Crystal Palace v Manchester City programme by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace v Manchester City Monday 14th March 2022 // 8:00pm

palace √ man city mon 14 mar | 20:00

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, PPA, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

It should be a given that players give 100%, but nowadays it’s not. People know that, so the least the lads and I can give and are giving is 100%. The fans can see that from every player

briefing palace √ man city mon 14 mar | 20:00

Paul Rundle 1970-2022 The club is mourning the loss of supporter Paul Rundle, whose family has shared the below tribute: Paul was a massive Palace fan, having started attending games in the 1970s with his family. In the early days of the internet, he helped run one of the online messaging services for fans and has visited upwards of 70 grounds watching the Palace. Living in the shadow of Maine Road during the early

march

Cambridge United 0-1 Crystal Palace, 1990 FA Cup

Bruce Dyer becomes English football’s first £1m+ teenager

Jack Butland born, 1993

Reading 0-2 Crystal Palace, 2016 FA Cup

Peter Simpson hits 100th Palace goal, 1932

90s as a student he often went to watch Manchester City play when he couldn’t get to a Palace game. Paul struggled throughout life with mental health problems and whilst he didn’t take his own life, they surely contributed to him passing far too soon. He is survived by his two children Charlotte and Henry, both of whom are Palace fans, and a group of firm friends who have been at Selhurst with him for 40+ years.

Fan update Flashing images and lights will be used prematch today shortly before kick-off. If you are sensitive to these, please remain in the concourse or speak to a steward.

What’s inside Find out… how Will Hughes’ first experiences in football shaped his attitude today (Page 12), recent debutant Tayo Adaramola’s mindset (Page 41) and how one of the 19th century’s greatest sportsmen became involved with Palace (Page 61). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

have fond memories of my time with Manchester City, so would like to offer an especially warm welcome to all my former colleagues here today. We’ve had some positive results coming into this evening’s game, with two wins behind us since I last addressed you here. The Stoke cup match was difficult and highlighted that there are no easy fixtures in football; it was a learning process for us about mentally preparing in the correct way. We have to show the right mindset to compete for every ball, fight, and win, regardless of who we’re playing; these are the basics you must complete before talking about technical and tactical details. But we managed to find the strength to win, which is the positive I took from this game. I was then pleased to see us draw another home tie for the next FA Cup round. It is an advantage to have a cup game at Selhurst because of your support, so hopefully with you behind us we will have a good result against Everton and qualify for the semi-final. From the first minute against Wolves we wanted to impose

ourselves, dominate, have possession, play forward and score goals. Our mindset was much better in this game. That was aided by the fantastic travelling support, which was brilliant once again – I cannot stress enough how much your backing can drive the team on.

our challenge is to perform like that in every game, to use this as a benchmark to meet or surpass every time we step onto the field Another positive to highlight was the way the attacking players worked out of possession, especially Wilfried. He helped the team to defend better and, when he carries out his defensive duties that well, we are stronger collectively. It may not be needed for 95 minutes, but we know every game requires periods in which you pull your sleeves up and manager

defend. Wilfried showed his ability to do that against Wolves, and has done so more and more this season. We need to use the Wolves performance going forward. We’ve been inconsistent at times this season and to be a top team, or a top player, you have to be consistent. Now our challenge is to perform like that in every game, to use this as a benchmark to meet or surpass every time we step onto the field. Our first chance to do that comes tonight against Manchester City. We respect City for what they’ve done as a club, but have to play with personality. That means players dribbling, taking responsibility and tackling the game with confidence and a positive approach. Fortunately after a busy period we had a slightly longer gap between games for this match, which meant the players could refresh a little more and we could prepare tactically throughout the week. Of course, last October at the Etihad this preparation allowed us to earn three points. We knew we would have less possession and needed to be clinical going forward, and have to emulate that today. Thank you for your support

captain

We have confidence for a big, difficult game today against the champions of English football, Manchester City, after some positive results.

e were pleased to get a good result against Stoke City in the FA Cup, but maybe this game was not one of our best performances. It showed a side we know that is important to always develop: making sure we get points even if we sometimes don’t have the best chances, possession or attacks. So to get through to the FA Cup quarter-final is a big achievement. The cup is a very historic competition in this country and we reached the quarter-final in my time once before. Now we want to do better, and take you all to Wembley. But against Wolves we did both things right: the result and the performance. This game we attacked very well, especially in the first-half, against a very tough team. And we defended together just as well, and this is very important. Our two goals gave us that chance to win; we just had to protect it. So I was happy to see the team defend from the front very well for the whole game, and make it so Wolves did not have many chances to take points from us. At full-time, we had put in a performance like so many from this season, but also

In our last match at the Etihad we could only have a few thousand of you; today, we have a full Selhurst Park. That gives us an advantage

captain

taken the result that has sometimes been difficult to secure. That means we come into today’s game with confidence and momentum, trying to add to four matches unbeaten. We have had a longer period of time to prepare for this evening after lots of fixtures in not much time, but that doesn’t make the opposition any easier. We know what Manchester City will bring to Selhurst Park and that every time we play them will be against one of the top sides in England, so this means we have to perform to our best in every area. That is how we played earlier this season in Manchester: we had some clinical attacks and some solid defence, which made it an all-round performance. Just like against Wolves, we earned those three points from every player in the team from front to back. We will need to repeat that this evening in the performance if we are to get a positive result. In our last match at the Etihad we could only have a few thousand of you; today, we have a full Selhurst Park. That gives us an advantage. Make some noise!

chairman

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Manchester City to Selhurst Park for what promises to be an entertaining match. And, of course, welcome to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here this evening to get behind Patrick’s team.

t has been a truly excellent few weeks for the club with the hardfought win over Stoke to send us through to the FA Cup quarter-finals, followed by a hugely impressive win at Wolves. Those two performances were chalk and cheese – we really had to dig deep in what were fairly miserable conditions to overcome a resilient Stoke side, whereas at Wolves we arguably put in our finest, and most clinical, performance of the campaign so far. Tayo made his first senior start against Stoke – an occasion I have no doubt he will remember for the rest of his life. I must once again praise the work of the Academy staff who have helped Tayo get to this point. It was also very pleasing to see Jaïro have an instant impact from the bench with his brilliantly-taken goal. I also must congratulate Wilfried for his fantastic goal at Norwich which scooped the Premier League’s Goal of the Month – a worthy winner (with Conor a close second), and with Jesurun shortlisted for the PL2 Player of the Month, these are huge positives for us all to enjoy and be proud of.

they will undoubtedly be seeking to overturn the quite excellent 0-2 result we secured at the Etihad earlier this season, thanks to an outstanding team effort chairman

Like you all, and the players and staff too, I am enormously excited about Sunday’s match with Everton, with the prospect of a semi-final at Wembley in touching distance. But first, tonight gives us another opportunity to collect some points to improve further on a positive season so far. With City locked in a fascinating title battle with Liverpool, they will undoubtedly be seeking to overturn the quite excellent 0-2 result we secured at the Etihad earlier this season, thanks to an outstanding team effort. It’s always a special occasion under the lights – and everyone here is determined to secure another positive result. Away from on-pitch matters finally, we are throwing our support behind the Mayor of London’s campaign highlighting the important societal issue of male behaviour towards women and girls. I urge you to watch the powerful video on the big screen at half-time, and read the rationale for the campaign penned by Sadiq later in this programme. Enjoy the game, and Up the Palace

Will Hughes started his career at an early age, playing eye-catching football with flair. Rumours circulated that the then-teenager would sign for England’s biggest clubs, or even Barcelona. Here, he tells Ben Mountain how that formed his humble, grounded attitude and why he became the industrious player he is today.

