Crystal Palace v Manchester United matchday programme by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United Sunday 22nd May 2022 // 4:00pm

palace √ manchester united sun 22 may | 16:00

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, Tash Stephens, Toby Jagmohan, Ellie Killick, Amey Adams Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, PPA, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

The hardest bit wasn’t getting back from injury; that bit was fairly straightforward. Whereas once you’re back, to get into the team now is not the same

briefing palace √ manchester united sun 22 may | 16:00

Complete end of season survey on programme feedback The club has launched an end of season survey, with a particular focus on the matchday programme, and we are encouraging supporters to complete it if possible. Simply scan the QR code opposite. Supporters will be asked a range of questions, with an extensive section for your feedback on the 21/22 programme. Your opinions are hugely important in shaping our content and design for next

may

season, so please do spare the time if possible. Last season hundreds of readers provided their feedback on the programme, which enabled us to produce a publication tailored to your preferences.

FA Cup final √ Manchester United, 2016

play-off semi-final √ Swindon Town, 1989

Play-off final √ Sheffield United, 1997

Play-off final √ Watford, 2013

Play-off final √ West Ham United, 2004

briefing

We welcome ideas for improvement, comments on what you have enjoyed and general feedback on your reading habits. Thank you in advance for your time, and for reading throughout the season.

Fan update The players will be conducting a lap of honour after the game today. They will return to the pitch shortly after full-time, and supporters are asked to remain in their seats if wishing to watch.

What’s inside Find out… Eberechi Eze’s inside story of the last 12 months (Page 12), why 2020 was a landmark year for John KymaniGordon (Page 40) and how Bromley are again punching high with a trip to Wembley (Page 51).

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Ralf Rangnick, the Manchester United directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

e’re at the final game of a positive season overall. It’s been a good season because we’ve maximised the squad’s potential, started a new chapter and had players gel well together after joining the club. We, as staff, worked well to ensure this, which allowed us to have a good season. The challenge in summer 2021 was to make this new team play together, and to implement a philosophy while earning results. The staff played a massive role in that, as did the players’ commitment and professionalism. Performing well, even when we lost, always gave us hope, and it was this we focused on after games we could have taken more from, because it’s the performance that enables victory. We went through a difficult period but kept doing what we believed was right, even if we didn’t immediately get the results we wanted. We kept working and trying to improve the details to turn it around. For the staff not to panic, to remain calm and to concentrate on the performances that allowed positive results was really pleasing. We got what we wanted from the players too, which was hard work, a focus on the details, and togetherness. I was really manager

pleased with the players’ attitude throughout the season, and I include every member of the squad when saying that. The players built a platform for me and my staff to demand even more from. Now, there are a few more steps to go and more of a challenge to keep improving. We had a good season, yes; I was pleased with it, but it was far from what this group of players can achieve. Perfection is near impossible in our game, but we can build something with the players at this club. So we have to improve in certain areas. Two key ones for me are decision-making in the final third and our set pieces, both defensively and offensively. If we manage to develop those while sustaining what we’ve done this season, 2022/23 will be an interesting campaign. Looking at individuals, Ebs came back from a long period of injury and there is a lot he can give the team. He feels better game after game and I know we’ll see the real Eberechi Eze next season. And Wilfried showed his leadership on the field. He created a number of chances this year which show me he can get closer to 20 goals next season. Of course, for him to do that we have to play in a way that creates chances. With one game left I’m still challenging the team to compete until the final kick of the season. I was really happy with how we approached the Aston Villa match and that we’re still working as hard as always in training. I asked the

You have done exactly what we need: shown love, passion and support in every period. You’ve been behind us from the first whistle of our opening match to the final whistle of our most recent

players to continue showing that they’re competitors, and so far they’ve answered that demand. A note on the staff before the season ends. I’m really glad Danny Young was recognised at the End of Season Awards for the hard work he does around the team, and I must thank him for everything he’s done this season. That extends to everyone at the club who supports the team. All the staff – technical, medical, media, kit, sport science, those in the kitchen, and everyone else around the team – play an important part in our success. I’d like any member of staff reading this to know their work is recognised and greatly appreciated. And finally, to you. Thank you to each and every one of you for your backing throughout the season, through the good and bad times. You have done exactly what we need: shown love, passion and support in every period. You’ve been behind us from the first whistle of our opening match to the final whistle of our most recent. I think the supporters at this football club recognise themselves in the team: there is the same determination and passion on the pitch as in the stands. This makes me proud as a manager because it’s what this football club is about. All that’s left to say now is enjoy today’s game, have a thoroughly enjoyable summer, and we all look forward to seeing you next season

Patrick Vieira manager

captain

We are at the end of another season, and I have been both proud of our efforts and grateful for your support throughout. I think I speak for everyone when I say it has been a success.

e started the season with a lot of new faces and, of course, the new manager. That meant we needed some time to work together and build the style we have shown throughout the campaign. Straight away the whole team worked hard to take on this style the manager wants us to play, and new and longer-serving players were pulling together quickly. It has been positive all season – we have enjoyed playing in front of you all again with a good atmosphere at the club. The Tottenham home win was, for me, the first result we really pushed on from. Then in this first part of the season were some games we should have won if we drew, or drawn if we lost, and we learned a lot from this. We also had our away win over Manchester City, and what a game this was. I have not been able to write about the Everton results in these notes because of deadlines, but since the start of February we have lost just three of 14 league matches, and of course reached the

FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. So there has been success for us in both competitions, and it shows our strength as a whole club today that we can compete so well in both.

It has been positive all season – we have enjoyed playing in front of you all again with a good atmosphere at the club

I was happy with our performances against Watford and Aston Villa. Both games maybe we can say could have been more positive scorelines for us, but in each match we played well and deserved the four points we got – though I think it could have been six. captain

Earlier this month I was proud to present Marc with his Players’ Player of the Season award, and was glad to see Tyrick, Wilfried and Conor pick up some awards too, as well as Nathan for his charity work, some of the younger lads and members of the women’s team. And, of course, it was great to see our Player Liaison Danny given the credit he deserves. This afternoon is one last test for us to end the season in a way the last nine months should end. We’re playing one of the biggest clubs in Europe who will be fighting hard for their position in the table, but the final game at Selhurst has always been enjoyable in my time. My first was the 4-0 win over Hull City that secured our survival, and I’m sure you all remember that as well as I do. We have had other very positive days since then and I know today will be the same. Later today I look forward to thanking you in person for your support, and I wish you all an enjoyable summer. For one last time this season… Make some noise!

chairman

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Manchester United to Selhurst Park for today’s match, and of course, welcome to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here for one last time this season.

here is a huge amount at stake in today’s match as we seek to secure the highest league position possible, and there is absolutely no question that Patrick and his side want to finish with a flourish to send us into the break with momentum behind us. Regardless of these final two results, I think we would all agree it has unquestionably been a season of progression, with the new players settling in fantastically well. This is also credit to the existing group and Patrick’s work blending them into an ever-improving unit. No one at the club is getting carried away, however, and we are undoubtedly a work in progress with more to do this summer. This season will also go down in Palace history as a pivotal year for our Academy, not just in terms of the stunning facility we have – with works continuing apace – but also the performance of the teams. Our Under-23s secured a mightily impressive league position of fifth in their first attempt in the Premier League 2 Division 1 – finishing above the likes of Manchester

United, Spurs and Chelsea. It really is a remarkable achievement. Meanwhile, our Under-18s secured third, and our Under-15s narrowly lost out in the national Floodlit Cup final. I have no doubt you are all

No one at the club is getting carried away, however, and we are undoubtedly a work in progress with more to do this summer

eagerly awaiting the docuseries to be aired on Channel 4 later this year, which has followed several of the boys, staff and teams this season. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues who have worked tirelessly to take chairman

the club forward at such a crucial time following nearly two years of interruptions and restrictions. I chaired a management team meeting on Tuesday, and firmly believe that the club is in its best shape since I joined in 2010 – on the field in terms of our squad quality and depth, as well as off the field and financially, giving us the best possible chance of pushing on and qualifying for Europe in the coming years, which is what we are all working towards. I would also like to personally place on record my thanks to outgoing Chief Executive Phil Alexander, who leaves his full-time role having devoted 26 years of his life to the club. Phil has always put the club’s best interests first, and having his experience and steady hand on the tiller has been incredibly important. I’m pleased he will remain with us on a consultancy basis. Finally, thank you for your truly incredible support here at Selhurst Park this season and up and down the country in the away ends. You have been simply magnificent. Enjoy the game, and have a wonderful summer. Up the Palace

Eberechi Eze is looking back to his best after 12 gruelling months returning to fitness following an Achilles injury at the end of a phenomenal season. Here, he tells Ben Mountain how the last year has shaped him, and why being match fit can be tougher than being ruled out of action.

