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

Crystal Palace v Norwich City Tuesday 28th December 2021 // 3:00pm

palace √ norwich city tue 28 dec | 15:00

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, Alexa Terry, Sabirina Mohamed Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Dan Weir (PPA), Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

they’re two No.1 goalkeepers pushing for each other’s spot and since I’ve come in they’ve been brilliant, they’ve really welcomed me and so have the lads

briefing palace √ norwich city tue 28 dec | 15:00

Up to 50% off in Club Shop’s mid-season sale now on Crystal Palace’s Club Shop has launched a mid-season sale, offering up to 50% off a range of items. You’ll be able to take advantage of discounts in-store and online across a

december

range of products in the only post-Christmas sale that really matters. Whether you missed our huge pre-Christmas sales, have some cash or vouchers to spend or simply want to make the most of more great discounts, now’s your chance. We’re launching sales of up to

Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace, 2018

José Fonte born, 1983

George Ndah (1974) and Jeffrey Schlupp (1992) born

Aston Villa 0-1 Crystal Palace, 2013

Crystal Palace 2-1 West Ham United, 2019

50% off – reducing the price on a range of items. But you’ll have to act fast: these discounts only last as long as the stock does. Once it’s gone, it’s gone! Don’t miss your chance and make the most of our midseason sale in store or online – just search ‘CPFC Shop’!

Fan update The Foundation’s Christmas boot appeal has been extended to cover our West Ham game. Get a new pair of trainers or boots for Christmas? Donate your old ones to those in need at our drop-off point in the Fanzone pre-match!

What’s inside Find out… Remi Matthews’ determined approach to life at Palace (Page 12), how the Academy can go international (Page 42) and the way a club in Brixton shaped Sean Scannell and Nathaniel Clyne (Page 47). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Dean Smith, the Norwich directors, staff and players, and very good afternoon to everyone supporting us.

irstly, I hope you and those close to you had an enjoyable Christmas. I know it is again an uncertain time for everyone, but right now the priority is safety. We are going through a period where further games may be cancelled or, as much as we don’t want them to, go behind closed doors, but we have to focus on welfare. At the club, we have strict protocols in place from the doctor to protect everybody - players, staff and supporters - and we are following these closely. We all need to adhere to the guidelines to have a better chance of fighting COVID. We wanted to play the Watford fixture but have to accept these decisions with the current situation and prepare the team the best we can. I have had to write these notes shortly before our match with Spurs, so the last game I can discuss is the Southampton draw. We started the Saints match really well and played with intensity for the first 15 minutes. But we stopped respecting the game and started to make complicated decisions, which led to mistakes. These mistakes gave Southampton the belief to get back into the game

and the way we finished the firsthalf was frustrating. In the second-half we showed character, desire and fight to score the goal which earned us a point. I was really pleased with that attitude, because we put Southampton under

I was really pleased with that attitude, because we put Southampton under pressure, but overall we have to learn to kill games and to manage them by keeping our concentration pressure, but overall we have to learn to kill games and to manage them by keeping our concentration throughout. This is a process we have to continue to improve and it remains important for us to learn quickly. We still have details to add manager

to our general game to allow us to score more and concede less. This is the focus for the rest of the season. Now more than ever having a strong squad is important, and I was pleased with how Will and Jack performed before Christmas. Every single player wants to play at this club, and everyone will have an opportunity to shine, do well and make my life difficult. That is what Will did: he waited for his time, got his chance and played well. I was also happy with Jack, who is a real professional and sets an example through his work ethic and leadership. I want to continue bringing competitiveness to the team so the squad becomes even stronger. It’s an important policy to have. Today I’m expecting a fight. Norwich will make it a really difficult afternoon because they always manage to create chances. We have to concentrate, focus and show desire to compete by playing with intensity and keeping the opposition under pressure. I have no doubt we can do this, and put in the performance your support deserves for the final time in 2021. Thank you for your support

captain

Good afternoon to each of you reading this – I hope you and your family are well and that you are having an enjoyable Christmas period.

t is again a tough time for the country and for football due to the pandemic. I hope it is safe for all of you to be here supporting us today because I know how much it means to you and to us. But more importantly I hope you are all well. We were playing after some more good performances and with more positive results behind us, so were disappointed the Watford game was postponed. But we knew it was a decision made to keep everyone safe. The Southampton game for me was a bit frustrating because I felt we could have won. We were the dominant team for so much of this match but a short time in the first-half where we maybe lost some concentration or confidence meant we gave ourselves some problems that we ended up not being able to overcome. What I saw when we were on top though, especially just three days after our last game, was very pleasing to me. I was glad Jordan scored that equaliser for the team to earn a point but also for Jordan to get

a goal he has deserved for some time now. I cannot comment on the Spurs Boxing Day game because I have had to write this page

as always I expect the lads to be focused well on this match and to put in the performance your support throughout all of 2021 deserves – one last time this year

before the match and will be writing my notes for West Ham straight after the Norwich match finishes. This shows how busy this part of the year is in English captain

football, but I like playing it and know we have some chances to push up the table. Today’s match will be another fight for several reasons: first because we have to recover quickly again. Second because Norwich have shown they can cause teams trouble and will be working very hard to take something with them today. Every team knows they can rescue a season around Christmas and if you have the reward of staying up like they do, it can bring more out of you. So as always I expect the lads to be focused well on this match and to put in the performance your support throughout all of 2021 deserves – one last time this year. Lastly, while we continue to fight hard to get past this virus and keep everyone close to us safe, I urge you to follow all guidelines – especially those shared by the club if you are watching us in person. Very best wishes to you all and to your families. Make some noise!

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Norwich City to Selhurst Park, and of course, welcome to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here this afternoon to get behind Patrick’s team for the last time in 2021.

’d like to use these notes to reflect on what has been an eventful but productive year for the club on and off the pitch. Casting my mind back to the end of last season, we finished 16 points clear of danger – representing another season of stability. Roy was given the sendoff he richly deserved after an outstanding spell as our manager at the end of another campaign disrupted by the pandemic. Several players departed the club - Scott Dann, Patrick van Aanholt, Andros Townsend, Mamadou Sakho, Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Henderson, James McCarthy, Gary Cahill and Connor Wickham – all of whom made a fantastic contribution during their time with us. In the summer, we added a significant number of players as replacements. Each of the players who have joined us – Marc, Michael, Odsonne, Joachim, Remi, Will, as well as Conor on loan – have hit the ground running and made an impact on the season so far, with much more to come.

Patrick and his staff also arrived and since their appointment in July we’ve had some fantastic performances, including wins at home to Spurs and away at Manchester City - days that will live long in the memory. I know we are all encouraged by the progress and style of football. We now head into an uncertain period with the current health backdrop and players potentially leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations. I hope we can continue playing to packed stadiums as having your support home and away will make a huge difference to the team. chairman

Since Patrick’s appointment in July we’ve had some fantastic performances, including wins at home to Spurs and away at Manchester City - days that will live long in the memory

The highlight of my year is our outstanding new Academy facility... We now have an elite site we hope will enable us to attract, develop and retain the very best young talent

The highlight of my year is unquestionably the progress and opening event of our outstanding new Academy facility. To have Gareth Southgate cut the ribbon in the presence of dozens of former players, current and past managers and other special guests was a magnificent occasion. We now have an elite site we hope will enable us to attract, develop and retain the very best young talent. The teams have more than capably handled the step-up to the highest divisions – with the Under18s finishing joint-top of the league in May and performing impressively this term, while the U23s secured promotion to the Premier League 2 at the first time of asking, before defeating Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United this season – all away from home. Enormous credit must go to the coaches: Shaun Derry for his work with the U23s before joining Patrick, Paddy McCarthy for his

efforts with the U18s last season (now led by Rob Quinn) and now the U23s, as well as Gary Issott our Academy Director, all the coaches, and many more behind the scenes. The Palace Women’s team is also enjoying its best ever season in the Women’s Championship. Another highlight of the year was seeing our documentary When Eagles Dare being watched around the world on Amazon Prime. It charts a hugely important threeyear period in the club’s history, chairman

and for me personally, and it’s been amazing seeing the reaction of Palace fans online – but also of those who haven’t followed the club before. I genuinely believe the series will inspire a new generation of supporters. All that’s left for me to say is thank you for your unwavering loyalty and support in what has been another testing year for us all. Enjoy the match today, and let’s hope for a better 2022 for everyone. Up the Palace!