main interview

ill Hughes does old school football well. He does of a central-midfielder what every fan wants: crunching challenges, 90 minutes’ running, jeering the opposition crowd and celebrating – immediately – with his own. He shuns social media, rarely plays the trick-heavy style easily within his repertoire and conducts himself engagingly but without fanfare in the press. Paradoxically Hughes’ style is compared – by himself and others – to Spanish entertainers like Andrés Iniesta and Xavi. He was linked with the biggest names in world football, Barcelona included, by the national papers aged 17, when his professional career began to flourish. He was competitive, too, at a number of sports and had to single-mindedly prioritise his football career at a young age. Combined, Hughes’ experience contains all the ingredients for an existence unlike his own: luxury football, weekly headlines and, perhaps, a little outward overconfidence. None of those are true of the now-26-year-old, and it doesn’t take much backstory to see why. Hughes made his senior debut aged 16 and seven months, coming on to face Peterborough for Nigel Clough’s Derby County. He played two more times at the end of the season before cementing his place, then 17, in the first-team, playing 35 Championship games in his first full season. He reflects: “I probably took it for granted at the time – the lads I was around, the manager I had,

Nigel Clough, the players were of an old-school ilk. They kept my feet grounded and if ever I was out of line they’d put me back into place and it gave me a grounding to be humble. I think that played a massive part in it. “It’s hard to put into words but it’s that old school vibe: you have to work your guts off in training and you’ll get told if you’re out of line. If you’re doing something wrong they won’t hesitate to tell you, but at the same time they’ll put their arm around you and give you advice if you need it.

I probably took it for granted at the time – the lads I was around, the manager I had, Nigel Clough, the players were of an old-school ilk. They kept my feet grounded and if ever I was out of line they’d put me back into place and it gave me a grounding to be humble

“I remember my first session with the first-team when I was about 15. It was completely different to Under-18s football. I went over there [to the first-team] and didn’t track one of my runners. The gaffer absolutely hammered me. I thought: ‘Right, this is men’s football now.’ “From then on he had that balance of telling you when you’re in the wrong but at the same time putting an arm around your shoulder and giving you advice to keep you grounded.” will hughes

If Clough Jr’s approach was anything like his father’s – stories abound of Brian’s ego-popping tactics – then Hughes’ humility over his next few months at Derby is understandable. As Scholar of the Year and November 2012’s Football League Young Player of the Month, Hughes, with his Iniestastyle ability, began to see his name fill the back pages of the English press, linking him with all manner of Premier League and European clubs. Barely a year earlier he was an Under-18, and now the headlines talked of Catalonia. “There’s always going to be an element of it going to your head because you’re so young and have just been thrust into the limelight. You’re hearing stories of going to so and so, going here, going there. The players I had around me and manager I had around me told me the best thing for my development was playing games. That’s what I was doing at 17 regularly, week in, week out in the Championship. “Nothing actually came in front of me to go. There was interest, but at 16/17 playing week in, week out there’s going to be interest in anyone… Rumours fly around here, there and everywhere and 90% aren’t true. Even if something had come up I probably wouldn’t have gone, because players get lost in that sense. “That Barcelona [rumour] was part of the 90%. Anyone can make up a rumour and put it in the paper and people are like: ‘Ah, he’s doing this.’ Absolute rubbish. I could make up a rumour and put it in the paper tomorrow; it’s that simple. But that was fabricated.”

Perhaps this explains Hughes’ attitude towards the media: he’s not remotely hostile, giving plenty of time and insight for this interview, but has never sought to build his own brand. His most recent tweet, for example, was to bid Watford farewell, and you won’t see him adding his name to a fragrance range any time soon. “It’s not my cup of tea,” he says. “Crack on, by all means, but it’s just not my cup of tea. I want to come in, work hard and enjoy my life off the pitch.

It’s not my cup of tea. Crack on, by all means, But it’s just not my cup of tea. I want to come in, work hard and enjoy my life off the pitch

“I don’t mind [interviews] at all. It’s part of it. Fans want certain insight to the players they’ve paid to come and watch, which is absolutely fine. I think they’ll see me working 100% on the pitch and that’s all they can ask for. They know. They’re not stupid, they can see if a player’s trying their hardest or not.” This attitude – accepting public life without embracing it – incidentally brought Hughes acclaim of his own, as one of the main figures on Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster’s social media. For the uninitiated, Foster regularly uploads behind the scenes Watford videos onto his YouTube channel, The Cycling GK, where he has over one million subscribers. Will hughes

main interview

Hughes found a novel, but ultimately fruitless, way around inclusion: “Initially I only started swearing on it because I didn’t think he was going to post it!” Foster did, and Hughes’ interactions became a bleeped-out soundtrack. “That was the premise behind it. But then it just snowballed and people wanted to see, so I had to go along with that character to play up to it. “I think he’s an exception… He’s an exception with how he goes about it. Fos is a top, top guy and I’ve not met anyone like him in football. He’s so full of energy.”

I think he’s an exception… He’s an exception with how he goes about it. Fos is a top, top guy and I’ve not met anyone like him in football. He’s so full of energy

And it’s this, the humour and camaraderie of team sport that lured Hughes from tennis to football, that the midfielder thrives off. He prefers unscripted moments with a crowd – or swearing at a teammate – to filters and fawning. “On the pitch it’s natural,” he says. “It’s your emotions. It’s not scripted; it’s how you’re feeling on the pitch. The adrenaline and everything. It should be a given that players give 100%, but nowadays it’s not. People know that, so the least the lads and I can give and are giving is 100%. The fans can see that from every player.” will hughes

main interview

Derby supporters who followed Hughes through his fledgling career may be surprised by his tone today. This is a midfielder, after all, known as ‘the Spanish player’, who could tie a marker in knots more comfortably than he could harass a belligerent striker. While Hughes’ off-pitch approach may not surprise those who know him, his on-pitch one has had to change. It started with a knee injury in summer 2015. “My knee injury played a big part in me changing what I prioritised on the pitch,” he explains. “I’ve never been quick but over five or six yards I could get away from players before my injury. I never really got that back. I’ve never had issues with my knee since but it’s natural you’re going to lose something. “You have to adapt your game to get into teams – you can’t be stubborn unless you’re ridiculously good in your position. You have to, at some point, adapt to situations and adapt to get into the team. I certainly did that. “I don’t think it hit me straight away that I couldn’t do it [play like before]. But when I went to Watford and was playing with better players in my position I took a step back and went: ‘How am I going to get in the team here? I need to be more aggressive.’ “[Then-Watford manager] Nigel Pearson was a big factor in that – I had him twice, first at Derby. He sat me down and said: ‘You need to get that part in your game to play midfield,’ because he was playing with two [centre-midfielders] at that point. You have to have a bit more about you when you’re playing two

in central midfield. So I think from then onwards it’s stuck with me and become part of my game. “It was never natural to me. [My style] was more wanting to get on the ball, creating, and I didn’t see the other side as that important. Especially nowadays in this league you definitely have to have that and it’s something I enjoy now. I find it quite satisfying.” What started with a knee injury in summer 2015 continues today under Patrick Vieira. Hughes is 26-years-old, after all, not yet in the prime of his career as a midfielder, and there’s still more to develop.

He [Vieira] wants us to press, wants us to be aggressive and that’s been a big part of my game and the team’s game. I think we’ve been really good at that – it’s one of the advantages we have as a team

“He [Vieira] wants us to press, wants us to be aggressive and that’s been a big part of my game and the team’s game. I think we’ve been really good at that – it’s one of the advantages we have as a team. “I learnt a lot from the manager – it’s difficult not to with what he’s achieved in the game. I’m playing with some unbelievable players here that I’m learning off as well.” For a man who discovered how to handle the press at 17 and was forced to redesign his style four years later, perhaps that’s no surprise will hughes

Having grown up keenly playing hockey, cricket, football and tennis, Will Hughes knows his sport. Here, he picks four of his favourite figures from across the disciplines.

