terraces. David joined us when was old enough, and has been a Palace supporter ever since! The three of us gradually saw Palace move up through the Third Division South, Fourth Division and Third Division with Laurie Scott, Cyril Spiers, Arthur Rowe, Dick Graham and later Bert Head, who got us to the top-flight for the first time in 1969. Over the years we gradually moved around the ground as improvements were made and new stands were built. From the Park Road terrace, which was quite high in those days, we moved to the new enclosure in front of the Arthur Wait stand built for promotion to Division One. Later we moved to a seat in the stand itself. I remember the away fans were often quite close to us in what is today the away section. I can still remember the shrill voices of some Leeds supporters; a challenge to ‘Joyce the Voice’, who was our celebrity ‘shouty’ Palace fan on the old enclosure at the front of Arthur Wait.

Finally we graduated to the Main Stand. We started in the wings but in recent years moved to the Stanley Stephenson Lounge, where some of Palace’s most mature supporters reside! Just in the row in front of us sat Phil, who was already 100 when he attended his last game against Brentford at the start of this season before his sad death in early December 2021. We had Season Tickets by 1969 when we reached the First Division. I remember the first match was at home to Manchester United, with Bobby Charlton (one

i was introduced to one of my all-time favourite Palace people, Mark Bright, who, together with co-owner Stephen Browett, presented me with a ball signed by the Palace first-team of my very favourite players, who scored that day), George Best and Denis Law. It was hard to believe this was happening to Palace after so many years in the lower leagues - even more so as we Voices of South London

managed a 2-2 draw thanks to Roger Hynd and Gerry Queen! We were on holiday in the Isle of Wight until that Saturday morning but dashed home on the train to Waterloo to pick up our Season Tickets from the doormat just in time for kick-off; a benefit of being an SE25 girl, living so close to Selhurst Park! Another highlight came in 1990 when we went to Wembley for the first time; again the opponents were Manchester United. I remember the long coach journey around the North Circular and, of course, Ian Wright’s two goals which had us within a hair’s breadth of being cup winners. My next trip to Wembley for the Zenith Data Systems final a year later against Everton was even more rewarding with a 4-1 win. In 2015 I had just had an operation to remove a melanoma from my face when Palace played at home to West Bromwich Albion, a team I had never taken to! That feeling was reinforced when the West Brom full-back hoofed a robust clearance 20 rows into the Main Stand and connected with my head. A few matches later I was introduced to one of my all-time favourite Palace people, Mark Bright, who, together with co-owner Stephen Browett, presented me with a ball signed by the Palace first-team as a memento of my ‘header’. There, in summary, are my first 100 years – starting in 1922, moving to SE25 in 1934, picking up Palace in 1951 and continuing today

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 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

Corinthian-Casuals In this edition, we hear from Corinthian-Casuals assistant manager Dan Pringle, who spent his adolescence with Palace before suffering an injury that, he was told, might cripple his career.

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n the rich culture of south London’s non-league football, there are plenty of Crystal Palace connections. But few are as explicit as Dan Pringle’s. “I joined Palace as an Under-12,” he says. “[Former Palace first-team coach] Dave Reddington was my manager. I was there all the way up until I was 19-years-old. “My recollection of the Academy is positive. It was really good – it was an up and coming Academy at the time. They had just started really investing when I joined. Iain Dowie was the manager at the time. “The age groups above me were the next waves coming through. Wilf [Zaha] was in my

year. Matt Parsons was the year above me. Above them were Kieron Cadogan, Nathaniel Pinney and Nathaniel Clyne.” Pringle’s journey went a different way, and he joined Sutton United upon leaving the club at 19. Although his

Non-League Neighbours

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blossoming footballing career was blighted by terrible luck, the silver lining was a chance to stay in the game as a coach. “I did my ACL after a couple of months,” he remembers. “The reserve team manager at the time said: ‘Whilst you’re

doing your rehab, do you want to help me out with the reserves? Have a go at some coaching and see if you like it.’ “I tried to get back playing and trained a little bit, but then I did my ACL again not long after. You get those indirect ones from the surgeon: ‘You could play again and you might be fine, but you might need a knee replacement by the time you’re 40.’ Or: ‘You might not be able to walk up the stairs by the time you are 45.’ “It wasn’t worth that, so I thought: ‘Let me get into coaching really early.’ That’s where I met James Bracken, who is now CorinthianCasuals manager. We worked for a year together.” Pringle used this piece of serendipity to his firm advantage. “He [Bracken] got offered the Corinthian-Casuals job and asked if I would be his assistant. We’ve been there for six years since, where we’ve got a promotion and got a few Palace lads that I used to play with.” Although historically significant, Pringle was tasked with keeping the stillamateur club competitive in an increasingly challenging non-league era. “We try to make it like a mini-professional club,” he explains. “Obviously we can’t pay players, so we have to offer other things to give them that environment to progress. “We’ve introduced video analysis, we’ve managed to