main interview

berechi Eze is a trickster, a conman on the ball with a swift turn of pace. His smile comes in a flash and his style is confident, thinking at speed and playing with assurance: he appears spontaneous, gliding past his markers without a moment’s hesitation. But now he’s thinking, paused in a rare moment of public contemplation. He’s still assured – he won’t speak until he’s ready – but his thought process is more visible. Eze is picking his words carefully, trying to explain the last 12 months. “I would say,” he begins after a while, elongating every syllable, “it’s been… a learning curve.” At the end of this pause is a lengthy and considered answer, with Eze picking his path and committing to it. It’s a tough ask: the Palace No.10 is trying to present a gruelling few months in a positive light, sustain a trademark smile and keep his answers rooted on the bright side. This is an engaging, encouraging style. Pauses aside, Eberechi Eze talks like he plays. The midfielder is discussing his recovery from an Achilles injury in May 2021, which is almost over at the conclusion of an eventful campaign. He signposted the end with a well-taken finish against Southampton before bursting to the corner flag in celebration. That story starts, however, with being still. “The first week I was in a boot, so I couldn’t do anything,” he explains. “I was just lying on the sofa – I’d lay there until I had to go to bed. I’d go to bed, wake up at whatever time and go back to the sofa. It’s a tough situation because you’re not allowed

to do anything. It’s not like I was doing something wrong but I just felt: this is not comfortable, I don’t like doing this. “I wasn’t prepared at all. I knew it would be tough. Being honest, it took a week or so of just being lost and not sure what to do; what I actually do with myself and trying to gather myself. It’s a traumatic experience, especially when it’s your first.” Players often say the isolation and lack of gratification are the most challenging aspects of rehab. The strain comes from months of solo work repeating the same exercises, arriving before your teammates and being the last to leave.

It’s a tough situation because you’re not allowed to do anything. It’s not like I was doing something wrong but I just felt: this is not comfortable, I don’t like doing this For Eze that experience was short-lived, as the 23-year-old made a six-month recovery that for some can take 12, coming on against Aston Villa at the end of November. That speed wasn’t incidental. “From the moment I was able to get to the Training Ground, I said from this moment there are no short-cuts, nothing; I’m going to do every single thing because my aim was to get back the fastest anyone had ever come back from this injury. “[My mindset was]: from this moment I’m going to do everything I can to get back as strong as I can, as fast as I can, without rushing and eberechi eze

putting pressure on myself. I just wanted to do everything properly from the get-go.” That approach – Eze jokes that he was trying to “break a record” – meant the midfielder could return to full training as early as October, compete with the Under-23s the following month and get back to the Premier League before Christmas. But getting to that stage is half the process. Having been declared match fit, players then have to reach or surpass their original standards. It means regaining their confidence, instinct and physicality, something Eze learned over several months. “This has probably been the hardest bit,” he says of the last six months. “The hardest bit wasn’t getting back from injury; that bit was fairly straightforward because I knew what I had to do at every single moment. Whereas once you’re back, to get into the team now is not the same.” We ask if Eze was banging on the manager’s (all-glass) door, and he laughs in the affirmative. “It’s just because you want to play,” he says. That led to conversations with Patrick Vieira, who has said at times Eze’s desire to play had to be tempered by him and his staff making protective decisions. “To not play was difficult,” Eze admits. “We had conversations, we spoke with some agreement and some disagreement. “We had our discussions about me thinking I’m ready and us disagreeing, but I’m very aware that it was my best interests being put first. I’m grateful to have people like that

where, even if it’s a hard decision to make, they’re willing to do it. “At the end of the day I know this is all part of God’s plan and that whatever will happen is meant to happen, so that’s where my faith is. It’s not really on what’s happening right now or any conversations right now, it’s about: I know that God’s plan will come to pass regardless.” And so it proved when, after 11 appearances regaining his fitness, Eze struck past Fraser Forster on the half volley at St Mary’s: a first goal in 11 months. Either side of that game the midfielder has appeared more like his pre-injury self, drifting across the pitch, stitching attacks together and again smiling like before.

We had our discussions about me thinking I’m ready and us disagreeing, but I’m very aware that it was my best interests being put first

“I don’t want to stop there, I don’t want it to be the end,” he says, explaining that post-injury he feels fitter than ever. “My aim is to continue with all I can do in order to prepare for games and affect games to the best of my ability. “It’s been tough at times, it’s been testing, but it’s been a good experience for me because I know I feel better, I feel stronger. I feel mentally more capable to handle things that life throws at me. For me it’s a positive experience because I know I’ve improved and learnt from it. eberechi eze

main interview

“You have to become more resilient and capable of handling things. Difficulties aren’t stuff that stop you anymore, you know they’re a barrier you have to break through and I feel that’s benefitted me majorly.” This is Eze’s earlier hesitation summarised, presenting a struggle as a learning curve. Having never sustained a serious injury before, his attitude has been crafted by other setbacks such as release, as well as a grounding in his family’s values.

in my family it was very much: if you believe you can do something, you work for it, continue to have faith in God and put that first you’re capable of achieving anything “A lot of people can get discouraged by their circumstances and the things people say around them, whereas in my family it was very much: if you believe you can do something, you work for it, continue to have faith in God and put that first, then you’re capable of achieving anything and becoming what you want to become. “Setbacks like getting released and injured haven’t fazed me, in that sense, as difficult as they may have been at the time. I’m always aware I’m going to come out on the other side. “The way I am, I think it’s a huge credit to my parents and family for the way we’ve grown up.” Raised in Greenwich, south London, Eze was able to form a cohort of friends with a unique shared career: eberechi eze

main interview

competitive football. Remarkably, as a pupil at the John Roan School, Eze played alongside Middlesbrough’s Marc Bola and Worthing’s Dajon Golding, with Cardiff City’s Ebou Adams two years above and Fenerbahçe’s Bright Osayi-Samuel in the county team. He remains close with his fellow south London professionals, explaining that as a group they push one another to success. “My friends have been amazing. I have quite a few friends and close people I played football with and grew up with from young. Their support is the same as my family. “Players that play elsewhere, people that play non-league; the mindset is still the same for all of us, regardless of what level we’re at. It’s still that you have to put in the work… if they see me doing something, resting or relaxing or not taking whatever I’m doing seriously, they’ll be on me. It’s hard to find people like that. I have to [be the same with them]. I’m a bit more chilled than them but it’s all the same, it’s all out of love and wanting each other to be the best we can be.” Eze says Bola and Golding are particularly close friends of his, with he and Bola, who has 160 career appearances, even attending the Arsenal Academy together. He remembers: “We’d both go to training together – my mum would drop us or his dad would drop us. So it was the bond being formed from early. “It’s weird to make it in football, to make it to a high level from the same year group. That [Bola] is literally my best friend. I’ve only

started to realise how weird that is. It’s not normal. “I put it down to faith in God. I then put it down to application and working every single day, because we played football every single day. And [I put it down to] having the support system around you that believes in you almost as much as you believe in yourself. “I think that’s hugely important, having parents, brothers and sisters willing to do anything to help you achieve that goal. That’s a big thing and, again, not many people are fortunate enough to have that.

I think that’s hugely important, having parents, brothers and sisters willing to do anything to help you achieve that goal. That’s a big thing and, again, not many people are fortunate enough to have that “It motivates you and it stops you from relaxing and tuning out and getting into a rut. I have people around me that won’t allow that at all, and I’m hugely grateful to them.” Be it Academy releases, injury, or even the danger of indifference, Eze insists on showing the positive side to life. He is the first to pass praise onto others, and it’s clear that supportive family, friends and club staff have each played their part so far. “People are different,” Eze says. “They’ve gone through their own struggles and everyone has their own journey. Mine has helped me.” There’s no pausing now eberechi eze

Eberechi Eze is one of the Premier League’s true showmen. Inspired by others in his mould, here the silky midfielder lists his five favourite performers in football.

Zinedine Zidane

Hatem Ben Arfa

He was just so classy with everything he did. He made everything look simple, even if it was difficult. Another winner and guy that showed up on the big occasions; this is the type of player I’m aiming to emulate.

Ben Arfa was one of my favourite players as well. The talent alone was just insane. Being able to manipulate a ball like that and have an effect on a game out of nowhere; he didn’t need anyone else in certain moments. He would just go, dribble past five players and score. As difficult as that is, that’s sort of the mentality you want to have, to affect the game.

Ronaldinho Because he was so happy while he played. He looked as if he was free and enjoying himself and he didn’t put pressure on himself.

neymar

Eden Hazard

He seems very free and sort of plays what he feels and does what he wants to do. It’s not really pressure but also he’s a winner and you can tell he wants to win and will do anything to win. That’s the mentality I’m trying to instil in myself now.