Steven Gerrard

Rafael Nadal

My idol growing up. With how he played, he had everything.

I follow tennis quite a lot and him being left-handed is a draw for me. I loved watching him.

Tiger Woods

Tyson Fury He’s just brilliant. He’s entertainment but he’s also come back from the brink with his mental health issues. He’s fantastic and he’s been a big figure speaking out about that. the follow-up

I love my golf and love playing it, but I’m not great. All the gear and no idea. Unfortunately I wasn’t massively into my golf and was a bit too young when [Woods] was in his prime, but when he came back and won the Masters was unbelievable; it gave me goosebumps. He’s up there for what he’s done on the course.

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

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

Manchester City F.C. est. 1894

Inside Seeking revenge Bright sparks in a brimming squad Ambrose analyses Olise

opposition

sky blues manchester city

Manchester City lead the Premier League in the same way they’ve led English football for the past few years, but come to Selhurst looking for revenge.

match preview

Story so far

Patrick Vieira landed the first real away suckerpunch of his time at Palace by beating City 2-0 in October. The win came from a confident performance through early and late Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher goals, and secured three memorable points. It added to Palace’s list of impressive results in the blue half of Manchester, but in south London City have had the rub of the green, winning the last three. And their recent league win over Manchester United spoke for itself. Vieira and his charges will be looking for a repeat of October’s success while Pep Guardiola’s City hope to put their title rivals firmly behind them, so we should be in for an interesting evening.

Home

third

Last five Seasons

Position

1st

Points

Top scorer

away

Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

1st

Gündogan (13)

19/20

2nd

Sterling (20)

18/19

1st

Agüero (21)

17/18

1st

100

Agüero (21)

16/17

3rd

Agüero (20)

Mahrez/Sterling (10)

Most assists

Gabriel Jesus (7)

Most passes

João Cancelo (2,164)

dangerman: Riyad Mahrez

opposition

Mahrez is leading the Citizens’ squad for goals scored by eight, sitting on 21 with seven assists from all competitions. However, more than half his goals have come from outside the league.

Remember when?

Boot in both camps

Palace’s first great victory over City in their current, league-leading guise came with a 2015 home win – Glenn Murray and Jason Puncheon the goalscorers. Yaya Touré tried to restore parity in the 78th-minute but the south Londoners held on.

Eddie M©Goldrick

recent form

Recent clash Man City 4 v Man United 1

Sun 6 Mar / Etihad stadium

Starting xi

subs

Ederson

R. Sterling

J. Cancelo

I. Gündoğan

A. Laporte

G. Jesus

J. Stones

O. Zinchenko

K. Walker

Fernandinho

B. Silva

S. Carson

Rodri

L. Delap

K. De Bruyne

L. Mbete

J. Grealish

J. McAtee

P. Foden

R. Mahrez

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

opposition

McGoldrick rose through the lower tiers before joining Palace in 1988, helping them into the topflight and then competing throughout their golden years in the early 1990s. He joined Manchester City in 1996 from Arsenal.

Golden Glovesman 172 apps 86 clean sheets

02 05 Kyle Walker

John Stones

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

06 11 Ederson

Nathan Aké

Oleksandr Zinchenko

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: NETHERLANDS

NAT: UKRAINE

Ederson has been the first-choice goalkeeper at Manchester City since his arrival from Benfica in 2017. He has helped the Citizens to three Premier League titles and has earned the Golden Glove on two occasions, most recently in 2020/21.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.88m

Joined

1st June, 2017

Debut

12th August, 2017 v Brighton & Hove Albion

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Ribeirão, Rio Ave & Benfica. opposition

27 03

PL POTS

Aymeric Laporte

João Cancelo

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: PORTUGAL

57 apps 26 clean sheets

08 10 Jack Grealish

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: GERMANY

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: PORTUGAL

player profile

ilkay Gündogan

Age

Height

1.87m

Joined

29th September, 2020

Debut

3rd October, 2020 v Leeds United

PREVIOUS CLUB: Benfica. opposition

Rúben Dias

Though he has only been at the club for just over a season, Rúben Dias has been a revelation for Manchester City, helping them to win the 2020/21 Premier League title as he won the Premier League’s Player of the Season award, along with a host of others. However, a hamstring injury will keep him out of action today.

20 17

‘Complete footballer’

Rodri

Bernardo Silva

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: PORTUGAL

201 apps 51 goals

25 47 Fernandinho

Phil Foden

Kevin De Bruyne

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: BELGIUM

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.81m

Joined

30th August, 2015

Debut

12th September, 2015

The Belgian midfielder has been an integral part of City’s success in recent years, helping them win three Premier League titles along with the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 2020/21. He is widely considered one of the world’s best players.

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Genk, Chelsea & VfL Wolfsburg. opposition

07 80 87 Talisman

313 apps 106 goals

Cole Palmer

James M©Atee

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: ENGLAND

09 26 Gabriel Jesus

Riyad Mahrez

POS: FORWARD

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: ALGERIA

Sterling has taken on a central role for both club and country, having played over 450 domestic games and 72 international at the age of 27. He earned an MBE in 2021 for services to racial equality in sport, and helped guide England to the European Championship final.

player profile

Raheem Sterling

Age

Height

1.70m

Joined

14th July, 2015

Debut

10th August, 2015 v West Bromwich Albion

PREVIOUS CLUB: Liverpool opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

Following their 2-0 win at the Etihad in October, Crystal Palace are looking to complete the league double over Manchester City for the first time since 1987/88 in the second tier.

47 01

Man City have won five of their last six Premier League away games against Palace (D1), with their last defeat at Selhurst Park coming in a Monday night game in April 2015.

02 34

Pass accuracy % 81%

90% shots

303

517 goals

68 goals conceded

18 clean sheets

Joachim Andersen Tackle success

63%

Passes per match

Aymeric Laporte Tackle success

44%

Passes per match

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.

Climbing a mountain (again) Today’s is the hardest column to write this season. It’s such a difficult game, and I don’t want to sound like I’ve written Palace off, or that they can’t win the game without playing their way. But we saw what City did to Manchester United, who, while they aren’t the United of old, are still a top-quality team. City annihilated them. The tricky thing is you can start well against City and they’ll grind you down over 90 minutes, pummel your defence and apply pressure calmly and relentlessly. Palace have to stay in the game and see what they can do with possession. They’ve enjoyed having the ball at their feet a lot more this season, so will need to adjust to playing without tonight. You’ve got to expect City to have most of the ball. You try to shut them down, they pop it round you. You try to sit back, they find the gaps. So Palace will have to defend in banks of four, going 4-5-1 instead of 4-3-3 without

the ball, and take their chances when they arise. Every single player has to be on their game to compete with Manchester City; it’s the only way you can. Pep Guardiola has made clear his intention to sign a world-class No.9 soon, and that

Palace have to stay in the game and see what they can do with possession. They’ve enjoyed having the ball at their feet, so will need to adjust scares me. They’re storming the league as it is and, with someone like Harry Kane or Erling Haaland in the ranks, will then add 25+ goals to their total. It’s strange to think that City, who already outclass most teams in the world, can get better. They’re going to dominate English football for a long, long Darren ambrose

time, and I just hope another side can start to compete and prevent this league from becoming a two-horse race every season.