get a strength and conditioning coach in, and we’ve invested in GPS vests so we can track the players’ work rates. We’ll do video sessions with them. “The post-match nutrition is very good. Before we turned up it used to be chicken and cups in the bar after a game, and a pint – very non-league. As much as they may not enjoy it now, it’s pasta and a soft drink.”

It is 24/7. The higher up the leagues you go, you’ve got a manager, assistant, first-team coach, fitness, nutrition. We have to do about 10 roles in one It’s no shortage of workload, and Pringle has to go beyond the normal hours of a part-time employee. “It is 24/7. The higher up the leagues you go, you’ve got a manager, assistant, first-team coach, fitness, nutrition. We have to do about 10 roles in one. “A lot of people think non-league is rubbish pitches, middle-aged boys not really running, and it’s not enjoyable to watch. But a lot of clubs have gone down the 4G route, and a lot of teams play good football. There are a lot of good coaches trying to do the right thing. Non-League Neighbours

“No one is in non-league to be rich or for the money, it’s definitely for the love of football. Everyone has that dream of an FA Cup run or a promotion, or being that team that does something special. No one forces us to do it, we thoroughly enjoy it.” That FA Cup run came to fruition this season – and meant an incredible role reversal for Palace-mad Pringle. “Alan Pardew came down to see us with Andy Gray,” he recalls. “They both played for the club. Pardew scored the goal years ago that took us to our furthest point in the FA Cup until now. “For me being a Palace fan, it was roles reversed. I had been sat in the stands when he was managing the first-team, and now for him to be coming to watch my team was a bit weird and surreal!” The story sums up Corinthian-Casuals. They are a club of worldwide significance – footballing pioneers who attract as many weekly visitors from Brazil as they do from Bromley. But at their heart they are locally born and bred. Their amateur status could well have rendered them something of an anachronism, but instead their links to south London football are spread deeply across time and places. Corinthian-Casuals will keep moving forwards, and Dan Pringle, having overcome desperate misfortune, will be a crucial part of that journey

Jamie Vincent 1975-2022 Former defender Jamie Vincent died at the age of 46. The left-back made 29 appearances for the club between 1993 and 1996, kicking off a remarkable 18-year career during which he would play more than 500 games across the Football League.

in memory

Paul Hinshelwood 1956-2022 Iconic former Crystal Palace player Paul Hinshelwood died aged 65. The right-back, raised in Croydon, came through Palace’s Academy ranks alongside his brother Martin in the early 1970s, and went on to make 319 appearances for the club.

in memory

seeing double From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Today, find out why Barnsley players donned the Palace crest in a 2013 Selhurst clash.

arnsley’s home kit was red, and their away kit was blue. Unfortunately for David Flitcroft’s Tykes on 6th April, 2013, they were facing the red and blues. Neither kit would suffice. “We were at the game and I was there early with a kit man from Barnsley,” recalled

The only thing we could do was nip down the Club Shop and get some shirts from our reserve colours. I think the club charged them! former Palace kit man Brian Rogers. “[Referee] Mr Keith Stroud came in and checked the kit like refs normally do. He looked at Barnsley’s and said: ‘You can’t play in that, it’s too close [to Palace’s].’ They had the reserve kit but he wouldn’t have any of that, either.” From the Archive

Barnsley’s kit man triumphantly pulled out warm-up tops from his collection: a solution was found. In what fast became Rogers’ go-to summary of Stroud’s viewpoint: “He wouldn’t have any of that, either.” Barnsley had nothing left. Palace’s warm-up tops, naturally, also clashed with the visitors’ haul, and so there was only one alternative. “The only thing we could do was nip down the Club Shop and get some shirts from our reserve colours,” said Rogers, laughing. “They had to play in that - they weren’t very happy about it but that’s what they had to do.” Rogers laughed harder: “I think the club charged them!” Palace were pursuing their step into the Premier League when Barnsley came to Selhurst and donned the eye-catching yellow shirts - though they wore Barnsley shorts and socks, it should be noted - and were only six games away from securing a position in the play-off semifinals. The Tykes clash sat between three consecutive losses and, after defeat to Ipswich Town, a four-game unbeaten run which kept Palace within the top six. It was a critical moment in the Eagles’ season. “It was weird,” says Jonny Williams, who played the full 90 minutes in midfield, “and it was a big game in our season. When I look back at the pictures, it’s so odd. I’ve still got some pictures of it and it’s almost like we were playing a charity game.”