He was one of my favourite players in the Prem. How effective he was, all the time. Whenever he got the ball he was causing problems and being dangerous. He didn’t do things for the sake of doing them, there would be a reason in everything he does. the follow-up

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

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

Manchester United F.C. est. 1878

Inside Preparing for a final-day showdown Take note: who to watch Ambrose's season review

opposition

Red Devils manchester united

Manchester United have had a frustrating end to the season and cannot move above their current position, with West Ham United bearing down their neck to take sixth-place.

match preview

Story so far

That makes today’s game a significant one for the Red Devils, who have had a lengthy break since losing 4-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes summarised United’s task when speaking with Manchester United TV after the defeat, saying: “We have one game left. We have to win that game and that’s everything we can do.” Ralf Rangnick’s charges have since had 15 days to prepare for what will be their final game before Erik ten Hag takes over. The Dutch manager recently led Ajax to the Eredivisie title. Victory would guarentee sixth-place.

Home

third

Last five Seasons

Position

6th

Points

Top scorer

away

Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

2nd

Fernandes (18)

19/20

3rd

Rashford/Martial (17)

18/19

6th

Pogba (13)

17/18

2nd

Lukaku (16)

16/17

6th

Ibrahimović (17)

Cristiano Ronaldo (18)

Most assists

Paul Pogba (9)

Most passes

Bruno Fernandes (1,838)

On the trigger: Ronaldo

opposition

Ronaldo has had the third-most shots of any player in the league (110). He also has the third-most goals (18), with a ratio of a goal for just over every six strikes.

Remember when?

Boot in both camps

In May 1991, during their most successful league season to date, Palace beat Manchester United 3-0 in south London. This win closed the campaign in style, with the club’s third-place finish already confirmed.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

recent form

Recent clash Brighton 4 Manchester United 0 Sat 7 May / Amex stadium

Starting xi 1

D. De Gea

27 19

subs 4

P. Jones

A. Telles

H. Maguire

R. Varane

J. Lingard

V. Lindelöf

Fred

D. Dalot

E. Cavani

N. Matić

D. Henderson

S. McTominay

A. Wan-Bissaka

B. Fernandes

A. Fernández

J. Mata

A. Garnacho

A. Elanga

C. Ronaldo

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

7 18

opposition

Fosu-Mensah spent 2017/18 on loan to Palace from United, who he left for Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. He has however suffered with injury in recent months, restricting his appearances.

Safe hands

376 apps 130 clean sheets

david de gea

02 03 Victor Lindelöf

Eric Bailly

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SWEDEN

NAT: IVORY COAST

Raphaël Varane

Diogo Dalot

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: FRANCE

NAT: PORTUGAL

Surpassing a decade at Old Trafford, De Gea has been a constant presence between the sticks with over 370 appearances. The Spaniard has helped United win multiple domestic trophies and the Europa League.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.92m

Joined

June 29th, 2011

Debut

August 7th, 2011 v Manchester City

PREVIOUS CLUB: Atlético Madrid. opposition

23 27 05

Skipper

Luke Shaw

Alex Telles

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: BRAZIL

202 apps 51 clean sheets

29 06 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Paul Pogba

Harry Maguire

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: FRANCE

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

POS: DEFENDER

Age

Height

1.94m

Joined

August 5th, 2019

Debut

August 11th, 2019 v Chelsea

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Sheffield United, Hull City & Leicester City. opposition

After joining from Leicester City in 2019, Maguire has been at the heart of the United defence for three seasons. The centre-back has made almost 150 appearances for the Red Devils and also helped England to the final of Euro 2020.

08 14 Juan Mata

Jesse Lingard

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: ENGLAND

Fred

Nemanja Matic

Orchestrator

86 apps 36 goals

Bruno Fernandes

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: SERBIA

NAT: PORTUGAL

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.79m

Joined

January 29th, 2020

Debut

February 1st, 2020 v Wolves

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Novara, Udinese, Sampdoria & Sporting Lisbon. opposition

Fernandes arrived in the Premier League with a bang, bagging eight goals from his first 14 appearances in the division. He was then top scorer for the Red Devils in 2020/21, his first full campaign, and won the club’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Season award.

07 39 10 cr7

226 apps 102 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo

Scott M©Tominay

Marcus Rashford

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: FORWARD

NAT: SCOTLAND

NAT: ENGLAND

Edinson Cavani

Jadon Sancho

POS: FORWARD

NAT: PORTUGAL

NAT: URUGUAY

NAT: ENGLAND

United doggedly pursued a then-teenage Ronaldo in 2003, and in 2021 re-signed the forward as arguably the greatest player in world football. At 37 he remains one of the best athletes in professional sport and is by far United’s top scorer this season.

player profile

POS: FORWARD

Age

Height

1.87m

Joined

August 12th, 2003

Debut

August 16th, 2003 v Bolton Wanderers

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Sporting Lisbon, Real Madrid & Juventus. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

Palace have taken eight points from their last seven games with United, having collected just one from the 10 before this run.

62 01

United are looking to complete their first league double over Palace since 2017/18, following their 1-0 win at Old Trafford in December.

03 40

Pass accuracy % 80%

83% shots

399

498 goals

57 goals conceded

56 clean sheets

Cheikhou Kouyaté

Nemanja Matic

Appearances

Tackles

opposition

ambrose from the studio

Throughout the season, club legend Darren Ambrose has provided his unique insight into the opposition – offering analysis and expert opinion as a player-turned-pundit.

ith another season already at an end this week I’ve chosen to look at the last nine months rather than today’s game specifically. The key to beating United? Getting your head up from 35 yards. Now, onto the season. In my eyes it’s been a massive success. I know a lot of people, pundits and supporters alike, who had Palace among the favourites for relegation last summer. There were question marks about the overhaul in players and about the change required, but looking back it’s been tremendous. I wrote this column pre-Everton, and there was – and hopefully still is – the chance to finish with a record Premier League points total. To have that in our grasp and an FA Cup semi-final behind us is brilliant. I’ve been through changes like this a lot in my career. When a new manager comes in with a new style, you want to play and you want to impress them. As soon as they walk through the door you’re back on trial for a few weeks, and that’s not just the new players. The longer-serving ones like Vicente Guaita, Wilfried Zaha and James McArthur also

needed to prove themselves, and they did. Those on the fringe or younger players see a managerial arrival as an opportunity to show they deserve a place in the team. So it’s a challenge for everyone involved.

Another real positive is that the lads have responded to Patrick and his staff’s demands, which can be seen in their improvement

The biggest success for me is the implementation of the new style. I’ve enjoyed the philosophy Patrick’s brought in and for the whole approach to have changed, from soaking up pressure and counter-attacking to dominating games through Darren ambrose

increased possession, is impressive. Another real positive is that the lads have responded to Patrick and his staff’s demands, which can be seen in their improvement. There was a period either side of Christmas where Palace conceded last-minute goals, but by Wolves away and the Everton cup game they were seeing out matches comfortably. There’s also been a drop in the number of set plays conceded from, and that’s picking just two examples. That sort of development can take a long time to begin, so to improve so much in one season shows the team’s mentality.

The highlights Games that have stood out obviously include Manchester City away. City have lost three matches this season – and Palace were one. Palace played extremely well and I think would have taken a point or more even if City had 11 men. That has to be the one that stands out to me. If they win the league it will look all the better. Other highlights include the 2-2 with West Ham, which I enjoyed.

The FA Cup game against Everton was dominant, and the Leicester game was dominating from 2-0 down. Looking at individual players, Conor has done fantastically, and I’d love to see him in a Palace shirt next season. He’s infectious, gives 110% and the supporters have really backed him. Tyrick and Marc have earned England caps, which is an incredible achievement. I should add JP, who has become really strong, scoring some massively important goals. Odsonne and Christian have been class when called upon and Michael has been a revelation; I’m massively looking forward to his and Ebs’ futures. And a special mention to Joel Ward, who has been a stalwart at the club for years and years and is a great guy. To play at the highest level for as long as he has deserves massive credit and a lot of respect. Finally, Wilf has been Wilf. He’s loved by everyone at the club and has outscored his best personal season once again. He has stepped up so well. I interviewed Wilf on talkSPORT and asked him about his role in the team. He said he used to win set plays and penalties and then stand aside. I said, obviously, that when I was there he had no chance of taking them, but that’s another story… This season he says he’s confident enough to take them. He’s done it, and shown a lot of assurance in doing so. Wilf continues to get better and better and is among the top three players I’ve played with; the other two being Alan Shearer and Patrick Kluivert at Newcastle. I played with

Wilf when he was extremely young and different to how he is now, which is an unbelievable talent who is massively underrated. He could play in any Premier League team, but as long as he’s underrated Palace will benefit. He goes out and destroys the teams that underrate him.