Remi Matthews joined one of the most competitive pairs in Premier League goalkeeping when he put pen to paper with Palace last summer. He’s up front about his aims following the switch, and here reveals an insight into his driven, thick-skinned attitude. Interview: Ben Mountain Words: Sabirina Mohamed

main interview

he second signing under a new manager, Patrick Vieira, and returning to the Premier League from Sunderland, it would make sense for 27-year-old Remi Matthews to have a point to prove. It’s absolutely how the goalkeeper feels. “I’m not just coming here to tick the boxes and have a nice, easy time,” he says. “I want to work hard and prove to people that I am a good goalkeeper. “I want to improve and want to work with the top players that are here, top goalkeepers, a top goalkeeper coach. I want to improve; I’m 27-years-old, I’ve still got so much time to potentially make a better living for myself and play at a higher level than I have. That’s my aim.” Over his playing career, the ‘keeper has advanced from the hardships of League Two loans as a teenager into the Championship, and developed at Premier League Norwich City, today’s opposition. Now at Palace alongside seasoned internationals, the shot stopper has experienced all levels. Having represented five clubs on loan, Matthews emphasises the importance of earning minutes in any league: “The lower you go, the harder it gets. And it does get tough, because you haven’t got the facilities, you haven’t got the perks that come with being at a Championship or Premier League club. Of course, the problem with a lot of lads and going to a lowerleague club is, if you don’t do well, where do you go from there? That’s the risk you take.

“But say someone comes through the ranks at Palace, are here for four or five years and don’t play and then all of a sudden the club say: ‘Right, we’re going to release you.’ What do you do then? Straight away, someone will look at your CV and go: ‘He’s not played a single game.’” Striking the delicate balance between knowing your strengths and recognising one’s capacity to improve is something Matthews does with aplomb.

I want to improve and want to work with the top players that are here, top goalkeepers, a top goalkeeper coach. I want to improve; I’m 27-years-old, I’ve still got so much time to potentially make a better living for myself and play at a higher level than I have

“Okay, I’ve not played a million games, but I’m on a reasonable amount – about 100odd league games now. That’s a reasonable amount for me. I’m obviously not 100% happy because I want to play more, but I’m happy with getting over the 100 mark because no one can tell me I’m not experienced enough or haven’t played enough games.” He notes that this progression was doubtless boosted by the guidance of Palace goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely, with whom Matthews has formed a close bond since his Norwich days. remi matthews

“Deano was great for me. He sort of took me under his wing, pushed me to get out on loan to get games and when I went out on loan and did well he came to a few of the games. He’s someone I’ve always stayed in touch with for positive and negative feedback and if I ever need advice he’s someone that I always went to. Ever since I met Dean we’ve always had a good relationship and he’s not only a work colleague, he’s a friend as well. “Deano’s worked with me before, he knows what I can do and if I get back to my best, he knows where I can be.” Already over three years into his tenure as Palace goalkeeping coach, Kiely, who also spends time coaching the Republic of Ireland national team, is no stranger to the nuances of goalkeeping, having spent over 20 years in the position. “I’ve had coaches that I’ve had a good relationship with. That’s important [for] a goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach to have that relationship, because you’re working with them day in, day out. The last thing you want to be doing is [working with] someone you don’t enjoy working with and don’t get on with. Me and Deano have always sort of connected. I think he respects me and I respect him. “Obviously that wasn’t the [only] factor for me coming, because of course I would have snapped at it anyway – it’s a great opportunity. It just shows what the club think of him as a person, as a goalkeeper coach for him to stay on

and hopefully be stable in the job he’s got. Full credit to him.” Despite Matthews’ 138 appearances and almost decadelong professional career, there are elements of the job any player can find tricky. Much of that comes off the pitch, the ‘keeper explains: “Especially this modern day, you see a lot of criticism for goalkeepers. Sometimes understandably, sometimes not really fully deserved. With Deano, he knows the ins and outs to being a goalkeeper. It’s obviously having that tight bond purely because of the experiences he’s had and he puts his ‘keepers first.

The last thing you want to be doing is [working with] someone you don’t enjoy working with and don’t get on with. Me and Deano have always sort of connected. I think he respects me and I respect him “That’s the most important thing, you know you can approach him and he’s going to give his honest opinion on what he thinks and he’ll thread that through to the outfield coaches and possibly the gaffer.” An example of the realities players may face in their careers is the events after the Euro 2020 final, where three of England’s players faced a wave of racial abuse after the penalty shoot-out against Italy. Here a lot of the rhetoric took place on social media, where there is little control over the opinions remi matthews

main interview

that can be shared for all to see, particularly ones that target those with public-facing jobs and large followings, like footballers. “Look at [Bukayo] Saka,” Matthews says, picking the incident out. “He was the man, everyone loved him, getting all these messages and all of a sudden the day after the Euro final he’s the villain. That’s the scary thing about modern day society and the social media world: a lot of these people that criticise, a lot of these people you’d say are keyboard warriors, they’ve never kicked a football in their lives.

That’s the scary thing about modern day society and the social media world: a lot of these people that criticise, a lot of these people you’d say are keyboard warriors, they’ve never kicked a football in their lives “That’s one thing I’ve learned through the years: trying to prepare yourself for that side of football and that side of social media. Look, don’t get me wrong: you enjoy all the praise because that’s natural. And people will go ‘don’t look at it’, but that’s rubbish; you do look at it, you look at either side. That’s how you are as a person. It does affect you, of course, but over the years the older you get, the stronger you get, the more firm you get and you can oversee that. “It’s tough, but no one sees that side of football – they see remi matthews

main interview

all the lovey-dovey and money, but it’s not always like that. It is mentally tough.” Matthews is frank and honest about his on-pitch life, too, saying: “I know I’ve come in as third choice, but I’m not a 34-year-old or 35-year-old who wants to just settle down. I want to improve and want to work with the top players that are here.” And it’s this prospect, working with Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland as well as Kiely, that Matthews focuses on when looking ahead to the next few months: “That’s another thing I had at the back of my mind – I knew I was coming to two top goalkeepers. It wasn’t like it was a No.1 and a steady number two – they’re two No.1 goalkeepers, pushing for each other’s spot and since I’ve come in they’ve been brilliant, they’ve really welcomed me and so have the lads. “Jack’s a top quality goalkeeper, as is Guaita. That was definitely a massive factor. I want to come in and want to learn from goalkeepers who’ve played at a level I want to get to. I want to try to strive to get to that level. That’ll be a massive positive for me, knowing I can improve watching and learning from these goalkeepers and this goalkeeper coach.” It is Matthews’ determined and level-headed spirit that shines through in this interview: after all, this is a player who went unpaid at Bolton for six months and stayed as one of four senior players after relegation. However, maintaining such a resolute mindset in the

face of adversity is not always natural, and in what’s often called the loneliest position in football, Matthews points to competition and healthy relationships with his teammates as key pillars. “You’ve always got competitiveness, no matter where you are. That’s the environment you’re in. In the modern day now, most goalkeepers understand the fact we’re not doing it to kill each other, we’re doing it for ourselves.

Jack’s a top quality goalkeeper, as is Guaita. That was definitely a massive factor. I want to come in and want to learn from goalkeepers who’ve played at a level I want to get to. I want to try to strive to get to that level

“At the end of the day, it’s not my fault if someone picks me ahead of him and not his fault if someone picks him ahead of me. It is how it is; it’s football. The bottom line is, that’s our job and we’re trying to get to the top, however that might be. “If you stay strong, stay positive, you always come out on the other side. That’s how I’ve looked at it. I’ve signed for a Premier League football club, so I’ve come out the other side. Obviously I’ll look back and learn from a few things, learn from my mistakes and hopefully put them right and progress and become the ‘keeper I know I can be.” remi matthews

Remi Matthews arrived at Palace with what he calls “two No.1 goalkeepers” fighting for a spot between the sticks. As the goalkeeping position develops year on year, the world sees more and more shot stoppers excelling at the highest levels. Here, Matthews picks out his top five from the current crop.

He’s proved everyone wrong. He’s someone I’ve started to look up to the last couple of years

World’s top ‘keepers Alisson In the Premier League, he’s obviously been brilliant.