Behind the scenes, Barnsley staff complained about Stroud’s decision but the Palace changing room kept their mind on the task

When I look back at the pictures, it’s so odd. I’ve still got some pictures of it and it’s almost like we were playing a charity game

at hand. “We were focused on winning,” William says, “whether they were in our kit or their kit. I doubt the boys would have wanted to play against another team in our kit, but I don’t think we had any options… I’m sure there would have been someone kicking off but I was only 19 so I just kept quiet and did as I was told!” “There was no reaction at all from our side,” Rogers confirms, “it didn’t really worry us.” The game finished in a 0-0 draw, with Palace enjoying the slightly better chances. Around Selhurst Park, the football fans’ ever-reliable wit rang out gladly: ‘Are you Palace in disguise?’

From the Archive

palace for life Play with Palace in February half-term Palace for Life Foundation’s highly-rated Soccer Schools return in February, including girls-only Soccer Schools and specialist goalkeeper Soccer Schools.

alace for Life Foundation’s highly-rated Soccer Schools are back this winter, 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 February half-term there will also be girls-

palace for life

only Soccer Schools, and fantastic goalkeeper Soccer Schools run by expert coaches. The goalkeeper Soccer Schools allow budding shot stoppers to experience the same sessions that Crystal Palace Academy goalkeepers take part in, as well as unique, intense and specialist coaching for the young players. Soccer schools will run at: • Caterham school (no girls-only sessions) • Kent County Cricket Club • Harris Academy Purley

During the holidays Palace for Life will also host trials for talented footballers in age groups up to under-14s at Coombe Wood school. Taking place on Monday, February 14th, the player trial day is an opportunity for promising youngsters across south London to join the Palace player pathway. During the trial, players will be watched and assessed by Palace for Life and Palace Academy coaches who will be on the lookout for talented footballers. All players attending the trial day will have the chance to be selected for one of the Foundation’s Player Development Centres, giving the brightest prospects the chance to get into the Academy. Ten players have signed for the Academy directly from the pathway, and a further 34 players have been offered trials. Everyone attending the trial day will be supported into a level of football that best suits their level. To sign your child up for Palace for Life Soccer Schools or the player trial day, scan the QR code below. To receive updates straight to your inbox about Palace Soccer Schools, visit palaceforlife.org and search ‘contact preferences’

FANCY A CHALLENGE THIS YEAR? Join over 30 Palace fans on the Bike to Southampton to raise money for young south Londoners and watch Palace from the away end at St Mary’s.

Visit palaceforlife.org and search:

‘Bike to Southampton’ for more details.

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.

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n the last programme we highlighted some of the illustrious but little known amateur players that played for Palace in their early years, from FA Founding Fathers to Olympic gold medallists. In this edition we’ll explore what happened to Crystal Palace during the 1875/76 season, when they seemed to disappear off the face of the earth – some might say it was our own ‘Bermuda Triangle’ moment.

Q: So, what happened to Palace in 1875/76? A: It’s been another of the club’s long-held myths that the Crystal Palace Football Club folded in 1875 as a result of the Crystal Palace itself getting into financial difficulties, meaning the club was sacrificed to cut costs. But, like many Palace myths, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s true that the Crystal Palace Company, which owned and managed everything in the Crystal Palace grounds, had struggled financially since the outset. The original Crystal Palace in Hyde Park had been a huge and profitable success. Its architect, Sir Joseph Paxton, was persuaded to come with it after the move to Sydenham in 1854, but only after the Crystal Palace Company agreed to fill the palace’s 200-acre

The Crystal Palace after moving from Hyde Park to Sydenham in 1854.