What next? The players and the manager will now be picking things out to improve on, which is a massive positive. They won’t rest on their laurels or be satisfied that they’ve done enough: they’re going to be picking things out for preseason. They’ll be raring to go. darren ambrose

There’s a risk of overconfidence after a successful season, but complacency won’t enter the equation given Patrick’s experience as a professional. We’ve seen how they’ve evolved already this year, so I have no doubt they can do that further next season. The end to the season has been good already, so getting something on this final day will help us build over pre-season and start the next strongly. The aim for the first three or four years was understandably survival: 17th and above. Now Palace are a different breed. They need to progress and really aim to cement a top 10 finish, and after that it’s top seven. That’s not to say there aren’t elements to improve. I think Patrick will look to keep scoring more and tightening up a touch at the back. If Palace can up their goals scored from 47 to 50, and goals conceded from 43 to 40, they can get six-eight more points, which will push them to seventh or eighth. Those minor adjustments are key. Supporters may read this and think scoring three more goals and conceding three fewer will make no difference, but they’ll lead to the points that lead to higher positions. The final thing to say is thank you for reading the column this season – I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I’m honoured to be part of the club and in the programme still. Hopefully next season will be even better, with a World Cup in the middle of it, and I have no doubt we’ll be watching a huge campaign for the club. Have a very enjoyable summer

CRYSTAL PALACE DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION 36

Formed in 2015, the aim of the Crystal Palace Disabled Supporters Association is to identify the ongoing needs of the club’s disabled supporters and work with the Crystal Palace Football Club management team to deliver a positive matchday experience. The current committee has five members who are all volunteers to help and support supporters at both home and away matches. The CPFCDSA aims for all disabled supporters to enjoy equality with respect to their individual needs when attending football matches at Selhurst Park.

All disabled Palace supporters are encouraged to join the association, including their family, friends and personal assistants. This is very much an inclusive group, so if you are a Crystal Palace supporter with a disability the CPFCDSA is here to help you. Supporters can get involved by joining via the website for free. Supporters can also report any issues they would like us to look at via the reporting button on the website.

The CPFCDSA works together with the Crystal Palace Football Club management team by having communication via Zoom, email and regular face to face meetings. We also receive support from the Level Playing Field organisation & DAG (Premier League Disability Advisory Group).

Come and join us at CPFCDSA.ORG

Supported by

CPFCDSA

CPFCDSA1

cpfcdsa@gmail.com

writers Ellie Killick

Throughout the season, this page offered three aspiring writers space to display their views and skills. In the final edition, we hear from a fourth aspiring writer, Ellie Killick, who recently completed work experience with the club.

October 14th, 2017: the date of the first Crystal Palace game I attended, and I haven’t looked back since. For the past five years football has been the full focus of my life, whether that be having the honour of representing my team in power chair matches or attending games as a fan. Like many others around the world I was devastated when football was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. My mental health was already affected by the pandemic as I had to shield for over a year and my main distraction had been taken away. There was some light at the end of the tunnel when football was finally safe enough to be played behind closed doors. Before COVID I decided my career path would be footballfocused as I really enjoyed watching it. I then found my love for writing and realised I could link the two together and set on my journey to becoming a sports journalist. After lockdown lifted Arsenal was the first (and last) game of the 2020/21 season I was able to attend. It felt amazing to be back and I could finally continue my writing journey,

blogging about games and my experience of them. Since then I have only missed three home matches and also follow the team away sometimes, continuing to write match reports along the way.

I would like to finish by thanking everyone at Crystal Palace for giving me such a great experience and making me feel so welcome My college arranged a week’s work experience where we were able to take time out of studying to learn what it’s like in our chosen industries. I was given the opportunity to do mine at the Crystal Palace Academy, shadowing Player Care / Life Skills Coordinator Susan Jackson. I had an amazing week, getting a true insight into the aspiring writers

journey Academy players take in the hopes of reaching the first-team. I got to see the facilities for the first time and was very impressed that everything is available in one place. Due to my passion for sports journalism I was also given the chance to interview both players and staff over the week to gain as much experience as possible. I attended my first Under-18s match against Aston Villa, which Palace won 6-0 – their biggest win this season! (Some would say I’m their lucky mascot…) I am hoping to attend more games in future as it was very exciting to watch the upcoming talent. I would like to finish by thanking everyone at Crystal Palace for giving me such a great experience and making me feel so welcome. Crystal Palace is not just a football team, it’s a family! Thanks to Alexa, Ed, Ellie and Mohamed for their work this season. If you’re looking to employ a media professional, or can provide work experience for any of our four aspiring writers, please email programme@cpfc.co.uk.

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inside the academy copers cope road

Inside Why 2020 was a landmark year for John-Kymani Gordon Rob Quinn explains the approach behind another successful U18 campaign We remember the original Mr Versatile, David Payne

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.

John-Kymani Gordon age: 19 / Striker / joined: 2011

highlights so far Gordon enjoyed a stellar end to the 2019/20 season, sitting on the firstteam bench aged 17 and scooping the Under-18s Player of the Season award.

Take note of Gordon is a versatile forward who can adopt the traditional No.10 role down the middle or be fielded out wide. He can be a determined goalscorer. inside the academy

Getting to know: John-Kymani Gordon -

He has a fantastic attitude, he’s strong, powerful and has excellent technique. He has done a lot of work on the Training Ground and he’s shown a real open mind to learning and a real desire to get better every day Paddy M©Carthy U23S manager

John-Kymani Gordon calls the first national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic “depressing”. Like so many, the teenager missed football and needed his spirits lifting as the Academy shut-down and the country stayed at home. But life improved at a rapid pace when the initial lockdown began easing: Gordon’s run of accomplishments came in remarkably swift succession. First, the forward was (remotely) offered a professional contract. He then earned a call-up to the first-team and was named in two Premier League squads aged just 17. Finally, at the end of July, he was named Under-18 Player of the Season. Having been stuck at home just two months before, Gordon now had a professional contract, Premier League call-up and major club accolade to his name. Like we said, life improved at a rapid pace. “I ended up getting a phone call from my coach, Paddy [McCarthy],” Gordon says of the professional forms. “It brightened up the mood during COVID. I was over the moon, to be honest, because I’d been at the club for so long and it felt like all the work had paid off. I was just excited to get going – being a pro footballer, basically.” Next up, the first-team experience. Then-manager Roy Hodgson named Gordon alongside Sam Woods, Nya Kirby and Brandon Pierrick, and a then-Academy Tyrick Mitchell, for games with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur. Gordon was the youngest at 17. Inside the academy

“It was an amazing experience,” he says. “Unfortunately there were no fans but being around the players was crazy. Before COVID I would just look at them on FIFA, play with them on FIFA, then all of a sudden with the click of my fingers I’m training with them, being on the bench and actually watching them from the bench… It was very, very different.” Then, fittingly, the Player of the Season award. Gordon recognises the speed at which his achievements came in 2020: “I was over the moon. The accolades were coming back to back and I was over the moon. It gave me more energy to keep going. It gave me energy to want more, gave me motivation and I was very happy because during that season it wasn’t all highs. It was lows as well – lowlows – and the high-highs felt way better [as a result].” Gordon stepped into the Under23s for 2020/21, but suffered a season beset by injury. As with 19/20, it took the campaign drawing to a close to bring him a highlight when he netted from the spot to help Palace secure Premier League 2 promotion. Now, with the “high-highs” of 2019/20 and “low-lows” of 2020/21, Gordon has found the perfect middle ground in 2021/22. “During the highs never get too high, and during the lows never get too low,” he says. “I feel like that’s very important as a footballer. You have to have balance, because when you’re going through the highs anything can happen at any moment… you have to stay level-headed.” If anyone knows that mantra to be true, it’s John-Kymani Gordon

inside the academy

Rob Quinn The Under-18s finished third this season, which is a brilliant achievement for the group. We’re a little disappointed not to have secured the title, which we were more the capable of, but know the circumstances that prevented it.

e had to contend with injuries to key players at key times and know we didn’t manage games properly on occasion. We’ve suffered from those but going into next season the lads will have learned from that disappointment and should be able to manage the situations better in their careers. I’ve been pleased with the team’s response to the highs and lows this season. The lads have reacted to disappointment, most notably when going on a really good run after losing in the FA Youth Cup. They didn’t let defeat affect them and that accomplishment highlights their resilience. Our message to the players is to enjoy victory for 24 hours and take only 24 hours to get over defeat. We encourage the whole group to prepare for professional football by never getting too high or too low, so the reaction of those who’ve had particularly successful seasons is also key. A few individuals stand out. Plenty of boys have played over the road or stepped up to the Under-23s like Jack Wells-Morrison and Joe

Whitworth. Jack, Owen Goodman, Tayo Adaramola and Kaden Rodney have had international recognition, which is brilliant, and shows our role of developing players as best we can. And Joe Sheridan has done a great job of leading the team as captain.