Season redefined I thought Palace were outstanding against Wolves and Watford. In my last column I said a good result against either Watford or Burnley

and progression to the quarterfinal rewrites Palace’s season. It has: it’s not unrealistic now to say Palace could secure a top-10 spot and trip to Wembley in their first season under Patrick Vieira. The Wolves performance was the best of the lot. The first-half was outstanding. Wolves started to get back into the game in the second-half but Palace saw it out comfortably. That’s the biggest compliment I can pay them and Patrick Vieira: this side can see a game out with relative ease. Compare that to the start of the season and it’s a huge improvement. It’s not going to be easy on Sunday, so people shouldn’t get carried away. But if Palace play like they can they’ll be by far the better team. The first time I went to Wembley was with my parents for England 6-0 San Marino. I’d have loved to have played at Wembley but it never fell my way; I played at the Millennium Stadium and semi-final of the League Cup, but never at Wembley. So watching with my mum and dad is my standout memory. They told me I was going to the dentist, so I was gutted all the way there. It was miles away from home in Harlow, so I thought: ‘Why are we travelling two hours for the dentist?’ It didn’t dawn on me that my parents were pulling my leg, so I was still gutted while walking up Wembley Way. A group next to me were singing England chants and my dad, who’s no longer with

us, said: ‘Can’t you see all the scarves around you? Can’t you see people cheering? You still think you’re going to the dentist?! You’re not going the dentist, you lemon, you’re going to England.’

Olise in attack What a signing Michael Olise is proving to be. I’ve really enjoyed watching him this season, and wanted to focus on him specifically before such a difficult game.

Michael dominated the cup game against Millwall and made the difference: in my opinion, that’s why we’re still in the competition. I was a right-footed wideman playing on the left, and he’s a left-footed player on the right. It’s a unique ability to have. Michael can go both ways, and that’s something I think he’s worked on. You don’t know what way he’s going – and that’s the same with Ebs and Wilf. He’s predominantly left-footed, but he doesn’t even need half a yard’s space to whip in a cross because he can curl it around a defender’s leg. He can deliver the ball or shoot with minimal space. You want to see a confident player, and that’s what we see with Michael. You need to be modest but assured, with a certain type of arrogance. Michael is getting better and better with every game, and is growing into his role at the club very quickly. For a 19-year-old to be that important – taking set pieces, for example – will fill him with confidence. He’s exciting, young, and, if he picks England or France for his international career, could progress quickly enough for the World Cup this year. How enjoyable is it to see players like Michael, Wilf, Conor and Ebs at this football club?

darren ambrose

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.

As Crystal Palace approach their FA Cup quarter-final against Everton, we caught up with three Palace fans to find out what cup memories they have, and what progression this season would mean to them. Dan Cook, a 33-year-old fan who names Wilfried Zaha as his favourite player, couldn’t begin to imagine the emotions if Palace continued their FA Cup run. “Winning it this year would be the greatest feeling I’ve ever experienced as a Palace fan,” he says. “I can’t even begin to explain how much it would mean to me.” When asked about his favourite cup moment Dan gave an instant reply. “My favourite moment was going in front in the FA Cup final of 2016; Jason Puncheon, a local boy, scoring in front of our end to put us 1-0 up against Manchester United. The emotions were just ridiculous.” Abdulghani Shaale, a 32-year-old Season Ticket holder in the Holmesdale Road stand, admits he also thinks back to the FA Cup run in 2016.

“I remember me and my friend got tickets to the FA Cup semi-final. He was Watford and of course I’m Palace. When [Connor] Wickham scored the Palace end in Wembley went bonkers.” Abdulghani also added that although the final didn’t go the way he wanted it was probably the craziest celebration he has been a part of. “When Punch scored that brilliant goal I really thought we had done it because it came late in the game. Moments like that is why I always try to attend cup games and I pray we can do something similar this season.” Sacey Badel, a 22-year-old fan who started following Palace thanks to prolific striker Andrew Johnson, said: “Honestly, we all dream of a cup run at the start of every season - a trip to Wembley would be immense. I know the last one ended in heartbreak but that run was one of my favourite experiences in football.” Sacey's favourite FA cup moment, however, came this season: “My favourite moment as a Crystal Palace fan was aspiring writers

celebrating [Jean-Philippe] Mateta’s goal against Millwall in the cup. It was my first time going to a Palace v Millwall fixture, and when that goal went in the away end was bouncing.” The club has reached the quarter-final twice in the last 20 years, including in 2016 when they reached the final against Manchester United. Manager Patrick Vieira lifted the FA Cup five times as a player – four with Arsenal and once with Manchester City at the end of his career. He recognised the importance of the tournament to the country and Palace supporters like those we spoke to above. “The FA Cup is something I discovered when I arrived in the UK, and there is always a lot of passion around those games,” he said. “It is an important competition for the fans.” 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 Get to know Tayo Adaramola Discover the breadth of Academy staff How Wayne Routledge became a teen sensation at Palace

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.

Tayo Adaramola age: 18 / position: Left-back / joined: Under-12S

highlights so far Making his professional debut for Palace in the FA Cup against Hartlepool United, then earning his first start against Stoke City.

Take note of Adaramola can bomb up and down the left flank, looking comfortable on the ball and keen to support the attack. He often plays as a wing-back in a very advanced position, almost with such frequency you’d mistake him for a winger. inside the academy

getting to know Tayo Adaramola -

When you see Tayo in full flow it can take your breath away, but his standout quality is his attitude. He wants to do more and more and more; he’s an enthusiastic young man and a credit to his family. Paddy M©Carthy Under-23S manager

The last month has been transformative for Tayo Adaramola. At 18-years-old, the left-back made his professional debut in the FA Cup and then started, and played 65 minutes, against Championship side Stoke in the next round. The two games were landmark achievements for the Academy player, who signed professional forms with the club in 2020. With Tyrick Mitchell the only designated left-back in the first-team currently, Patrick Vieira called Adaramola up to senior training for the past few months. His Hartlepool debut was the denouement of that experience, with Stoke providing the teenager a platform to build on. “Right now I’m over the moon,” he said after his debut, beaming. “I can’t even explain how I’m feeling too much. I don’t even know what to say – I’m still shocked!” Adaramola was informed he’d made a senior squad in a unique way: by Jaïro Riedewald, with the Academy player disbelieving of his now-teammate. But Riedewald has often been referenced by younger prospects as a supportive influence, saying last season: “I think everybody in the squad has been a young lad coming into the first-team. I’ve been there myself at an early age – I was 17 when I met the first-team of Ajax. I know how Inside the academy

it is – when you come to the firstteam you see all these big names, big players in the dressing room, on the pitch. It has quite an impact.” Adaramola reveals this approach has been extended: “Jaïro is a great guy. He took me under his wing as soon as I came up… He went through the Academy at Ajax so he knows how it can be when a young lad comes up and the first-team players don’t really talk to them. So he tries to guide us young boys when we come up.” Now Adaramola has two Palace appearances to his name his task will be to continue at first-team level. He called his hour against Stoke “steady progress,” modestly and astutely describing it as “a happy moment for the Academy.” And it’s in the Academy where the left-back’s platform has been built, as he developed first in the portacabin era and now among the phenomenal new facilities. He is fully aware of the support he has: “My mum, my dad, the coaches; I can’t even name everyone, but everyone knows they’ve put in work to help me get to where I am now. “Right now I’m enjoying playing football a lot. I have two great managers in the Under-23s and Under-18s which push me every day. Now with the gaffer [Vieira] and first-team I’m learning a lot every day. I’m enjoying it. It’s probably the most I’ve ever enjoyed it [football].”