grounds with water fountains that would outrival the famed fountains at Versailles in Paris. Water had to be pumped up Sydenham Hill to power the foundations due to the Crystal Palace’s location, so Paxton enlisted the help of his friend, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to design and build a system, which incorporated two huge water towers either side of the Palace. It must have been an incredible sight upon completion, with the bases still visible in the park today. There were nearly 12,000 fountains which used six-million gallons of water in a spectacular 45-minute display, with the water running back down the hill into what is now the dinosaur lake in Crystal Palace Park, before being pumped back up again. However the cost of building this display was twice that of bringing the Palace to Sydenham in the first place, and the Crystal Palace Company cpfc 1861

struggled to manage the resulting debt for the rest of its existence. But these financial struggles had nothing to do with the Crystal Palace football team. After all, how could putting up a couple of football posts on the cricket ground each winter have any notable financial impact on the Palace itself? To find out what really happened we have to investigate ourselves, and examine the evidence that is now available in the Victorian newspapers archive. Our first clue goes back to the very first game Crystal Palace played at the Palace in April 1862. In Victorian times sporting seasons were dictated by very strict dates and didn’t overlap: the football season ran from September 1st to April 30th and the cricket season was from May 1st to August 31st. Palace’s first game at home had been on April 5th, 1862, just under three weeks before the cricket season started.

The large open space that housed the cricket and football pitch, near today’s Brown and Green café in Crystal Palace Park, has never been built on - and anyone who knows the park will know how wet and muddy it can get in winter. This was also the case in Victorian times. It must be remembered that the Crystal Palace Club played both football and cricket and that cricket was, by far, the more important game. But the club’s football was played on the cricket ground. It seems highly likely that the first football match left the ground badly cut up, because we know the Crystal Palace football team had to play all their subsequent matches on a pitch behind the Crooked Billet pub in Penge, not returning to the Crystal Palace until November 1867. We also know, from forensic analysis of Victorian match fixtures, that thereafter Palace never played football at the palace after the end of February - and sometimes no later than the end of January - which would have given the ground time to recover for the cricket season in May. As the Crystal Palace football team’s importance grew so did its fixture list, and it must have caused concern to the club’s cricketers, many of whom were also its footballers. For 1875/76 every Palace match was scheduled for opponents’ grounds and none at the Palace. The only logical reason for this was that

football matches were causing too much damage to the cricket pitch. The winter of 1875 also turned out to be one of the snowiest on record and Palace

It must be remembered that the Crystal Palace Club played both football and cricket and that cricket was, by far, the more important game were unable to play any matches between December 18th and March 4th, by which time there was only one fixture left, against Westminster School - and Palace were unable to field a team. The lack of football matches would have left the cricket pitch in pristine condition, and it must have been because of this that Palace decided the best way to preserve it was to put their football team on hold.

Q: Did the club fold or the football players leave? A: No, the club continued its healthy existence, concentrating on cricket - which it played to a high level. Crystal Palace even reached the dizzy heights of playing the touring Australian cpfc 1861

side at the Palace in 1880; that’s how good they were! We also know the footballers did not leave the club, as a local newspaper gave details of a dinner held at the start of the 1880 cricket season which listed many of the attendees and included many of the club’s former footballers who were by then in senior roles. So the decision to stop playing football had clearly been taken consensually, otherwise the footballers would have left. All told, the myth that the club folded in 1875 can be firmly dispelled. The club continued to exist and its footballers could still be found playing cricket for Crystal Palace as late as 1894

NEXT TIME In the next edition we’ll find out why the Crystal Palace Company decided to build England’s first national stadium at the Palace and how that enabled the Crystal Palace Football Club to start playing again. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

aimee everett I feel like none of us in the team expected to be in the position we are now halfway through the season. We’re all pleased with it, but know we’re more than capable of pushing further up the table for the second half of the season.

e’re sitting fourth at the moment, three points off second with a game in hand, and I now think as a team we have to target the top spot. Personally I think I’ve really contributed to the season so far, having played a lot of minutes. I think my performances have gone

I started playing football as soon as I was old enough to walk because I’ve got two older brothers – they’d stick me in goal and just shoot at me! well and added to the team’s points tally, but I know I can improve for the next half of the season. One of the key targets for me is getting onto the scoresheet. palace women

I started playing football as soon as I was old enough to walk because I’ve got two older brothers I always played with – they’d stick me in goal and just shoot at me! I’m from the north-west so started my career with Blackburn Rovers and then Liverpool, playing in their Under-23s. After that I moved to Leicester City aged 16 and began my professional career with them. I spent two seasons there before moving to Palace, and couldn’t have asked for a better team to join. I’m one of the youngest in the squad, so feel well looked-after. Thankfully I’ve never normally suffered injuries very easily, and touch wood that continues, but I did break my hip on an England camp which put me out for a year.