ALL the boys have potential, and Tayo has a lot; this season he proved it. It took quality and hunger to earn his professional debut Elsewhere Victor Akinwale and Mola Ola-Adebomi have scored a huge number of goals and should both be really proud. Vic ended the season as the Under-18 Premier League south’s top scorer, and Mola was right on his tail. Both those players have a hunger to score, which is crucial, and worked hard individually and collectively throughout the season,

Inside the academy

giving the team a huge boost. They also really enjoy playing together. We know all the boys have potential, and that Tayo has a lot; this season he proved it. It took quality and hunger to earn his professional debut, and he took his chance when given it. Now that he’s impressed the manager, the hardest task is getting his first Premier League start, and then the one after that. He has to keep knuckling down for those. With the season over the boys will be given a deserved break for summer. They’ll have their own individual programmes throughout and are expected to come in six-eight times to work with our coaches. They’ll get the holiday they need to have a mental break and come back refreshed, but it’s important they stay fit and ready. Finally, I’d like to thank the staff that have worked with me and helped this season. It’s my first full year as Under-18s Head Coach, so thanks to Edu Rubio, Fred Reardon, Will Rose, Sion Thomas, Lekan Odushola and Jay Butts, and to Gary Issott for his support from above. Congratulations also to Paddy and Darren on a great job finishing fifth with the Under-23s

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.

The original Mr Versatile -

DAVId PAYNE Born First-team debut

April 25th, 1947 November 4th, 1964

Appearances

318

Goals

inside the academy

Born in Mayday hospital in Croydon 75 years ago last month, David Payne spent his first few years in Thornton Heath until the family moved to another part of south London, returning to the Croydon area in 1958. On Saturday afternoons he could be found on the concrete terraces and grassy mound at the Whitehorse Lane end of the stadium. Like several future players of his era, at school Payne excelled at both cricket and football, being selected for the London Schools cricket team as an opening batsman and in 1962 representing the Blackheath and District XI that reached the sixth round of the English Schools Shield. By now Payne had come to the attention of former Palace player Ron Heckman, who was a coach at his school and recommended the youngster to the club. Trial games followed, including an FA Youth Cup tie

Payne excelled under the pressure to sustain the club’s place. He would play almost anywhere, wearing every outfield shirt number

in November 1963, and at the start of 1964 Payne signed apprentice forms. He turned professional around the time he was handed his debut by manager Dick Graham in a League Cup game at Leicester City. In December Payne played in his first league game at a foggy Preston and went on to become a regular fixture in the side from 1965/66 onwards. In November 1967 his skills were recognised by the England setup and Payne earned his only Under-23s cap against Wales in Swansea. By now Bert Head was Palace manager, building a team that could challenge for promotion to Division One, and Payne, along with his midfield partner Steve Kember, was part of Head’s plans. Having rarely missed a game in two seasons the versatile midfielder suffered an injury midway through the 1968/69 promotion campaign, but was able to return for the final eight fixtures that saw the club climb into second place with a run of 16 games unbeaten. Payne still maintains that his favourite footballing memory is the final home game against Fulham in April 1969 that clinched second spot. This was followed by a tour of New Zealand and the Far East with an FA XI. In the league’s top echelon Payne excelled under the pressure to sustain the club’s place. He would play almost anywhere, wearing Inside the academy

every outfield shirt number throughout his career. Following the departure of skipper John Sewell in 1971 Payne then found a new place in the side as he moved into defence, taking Sewell’s position at right-back. In the club’s four seasons in Division One only John Jackson made more appearances than ‘Payney’, but in summer 1973

Payne still maintains that his favourite footballing memory is the final home game against Fulham in April 1969 that clinched second spot

he was allowed to leave to join a growing contingent of former Palace figures at Leyton Orient. These days Payne has remained a regular at Selhurst for many years and helps to keep in touch with many of the players who have been connected with Palace

South London is a unique place to live, work and experience. In each programme, we shed light on a few of the names or events that have shaped and continue to shape our half of the city. In this edition we hear stories from some of the youngsters helped by Palace for Life Foundation, who were each Made in South London.

Voices of South London

alace for Life Foundation last month launched their Made in South London campaign, aiming to help transform 3,000 more young south Londoners' lives by raising £1million. As part of the campaign, the Foundation has shared stories from a range of young south Londoners they've previously worked with. Archie, pictured on the right, is one of the recipients of the boot appeal launched in December 2021, which called for supporters to donate football boots to those in the south London community that need them most. Palace for Life deliver numerous sport sessions in SE25 and beyond, giving young people access to football to keep them fit and healthy, to help battle social isolation and to keep them off of the streets, away from crime and violence. These sessions include football for Afghan refugees who have been housed in Croydon, and it came to the Foundation's attention that many participants don’t have appropriate or safe footwear, and that some are attempting to play in flip flops or even barefoot. This is a worrying trend across many Palace for Life sessions, where young people often from the most disadvantaged backgrounds do not have and cannot afford the appropriate footwear and equipment to participate in football. Archie attends St Mary Cray Academy School, and was grateful to receive his first pair of football boots. He thanked the Palace fanbase for donating: “I like my new boots

because they give me better grip on the grass and I didn’t have football boots ever before. I would like to say thank you to the Crystal Palace fans for donating them to me.” His teacher said: “The boot appeal has been amazing for us because it’s given an opportunity for so many of the children who don’t have the boots or the chance to buy them to take part. "We’ve had matches where they’ve had to wear brother’s boots, who are maybe teenage brothers, and they’re only 10 years old. To have the opportunity for them to play football the way it’s meant to be played is brilliant.” Ruari from South Croydon has Down's Syndrome, and is one of the numerous participants who has benefited from participating in Palace Voices of South London

I like my new boots because they give me better grip on the grass and I didn’t have football boots ever before. I would like to say thank you to the Crystal Palace fans for donating them to me

for Life’s weekly Down’s Syndrome football sessions and from playing for the Foundation’s DS Eagles. He is an ardent Crystal Palace supporter and regularly attends games with his dad, having both been Season Ticket holders. While he enjoys playing football as much as he does watching it, Ruairi only occasionally played at school or in the park, as he had few opportunities

to play with other children who have Down’s Syndrome. That all changed when he received a letter from DSActive about Palace for Life’s weekly football sessions at the Monks Hill Sports Centre in South Croydon. When Ruairi first joined, he had delayed communication skills, which meant he initially found it challenging to interact with the coaches and other children at the session. Ruairi’s mother, Valerie, believes the Foundation’s structured football sessions has had a profound impact on his personal development: “Ruairi looks forward to his weekly sessions and thoroughly enjoys meeting with his teammates to play football,” she said. “He has become much more social and keen to interact with players, parents and staff. He has improved his football skills, coordination, muscle strength and social skills through playing football with Crystal Palace DS Eagles. “Ruairi has also learned how to be part of a team, which helps him when he participates in events at school. Most importantly, he has increased his self-esteem, and consequently has become more independent, confident and mature.” The Foundation’s football sessions have also supported Ruairi’s confidence to communicate with his friends. As there are many Crystal Palace supporters in his school, Ruairi has become able to articulate his experiences to his peers about representing Palace in events and tournaments, which include attending the Crystal Palace Disabled

Supporters' Party in December 2017 and meeting the first-team players, Roy Hodgson and Patrick Vieira. “I had so much fun at the Supporters' Party,” Ruairi said. "My favourite moment was meeting Yohan Cabaye!” Palace for Life’s Disability Officer has also noticed Ruairi’s growth as an individual through participating in the Foundation’s sessions, saying: “Ruairi is an absolute pleasure to coach. Every week when he arrives to the session he greets every single person. “As he continues to expand his understanding of football, he is gradually building resilience and teamwork skills, which he evinced through the friendly against Millwall a few weeks ago. It is fantastic to Voices of South London

see him developing both his football skills and soft skills through the Foundation’s football sessions.” Ruari and Archie were Made in South London. To help support Palace for Life’s Made in South London campaign, please head to palaceforlife.org

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

Non-League neighbours

bromley f.c. On the day Bromley play at Wembley, we look at how this high-achieving south London club have enjoyed another landmark campaign.

league table pos CLUB

recent results P

2-4

Pts barnet

boreham wood

bromley

torquay united

1-1 bromley

Bromley will be taking to the field 16 miles north-west of Selhurst Park: Wembley stadium. Much like Palace, Bromley’s cup form has seen them rewarded with a trip to the home of English football. The FA Trophy is up for grabs. This caps a commendable few seasons for the club, after agonisingly missing out on a first promotion to the Football League last season in the play-offs. This season promotion was just beyond them, but their recent results are a demonstration of the storming progress they have made on a relatively modest budget. Much of that progress has come under the guidance of former Palace goalkeeper Andy Woodman. Having graduated Non-League neighbours

altrincham

2-2 bromley

very club wants their feats immortalised in literature and film – although for Bromley, this eventuality was perhaps not as they’d imagined it. The Bromley Boys, David Roberts’ humorous retelling of a Bromley-obsessed childhood, was subtitled: The True Story of Supporting the Worst Football Team in Britain. When we began our first piece about non-league Bromley with those very words, we made sure to point out that the reality was quite different. But even so, not many would have expected the current campaign to finish where it did. Fifteen minutes after Crystal Palace kick-off this afternoon,

bromley

dover athletic

from the Eagles’ Academy to have a lengthy career in the Football League, Woodman moved into coaching. He is no stranger to Wembley after a five-year spell as Arsenal’s Head of Goalkeeping. But taking over at Bromley was a new challenge. “From having the riches of Arsenal, the facilities of Arsenal, to then having – with respect – the facilities of the lower league clubs and getting your hands dirtier… it has helped [me develop],” he told the Palace programme. “Coming into Bromley isn’t exactly Arsenal, but it’s all hands on deck to make sure that we get the team ready for the right results.” Fittingly, the right results have followed.