Karl Eccleston head of academy operations

inside the academy

Karl Eccleston Tayo Adaramola said he couldn’t thank everyone involved in his development after making his professional debut, such is the number. Looking across the Academy today, he’s not wrong, with all manner of disciplines and staff on-hand to support our players.

ayo played at grassroots level in Essex after moving to London from Dublin, and went on trial at Charlton but wasn’t signed. Our Head of Recruitment, Colin Barnes, took on one of Charlton’s scouts, who advised us to look at then-left-winger Tayo. After a trial we signed him and converted him to a left-back. The recruitment staff and relevant coaches have dialogue with the player’s family during the trial and decide whether to offer the player a formal Academy registration. Academy Administration Manager Leanne Hides starts to provide support at this stage, too, by sending trialists the relevant forms to sign. But it’s a little later that Leanne gets more involved: she, along with the coaches, ensures the player and their parents know their schedules. In Tayo’s case, that meant training at the National Sports Centre, Bromley Football Club and Kent County Cricket Club; he wouldn’t have started at the Academy site until Under-16s. Coordinating so many players across so many sites was a phenomenal task.

Clearly, it’s a significant time for a young man to trial with and then join a club, so our player care team would have supported Tayo and his teammates from the first minute. Once a trialist signs, player care staff ensure they’re introduced to every department, and provide support immediately. The next-soonest step we take is contacting a player’s school. That’s Head of Education Rowan Griffiths’ role: he liaises with every school for every player, so we can support them should the school raise any issues. For on-pitch help our performance psychology department, headed by Sion Thomas, begin group work with the young players to acclimatise them to sport psychology. They also profile each arrival to ensure we understand them and tailor our support to their needs. There are coaches and assistant coaches for every team, access to a group of physios led by Head of Medical Joe Ranson, and access to performance coaches headed by Nick Davies and Kurt Greatorex, who introduce players to the gym to make sure they’re ready for a

Inside the academy

full-time programme at Under-18 level. Every player does analysis, with each game recorded and uploaded to a platform they can all access for homework-style tasks or match reviews. That’s led by Dougie Wright and his team of analysts, who also help coaches prepare one-to-one sessions with the player and their carers every six weeks. Finally, when a player is almost ready to leave the Academy, Shaun Derry and the first-team staff begin working with us on their development. Shaun and Paddy McCarthy have a great relationship, so the first-team can request numbers or types of player, or even specific individuals. Once a player makes it over the road, Player Liaison Officer Danny Young ensures they’re okay and feeds any issues back to us via Lekan Odushola, our Player Care Officer. The first-team’s sport science staff and physios will also feed-back so we can ensure each programme is moulded suitably. Then, by a player’s professional debut, so many staff have been involved they won’t have time to thank them all. It’s quite the operation here

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 Swan -

wayne ROUTLEDGE Born

7th January, 1985

First-team debut

31st October, 2001

Appearances

123

Goals

inside the academy

Although born in Sidcup Routledge moved to Thornton Heath before long, attending Beulah School and later recalling passing Selhurst Park to shop in Sainsbury’s. By the age of 10 he was part of the club’s Academy while being educated at Archbishop Lanfranc School. At the end of 1999, aged 14, Routledge was featuring in the Under-17 team and then progressing to the Under-19 squad, with whom he scored four goals against Ipswich Town in September 2001. Performances such as these meant the diminutive winger soon found himself in the Reserve and then first-team squad. England recognition came, too, with inclusion at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21 level; after leaving Palace Routledge scored for England’s Under-21s in the first game held at the new Wembley – a 3-3 draw against Italy in March 2007. On 31st October, 2001, aged just 16 years and 297 days

Routledge made his first-team debut as a substitute in the home game against West Bromwich Albion. A further substitute appearance came towards the end of the season. That summer he signed a professional contract and manager Trevor Francis showed his faith in this skilful player by handing

With the ball in his control he approached two Stoke defenders on the right of the penalty area then, with an outstanding sleight of foot, pirouetted between them, emerging with the ball to poke it into the net

him his first starting role on 14th September, 2002, against Wolves. Routledge repaid this by scoring the opening goal in the first minute of the 4-2 victory. By now the teenager was a regular in the team, contributing a few goals either in the starting lineup or from Inside the academy

the bench. Iain Dowie’s arrival as manager in December 2003 not only witnessed the club’s incredible climb from possible relegation candidates to a successful play-off final, but also Routledge starting every one of the last 23 games. Included in these was a 6-3 home victory over Stoke City as Routledge netted one of these memorable goals in the final minute. With the ball in his control he approached two Stoke defenders on the right of the penalty area then, with an outstanding sleight of foot, pirouetted between them, emerging with the ball to poke it into the net. If I recall correctly Routledge then took off his shirt and laid it in front of the acclaiming fans in the Holmesdale stand. With Palace back in the Premier League Routledge started every one of the club’s 38 games but was unable to help stop the relegation that came with a 2-2 draw at the Valley. Out of contract in the summer Routledge signed for Tottenham Hotspur, but aged just 20 Spurs paid a compensation fee of only £1.5 million. For the next six years Routledge had a somewhat nomadic career involving a number of clubs until signing for Swansea City in 2011, where he remained until summer 2021 when he announced his retirement following a cruciate ligament injury

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 Demi Chef De Partie Lauren Sinclair explains how an apprenticeship with the club led to designing Mexican Day menus for Patrick Vieira and his squad.

Voices of South London

f she couldn’t be an astronaut, Lauren Sinclair wanted to be a chef. There aren’t many – or any, as far as we can tell – astronauts born and raised in Croydon, so cooking was always the more probable path. That’s not to say Sinclair was disappointed: it had long been a passion of hers, growing up with her mother’s ‘English-Caribbean fusion’ meals and discovering her own ability through food technology classes at school. Indeed, where most teenagers bemoan late night searches for couscous or brown sugar and carrying bulging bags into school, Sinclair recalls her excitement at “experimenting, trying different flavours and dishes.” So when she finished sixth form and needed a next step, her mother’s suggestion to start an apprenticeship within the food industry made sense. “I got an interview from Palace, which is right around the corner from my house,” Sinclair explains. “I got my apprenticeship as a commis chef. I did all my training here. I did one day at college and the rest of the week at the stadium doing catering, private catering, matchdays and learned my skills and experience from there… Once I finished my apprenticeship I was offered a full-time job at the stadium.” Sinclair’s first job as a qualified Palace chef was to support the Palace Kitchen,

an initiative which helped to distribute thousands of meals to south Londoners in need during lockdown. “It was a really nice thing to do,” she says. “It felt like giving back, especially in such a hard time.” Soon after and with lockdown restrictions easing – allowing a larger kitchen staff for the growing demand of returning mouths – Sinclair moved to the Training Ground, having been offered a role as Demi Chef De Partie to the first-team. From showing a flair for food tech four years before Sinclair was now cooking for some of the Premier League’s biggest names. “At first, before I met anyone and just came here, it was really intimidating. Wow. I’m one of Voices of South London

Speaking to the players every day gave me the confidence to speak to people, whereas before I kind of didn’t have to interact with the people I’m serving or making the food for

the only women here. But the boys are all friendly, caring, protective… they’re very friendly, well mannered, nice people. Always grateful and appreciative. “Speaking to the players every day gave me the confidence to speak to people, whereas before I kind of didn’t have to interact with the people I’m serving or making the food for. Now it’s face to face every day. “[Patrick Vieira] is great. Always comes in the kitchen to see what we’re doing.

Always happy, smiling, lovely to work with. “And because [my colleagues] have all got a lot more experience than me they’re always helpful, always patient and willing to teach me new skills or a better way to do things. They’re very supportive.” Sinclair says she’s learned mostly about nutrition since starting at the Training Ground, having to adapt her meals and serving depending on each player, or time of the week. She explains what the average considerations are: “What some of the players eat in a couple of days would feed me for the week… you’ve got to make sure they’re eating correctly, not over-eating, eating the right amounts, get their greens, carbs. The day before a match they need a lot of carbs, so pasta portions are much bigger than normal. “We know all the players’ allergies and intolerances. You know: he’s got a dairy allergy, so he can’t have this today, but there’s this, or this, or this [instead]. When there are vegans there’s always a vegan option on offer. [There is] something on offer for everyone, no matter their allergies or intolerances. “All the meat we get in is halal. We have the certificates from our butchers. That’s the main religious standard here. Everything is traceable; we know where it’s come from and the steps it’s taken to get here.