Ederson I think he is just a different breed of goalkeeper with his feet. He’s taken it to a different level.

Jordan Pickford Pickford’s shown people what he can do, especially in the Euros. I’d like to say he was probably our best player. Jordan Pickford’s come out and shown he must have a tough mentality to prove everyone wrong, and he has. He’s proved everyone wrong. He’s someone I’ve started to look up to the last couple of years, especially in the Euros.

Manuel Neuer My main ‘keeper has always been Manuel Neuer. A few years ago I remember him the Champions the follow-up

League and he was just up there. He was unbelievable. He obviously had a bad injury which kept him out but even after that he was unbelievable.

Gianluigi Donnarumma He’s 22-years-old and look at him in the Euros. Player of the tournament. The hype, and you’ve got it this year with the likes of [Phil] Foden – not overhyped, because he’s a top quality player - but he gets all this big hype and so much pressure on his shoulders. That’s a problem – going into games knowing you’ve got so much pressure to perform.

Best of the rest Marc-André ter Stegen and Jan Oblak.

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

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Crystal Palace Football Club

norwich f.c. est. 1902

Inside Tough run Dangerman Bomb scares and long-range derbies

opposition

canaries Norwich

Norwich are struggling on their return to the Premier League, collecting just 10 points from their opening 17 games.

match preview As they have before, the Canaries took the Championship by storm in 2020/21, winning the league with 97 points and going on a remarkable nine-game winning run. However, as happened in 19/20, they haven’t enjoyed life back in the top-flight this campaign, parting ways with manager Daniel Farke after four years in early November. Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith took the reins shortly after and Norwich experienced something of an uptick in form: collecting five points in his first three games. Since then the Canaries’ fixture list has been cruel, pitting them against Tottenham, Manchester United, Villa, West Ham and Arsenal. Palace took four points from the teams’ two meetings in 19/20.

Story so far

Position Points

Home

away

third

Last five Seasons Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

1st (Champ)

Pukki (26)

19/20

20th

Pukki (11)

18/19

1st (Champ)

Pukki (29)

17/18

14th (Champ)

Maddison (14)

16/17

8th (Champ)

Jerome (16)

Krul has made the second-most saves of any ‘keeper in the league this season with 58.

20th 10

Top scorer

Teemu Pukki (5)

Most tackles

Max Aarons (35)

Most passes

Ben Gibson (754)

Keeping active: Tim Krul opposition

Boot in both camps

Remember when? Palace trumped Norwich 5-1 in the second tier in October 1998, with Nicky Rizzo, Matt Jansen (two), Mathias Svensson and Attilio Lombardo pulling the Eagles back from a goal behind.

recent form

Recent clash Norwich City 0 Aston Villa 2 Tue 14 Dec / Carrow Road

Starting xi

subs

T. Krul

S. Byram

B. Williams

K. Dowell

B. Gibson

B. Mumba

O. Kabak

A. Gunn

M. Aarons

D. Giannoulis

K. McLean

A. Idah

J. Sørensen

J. Tomkinson

B. Gilmour

T. Dickson-Peters

T. Cantwell

J. Lowe

T. Pukki

P. Placheta

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

23 21

22 19 4

8 15

opposition

Andy Linighan Linighan made 128 appearances for Palace between 1996-2000 and won Player of the Season in 99/00. He represented Norwich from 1988-90 and reached the FA Cup semi-final.

SAFE HANDS 210 apps 49 clean sheets

Tim Krul

04 05 Ben Gibson

Grant Hanley

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: SCOTLAND

Ozan Kabak

Dimitris Giannoulis

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: NETHERLANDS

NAT: TURKEY

NAT: GREECE

Krul has been No.1 at Norwich since his arrival in 2018, helping the club to promotion from the Championship twice and winning their Player of the Season award in 2019/20. He also made the PFA Championship Team of the Season for 20/21 and saved two of five penalties in a 2014 World Cup quarter-final.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.88m

Joined

24th July, 2018

Debut

4th August, 2018 v Birmingham City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Newcastle United & Brighton & Hove Albion. opposition

44 07 02 Andrew Omobamidele

Lukas Rupp

POS: DEFENDER

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: IRELAND

NAT: GERMANY

FAST FEET

53 apps 8 clean sheets

08 10 Kieran Dowell

Max Aarons

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SCOTLAND

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

Billy Gilmour

Age

Height

1.78m

Joined

Academy – aged 16

Debut

14th August, 2018 v Stevenage

AWARDS: • EFL Young Player of the Season 18/19 • EFL Team of the Season 18/19 and 20/21 • Championship Team of the Season 18/19 and 20/21 • EFL Young Player of the Month: December 2020 opposition

Academy product Max Aarons is an explosive right-back who has been nearly ever-present for the Canaries since his debut in 2018. He won the EFL Young Player of the Season award in 2018/19 and has amassed almost 150 appearances aged just 21.

16 Mathias Normann

Milot Rashica

PLAYMAKER

45 apps 6 goals

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: NORWAY

NAT: KOSOVO

Christos Tzolis

Jacob Sørensen

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: GREECE

NAT: DENMARK

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.77m

Joined

Academy – U10 level

Debut

17th January, 2018 v Chelsea

PREVIOUS LOAN: Fortuna Sittard. opposition

Todd Cantwell

Pulling the strings in midfield since his debut, England Under-21 international Cantwell has until this season been one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Canaries since 2018. He has registered over 100 appearances in his Norwich career and scored 14 goals.

22 20 23 MARKSMAN

53 apps 16 goals

Pierre Lees-Melou

Kenny McLean

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: FRANCE

NAT: SCOTLAND

24 35 Teemu Pukki

Joshua Sargent

Adam Idah

POS: FORWARD

NAT: FINLAND

NAT: UNITED STATES

NAT: IRELAND

Pukki has been Norwich’s top goalscorer for three seasons running, averaging a goal every other game for the Canaries. He won the club’s Player of the Season award in 2019 and was part of the EFL Team of the Season in 2020/21.

player profile

POS: FORWARD

Age

Height

1.80m

Joined

30th June, 2018

Debut

4th August, 2018 v Birmingham City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: KTP, Sevilla, HJK, Schalke 04, Celtic & Brøndby. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

After winning five consecutive away league games against Palace between 1991 and 1996, Norwich are winless in their last 16 visits to Selhurst Park against the Eagles (D5 L11).

Crystal Palace have won three of their last four Premier League games against Norwich (D1), as many as they had in their previous 20 top-flight meetings with the Canaries (D7 L10).

32 00

01 31

Passes per match 460

416 shots

191

178 Shooting accuracy %

29 goals conceded

34 clean sheets

Christian Benteke Appearances

goals

Teemu Pukki Appearances

goals

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.

The late escape I’m not sure many Norwich supporters felt they had a chance of staying up this season – earlier on they were everyone’s favourites to go down. But, while it was unfortunate Daniel Farke lost his job, they’ve impressed me by hiring Dean Smith. They’ve given themselves the chance of staying in the league with that appointment, because he’s a fantastic manager. Dean seems quietly confident he could pull off what would be a miracle, in my opinion. He seems very honest and I like that what you see is what you get. For someone of his stature to take this job at the time he took it shows he feels there’s something in this club he can build on. What’s changed most clearly and has been a real positive is playing on the front foot more. My main criticism of Norwich under Daniel Farke was they didn’t have a go. Sure, if you’re playing a big side it’s less likely you’ll win, but they lost 7-0 and 5-0 and seemed from the outside to be sitting

back and accepting defeat. Dean Smith seems to have turned that around, building their confidence up and getting them to attack. Even against Spurs – who won 3-0 – Norwich looked like their opponent’s equal or better. If

Cantwell didn’t get much of a look in under Daniel Farke earlier this season but has started to come back to the fold and looks great

they’re going to lose, they’re going to lose having a go. That’s what you want as a supporter. Norwich have some good players, too. Billy Gilmour on loan from Chelsea is a fantastic midfielder with a really bright Darren ambrose

future in the game, much like Todd Cantwell. Cantwell didn’t get much of a look in under Daniel Farke earlier this season but has started to come back to the fold and looks great. Max Aarons has also really impressed me at right-back and, of course, Teemu Pukki gives you a chance through his goals. He showed he can handle the Premier League in their last top-flight campaign. But, having said all that, I can’t see Norwich staying up. I just don’t

think they can do it. Under Dean Smith they have every opportunity, however, and I love to be proved wrong and to see the underdog come through. If they stay up, it will be a fantastic achievement. Today Norwich need a bit of luck. They’ve had chances before and missed them, so their fortune is bound to change at some point, but it will be frustrating for Palace if it happens today. Norwich will have hunger and desire to collect points, but I do think Palace will have too much for them.