As is so often the case in non-league, however, today’s opposition have their own fascinating – and in this instance bizarre – story to tell. Aiming to prevent Bromley from lifting their first FA Trophy final are Wrexham. Despite their proud history in the Football League, Wrexham were not long ago still a smaller club in north Wales, before, very literally, embarking on a Hollywood journey. Taken over by film stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in November 2020, the club have embarked on a new era of success, with a behind-the-scenes documentary in production. They are fighting for automatic promotion to League Two at the time of writing, competing at the Racecourse Ground – one of the biggest stadiums at non-league’s level, with crowds often exceeding 10,000. Wrexham’s newfound wealth is just another challenge for Woodman to overcome. “It’s the same the world over,”

he says. “With respect to Crystal Palace, you haven’t got Manchester City’s budget – or even Newcastle’s budget now. It’s the same for me at Bromley.

We are a little bit like a salmon swimming up the stream. It’s tough – but I always say to everyone: ‘The salmon gets there in the end’ “I haven’t got Wrexham, or Notts County or Chesterfield’s budget. We’re probably in the bottom half of the table budget-wise, but it just means you cut your cloth accordingly. “We are a little bit like a salmon swimming up the stream. It’s tough – but I always say to everyone: ‘The salmon gets there in the end’. That’s hopefully what we can be.”

For all of Woodman’s experience at the top level, a trip to Wembley will be a novelty for the club’s longterm fans. Roy Oliver’s early memories of following the club are far more low-key. “My father took me down in the mid-1950s, because my nan used to be in the tea room in the old wooden stand, doing the tea and the Bovril. Sometimes he would take me down at half-time because you could get in for free. “We used to sell Jackpot tickets for tuppence each, or five for tenpence. The tea bar had proper china cups in those days, so then I’d have to go around picking them up, washing them and putting them away.” He remembers older fans discussing the odd major occasion: the visit of the Nigerian national team in 1949, the arrival of a Japanese side in the early 1950s. But the trip to Wembley will be special for him and so many more who signed up to support the so-called ‘Worst Football Team in Britain’. A new generation of Bromley fans may wonder if promotion campaigns and Wembley finals are what supporting the club is about. Like supporters of all clubs, they are in for a rude awakening one day. By then, however, it won’t matter. “Perhaps winning gave me false expectations,” the late Dave Roberts pondered in The Bromley Boys. “But it was too late. I was hooked.”

Non-League neighbours

Manchester United v Crystal Palace League Cup 30/11/2011 A great strike from Darren Ambrose fires Palace ahead in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in the 2011 League Cup.

moment in time

moment in time Premier League 14/12/2016 James McArthur celebrates his goal with Joel Ward in a 2-1 loss.

Crystal Palace v Manchester United

neil DANNS From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Today, Neil Danns explains the unique man-management style of Neil Warnock.

eil Danns was impressed by Neil Warnock as he prepared to sign for Crystal Palace. Having opted against putting pen to paper with Nottingham Forest after a phone call with the Palace manager, Danns was “excited about joining” a “club with rich history.”

When I was injured, he [Warnock] didn’t speak to me. We’d walk down halls and he wouldn’t say hello When he spoke to Warnock, he tried to impress him – to highlight the “extra work” he’d been doing between clubs. “‘Look,’” Warnock told him bluntly, “‘I’m not bothered about that. I just want you to get down here.’” Danns was sold. He reflects over 14 years later that Warnock was “no-nonsense, straight to From the Archive

the point, and that’s the sort of person I am.” But Warnock’s ‘no-nonsense’ approach to management would prove to have its pitfalls for Danns, too, after he suffered a groin injury which would sideline him for seven months almost immediately. “If I’m being honest,” Danns begins, “when I first joined was probably the most frustrating time in my career. I came and a week later I felt a little niggle in my groin. It kept niggling on until I couldn’t run properly. I’d just signed so I was trying to get through it and not tell anyone. Then, I was meant to rest for four weeks and it ended up being on and off for nearly the whole season. “When I was injured, he [Warnock] didn’t speak to me. We’d walk down halls and he wouldn’t say hello. “When I did make my return I hadn’t played in seven months. Neil Warnock – and

I think this was a moment of genius by him – called me into his office and said: ‘Look, I don’t think you’re the player that I signed. I don’t think you’re what we thought you were.’ “I said to him: ‘I am what you signed and I’ll prove it to you.’ He said: ‘I’m going to put you on the transfer list but you’ll still be involved around the squad. Obviously if someone comes in I’m going to let you go.’ I said: ‘I completely understand but I can assure you, you haven’t seen me, and you literally haven’t seen me – I’ve been out for seven months.’

I’ll never know, but it just wouldn’t surprise me if that was a sneaky way of man-managing me, or just a little kick. It got me going “A week later we had a game. I was on the bench and he brought me on for about 20 minutes. I had the bit between my teeth and I thought: ‘I’m going to show you.’ He called me in on the Monday and said: ‘I got it wrong, I think you are the player we signed.’ “I’ll never know, but it just wouldn’t surprise me if that was From the Archive

a sneaky way of man-managing me, or just a little kick. It got me going. I felt: ‘This is a bit unfair to react after a couple of games from being seven months out.’ He put me in, my fitness went up, my injuries went away and I like to think that I proved myself… I got into the team and had a great relationship with him.”

palace for life Palace host Down’s Syndrome Eagles at training On May 3rd, Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira ran a special training session for Palace for Life’s Down’s Syndrome team, the DS Eagles, at Palace’s Training Ground.

ovember 2021 saw the DS Eagles become stars of the show at Palace for Life’s celebration evening, where club manager and Premier League legend Patrick Vieira promised the excited squad of footballers their own training session run by his staff at Crystal Palace’s Training Ground. Not long after the first-team arrived for their training day, the Palace for Life DS Eagles arrived at Copers Cope Road, donned in their Palace kit and ready for a special training session. After a team-talk and huddle from Palace for Life coaches Ben and Michael, the DS Eagles walked out onto the

training pitches to watch and encourage the Palace first-team through their warm-ups, fitness testing, and various ball drills. The senior players then went into some small-sided games, which saw Vieira’s top-quality coaches invite the DS Eagles to participate in the drills they had

palace for life

just watched their idols complete. During one exercise, the team were surprised by Palace stars Marc Guéhi, Joel Ward, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Conor Gallagher, who joined them in the session. Having completed their debut first-team training session, the DS Eagles watched the end

of the club’s training before an impromptu penalty shootout against goalkeeper Jack Butland. One of the DS Eagles also gave first-team coach Kristian Wilson his thoughts on team selection and match preparation, offering a meeting to discuss ideas whenever the Premier League team may feel they need it. We’re sure the DS Eagles have given recent Premier League Hall of Fame inductee, Vieira, a selection headache for today! Palace for Life would like to thank Patrick and his squad for welcoming the DS Eagles into the Training Ground and creating memories that will last a lifetime

Donate to Made in South London to support the DS Eagles and other Palace for Life disability programmes.

visit palaceforlife.org or scan below

palace for life

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

e concluded the last programme by showing that after its very first match at the palace in 1862, the Crystal Palace football team played in Penge until 1867 and that, even when it was allowed back at the palace, it never played a match after the end of February. This can only be because it was damaging the club’s cricket pitch. In this final programme of the season, we’ll show that the club didn’t fold, and set out why these new archive discoveries now provide the link between today’s Crystal Palace and its early ancestors.

The fact Crystal Palace was a serious sports club must be kept at the forefront of our minds when thinking about the 19th century team: it played serious cricket in the summer and serious football in the winter. As the football team’s influence increased so did its fixture list, and this created a conflict as both cricket and football was played on the same pitch. The newspaper archives show that, when the fixture list was published for the 1875/76 season, all Palace’s fixtures were scheduled to be played on opponents’ grounds, supporting the view that the amount of football played on the cricket pitch was causing unacceptable damage. As it turned out the winter of 1875/76 was exceptionally snowy

through until May and very little football was played anywhere from December 1875 onwards. At some stage the Crystal Palace Club must have decided to suspend playing football altogether on the cricket pitch.