“Because some religions don’t eat pork, we don’t cook pork for lunch. The only time there is pork on offer is when there’s ham at breakfast, which is kept separate from the rest of the food.”

When you get good feedback and the players are happy and you see them all in the canteen smiling and enjoying their food it’s very fulfilling

Having taken each of those issues into account, Sinclair and her colleagues can begin to plan and provide the menus. Still learning her trade, Sinclair has been assigned responsibility for one of the most key events: Mexican Day. “I planned that menu and it’s been a success since. Mexican is one of my favourite menus to do. They get chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, tofu fajitas for any vegans, tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa; help yourself and make a wrap. Voices of South London

“Also I like mixing it with other cuisines. So instead of just chicken fajitas it’s jerk chicken fajitas instead. Fusion of different cuisines. “It’s only positive feedback. It’s always nice when they do enjoy something and come and say: ‘That was nice, chef. When are you making this again?’ It’s good to hear and makes you feel like you’re doing a good job. “When you get good feedback and the players are happy and you see them all in the canteen smiling and enjoying their food it’s very fulfilling.”

21 years of Together for football Unlocking the powerof 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 day Non-League Day returns for 2022 on Saturday, 26th March. We’ve followed the below four teams from south London throughout the season, and encourage supporters to back their local non-league side next Saturday. On the next page you’ll see when and where south London’s clubs are in action on the 26th.

league table pos CLUB

recent results P

Pts

walton & hersham

beckenham town

jersey bulls

Pts

pos CLUB

beckenham town

guildford city

beckenham town

torquay united

grimsby town

bromley

dagenham & redbridge

Pts

pos CLUB 11

bognor regis town

corinthian-casuals

-4

horsham

Pts

pos CLUB

weymouth

bromley

corinthiancasuals

holmesdale

tunbridge wells

holmesdale

hollands & blair

-2

Non-League day

holmesdale

crowborough athletic

2-2 1-7 3-1 0-0 2-2 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-3 2-1 0-1 1-1

badshot lea

beckenham town

knaphill

bromley

stockport county

bognor regis town

lewes

bowers & pitsea

k sports

sutton athletic

holmesdale

No one is in non-league to be rich or for the money, it’s definitely for the love of football. No one forces us to do it, we thoroughly enjoy it. Dan Pringle, Corinthian-Casuals Assistant manager

tooting and mitcham √ binfield 15:00 Imperial Fields SM4 6BF

Corinthian-Casuals √ East Thurrock United 15:00 King George’s Field KT9 1TQ

Balham √ Guildford City 15:00

Banstead Athletic √ Horley Town

Mayfield Stadium CR7 6DN

15:00 Merland Rise KT20 5JG

Non-League day

Forest Hill Park √ Rochester United 15:00 Ladywell Arena SE6 4QX

Cray Wanderers √ Kingstonian 15:00 Hayes Lane BR2 9EF

Selhurst Park

I love non-league football. I love the atmosphere – even when there are only about 50 people, when we score a goal the players are as excited as anyone else. Peter Palmer, Beckenham Town chairman

AFC Whyteleafe √ Frenches Athletic 15:00 Church Road CR3 0AR

Non-League day

Second Division 02/02/1985

Crystal Palace v Manchester City

Andy Gray scores a spectacular winner against City at Selhurst Park in 1985.

moment in time

moment in time Premier League 18/01/2020 Cenk Tosun scores the first goal in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad in 2020.

Manchester City v Crystal Palace

darren powell From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Today, Darren Powell reveals the inside tale of 2003/04’s remarkable promotion.

arren Powell was focused on one thing as he strode onto the turf for Palace’s second 2004 play-off semifinal: having a role in his club’s promotion. Seven months earlier, he’d been sidelined by a thigh strain that was near-impossible to treat. Shortly afterwards, new manager Iain Dowie and sport psychologist John Harbin took over and implemented a gruelling change of routine.

I remember him drafting these t-shirts with ‘one more round’ on them and that just kept everyone involved. It kept the whole team as a family, as a unit Powell had to watch much of their turnaround from the sidelines, but says he felt part From the Archive

of the squad regardless. “John Harbin tried to keep injured players in and amongst what was actually happening, the momentum of it all. I remember his words were ‘One more round’. “Up to the final, I remember him drafting these t-shirts with ‘one more round’ on them and that just kept everyone involved. It kept the whole team as a family, as a unit. We were all geeing everyone on.” By May, Powell had recovered just in time for Palace’s last three steps towards Premier League football as Dowie’s Eagles secured their berth in the 2004 play-offs. First up was a clash with Sunderland at Selhurst Park, which the Eagles won 3-2 – Powell making a cameo near the end to bolster his side’s defence. Palace travelled to the Stadium of Light three days later with a one-goal advantage, but disaster struck when Kevin Kyle and Marcus Stewart netted a goal each to hand Sunderland the lead.

Powell changed into kit from the sidelines for the second time in four days, but now his intentions weren’t defensive. He took to the pitch in the 72ndminute with an equalising goal on his mind; he wanted to play a role in his club’s promotion.

Wherever that ball’s going, I’m going to follow it. I nearly pulled my quad jumping into the crowd! By the 90th-minute, however, Palace still trailed, as Shaun Derry ran forwards to take an uncharacteristic, last-ditch corner. Powell watched Derry place the ball in the quadrant and said to himself: “‘Wherever that ball’s going, I’m going to follow it.’” And follow it he did. “I nearly pulled my quad jumping into the crowd!” From the Archive

Powell’s crashing equaliser teed-up a tense period of extra time on Wearside and, eventually, penalties – which the Eagles won. Two weeks later, they trumped West Ham United at Wembley to secure their Premier League return. “I was so relieved. So relieved that we had done it. There was no personal triumph for me, it was the team… We all believed, we all kept believing. As John Harbin was saying: ‘One more round.’ “I remember after, when we got back into the training room, the physio - Steve - opened a bottle of champagne and sprayed it right into my eyes. It burnt, it effing burnt. I turned round and it went right in!” His eyes may have taken a blasting, but Powell had recovered from a career-threatening injury with one ambition: to play a role in his club’s promotion. One more round? Not any more

palace for life Play with Palace this Easter Palace for Life Foundation’s highly-rated Soccer Schools return in the Easter holidays, including girls-only Soccer Schools and specialist goalkeeper Soccer Schools.

alace for Life Foundation’s highly-rated Soccer Schools are back this Easter, 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 and Crystal Palace F.C. to give under-7 to under-13 girls and boys the chance to train like a pro in the school holidays. Soccer Schools run from 9-16:00 BST 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 Easter break there will also be girls-only Soccer Schools, and fantastic goalkeeper Soccer Schools run by expert coaches. The goalkeeper Soccer Schools allow budding ‘keepers to experience the same sessions that Palace Academy prospects take part in, as well as unique, intense and specialist coaching for the young players. •

palace for life

• • • • •

Soccer Schools will run at: Caterham School Kent County Cricket Club Harris Academy Purley Coombe Wood School Hawthorns School

• •

The girls-only Soccer Schools will run at: Kent County Cricket Club Harris Academy Purley

During the holidays Palace for Life will also be hosting trials for talented footballers in age groups up to under-14s in south London and Surrey. Taking place across two days, the player trial days are an opportunity for promising talents across south London and surrounding areas to join the Palace Academy or the Palace for Life Player Development Centres. During the trials, players will be watched and assessed by Palace Academy and Palace for Life 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, which are an integral part of our player pathways, giving the most talented the chance to get into the Palace Academy. The most promising players at the trial day may be fast-tracked straight into the Academy recruitment structure. Previously 10 prospects have signed for the Academy directly from the pathway, and a further 34 have been offered trials. 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’

SUPER DRAW Play the Super Draw for the chance to win up to £1,400 at every Palace home game. Plus, proceeds support Palace for Life’s work in the local community.

visit palacesuperdraw.org to win!

palace for life

feel it all

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

cpfc 1861

n the last programme we saw how building England’s first national football stadium at the Crystal Palace allowed Crystal Palace F.C. to take to the field again in arguably the best setting in Europe. In this edition we’ll see what happened when the Crystal Palace Company appointed one of the 19th century’s greatest sportsmen to try to increase the sporting crowds.