Derbies rivalries Norwich supporters might see me tip them for relegation and assume it’s because of my Ipswich Town connections; it’s not, but I did enjoy playing in that rivalry. It’s a strange one because of the distance between the clubs – like Palace and Brighton – but Ipswich is far from everywhere! So they’ve always had a rivalry with Norwich and in recent times the Canaries have had the best of it. I remember some great games between us. I was 18 in one match and we got a last-minute penalty to steal a point. Darren Bent took it, struck the post and I followed up on the rebound. Rob Green was in goal and made an unbelievable save but Pablo Couñago got to it and scored at the death. Going off-piste, I played with Pablo at Palace under George Burley and felt for him a bit because he didn’t show his full ability. He was in and out of the team and when he was in he looked like he was trying

a bit too hard – he was a brilliant, brilliant player for Ipswich who was slight but so strong at holding the ball up. Palace supporters never got to see what he could do.

Staying safe When I was playing we didn’t have the situation players do today with COVID. There will be some players, and I’d have been one of them due to my children, who are concerned for their family’s safety. If there are any health issues I’d want a game called off, but when I was playing I didn’t want fixture pile ups. I once had a game called off away at QPR for a bomb scare just as we were leaving the dressing room. We all thought it was a joke at first and thankfully it turned out to be nothing. We were relieved everyone was safe, but in that moment you think: ‘We don’t need this; not another Tuesday or Wednesday game. We’re prepared now, let’s get this out the way.’ Naively you focus on the game rather than everyone’s safety and, while it’s different today, it’s worth keeping that in mind: the health of players, staff, supporters and their families is much more important than the game itself then, now and always. So with that in mind I want to say I hope everyone is keeping safe and well. We’ve been through this before and will get through it again, but I urge everyone to follow the guidelines, especially those set out by clubs if football matches continue to host crowds. It’s your health and safety and, more darren ambrose

importantly, your family’s, that they’re protecting. If the decision does come that fans can’t come in again for a while, I hope everyone remains safe and manages to keep upbeat, because we’re going through a tough time right now. So, as I’ve shared before, below you’ll find details of organisations who can offer help if you need it - now or ever

• Samaritans, open for anyone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org • CALM, open 5pm-midnight every day: 0800 58 58 58

writers alexa terry

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

While many supporter’s first thoughts of cheerleading may be pom poms, sparkly outfits and American high school pep rallies, cheerleading is very much a tough team sport, requiring strength, stamina and confidence. It is considered by some to be among the most dangerous sports ever. With participants thrown into the air, teams creating human pyramids and cheerleaders cartwheeling around the floor, it is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Contrary to modern stereotypes cheerleading was developed as a discipline by men. It originated in the 1880s at Princeton University when a group of students formed a male pep club to support their local football team. They took their chants and team spirit to the University of Minnesota in 1898 where it quickly caught on. Student Johnny Campbell stood in front of a crowd, chanting and cheering his team on. It is said that his enthusiasm helped to win the game and Johnny became known as the first ever cheerleader. A century after cheerleading was borne in American universities,

it made its way to Selhurst Park in the form of the Crystals. The Crystals perform at home games pre-match and at half-time, and help to host events with junior supporters. They also take part in

the Crystals have been absent from Selhurst this year, but we were glad to see them back for the Southampton game

on popular social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, predominantly Instagram where they often post sneak peeks of their routines, and even home workouts for followers during the recent lockdowns. Palace are now the only Premier League club to have a cheerleading team, and they form part of the Palace atmosphere. When the Crystals aren’t at Selhurst, they sometimes attend games at Boxpark in Croydon to cheer on the team with their routines. They have even made headlines in newspapers like the Daily Mail and the Mirror in previous years. The Crystals have been absent from Selhurst this year, but we were glad to see them back for the Southampton game, flying the flag for a team sport almost as old as Palace itself

fundraising and charity occasions throughout the year, such as Dance Beats Charity event to raise money for various charities including Cancer Research UK, and the club’s #CallFullTimeOnHate campaign in 2017. They have a wide following aspiring writers

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

PLAY NOW © 2021 Electronic Arts Inc. Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, the EA SPORTS logo, Ultimate Team and Powered by Football are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Official FIFA licensed product. © FIFA and FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Electronic Arts Inc. All UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League names, logos and trophies are the property, registered trademarks, designs and/or copyright of UEFA. All rights reserved. ” and “Play Has No Limits” “2”, “PlayStation”, “Ø”, “ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

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inside the academy copers cope road

Inside Meet the Under-18s’ top scorer How the Academy can go global Phil Hoadley: From triple jumper to centre-half

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.

Victor Akinwale age: 17 / position: Striker / joined: Aged 12

highlights so far Akinwale made his England Under-18s debut in November, playing against the Netherlands and Belgium. He also won the U15 Super Floodlit Cup in 2019, earning two assists in the final.

Take note of The young forward’s strength and speed up-top allow him to drive at opposition defences and cause trouble close to goal, playing off the shoulder and looking to run in-behind. inside the academy

Getting to know Victor Akinwale -

Victor is humble, hard-working and has a great work ethic about him. He’s honest in his values, and that aligns a lot with mine. He smiles, loves coming to work every day and is a pleasure to coach Rob Quinn u18S manager

Victor Akinwale is an out and out goalscorer. He led the line for the Under-18s in their runners-up 2020/21 campaign and is doing so again with success this season - striking a remarkable 13 from 12 already. So perhaps it’s no surprise that, despite starting life in football as a left-winger, Akinwale netted a hattrick in his first Palace appearance. “I was playing with my Sunday league team in a final and scored four goals,” he remembers, carrying on succinctly: “I got scouted, came in for a week, trained once, played one trial match against West Ham and scored a hat-trick. I got signed after that.” It’s a neat summary of how a prolific goalscorer gets attention. When Akinwale joined aged 12 he says he was enthusiastic and fast, both traits required to get by as an Academy forward. They were attributes that helped to shape him today, but the teenage striker is able to reflect on four years in which he’s changed enormously, so much that he earned a professional contract and England Under-18s debut earlier this year. “[When I joined I was] enthusiastic, hungry to score goals. I’m still quick but I was very quick back then. A good finisher. “Tactically I’ve improved a lot. I was coming from Sunday league and there are not many tactics there; just send it long and run onto the ball. Physically in the gym Inside the academy

I’ve done a lot now and feel a lot stronger and quicker. “[Now I want] to become an Under-23s regular striker, get opportunities with the first-team and score many goals.” Simple ambitions for a straighttalking player. But the path to professional football isn’t as clearcut as Akinwale’s concise aims, something that’s already been made clear to him. Given his success with the Under-18s so far, and his steps into the Under-23s on occasion, the forward has been called-up to train with Patrick Vieira’s squad over the road on Copers Cope. The experience showed Akinwale where he has to reach to make it at the top, but he has all the tools required to help him along the way: “I trained there [with the first-team] and enjoyed it so much. The players are so much better than Under-18s level – no disrespect to them! – but they’re Premier League players and I just enjoyed playing with them. Hopefully I can get more opportunities. “Darren Powell, Rob Quinn and Paddy McCarthy have all been fundamental in my development at the club. “When I joined I was with Quinny at Under-14s, 15s and even 16s. When I move up to the Under-23s Paddy and Powelly are my coaches from last season, so I’m used to them.” A taste of elite football and trio of ever-present coaches, Victor Akinwale has all he needs to keep on scoring

inside the academy

Karl Eccleston Although phase one of the building work is now complete, there are various ongoing projects at the Academy, many of them made possible by the new facilities.

aving three classrooms has enabled us to re-launch our hybrid programme this season, which brings Under-13s-16s into the Academy on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The days look like this: a player arrives at 2pm and goes straight to the dome to train. They come back inside, have a nutritious meal, and complete their schoolwork in a classroom with the assistance of our team of in-house tutors. Once they’re done, they go back out for their evening training session. So we’re providing the boys with more coaching hours at better times without compromising their education. The last group we ran a hybrid programme with was Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s. It’s not easy getting these boys from across London – we have lads as far west as Feltham and as far north as Enfield – to arrive at the same time, but we’re seeing the benefits already. The other challenge is getting schools and parents on board. Our Head of Education, Rowan Griffiths, spoke with schools for almost 100 lads and 75-80 of them are now benefitting. We’re confident

the boys’ education is well supported by this, but understandably some schools need a bit of convincing. Another real fillip enabled by the facilities is our Saturday and Sunday recruitment work. We have a full-time Schools Liaison Officer, Derek Bradley, who invites local schools and grassroots teams to play one another at the weekend. Typically, we have eight sides

Our duty with these lads is to educate them as individuals; as people – not just footballers competing on-site while our scouting staff watch. The idea is if you’re a talented, unsigned footballer aged 12-16 in London, we’ll have seen you play. And we’re seeing the fruits of this already: there are lads in the system now who’ve been signed through it – some of the best untapped talent in London. The last football-related point is our efforts to play foreign opposition.