That time impacted me mentally more than physically; you feel like you’re back and ready to go but take another knock and are up and down psychologically. My approach was to not rush into things and come back to football when I was ready: your mental health is more important than physical in those situations. Away from football I currently lead coaching sessions at breakfast clubs and after school clubs. It’s part-time so doesn’t impact my football too much, whereas some of the girls have full-time jobs on top of training and playing. I’m doing my level one coaching licence soon, so am looking to move in that direction. Finally, we’ve got a great group of fans at this club. You even came to Coventry away

Palace as a club, the support we get from the men’s side and our fans makes me want to play for the badge and other games we wouldn’t expect you to travel to. If we’re struggling for a period our fans get us through it, so it’s nice to celebrate our wins together. Palace as a club, the support we get from the men’s side and our fans makes me want to play for the badge

palace women

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, we received the sad news of former Academy player Keith Remnant’s passing.

former academy player keith remnant passes away Keith passed away aged 75 last November from COVID-19. He grew up in South Norwood and started watching Palace in the 1950s; his dad made him a box with a handle he could stand on to watch the games on the old Whitehorse Lane hill behind the goal long before it was terraced. When Keith was 14 he trained with Palace and played several youth games for the

club. Later, before attending teacher-training college, he had a professional trial and was told to come back after he had qualified if he was still interested in playing football. A much-loved husband, brother, father and grandfather, he loved Crystal Palace very much and is deeply missed.

A much-loved husband, brother, father and grandfather, Keith loved Crystal Palace very much and is deeply missed

Happy 12th birthday Harrison Stannard! Enjoy Speroni’s!!! COYP!

We will never forget you Smudge. Massive Palace fan who got put down just before kick off on the 28th of December. Keep Palace flying high. Lots of love Matthew Grandad Lauren Tyler Caroline. Up the Palace

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

from the terraces

Happy 5th Birthday Freddie Drake love from your Family xxx

Remembering life-long Eagle Richard Powell who died suddenly in November aged 63. Richard was himself a talented player and respected youth coach, his priority being sheer enjoyment of the game.

Congratulations to Connie Mullins on celebrating her 100th Birthday on January 20 2022. SE25 resident since 1934. Supporting Palace since 1951. Season Ticket holder 1969-2021.

Charlie enjoying being back at Palace and his third year as season ticket holder. Happy 9th birthday son and hope you have a fab day xxx

Happy 7th Birthday Mr Mack! Hopefully Palace gift you a win at your next visit to Selhurst :) Love Mummy, Daddy, Victoria, Dena, Irene and Mr Dean xx

Archie O’Donnell - Happy 18th Birthday. We are very proud of you. Lots of love Mum, Dad and Tamzin xxxx Come on Palace!!!!! Happy 13th Birthday Aarian! We are so proud of you! Love from Mummy, Daddy and Dhruv xxx

Wishing Sarah Hipwell a happy 50th birthday, with her husband and son watching their first game at Selhurst all together!

Happy 21st Birthday to Palace’s biggest fan, Kimberley Ellis! Hopefully Palace will get you three points as a present. Love from Grandad, Lucy & Paul.

We are sorry to report Philip White’s passing on 8th December aged 101. He had been a supporter for 88 years and a season ticket holder since the early 50s, so it would be fair to say he saw a good number of ups and downs. He was well known in the Main Stand for his irritation with useless referees. Quite possibly Palace’s longest and oldest fan - he will be sorely missed.

from the terraces

Lifelong Palace fan, and past season ticket holder, C.A. (Tony) House passed away in March last year aged 90. His first game was as a birthday treat in 1940.

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 former Arsenal and Chelsea player coached Victor Moses at Whitgift school?

Which Palace players scored in the 2014 ‘Crystanbul’ match?

Christian Benteke had two spells at which Belgian club?

Roy Hodgson was awarded what in the 2021 Birthday Honours?

Who scored Liverpool’s goals in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

With a popular favoured formation as the titular star of Mike Bassett: England Manager, this actor knows his football. Born near Blackpool after his mother evacuated from the Liverpool Blitz, he still lives on Merseyside, saying he will “never, ever move away.” Do you recognise this famous Liverpool supporter?

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

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

ANSWERS Guess who: Ade Akinbiyi Spot the image: Page 52 Quiz: 1) Colin Pates 2) Damien Delaney and Dwight Gayle 3) Genk 4) CBE 5) Steve McMahon, John Barnes and Ian Rush Famous Fan: Ricky Tomlinson Guess the Ground: Fratton Park - Portsmouth

games

team stats: women / U23S / U18S Siobhan Wilson Wilson scored the winner in a 3-2 victory against Durham, which moved Palace to third.