Q: You said that the Crystal Palace Club didn’t fold. So what happened to the footballers? A: Many of the footballers were also Crystal Palace Club cricketers, and newspaper archives show most of them staying and holding senior positions at the club into the 1880s. Indeed, two or three of them could be found still playing cricket for Crystal Palace into the 1890s, proving that the club did not fold and the cpfc 1861

footballers did not leave – they just suspended playing football.

At some stage the Crystal Palace Club must have decided to suspend playing football altogether on the cricket pitch Q: What happened to bring football back to the Crystal Palace? A: Much like Crystal Palace’s dilemma at their own site, the FA Cup was banned from the Oval in 1892 as it was damaging Surrey’s cricket pitch. The Crystal

Palace Company had the bright idea of filling in two of their giant fountains and building England’s first national football stadium so they could host the tournament’s final. This meant the Palace football team now had their own pitch and could also start playing again. This time the Crystal Palace Company took direct control of the amateur team and arranged friendlies against the top sides of the day. However these didn’t attract the crowds they wanted, so they started talking to the FA about turning the club professional, which finally happened in 1905 with the Crystal Palace Company taking the majority of the shares.

Q: Weren’t those amateur players of the 1890s not just other clubs’ players? A: No. Amateur players were not contracted to anyone and could play for any and as many clubs as they liked. When they pulled on a club’s shirt, they were that club’s player for that match, and that was the case when they played for Crystal Palace. Q: So how did the professional Crystal Palace view its own heritage when it turned professional? A: It clearly saw itself as the successor to its amateur 1861 forerunner and said so in its first annual handbook in 1906,

listing some of its amateur England internationals of the 1870s. Palace’s early origins were also recognised and mentioned at the time by a future FA president, William Pickford, in his co-written book Association Football & The Men Who Made It when he said the professional Crystal Palace had been revived “in a guise that the original members [the 1861 amateurs] would never have dreamed.”

there is now a mass of archive evidence supporting Crystal Palace’s early years Q: How can we be sure when we say that today’s professional club is firmly linked to its 1861 forerunner? Were they not separate clubs? A: Each club writes its own history, and there is now a mass of archive evidence supporting Crystal Palace’s early years. We can say with confidence that the amateur and professional Crystal Palace are one and the same clubs based on a few very simple and provable facts. To start with Crystal Palace Football Club is almost unique in that it represented an institution. There was only one Crystal Palace, one Crystal Palace Company that owned and managed everything cpfc 1861

that happened within the Crystal Palace grounds and there was only one football team called Crystal Palace that played its football at the palace. Crystal Palace Football Club was part of the Crystal Palace’s business and from day one the Crystal Palace Company charged an entry fee for people who wanted to watch the team play. This was true right up until the football club left the palace in 1915. Without the Crystal Palace and the Crystal Palace Company there would have been no Crystal Palace Football Club in 1861, or today.

Q: But what about the gap in the club’s football playing history? Does that negate the claim by today’s club of a continuation of its history from the 1861 side? A: No. The club – which started by playing cricket and football – never folded and, indeed, there is an accepted precedent for a club suspending playing association football for an almost identical period as Palace, Civil Service F.C. Their original founding date of 1863 is accepted by football historians and the FA despite having had a virtually identical playing gap. So, recently discovered archives and accepted precedent strongly support the fact that today’s Crystal Palace F.C. was founded in 1861

record-breakers Dean Davenport’s Crystal Palace Women worked phenomenally throughout 2021/22 to earn themselves a highest-ever fourth-place finish, breaking multiple records for the club. Here, Coral Haines, Emily Orman and Molly Sharpe help explain the season.

alace Women started their 21/22 season by hosting Bristol City at Hayes Lane. “The best game for me has to be the first game of the season against Bristol,” Coral Haines says. “They had just been relegated [from the Women’s Super League] and were favourites.” City were one of the most testing sides in the Women’s Championship and would go on to finish third, one place ahead of Palace on goal difference, making this game an eventually crucial one. Haines explains the 4-3 win: “It was a seven-goal thriller, with a brilliant goal from Kirsty Barton, and I got a brace to start off the campaign with three points.” September featured three games, including two of the season’s most difficult away trips. First up was a visit to Princes Park stadium to face London City. This saw a debut appearance for Emily Orman, the loanee goalkeeper from Chelsea, but City delivered a first loss of the campaign 2-1 inside the first-half. This would be the start of a briefly troubling period for the south Londoners, but set the tone for the

early part of the season: Palace matches would be tightly contested. In fact, of their first 11 games, there was only ever one margin greater than two goals either way.

It was a seven-goal thriller, with a brilliant goal from Kirsty Barton, and I got a brace to start off the campaign with three points After London City came Sunderland, with Palace hosting the fixture at Selhurst Park. The two sides wouldn’t be separated until Millie Farrow put the home team in front in the 67th-minute. A short five minutes later Sunderland were level and the game finished as a draw. The final game in September came on the road against Liverpool palace women

and the Reds took three points to end an on-off start to Palace’s campaign. October marked a new spell and began at home to Sheffield United: a tough fixture which had ended in defeat twice the season before. This game was tight, however, with both teams having two shots on target, and ended as a draw. This provided Palace with their first of three clean sheets and set them on a season-defining run of seven games unbeaten: Coventry United, Watford, Durham, Charlton, Blackburn and Durham again. This run would prove crucial in the campaign, pushing Palace towards the top spots and ultimately leaving them there. Farrow enjoyed a personal high with a 73rd-minute winner against the Addicks. Haines remembers: “[Coach] James Marrs was shouting at us to keep the ball in the corner for the win, but we went for the third to kill the game off. The celebrations were unreal.” The first game after Christmas saw Palace face Durham, in which they would continue their 2021 form for the new year. It was a

familiar setting for former Wildcat Molly Sharpe, who calls this her favourite fixture of the season. “We made the long drive up and ended up beating them 3-2. Durham are obviously a brilliant side so we knew it was going to be a tough one. “Having my family there and scoring in front of them meant everything. It was one of the most defining points of the season beating them twice, and it meant a lot to the whole team.”

[Coach] James Marrs was shouting at us to keep the ball in the corner for the win, but we went for the third to kill the game off Flying high on 21 points Liverpool made the trip down to Hayes Lane. It was first v third and a huge fixture for Crystal Palace, but the Reds piled on pressure and walked away with three points after a 4-0 victory. Until then Palace hadn’t lost by more than a goal, and this stinging defeat would have an impact on their season for a brief spell. But in the short-term they bounced back emphatically against Lewes, winning 3-1 after a dominant display. It was the perfect response from Dean Davenport’s charges.

February was to be a difficult month for the Eagles, starting a goal down inside the first minute at Bristol City. Things went from bad to worse when Palace walked away losing 4-0. London City smelt blood in the water and were looking to further their standing near the top of the table when making the short trip to Hayes Lane next. Palace started brightly but the visitors took the lead early on, eventually running away to a 5-1 win. To finish the month Palace travelled north to face Sunderland. Looking to bounce back from two disappointing results Davenport tweaked the lineup, which paid off when Sharpe slotted home to take all three points. Frustratingly, March would begin much like February had, but it ended at the start of a run that would restore Palace’s form and send them surging back up the table to secure a record-breaking spot. First struggling Coventry United put in an excellent performance to grab a win and Lewes ran to victory in the following fixture. These back to back losses again posed Palace with a challenge to their mentality and confidence. The south Londoners knew a reversal in fortune was desperately required, which came in the month’s final match against rivals Charlton. The fixture saw Haines score one of the best goals of the season, with a remarkable strike from outside the box smashing into the corner of the net. She would later win the club-wide Goal of the Month award for this sensational effort. palace women

“The way in which she scored the goal was brilliant,” says Sharpe. “The fact that we went on to win the game and got the clean sheet meant everything.” Orman called it “a thing of beauty.” She also praised her own personal performance, saying: “It was really great for me to make an impact late on in the game, making a save to keep the score 1-0.” Winning the south London derby gave Palace the impetus they needed to end the campaign on a high. Final home games saw them host two struggling sides, Blackburn and Watford. Rovers were up first. Throughout the season Palace enjoyed scoring early on, and Sharpe proved that yet again by finding the back of the net in the eighth-minute. Blackburn fought back and grabbed an equaliser only to see their hopes crushed when just five minutes later Haines found the corner, moving Palace into fourth place. The final home game of the season saw Watford travel to Hayes Lane. Sharpe’s brace secured Palace victory, and other results meant Charlton and Sheffield United were unable to catch them in the league. It was all to play for when travelling to Sheffield United on May 1st. Victory could see Palace sit in the top two, but defeat would drop them a place to fifth. The fulltime whistle blew with the scores at 2-2, and Palace ended the season on 37 points and fourth in the league, behind third-place Bristol City on goal difference only

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 65th Birthday to our special Bald Eagle! Wishing you many more exciting (and nerve racking) games at Palace. Lots of love from Team Townsend xx

In memory of Les Dye, a lifelong supporter who attended most home games from the mid 1950s. Much missed by all his family and friends.