Inside the academy

Union Berlin got in touch recently to host a friendly with them, which was the first of its kind at the new Academy. We aim to run a tour abroad for each age group once a year, but haven’t been able to since the pandemic began. But now we have plans, dependant on the situation in the continent, for tournaments across Europe where the lads will play sides from places as far as Mexico. In terms of mid-season foreign competition, our Under-23s have to sustain their current form and finish in the top 12 to join the Premier League International Cup. It hasn’t taken place for the last two seasons, but if it returns for 2022/23, England’s top 12 academies will host Europe’s. The most recent winners were Porto and Bayern Munich, so this is another fantastic opportunity. Finally, the boys have thrown themselves into supporting causes beyond football lately, donating to Marie Curie, attending a local food bank and giving boots to the Foundation’s Christmas appeal. Our duty with these lads is to educate them as individuals; as people – not just footballers

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

Triple jumper to centre-half -

PHIL HOADLEY Born First-team debut

6th January, 1952 27th April, 1968

Appearances

Goals

inside the academy

Phil Hoadley was attending Battersea County school when Palace’s then-assistant manager Arthur Rowe spotted him. He had already represented Battersea District in both football and cricket and was also the London junior triple jump champion. Starting as an apprentice in July 1967 Hoadley was immediately drafted into the club’s junior teams where he settled down at centre-half, having been tried on the wing, and before the year was out he appeared in the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup. More was to follow as Hoadley then featured in all seven FA Youth Cup games as the club reached the semi-final for the first time, drawing Coventry City but losing away in the second leg. Despite its success, Hoadley was the only player from that squad to make a significant impact on the firstteam. His age meant he qualified for these youth competitions for the next two seasons.

Soon Hoadley was appearing for the Under-17, Under-18 and Reserve teams and in March 1968 was the unused senior substitute at home to Carlisle United. A month later at Bolton, on 27th April, 1968, he was sent on as the substitute for Len Tomkins and at 16 years, 112 days became

Hoadley was the only player from that squad to make a significant impact on the first-team... he became Palace’s then-youngest player

Palace’s then-youngest player. A similar appearance occurred four days later at Selhurst Park before Hoadley made his full debut in the Division Two fixture at Fulham on Friday, 13th September, 1968 - standing in for Colin Taylor who had suffered a family bereavement. On his 17th birthday in January 1969 Hoadley Inside the academy

signed a professional contract and went on to gain youth international honours. In Division One Hoadley became a regular feature, either starting or from the bench, and in that inaugural season was used in a variety of roles, mainly in defence or midfield. He accumulated 38 appearances from the 51 games played that season. In the League Cup replay at Blackpool on October 1st, 1969, Hoadley scored the first of his two senior goals, the only goal of the game to see Palace through to the fourth round. The following season Hoadley made a similar number of appearances and in the days before squad numbers - when players were numbered from 1-11, usually to indicate their position he became the first Palace player to wear all outfield numbers when for the only time in his career with the club he donned the No.6 for a 2-0 League Cup replay at Highbury. This result denied Arsenal the chance of a treble, and was their only home defeat in their double-winning season In autumn 1971, with the club again struggling in Division One, Hoadley was one of six players to make their last first-team appearances as he chose to join (Leyton) Orient. In 1978 he signed for Norwich City where he played for the next four years and then in the 1990s was a Football in the Community Officer with the Canaries. He has returned to Selhurst Park on occasion

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South London is a unique place to live, work and experience. In each programme, we shed light on a few of the names or events that have shaped and continue to shape our half of the city. In this edition, Steadman Scott of Brixton’s Afewee Academy explains how he uses tough love and football to keep young south Londoners on a positive pathway.

Voices of South London

hen Steadman Scott tells a young player he can make it to the top, it’s not to try and build his confidence. It’s a reminder of responsibility, almost a warning: this is your chance, now go and take it. In 23 years running the Afewee Academy in Brixton, it’s a message Scott has had to deliver plenty of times. Many professional players have been nurtured in the sessions he runs at the Brixton Recreation Centre, establishing a reputation as a source for exciting young south London talent. In theory Scott is a football coach. In reality, his influence off the ball is just as important. There is one story he holds particularly dear: that of Corie Andrews. Andrews spent a decade with Palace’s Academy, but by his own admission lacked the discipline to make it to the top. “He was being a gang member and a footballer,” Scott recalls. “He was out of Palace, at a roundabout going in circles, not sure which direction to take. He came down to the rec centre and saw me, and I was cursing him. “When he was at Palace, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was his roommate. He decided to take the wrong road, and this boy [WanBissaka] stayed focused; now he’s playing for Manchester United. It’s like a slap in the face. “He could see that in his block of flats, his friends are getting in trouble. I said: ‘This is not a life, son. You had a better

opportunity than all of these boys here, so don’t waste it. Football is your way.’” After impressing for Kingstonian, Andrews signed for AFC Wimbledon and secured his future as a professional. “At 22, the penny finally dropped,” says Scott. “That to me is a brilliant story. That’s a story that’s needed.” This gets to the heart of Scott’s passion for football in the community: after a spell in prison in the 1990s, he wants to give young men the support he never had. “It’s important to understand why our young people are going astray and what they need,” he explains. “If I was young nowadays and you didn’t know what I needed, you couldn’t stop me from being in a gang. Voices of South London

'This is not a life, son. You had a better opportunity than all of these boys here, so don’t waste it. Football is your way'

“Too many programmes in our community are just put there for youngsters to have fun. That is terrible, because when you reach 16-17 there is no future, he’s going to jail. An environment that carries boundaries is important for young people to grow into their full potential. “Discipline is important. I say to parents: ‘I shout at kids a lot. My advice is loud. I am frightening. But the kids here love

it, because they’ve got a chance to express themselves. I want him to feel totally free, so he can let himself go.' “I’m training him to be a competitor, so he’s got to have a bit of fight and nastiness in him, but it’s controlled aggression.” Among Scott’s greatest successes - former Palace graduate Sean Scannell included - Nathaniel Clyne stands tall. An England international, his rise to the top is a source of immense satisfaction. “He has done our community a great service. Our kids can see this. I need [Clyne] to show our community what we need to be successful… Mentoring was the important thing. Nobody had ever told him that he could be a footballer, so when he came that was immediately put into him. So straight away he has a different outlook. “Now he’s in an environment where it’s about you being a footballer, it’s about you being a role model. We need you to get up to there because at the same time you get there, you open up the door for other boys.” Today Scott works tirelessly to ensure that a new generation follow Clyne’s example. He tells the story of a youngster he is currently mentoring. “He is the best around town. Outstanding. I would pay to watch him play. My problem is when he goes to secondary school, when he starts to think about girls, when his friends start to influence him. It’s about knowing who you

are and staying focused on your football and your books. “I say: ‘Don’t go and party, son. Sacrifice being a youth so that you can have a future… Don’t go out with your friend because he’s going to a party and he says you’re boring. Be boring, son! Because when school is finished

He has done our community a great service. Our kids can see this. I need [Clyne] to show our community what we need to be successful… Mentoring was the important thing. Nobody had ever told him that he could be a footballer

and it’s time to leave, he’s going to be in a block of flats and you’re going straight to an academy.’” With indoor coaching impossible during the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott worries what effect the closure of Afewee had on his players. But in reality, he is aware that it’s not just them missing Afewee – and beneath the façade of the disciplinarian, Voices of South London

the warmth and pride Scott truly feels begins to show. “Parents tell me that their children say: ‘Daddy, when are we going back to Brixton?’” he laughs. “I say: ‘I miss you more than you miss me! That is my life. With that place shut off, I am as down as you. “‘All I look forward to is when I come in there and watch you lot training as youngsters, and then growing up into adults. When I walk into my community, I feel special because I know that I have put a lot into you.’”