Joshua Addae Palace added 18-year-old right-back Addae to their U18 squad after he impressed the club.

Killian Phillips Irish defender Phillips joined Palace’s Academy from Drogheda United earlier 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 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 To be confirmed Sunderland

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

D 2-2 W W L W

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

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

W 3-2

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

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur

W 4-3

Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

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

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United

L 2-4

JANUARY Mon 10 Everton

D 2-2

Mon 17 Chelsea

W 3-2

Mon 24 Liverpool FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur Sun 20

Manchester United

Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion MARCH Mon 14 Manchester City Fri 18

Arsenal

APRIL Mon 4

Leeds United

Mon 18 Derby County Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers MAY Mon 2

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 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 Sat 12 West Ham United Sat 19 West Bromwich Albion Thu 24 Fulham 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

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)

Name

Apps

Skye Bacon

Goals

Bianca Baptiste

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Grace Coombs

Leanne Cowan

Aimee Everett

Millie Farrow

Coral-Jade Haines

Annabel Johnson

Sophie McLean

Chloe Morgan (GK)

Leigh Nicol

Emily Orman (GK)

Gracie Pearse

Name

Apps

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Apps

Goals

Joshua Addae

Victor Akinwale

Tayo Adaramola

Jay-Rich Baghuelou

Victor Akinwale

Scott Banks

David Boateng

Ryan Bartley

Kalani Barton

Malachi Boateng

Freddie Bell

Harry Freedman

Maliq Cadogan

Owen Goodman (GK)

Junior Dixon

John-Kymani Gordon

Owen Goodman (GK)

Reece Hannam

Danny Imray

Nya Kirby

Jake O'Brien

David Omilabu

Killian Phillips

Lizzie Waldie

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

Kanye Jobson

James Leonard

Cameron Lewis-Brown

Joe Ling

Adler Nascimento

Fionn Mooney

David Obou

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

3 15

Sean Robertson

Jack Roles

Cardo Siddik

David Ozoh

Aidan Steele

Jadan Raymond

Rob Street

Kaden Rodney

Joe Sheridan

James Taylor

Matthew Vigor

Oliver Webber (GK)

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth (GK)

Vonnte Williams

A GD Pts

liv

12 9

1 23 5 18 29

lon

3 15 10 5 22

cry

2 23 18 5 21

dur

12 7

5 18 14 4 21

pos CLUB P W D 1

whu

16 11

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Jackson Izquierdo (GK)

Dan Quick

Dylan Thiselton Molly-Mae Sharpe

Name

A GD Pts

3 41 20 21 35

pos CLUB P W D 1

lei

12 9

A GD Pts

2 27 12 15 28

mci

17 10 3

4 42 27 15 33

che

12 8

2 41 18 23 26

tot

16 8

3 39 24 15 29

sou

12 8

3 35 18 17 25

ars

16 8

4 40 32 8 28

whu

12 7

3 27 15 12 23

cry

16 8

7 37 33 4 25

cry

12 6

2 25 18 7 22

bri

3 21 12 9 20

bha

17 6

5 27 23 4 24

ars

14 6

4 28 26 2 22

cha

12 6

4 16 10 6 20

mun

16 6

6 26 27 -1 22

ful

12 5

3 22 14 8 19

lew

5 14 12 2 16

eve

17 5

7 22 32 -10 20

tot

13 5

8 24 35 -11 15

she

12 4

5 14 15 -1 15

liv

16 5

7 21 28 -7 19

bha

5 26 25 1

10 lei

15 5

6 21 36 -15 19

10 avl

6 29 34 -5 11

che

16 4

7 27 31 -4 17

12 3

7 20 36 -16 11

12 lee

17 4

9 31 38 -7 16

12 rdg

7 18 22 -4 10

sun

5 10 15 -5 12

10 BLA

13 3

11 25 -14 10

11 26 -15 6

13 der

15 4

10 24 27 -3 13

13 bir

12 2

8 14 30 -16 8

12 cov* 12

8 12 26 -14 -4

14 bla

16 2

8 24 44 -20 12

14 nor

10 5 38 -33 4

wat

* 10 point deduction

women/u23S/u18S

wba

MAY

APRIL

March

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

15:00

Sat 21

Brentford

15:00

D 0-0

Sat 24

Watford

19:45

Sat 28

West Ham United