Happy Birthday Tom Rumble! A loyal Palace fan, who has been coming to Selhurst Park since childhood! Looking forward to next season. Love from Mum and Helen xxx

Happy 12th Birthday Cameron! Hope you’re feeling GLAD ALL OVER ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY! Love Dad, Mum, Ciaran, Millie & Bonnie xXx

A very happy birthday to our Grandad Seamus who will be 70 in July! Lots of Love Caolan, Eloise, Alex, Aoife and Henry xx

Congratulations Derek Surry on your 90th year - a lifetime Palace supporter! EAGLES!!! With much love and best wishes from Your Family and Friends, xx

from the terraces

Remembering Peter Evans, an avid fan of 70 years who sadly passed away on 4th April 2022. He will be fondly remembered but sorely missed by his family, and all who knew him at Selhurst Park and beyond. RIP Peter Evans.

Jack Fisher - Another season completed! What are we going to do until next season starts?!! I’ve loved every trip home and away with you - Love from Daddy. COYP!

Loving husband to Josie, devoted father to Simon, Ian and Sarah & wonderful grandfather to Islwyn, Mostyn and Hugh. Forever in our hearts as you now fly with the Eagles.

Happy 70th birthday to lifelong Palace fan Steve Webb. We hope you enjoy all your birthday celebrations. Lots of love Kay, Marianne, Hayley, Nicole and all your family. XXX

Happy 60th Birthday to Steve Messenbird who turns 60 on the 13th June. Steve is a season ticket holder in the main stand and was the Croydon Advertiser Blue Bear many years ago. We hope you have the best birthday, love all your family and friends xx

Happy 60th birthday to Bev who is a season ticket holder in the Holmesdale. Love from all the family including the latest Eagles, Dylan and Arthur xx

Chris Maginnis is a long distance fan who travels from New Orleans to see his favourite team several times a season. This photo taken recently at the Brighton away game in the Alan Mullery lounge. Chris will be here for the game against Manchester United for the last game of the season on his birthday. Happy Birthday Chris

Happy 38th Birthday Stefan Lillie. Love from your Auntie and friends in the Players’ Lounge.

Happy 24th birthday to Ben, hope you have a great day and get to see Palace win, lots of love Penny x

Announcing the passing of Harry Gardiner, supporter since 1950’s, who passed away aged 90 this March. Deeply missed by friends & family.

Happy 61st Birthday to Steve Purcell for 23rd May. A life long Palace supporter and very special to us. Enjoy the day. With all our love, Maureen, Charlotte, Mandy and John xx

Sherifa Charla, a massive Palace fan who attended many of the home games down the years, has sadly passed away on 25/4/2022. God bless.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk

Happy 10th Birthday Sonny. Have the best day champ. Love Mum and Craig

Ashley Smith was a lifelong Palace supporter. Unfortunately, he recently passed away, age 34, after a 13 year battle with cancer. Rest in paradise bro, fly high with the Eagles.

from the terraces

with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard next season.

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 two players scored a brace each in Palace’s 5-0 victory over United in 1972?

Against who did Aaron Wan-Bissaka make his senior Palace debut?

Which manager gave Wilfried Zaha his debut?

Who scored Palace’s goals in the 1990 FA Cup final?

Which former assistant manager at Palace also performed the role for Steve Coppell at Bristol City?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

This Lancashire-born actor is perhaps more closely linked with Norwich than Manchester, and even once played avid Manchester City fan, Paul Calf. Do you recognise this famous United 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

2-1 4-0 2-1 1-1 total Manage to Beat Brighty? Keep track of your total score above!

ANSWERS Guess who: Andy Preece Spot the image: Page 23 Quiz: 1) Paddy Mulligan and Don Rogers 2) Tottenham Hotspur 3) Paul Hart 4) Gary O’Reilly and Ian Wright (two) 5) Keith Millen Famous Fan: Steve Coogan Guess the Ground: London Road Stadium − Peterborough United

games

team stats: women / U23s / U18s Dean Davenport Palace Women finished in a remarkable fourthplace, a record high for the team.

Paddy McCarthy McCarthy led the U23s to fifth-place in their first Premier League 2 Division 1 season.

Rob Quinn In his first season managing the U18, Rob Quinn guided Palace to third, nine points off first.

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

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

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

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Fri 27

Everton

W 3-1

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

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

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

D 2-2

Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur

W 4-3

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers

L 1-2

Sat 6

Chelsea

W 2-1

Sat 20

Liverpool

W 3-0

Sat 27

Manchester United

W 2-1

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

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United

L 2-4

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

JANUARY Mon 10 Everton

D 2-2

Mon 17 Chelsea

W 3-2

Mon 24 Liverpool

L 0-2

FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur

W 4-1

Sun 20

D 2-2

W W L W

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

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

Manchester United

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

Manchester City

L 1-2

Sat 19

Arsenal

D 1-1

APRIL Mon 4

Leeds United

L 0-4

W 2-1 W 2-1

Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers

L 1-2

MAY Mon 2

Leicester City

W 3-2

D 2-2

Mon 9

Derby County

W 3-1

women/u23s/u18s

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

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

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

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

6-1 2-3 0-1 3-0 2-2

W 2-1 W 1-0

Name

Apps

Skye Bacon

Goals

Bianca Baptiste

Name

Apps

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Scott Banks

David Boateng

Name

Apps

Joshua Addae

Goals

Asher Agbinone

Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Malachi Boateng

Ryan Bartley

Charley Clifford

Luke Dreher

Kalani Barton

Grace Coombs

Harry Freedman

Freddie Bell

Owen Goodman (GK)

Maliq Cadogan

Leanne Cowan

John-Kymani Gordon

Junior Dixon

Aimee Everett

Reece Hannam

Owen Goodman (GK)

Millie Farrow

Danny Imray

Jackson Izquierdo (GK)

Coral-Jade Haines

Nya Kirby

Kanye Jobson

Jake O'Brien

James Leonard

Alex Hennessy

David Omilabu

Cameron Lewis-Brown

David Ozoh

Killian Phillips

Dan Quick

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Annabel Johnson

Sophie McLean

Chloe Morgan (GK)

Joe Ling

Adler Nascimento

Zach Marsh 18

Fionn Mooney

David Obou

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

David Ozoh

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Leigh Nicol

Sean Robertson

Emily Orman (GK)

Kaden Rodney

Cardo Siddik

Aidan Steele

Rob Street

Laurence Shala

James Taylor

Joe Sheridan

Dylan Thiselton

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

Matthew Vigor

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth (GK)

Vonnte Williams

Gracie Pearse

Molly-Mae Sharpe

Isabella Sibley

1 7

Hope Smith Lizzie Waldie

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

liv

22 16 4

2 49 11 38 52

lon

22 13 2

7 35 22 13 41

bri

22 11

7 43 28 15 37

cry

22 11

7 35 39 -4 37

cha

22 10 4

8 27 18 9 34

pos CLUB P W D 1

mci

26 16 6

A GD Pts

4 65 32 33 54

pos CLUB 1

sou

P W D

26 20 2

4 80 34 46 62

A GD Pts

whu 26 15 3

8 59 39 20 48

whu 26 18 4

4 70 25 45 58

ars

5 56 48 8 41

cry

26 16 5

5 61 31 30 53 6 58 43 15 48

26 10 11

liv

26 11

8 47 37 10 40

ars

26 14 6

cry

26 12 3

11 54 50 4 39

lei

26 14 5

7 47 31 16 47

mun 26 11

9 46 43 3 39

ful

26 14 4

8 53 30 23 46 8 66 49 17 46

dur

22 10 4

8 30 28 2 34

tot

26 10 7

9 49 45 4 37

che

26 14 4

she

22 9

7 34 31 3 33

lei

26 10 7

9 38 53 -15 37

bha

26 10 3 13 57 58 -1 33

lew 22 9

11 23 24 -1 29

bla

26 9

9 50 56 -6 35

tot

26 10

10 bha

26 9

7 10 41 41 0 34

eve

26 8

5 13 33 54 -21 29

rdg

26 7

3 16 36 62 -26 24

12 che

26 7

7 12 39 47 -8 28

12 avl

26 5

5 16 44 69 -25 20

sun

22 6

6 10 23 32 -9 24

10 BLA

22 5

2 15 17 41 -24 17

cov* 22 5

12 wat

22 2

10 wba 26 9

15 52 66 -14 31

2 15 42 63 -21 29

7 10 18 32 -14 12

13 lee

26 7

6 13 44 49 -5 27

13 bir

26 3

5 18 29 76 -47 14

5 15 18 46 -28 11

14 der

26 4

3 19 31 58 -27 15

14 nor

26 3

1 22 20 78 -58 10

* 10 point deduction

women/u23s/u18s

MAY

APRIL

March

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

Chelsea

KICK-OFF 15:00

Result 0-3

Sat 21

Brentford