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

Non-League Neighbours

beckenham town In this edition, Beckenham Town Chair (and ex-player, coach, secretary, kit man, supporter and groundsman) Peter Palmer explains how the idiosyncrasies of non-league football hooked him for over 40 years.

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is a note of wistful nostalgia in his voice. “It was a quagmire. “One year, we didn’t play a home game from October to

My last game for Beckenham was when I was 45 – and I scored, so even better! March. At the end of the season, we had about 20 home games in the space of three or four weeks! “It was awful, and everybody knew it. No one wanted to come to Beckenham; it was a fortress because no one could play on it!” Non-League Neighbours

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hen it comes to Beckenham Town, Peter Palmer has done it all. Player, coach, secretary, kit man, Chairman – the list goes on. For 40 years he has been associated with the club he loves, and he wouldn’t change it for the world. “I follow Palace results because that’s where I come from,” he says, speaking from the clubhouse. “But I follow non-league. I buy the non-league paper every Sunday and sit in the café and spend an hour reading it. My club is Beckenham Town.” Palmer’s four-decade long spell has seen some profound changes. “The pitch in the old days was like playing in the 1950s,” he says, laughing. There

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Things have changed since then, with Beckenham benefitting from a £100,000 Football Foundation grant. Now their pitch is among the best at their level. “I did get to play on it in the end,” Palmer says. “My last game for Beckenham was when I was 45 – and I scored, so even better!” Before hanging up his boots, Palmer took on the club’s secretary role, and since retiring it has consumed his daily life. “Don’t get me wrong,” he says, “I’m not only a club secretary. I’m a Chairman, a groundsman, a ball washer, a plumber, a carpenter. “I’m down here every day apart from one week of holiday. I come down on Christmas Day just to check nothing has been

busted or broken or stolen. I have a full-time job still – I’m a builder by trade. “If there’s a job that needs doing - say all the shower heads need changing or a door needs hanging - I’ll do it. Then in the summer we’re here virtually every Saturday and Sunday for three or four hours doing all the jobs before the season starts.” On a matchday, Palmer is busier still. His routine would make even the most ardent football lover question if their commitment compares. “I always get to the ground at around 10 o’clock,” he explains. “I bring the kits, clean the bar and all the pipes, and clean the clubhouse. I get the corner flags out, check the nets, get the balls to the referees. After the game I

pay the referees, put the nets back up – we can’t leave them for the foxes – and clean the changing rooms. It’s a full day.” It’s understandable, then, that away fixtures are a welcome change of pace.

I love nonleague 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

“I’ll probably have a couple of pints and a burger! Away games are just: get yourself there, get yourself home.” Despite devoting his life to non-league football, Palmer’s Crystal Palace ties remain strong. “The first match I can remember is the Burnley game when they got promoted in 1979,” he explains – before revealing a very personal reason to be in the crowd that day. “Kenny Sansom is a really good friend of mine. We grew up next door to each other in Non-League Neighbours

Kennington, and we played for the same team when we were kids. I’ve followed Kenny by watching him and reading the newspaper. “I knew a few of the Palace boys then. Some of them came into the Combined Counties as managers: Jim Cannon and Billy Gilbert. Ian Wright played against Beckenham a couple of times.” Despite brushes with footballing royalty past and present, there was never any desire from Palmer to go elsewhere. Indeed, he had a long spell out of the game – but just couldn’t stay away. “I packed it in as a player when I was about 26, and I had broken my leg for the second time,” he says. “Then I had 10 years out. I got married, I had a mortgage… and the wife wouldn’t let me. But then when I came to 36 I started playing again. “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. I like clapping them off.” Now 61-years-old, Palmer has devoted almost all of his adult life to Beckenham Town. There is no fame and fortune, no TV deals and no packed arenas. Just the knowledge of a job well done, and the comfort a familiar routine as exciting as it ever was four decades later. He has the non-league bug, and after this long there is no cure

Crystal Palace v Norwich Championship 25/02/2006 Wayne Andrews reminds Norwich’s Craig Fleming of the score in a 4-1 win at Selhurst in 2006.

moment in time

Danny Butterfield leaves Shaun Derry spinning after scoring against Norwich at Selhurst in 2008.

Championship 26/12/2008

Crystal Palace v Norwich

moment in time

alan birchenall From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Today, Alan Birchenall recalls life as a 1970s footballer - in all its glory.

s he can for much of his career, Alan Birchenall explains his arrival at Crystal Palace with a wry and vivid story. “Me and Bobby Tambling came together from Chelsea,” he recalls. “I said [to Tambling]: ‘I’m not going to sign because, with all due respect, they could go straight back down. They’ve come up and are a decent side but we’ve been playing with Chelsea. Let’s go down and have a chat, anyway.’

I enjoyed it [at palace]. There was a good nightclub in Croydon: Dr Jims. We had some good nights there “I went up and was first in with [manager] Bert Head. He said: ‘These are your terms.’ In those days you had bonuses; they were double what I was getting at Chelsea! Then Arthur From the Archive

Wait, the Chairman, who was in construction, sat there and said: ‘Where you living, Birchenall?’ ‘Ascot.’ He said: ‘Hmm, we can’t match Ascot but we’ve got some nice houses in Banstead and if you sign for us, you can have one for £5 a month [less than £80 today].’” “I came out and Bobby Tambling was sat on the settee. He says: ‘We going off then?’ I said: ‘No, go in and sign!’ I enjoyed it there. There was a good nightclub in Croydon: Dr Jims. We had some good nights there.” Birchenall’s penchant for a night out sparks a stream of memories that require no input or interjection: “When I was at Sheffield United, there was a nightclub - the Penny Farthing. They had a band on one night and [the singer] was a massive Sheffield United fan. I said: ‘Tell him I’ll get up with him.’ I got up, did this song, came off and somebody says: ‘Do you know

who that was?’ I said: ‘No, but he’s good. Mind you, I ruined him, didn’t I?’ They said: ‘That was Joe Cocker and The Grease Band!’ “It’s been the bane of my life; I always thought I could sing. I was with the [England] Under-23s in Budapest. We went out for a little stroll and we found this bar. There was a band on and we were in the corner having a drink, listening. “The band was crap but one of the lads went up and said: ‘We’ve got a singer here: Birchy.’ So this Hungarian band got me up. I couldn’t see, it was dark, and I said to them: ‘Rolling Stones, Satisfaction,, you know it?’ One of them nodded and they started, so of course I start getting into it.

I took my jacket off with the Three Lions on and slung that into the crowd. I was giving it the hips, the backside was going and everything and I got a standing ovation “I’ve got my England jacket on and my England tie and so I start taking my tie off - I whip it round and fling it into the audience. I got them going and then I took my jacket off From the Archive

with the Three Lions on and slung that into the crowd. I was giving it the hips, the backside was going and everything and I got a standing ovation. “I looked to the right where the [England] lads were and they’d gone. I thought: ‘Where have the lads gone?’ Then, as I’ve spun round, I looked in the corner and there were seven FA officials around a table. Suffice to say, I scored the winning goal against Hungary but I never kicked a ball for England again!”

palace for life Vieira “proud” to support Palace for Life Foundation Palace for Life welcomed 130 special guests, including Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira, to celebrate achievements of the past two years while looking ahead at goals for the future.