While the image of the Crystal Palace has often formed part of Palace’s badge, over the decades the club has lost the collective memory of what a unique and spectacular venue its spiritual home was. It’s a history we should rightly be proud of, even today. After it opened in 1854, the Crystal Palace Company was constantly struggling with the massive debt it had built up to launch the world’s first major theme park. It was constantly trying to think of new ways to bring in crowds, not just in the hundreds or thousands, but in the tens of thousands. It had more or less run out of ideas and money when a stroke of genius coupled with a heaven-sent opportunity fell into its lap. As we’ve seen, the FA Cup final was banned from the Kennington Oval in 1892 as it damaged the cricket pitch and, seeing a golden opportunity, the Crystal Palace Company decided to fill in two of its giant fountains

160TH ANNIVERSARY Palace played their first registered game on March 15th, 1862, against Forest F.C, making today’s match the closest to the exact 160th anniversary. Palace lost 1-0 that day against their fellow founder members of the FA, with whom they had a connection through old boys of Forest School in Walthamstow.

and build a football stadium to host the cup final, which it did, very successfully, for 20 years. Not only did it build the stadium, but it also built a new banked cycle track alongside it (where the current Olympic-size

When the grassy banks were full the spectators “took possession of the switchback railway and converted it into another grandstand” pool now stands), which opened in September 1896. It was an immediate success with two world endurance records broken at the first meeting and crowds attracted in their thousands. cpfc 1861

1897 saw the Palace stadium stage its first England v Scotland football international in front of a crowd of 35,000, followed a week later by what was billed as one of the greatest finals ever played: Aston Villa 3-2 Everton, in front of a crowd of over 65,000 - then the biggest crowd to watch a football match in Britain. When the grassy banks were full the spectators “took possession of the switchback railway and converted it into another grandstand,” while others started what was to become a tradition and climbed the surrounding trees for a better view.

Q: So, what else did the Crystal Palace Company do to increase the crowds? A: The search for new ideas went on and the Crystal Palace Company came up with yet another novel idea. London’s suburbs had grown rapidly and in 1889 a new County of London was

created by carving out the suburbs from their existing counties. London did not have its own first-class county cricket team, so in 1898 the Crystal Palace Company decided to create one. As usual the company aimed for the stars and offered management to probably the 19th century’s greatest cricketer and one of its most celebrated sports stars, Dr W.G. Grace. Not only would Grace take charge of the new London County cricket team, he would eventually be a key figure for the Crystal Palace Football Club when it turned professional in 1905. The Crystal Palace sports arena continued its recordbreaking way as the 20th century dawned. In March 1899 over 40,000 spectators turned up to watch England’s first motorcycle race, and the cup final between Derby County and Sheffield United drew nearly 74,000 fans to create another British football attendance record. But Grace’s new cricket outfit disappointed when only 6,000 watched his South of England side take on the visiting Australian team in the first match of their summer tour.

Q: What happened to the Crystal Palace Cricket Club? A: 1899 saw the final disappearance of the Crystal Palace Cricket Club name. Founded in 1857, with the Crystal Palace Football Club developing from it in 1861, it

W.G. Grace

English cricketer

had played cricket continuously at the palace. It merged with Grace’s London County club and carried considerable influence into London County as it had four members on the executive committee, alongside seven directors of the Crystal Palace Company and Grace himself. The football side of the club, as we have seen, had already come under direct control of the Crystal Palace Company in 1895. The new London County Cricket Club received coveted ‘first-class’ status in 1900 by the Marylebone Cricket Club (M.C.C.), which meant it could play other first-class county sides. It also hosted the first match to be played by a West Indies touring side on English soil that June. But it had one major draw-back: like the M.C.C. it was cpfc 1861

an amateur side that was not part of the County Championship and played only friendlies. The public had little appetite for amateur friendly matches, whether cricket or football, and didn’t turn up in the numbers the Crystal Palace Company wanted. The 1901 cup final provided more convincing proof of professional sport’s attraction when the British attendance record was smashed again with 110,820 turning up for the final between Spurs and Sheffield United. Something had to be done and at some time in 1901 or 1902 Henry Gillman, the genius who came up with the idea to build the new stadium and by now general manager, approached the Football Association to discuss turning the Crystal Palace Football Club into a professional outfit

NEXT TIME In the next edition we’ll see what the FA’s reaction was and where the Palace football club went from there. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

mayor’s message

sadiq khan When you opened your matchday programme today you probably didn’t expect to find a message from me inside. But as fans of Crystal Palace, I want to speak directly to you about an issue of immense importance – a matter of life and death, in fact.

hat’s because in this country – and in our city – we currently face an epidemic of violence against women and girls. In the UK, a violent man kills a woman every three days. Let that sink in for a second. By the time this weekend’s football matches are finished, there’s a good chance somewhere in London, or elsewhere in our country, another woman will be dead. We know – both from research and listening to the experiences of women – that there’s a link between male violence and sporting fixtures. One study, for example, found that domestic abuse rises when the England football team plays, regardless of whether we win, lose or draw. If you’re a man and you’re reading this, you might wonder why this concerns you. The truth is, as men, this appalling scandal must unsettle us all, as well as force us to take a long hard look at ourselves. Of course, not all men are violent towards women, far from it. But we can’t deny that this issue has become a cultural blindspot for us.

More than three quarters of women say men don’t pull their weight in keeping women and girls safe. This clearly isn’t good enough. And it’s obvious that the onus should be on us to make sure we’re part of the solution. To start with, we need to reflect on our own behaviour and the way we view, treat and talk about women.

I want all of us to be challenging and calling out the sexist jokes, remarks, stereotypes and statements made by men Many men don’t immediately see the link between what they regard as harmless ‘banter’ and violence against women and girls. But we’ve got to change that because words matter and the evidence shows that a culture of casual sexism and misogyny creates an environment in which abuse and violence is more likely to happen. mayor’s message

That’s why, as the Mayor of London, I have launched a new campaign to tackle the toxic attitudes and inappropriate behaviours of some men to help prevent violence against women and girls. I want all of us to be challenging and calling out the sexist jokes, remarks, stereotypes and statements made by men – even if that means having tough conversations with our mates or changing our own behaviour. Whether it’s on the streets or in the stands, online or in a group chat, at home or in the pub, rather than be silent bystanders, we all have a responsibility to stand up and raise our voices to help keep women and girls safe. So please, don’t turn a blind eye to this. Male violence against women and girls can start with words. If you see it happening, have a word with yourself, your mates or whoever is behind it. Just like with racism and homophobia, it’s time we kick these rotten attitudes out of football – and out of our city and society – for good. Thank you. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

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

Happy 7th Birthday Noah. Wishing you every happiness and we look forward to watching Palace for many more years together. Love Mum, Dad, Kane and Theo xx

Mark Fuller, a lifelong Palace fan, passed away aged 59. He was a supporter since the 1970s and managed to get to our Spurs and Man City wins this season. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Happy 40th birthday to two lifelong Palace fans Patrick and Robert. They first came as children with their dad and uncle and are now season tickets holders and bring their children along. Enjoy the match

Congratulations Danielle and Dean on the birth of their son Jude Henry George Archer. Welcome to Palace Family Jude. Love the Emery family

Happy 9th Birthday Finley! We hope you have a good one! Lots of love, Mum, Dad & Wilf xxx

Happy Birthday to the best Dad and Grandad in the world, thank you for all you do. Love Gemma and the boys

from the terraces

Happy 60th Birthday, Paul Mason. 50 years following Palace (ever since Palace signed Don Rogers)

Derek Belbin, age 85, has been a Palace fan all his life and all his family continue to support the Eagles! This is Derek with Joseph his youngest grandson x Season ticket holder David Sale celebrated his 69th birthday at the Burnley game. He treated his closest friends to an executive box to enjoy the game with him.