ast month Patrick Vieira joined guests and youngsters at Selhurst Park to celebrate Palace for Life Foundation’s work in the community. Joined by Chairman Steve Parish, Foundation patron Susanna Reid and Palace legend Mark Bright, guests were shown some highlights of Palace for Life’s work over the last two years and were urged to keep supporting young people and helping to create a more positive future. Vieira participated in a Q&A session with host Jim Daly, where the manager spoke about how special Palace for Life Foundation

is and its impact on the community. He discussed setting up his own foundation in Senegal while he was a player, Diambars, and his beliefs on football being a tool for education. He said: “Tonight is why I love football, because it brings people together. Using football to bring people together is something I strongly believe in, and I’m really proud to support Palace for Life and the work that they do. “People don’t realise the power of football and the impact that it can have on the community.” Perhaps Vieira’s hardest questions came from the DS Eagles, who asked if Palace

palace for life

would finish top four, with the first-team manager promising he’d take them for dinner if so! The audience heard from a number of young people, including Angel O’Dwyer who was once a young Palace for Life participant and is now a full-time member of staff. Angel spoke briefly about her journey before explaining the realities of knife crime and the real-life impact it has on young people from SE25 and beyond, including her, and the work Palace for Life do to counter this. Her moving story touched Susanna Reid, who shared a story about her own experiences with knife crime, reiterating that she’s glad there are organisations such as Palace for Life helping to prevent more of these tragedies. Reid said: “I’ve been so moved to hear about all the amazing work that Palace for Life have been doing to reduce knife crime in south London. It is a cause very close to my heart. “It’s magical to see the work that Palace for Life have done and will continue to

do. I am so delighted to be a patron. It really does make you south London and proud.” During the night we were joined by participants of the Get Involved project, which aims to break down barriers to football in the Asian and Muslim community. Participants Akran and Abdullah shared that without the project they wouldn’t know what they’d want to do with their lives, but are now completing their FA coaching badges and in volunteering and paid roles. We were finally joined on stage by Brandon of the DS Eagles and his mum Sandra. They shared the importance of weekly Down’s Syndrome football sessions - not only for Brandon, who loves to play matches and have fun with his friends, but also for Sandra, who has met some of her best friends thanks to the DS Eagles. Throughout lockdown the in-person sessions had to stop, but Palace coaches provided weekly video calls for the team, including football activities, quizzes and appearances from Palace players. On these, Sandra said: “The video calls were a lifesaver. At the start of the lockdown I didn’t really know what to do. Brandon didn’t really understand what was going on and he’d lost one of the best parts of his week. “Having these video calls let him see and talk to his friends every week. They had so much fun doing so, it was amazing. It really helped us to get through lockdown.”

Palace for Life Foundation work with 13,000 young people from SE25 and across south London every single year. We work with those who are most in need of help, creating safer communities, healthier lives and brighter futures.

To find out more about the Foundation’s work and how you can support the young people of our community, visit palaceforlife.org.

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

n the last programme we saw how Crystal Palace captain, Douglas Allport, was closely involved in getting the FA Cup off the ground and how Palace fared in the very first competition of 1871/72, reaching the semi-final. In this edition we’ll look at Palace’s involvement in another of Charles Alcock’s ideas: the very first football internationals.

Q: When was the first international played and were Crystal Palace players involved? A: A year before launching the FA Cup in 1871, Charles Alcock came up with another idea to try to expand the appeal of association football, which had struggled to establish itself since the Football Association’s founding in 1863. In his role as the newlyappointed secretary of the FA, Alcock put forward the idea of arranging an international between England and Scotland. The idea was supported by the FA’s committee, which included Crystal Palace’s Walter Cutbill, but there was a major difficulty to overcome. Scotland was almost exclusively a rugby nation, and the only organised ‘soccer’ team was the Queen’s Park club in Glasgow. This did not deter Alcock as there were a good number of talented Scotsman playing for clubs in the London area, so the idea went ahead.

A match between XIs of both nations was arranged for Saturday, 5th March, 1870, to be played on the Oval cricket ground, where Alcock was also secretary of the Surrey Cricket Club. Palace player Alfred Lloyd was among those chosen to play for England but, for an unknown reason, had to withdraw. However, one Crystal Palace player did play - for the wrong side!

Englishman and Palace goalkeeper Alex Morten stepped in as a last-minute substitute, replacing Robert Ferguson to play in goal for Scotland The Scottish team had two late withdrawals so Englishman cpfc 1861

and Palace goalkeeper, Alex Morten, stepped in as a lastminute substitute, replacing Robert Ferguson to play in goal for Scotland. The match was played on a slippery pitch in front of what was then a large crowd, “upward of 400 persons”. England gained the upper hand, and it was only the stout defensive work of Scotland’s W.H. Gladstone MP, son of Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, and ‘keeper Morten, that kept them at bay to reach half-time with the score at 0-0. It must be remembered that in those early days of soccer both the game’s rules and tactics were still developing. Teams traditionally changed ends after each goal and it had only recently been decided, at the 1870 FA AGM, that sides would automatically change ends at half-time if the score was 0-0. With the wind behind them for the second-half, England captain, Charles Alcock, was obviously feeling optimistic and made a grave

tactical blunder by bringing his goalkeeper forward to support his forwards! The inevitable happened and Scotland scored against the run of play when 17-year-old Scot and Harrow schoolboy, Robert Crawford, tried a long-range speculative shot and found an empty goal with just 15 minutes left. Changing ends again, England stepped up the pressure and, a minute from time the No Names’ Alfred Baker dribbled through the Scottish defence to equalise and bring the world’s first international to a “brilliant conclusion”. Strangely, this match is not recognised as an official international and various explanations have been put forward as to why. According to Charles Alcock, writing in his book the Classic Guide to Football in 1906: “The very suggestion of such a contest under association rules was quite enough to rouse the ire of the Rugby players north of the Tweed. At the time indeed the Rugby game was paramount in Scotland. All the principal clubs played according to the Rugby rules, and in fact, the Queen’s Park eleven [from Glasgow] was the only combination, I think I am right in saying, that had adopted the Association game. The captains of the Scotch Rugby clubs were determined, too, not to have their rights usurped without at least a protest. A letter, signed by the representatives of the leading

clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh, appeared in the Scotsman newspaper, pointing the absurdity of Scotland taking part in international match under rules that were not in favour with the bulk of Scottish football players.” Another reason given was that none of the Scottish players played for Scottish teams and some of them were not born in Scotland. But Scottish football historian, Andy Mitchell, traced the Scottish players back and all of them, with the exception of Palace’s Alex Morten, for whom no Scottish connection has been found, were either Scots or had Scottish parents or grandparents and would have qualified to play for Scotland today. It is difficult to understand why today - when the rugby and association codes have long lived side by side and so many international footballers work in other countries or trace their qualification back through parents and grandparents - this first match between England

and Scotland is not recognised as an official international. Four more of these ‘unofficial’ internationals were played at the Oval between March 1870 and February 1872 and Crystal Palace’s Charles Chenery played in the last of these. He also played for England in the next international, in November 1872. For the first time the match was played in Scotland, on the West of Scotland cricket ground in Partick, and all of Scotland’s players played for Glasgow’s Queen’s Park team. This game is recognised as the first official football international between England and Scotland. So, if the question is asked: ‘Were Crystal Palace involved in the first football international?’, the answer is ‘yes’ - twice. We had Alex Morten playing in goal for Scotland in the first ‘unofficial’ international in 1870 and Charles Chenery playing for England in the first ‘official’ international in 1872

NEXT TIME

Illustration in The Graphic of an England football game in 1872.

cpfc 1861

In the next edition we’ll look at some of Crystal Palace’s most notable players in their early amateur team. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

coral-jade haines As a team we’ve been doing really well this season and there’s a really positive vibe here. We’ve smashed our expectations, but I think there’s more to come from this team.

don’t see why we can’t get promotion this season, and that’s definitely the bigger target for us as a team. I think the squad are capable of doing it. I first experienced the Women’s Super League – the division above us – when I graduated from Birmingham City’s Academy at 16.

i don’t see why we can’t get promotion this season, and that’s definitely the bigger target for us as a team. I think the squad are capable of doing it The first-team at Birmingham was really successful and we had a great team with some really prestigious England players like Karen Carney. Playing at that level with players like her was an amazing experience, and it’s one I hope to be able to repeat with Palace. palace women

The football we’re playing currently suits my style, and I think my goal contributions are a good reflection of my involvement this season. I’m happy overall but think there’s a lot more to come from me – I can do better. That said, I’m never happy with my performance and come off after every game wanting to reflect and do better next time.

This is one of the most inclusive teams I’ve been in, so everybody has the platform to be themselves, which is always positive and creates a good environment It’s all about getting assists and goals for me, as an attacking player. Increasing those will always be my target. I live and work in Hertfordshire so sometimes have a two-hour drive to training or matches. It’s full-on, because we train four times a week and tend to play at least once. But when you’re doing something you really enjoy it’s worth it, especially coming away with three points on a Sunday having had a good time on the pitch with the team. And having a good time here is easy; the squad is so friendly and there’s a real family feel. This palace women

is one of the most inclusive teams I’ve been in, so everybody has the platform to be themselves, which is always positive and creates a good environment. Away from Palace I work full-time at a college. I teach sport two days a week and employability skills to autistic students the other three. I always wanted to be a teacher or footballer growing up, but never thought I’d be able to do both! Teaching my students is so fulfilling. They’re complex young people but it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their lives. They really enjoy our work and the amount they’ve developed is amazing. I have an autistic brother who’s six, so when the opportunity came to work with college students with autism I wanted to learn more to help him. I’ve seen the difficulties my family have gone through and that made me want to increase my own awareness, and to help other people in similar positions

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, two supporters’ Twitter posts caught our eye; and, as ever, we have your messages for friends and family. This supporter shared a touching gesture from Crystal Palace Women. @JEllacott2

16th December 2021

One of Charlie’s teachers, at his new school, got him this as an Xmas present. The Away shirt signed by the @cpfc_w squad

While John Curran introduced us to a unique barbers we can all get behind. @drjcurran

20th December 2021

I Love my barber shop #cpfc @FYPFanzine #crownpointbarbers

Happy 60th birthday to Jill Dean who has just retired from the NHS after many years as Ward Sister on a Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit

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

from the terraces

Happy 21st Birthday Max! Much Love, Mum & Will

Happy Birthday Dad, have a fab red and blue birthday. Lots of love Sam & Mummy.

From Minnesota, to my lounge, to Crystal Palace football ground. Your love has no limits - Beth and Derick. Together forever. Happy 12th Birthday Daniel, hope you had a wonderful day. Lots of love Mum and Dad x Jack - from our first game together in late 2017 when you were only 2! To today’s game I have loved every single trip to Selhurst with you and can’t wait for many more! COYP!

Dearest Rod, devoted father to two, loving partner to one, but always distracted by Crystal Palace. You will be missed by us all, forever in our thoughts. RIP.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk Happy 15th birthday Rose, love Mummy Daddy Joe Palace Poppy Nanny Grandad Aaron Ruby Rara Nanny Bubbles Oli Emily Ellis Jimmy Rory and Frankie x

Happy 19th birthday Joe, have a fab day, love Mummy Daddy Rose Palace Poppy Nanny Grandad Aaron Ruby Rara Rory Oli Emily Ellis Nanny Bubbles Jimmy and Frankie xxx

from the terraces

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

quiz, games, brighty & more!

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

Guess who

Spot the image

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

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

matchday quiz 1

What is Aaron Wilbraham’s nickname?

After his first spell, Mel Blyth was loaned to Palace by who in 1977?

Which stadium name have Palace and Norwich had in common?

Who did Palace loan Andy Linighan to in 1998/99?

Which number shirt did Ade Akinbiyi wear for Palace, famously adding a ‘+’ between each digit?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

Delia Smith aside, Norwich’s pool of confirmed famous fans is somewhat sparse. And she’s too easy a guess. You will have seen this presenter hosting games at Selhurst Park before; he is an avid Norwich fan having moved to the area as a child. Do you recognsie this famous Canaries supporter?

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

Brighty

You

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

ANSWERS Guess who: Stephen Evans Spot the image: Page 54 Quiz: 1) Alby 2) Southampton 3) The Nest 4) Queens Park Rangers 5) 55 Famous Fan: Jake Humphrey Guess the Ground: Kassam Stadium - Oxford United

games

team stats: women / U23S / U18S Dean Davenport Crystal Palace Women sit fourth in the table after 10 games, earning 18 points so far.

Rob Quinn After his first 11 league games in charge of the U18s, Quinn has guided Palace to fourth - just four points off the top spot.

Paddy McCarthy The Under-23s enter 2022 sitting sixth in their debut Premier League 2 campaign.

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 9 Sunderland Sun 16 Durham Sun 23 Liverpool FEBRUARY Sun 6 Bristol City Sun 13 London City Lionesses MARCH Sun 6 Coventry United Sun 13 Lewes Sun 27 Charlton Athletic APRIL Sun 3 Blackburn Rovers Sun 24 Watford MAY Sun 1 Sheffield United To be confirmed Lewes

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

D 2-2 W W L W

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

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

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Fri 27

Everton

W 3-1

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur

W 4-3

Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers

L 1-2

Sat 6

Chelsea

W 2-1

Sat 20

Liverpool

W 3-0

Sat 27

Manchester United

W 2-1

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United

L 2-4

JANUARY Mon 10 Everton Mon 17 Chelsea Mon 24 Liverpool FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur Mon 21 Manchester United Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion MARCH Mon 14 Manchester City Mon 21 Arsenal APRIL Mon 4

Leeds United

Mon 18 Derby County Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers MAY Mon 2

Leicester City

women/u23S/u18S

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

Name

Apps

Skye Bacon

Goals

Bianca Baptiste

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Grace Coombs

Leanne Cowan

Aimee Everett

Millie Farrow

Name

Apps

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Jay-Rich Baghuelou

Ryan Bartley

Scott Banks

Kalani Barton

11 3

Maliq Cadogan

Harry Freedman

Junior Dixon

John-Kymani Gordon

Owen Goodman (GK)

Jackson Izquierdo (GK)

Danny Imray

Kanye Jobson

Nya Kirby

James Leonard

Jake O'Brien

Cameron Lewis-Brown

David Omilabu

Joe Ling

Dan Quick

Adler Nascimento

Fionn Mooney

David Obou

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

Cardo Siddik

David Ozoh

Aidan Steele

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Joe Sheridan

Jack Roles

Emily Orman (GK)

Gracie Pearse

Molly-Mae Sharpe

Lizzie Waldie

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

1 3

liv

10 7

16 5

11 23

dur

4 16 11

5 21

A GD Pts

lon

10 6

3 12 9

cry

10 5

2 20 16 4 18

3 19

Reece Hannam

Sean Robertson

Leigh Nicol

Freddie Bell

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Chloe Morgan (GK)

Victor Akinwale

Annabel Johnson

Goals

Malachi Boateng

Sophie McLean

Apps

Tayo Adaramola

David Boateng

Coral-Jade Haines

Name

Rob Street

James Taylor

Dylan Thiselton 1

Matthew Vigor

Oliver Webber (GK)

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth (GK)

Vonnte Williams

pos CLUB P W D whu

14 10

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

A GD Pts

3 37 19 18 31

pos CLUB P W D 1

che

A GD Pts

2 40 17 23 25

tot

14 8

3 37 22 15 27

sou

2 34 16 18 25

mci

15 8

4 34 23 11 27

lei

2 25 11 14 25

ars

14 8

4 38 30 8 26

cry

2 25 18 7 21

bha

15 6

4 25 20 5 23

ful

12 5

3 22 14 8 19

bri

10 5

3 20 12 8 17

cry

14 7

7 32 29 3 21

ars

12 5

3 25 21 4 19

cha

10 5

4 15 10 5 16

mun

14 6

5 24 23 1

whu

10 5

3 19 13 6 17

3 16

eve

15 5

7 19 29 -10 18

bha

10 4

5 25 24 1

9 12 -3 12

lei

13 4

5 19 30 -11 16

TOT

7 20 31 -11 12

lew

10 5

4 14 11

sun

10 3

she

10 liv

14 4

7 19 27 -8 15

10 avl

6 29 34 -5 11

14 3

6 20 28 -8 14

6 18 31 -13 11

10 3

11 14 -3 11

10 BLA

11 18 -7 10

12 der

13 4

8 24 24 0 13

12 rdg

7 18 22 -4 10

cov

11 23 -12 6

13 lee

15 3

8 29 35 -6 13

13 bir

7 13 28 -15 8

12 wat

11 25 -14 6

14 bla

14 2

7 20 38 -18 11

14 nor

0 10 5 38 -33 3

che

women/u23S/u18S

wba

MAY

APRIL

March

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

Chelsea

15:00

0-3

18th

Sat 21

Brentford

15:00

D 0-0

13th

Sat 24

Watford

19:45

Sat 28

West Ham United