Wishing our gorgeous Tilly Good a Glad All Over 18th Birthday. We love you lots, from all your family and Palace friends. M, P and F xx

A Diamond Formation. John & Margaret Forde celebrated their Diamond 60th Wedding Anniversary on 24th February 2022. Lots of love from Marian, Terry, Jacob & Colin. xx CPFC forever.

Happy 8th Birthday Raff. Have a great day. Love all your family & friends xx Come on you Eagles!! Rip Oreo the hamster. Lots love Tyler Matthew Lauren Caroline and Norman. Keep Palace flying high

Congratulations to Jamie and Charlotte Whittaker on their wedding yesterday. Wishing you endless happy years together xxx

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk

Happy 70th Birthday to lifelong Palace fan Ian Gutteridge. Love from all your family and friends. x

Wishing life-long Palace fans, Jan and David, many happy returns as they celebrate big birthdays this month! Happy 70th to Jan and happy 80th to David!

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!

virtual mascot

Guess who

Welcome to today’s virtual mascot, Alfie Greenwood! We hope you have a great day at Selhurst.

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

matchday quiz 1

Where did Steve Coppell begin his playing career?

Sun Jihai played for three English clubs: Palace, City and who else?

Which national side did Paul Dickov represent?

Which of these countries did Malcolm Allison manage: Lebanon, Kuwait or Azerbaijan?

True or false: Paddy McCarthy professionally represented Manchester City.

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

‘The Hitman’, a former boxer, defended his IBO light-welterweight title at the then-City of Manchester stadium. Having been a supporter all his life, this well-known Citizen was born in Hyde, Manchester, and was part of the club’s Academy at an early age. Do you recognise this famous Manchester City supporter?

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

0-2 3-0 2-1 0-1 total Manage to Beat Brighty? Keep track of your total score above!

ANSWERS Guess who: Kieran Djilali Quiz: 1) Tranmere Rovers 2) Sheffield United 3) Scotland 4) Kuwait 5) False (academy player) Famous Fan: Ricky Hatton Guess the Ground: Valley Parade - Bradford City

games

team stats: women / U23S / U18S Coral-Jade Haines Haines bagged a dramatic 96th-minute goal against Lewes Women last time out; Palace faced them again yesterday.

Kaden Rodney Rodney bagged his second goal this season to help Palace beat Leicester City with a 78thminute winner.

Tayo Adaramola Adaramola made his first-team debut, then first senior start, in the last two FA Cup games.

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

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

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

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Fri 27

Everton

W 3-1

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

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

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

D 2-2

Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur

W 4-3

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers

L 1-2

Sat 6

Chelsea

W 2-1

Sat 20

Liverpool

W 3-0

Sat 27

Manchester United

W 2-1

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

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United

L 2-4

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

JANUARY Mon 10 Everton

D 2-2

Mon 17 Chelsea

W 3-2

Mon 24 Liverpool

L 0-2

FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur

W 4-1

Sun 20

D 2-2

W W L W

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

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

Manchester United

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

Manchester City

Sat 19

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 Fri 11 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) W 4-0 W 4-2 W 5-0 W 1-0 W 2-1

Name

Apps

Skye Bacon

Bianca Baptiste

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Grace Coombs

Goals

Aimee Everett

Millie Farrow

Coral-Jade Haines

Alex Hennessy

Annabel Johnson

Sophie McLean

Chloe Morgan (GK)

Leigh Nicol

Apps

Goals

Tayo Adaramola 3 4

Leanne Cowan

Name

Ryan Bartley

Kalani Barton

Harry Freedman

Freddie Bell

Owen Goodman (GK)

Maliq Cadogan

John-Kymani Gordon

Junior Dixon

Owen Goodman (GK)

Reece Hannam

Danny Imray

David Omilabu

Killian Phillips

Dan Quick

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Sean Robertson

Kaden Rodney

Cardo Siddik

Emily Orman (GK)

Aidan Steele

Gracie Pearse

Rob Street

Molly-Mae Sharpe

James Taylor

Isabella Sibley

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

liv

16 12 3

1 34 6 28 39

bri

16 10 2

4 34 16 18 32

Jackson Izquierdo (GK)

Kanye Jobson

James Leonard

Cameron Lewis-Brown

Joe Ling

Adler Nascimento

Fionn Mooney

David Obou

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

David Ozoh

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Joe Sheridan

Matthew Vigor

Noah Watson

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth (GK)

Vonnte Williams

pos CLUB P W D 1

mci

21 13 4

Basilio Socoliche

Dylan Thiselton

Malachi Boateng

Siobhan Wilson

Victor Akinwale

David Boateng

Tayo Adaramola

2 12

Jake O'Brien

Goals

Scott Banks

Nya Kirby

Lizzie Waldie

Apps

Joshua Addae

Victor Akinwale

Name

A GD Pts

4 50 27 23 43

pos CLUB P W D 1

sou

17 13

A GD Pts

3 54 24 30 40

ars

21 10 6

5 48 40 8 36

whu

18 12 3

3 50 17 33 39

whu

19 11

6 43 27 16 35

cry

17 11

2 41 21 20 37

cry

20 10 2

mun 20 9

lon

16 9

5 25 17 8 29

dur

16 9

6 23 20 3 28

cha

16 8

5 22 13 9 27

tot

20 8

cry

17 8

6 28 33 -5 27

lei

19 7

8 45 38 7 32

che

17 11

4 50 26 24 35

6 38 33 5 32

lei

17 10 4

3 35 18 17 34

6 42 32 10 30

ars

19 9

5 40 36 4 32

6 26 39 -13 27

ful

18 9

5 36 23 13 31

she

16 6

5 25 18 7 23

liv

20 7

8 28 33 -5 26

bha

16 6

8 37 38 -1 20

lew

16 7

8 19 19 0 22

eve

20 7

8 26 34 -8 26

rdg

16 5

10 26 35 -9 16

8 28 33 -5 24

10 tot

16 5

11 27 44 -17 15

17 4

11 23 49 -26 14

sun

16 4

8 14 23 -9 16

10 BLA

17 4

11 13 31 -18 14

wat

12 cov* 16 2

10 bha

20 6

20 5

5 10 35 43 -8 20

lee

wba

12 bla

19 4

8 35 45 -10 19

12 avl

17 3

4 10 34 50 -16 13

11 35 -24 7

13 che

18 4

9 28 35 -7 17

13 bir

18 3

3 12 22 47 -25 12

4 10 14 31 -17 0

14 der

19 4

2 13 27 40 -13 14

14 nor

* 10 point deduction

women/u23S/u18S

15 8 55 -47 4

TBC

MAY

APRIL

March

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

Chelsea

KICK-OFF 15:00

Result 0-3

Sat 21

Brentford