Crystal Palace v Wolves matchday programme 2324 by Crystal Palace F.C.

Crystal Palace √ wolves

sun 3 sep 2023 14:00 kick-off

palace √ wolves sun 3 sep | 14:00

08 captain

10 chairman 36 eagle eye 42 ben bailey smith 44 ROSHAUN MATHURIN (Trialist B) 52 HISTORY MAKERS 54 FROM THE ARCHIVE 56 RETRO PALACE 62 PALACE FOR LIFE 69 BEAT BRIGHTY 70 stats & results

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor 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 U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Chief Marketing and Communications Officer James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

12 I try to be a bit more direct in my game. I try to be efficient. Anywhere the manager wants me to play, I’ll do a job for my team, and try to do my best

Editor Will Robinson Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Contributors Ian King, Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Tommy Macarthur, Doc Brown, Roshaun Mathurin, Steve Madeley Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

palace √ wolves sun 3 sep | 14:00

THREE EAGLES THREE LIONS Congratulations to Palace trio Marc Guéhi, Ebere Eze and Sam Johnstone, who have all been called up to the England squad for the upcoming international break. The Three Lions are taking on Ukraine on Saturday, 9th September (17:00 BST) in their latest European Championship qualifier, before meeting Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday, 12 September (19:45 BST) for the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of the sides.

Eze will be looking for his second cap after making his debut against Malta in June – a game Guéhi started and earned a clean sheet on his fourth appearance for England. Johnstone has three caps for the Three Lions. It is the second successive time all three have been called up, with the trio set to feature under former-Palace captain Gareth Southgate once again. Good luck, lads! You can keep up to date with how all of Palace’s September internationals are getting on via social media and on cpfc.co.uk.

Fan update

On this day 3 Sep 1966

Sign up to Palace TV+ for regular Academy broadcasts and live coverage of first-team fixtures – head to cpfc.co.uk for further details.

Palace staged an unlikely comeback on this day in 1966, as they recovered from two goals down at half-time against Bolton Wanderers. Steward Imblach, Steve Kember and Bobby Woodruff scored after the restart to earn Bert Head’s side an important three points to kick-start their Division Two campaign.

What’s inside Find out… the view from the Black Country (page 36), how a faulty train almost scuppered Match of the Day (page 38) and revisit the height of the swinging ‘60s (page 56). briefing

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Gary O’Neil and his Wolverhampton Wanderers team for this afternoon’s match, which has all the makings of a very good game.

would like to start by mentioning the electric atmosphere in our last home game against Arsenal. Although the result did not go our way, it was a fantastic game of football and our fans really ratcheted the atmosphere in what was a special occasion. Both teams provided the fans and television viewers the very best of Premier League entertainment – and I hope we can repeat that today with another energetic performance with a similar level of support from you. It was very pleasing for me that we could match Arsenal’s intensity the way we did throughout that game. The structure and the shape of the team was extremely good and we ended up losing very narrowly to a penalty kick. In our last Premier League encounter, away at Brentford, we faced a different challenge. Brentford are a good side who play a brand of football that they have really mastered and brought to a high level. After finding ourselves behind to a good

It was very pleasing for me that we could match Arsenal’s intensity the way we did throughout that game. The structure and the shape of the team was extremely good and we ended up losing very narrowly to a penalty kick

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goal at half-time, we altered our system in the second-half. I was really pleased with our performance which led to us taking a valuable point, thanks to Joachim Andersen’s goal which rounded off a fantastic individual performance from him. Tuesday night’s trip to Plymouth in the Carabao Cup produced another really exciting encounter. I was very impressed with the Plymouth team on the night, but we weren’t surprised to see how good they were, and they fully deserved their half-time lead. Thankfully, we were able to make a few changes in the second-half which led to a frenetic and clinical goalscoring spell, with three goals in five minutes, to turn the game around. It was a great spectacle and I applaud both sides for the competitive nature of the game, played in the right spirit, full of energy and providing quality entertainment for the packed house at Home Park. I must also take this opportunity to thank you Palace supporters that took time out to travel on the long journey to the south-west for a midweek fixture to support the team. It didn’t go unnoticed, and I hope you will agree that the trip was worthwhile. Finally, a special mention must go to Jean-Philippe Mateta who scored his first hattrick for the club. It was very pleasing to see him leave the field with the match ball after a very good performance.

a special mention must go to Jean-Philippe Mateta who scored his first hattrick for the club. It was very pleasing to see him leave the field with the match ball after a very good performance

manager

After what I consider to be a positive start to the season, I’m hopeful that this continues into today’s game against Wolves. We know that Gary O’Neil likes to organise his teams to be on the front foot, taking the game to their opponents, so we will need to be at the top of our game today. Of course, we welcome back our former colleague Shaun Derry, who I know is a favourite amongst you, and someone I enjoyed working with for a short space of time during the summer. At the time of writing, the summer transfer window has not yet closed but I know Steve Parish and Doug Freedman have been working hard to bring in reinforcements, which is not an easy task these days. We have still got players to come back from injury which will make us stronger, and I look forward to the day when we have our full strength squad available. As we go into the international break, I know that you, like me, will wish the players playing for their national teams the very best of luck, and that they will come back fit and ready to continue in the upcoming Premier League battles. As usual, we rely on you to get behind the team today and we will be doing our upmost to produce another performance to excite you

After two tough games on the road, welcome back to Selhurst Park for what is sure to be another exciting Premier League encounter against a Wolves side full of confidence.

ur last Premier League outing at Brentford was a classic example of the team’s spirit and perseverance. After going a goal down in the first-half, we knew the crowd would be against us, but we kept plugging away after the break and got the equaliser. It was nice to see Joachim find the back of the net – he has been a rock at the back in the last couple of games. A second away trip in the space of four days was always likely to be tough, and particularly against a Plymouth Argyle side with real quality on the ball. The manager and his staff had warned us before the game that we would be facing a dangerous team full of confidence, and so it proved in the opening exchanges. It is always tricky being sat on the sidelines when the team is trailing – every player wants to be out there where he can affect the game – but I knew we had the quality both on the pitch and off the bench to come back from behind. Huge credit to Ebs, Jordan and Jeff for changing the

Huge credit to Ebs, Jordan and Jeff for changing the game after coming on, and congratulations to JP for scoring the club’s first hattrick since 2015

captain

game after coming on, and congratulations to JP for scoring the club’s first hattrick since 2015. I was on the pitch when Yannick Bolasie struck three times against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, which was the last time a Palace player scored three from open play – and I’m sure many of you will remember that game fondly, too. I know JP and Odsonne finding the back of the net will only give them confidence and momentum to score more during the rest of the campaign. I also want to congratulate Jes Rak-Sakyi for his place in the starting XI. He is such a handful in training, and I know if he keeps working hard then more opportunities will come.

I can tell you that our minds have been focused solely on what we produce on the pitch and we will be giving everything to secure another three points today

Congratulations also to Jack Wells-Morrison, Sean Grehan and John-Kymani Gordon for making the matchday squad. As young players, those kinds of experiences with the first-team are vital for your development and I know that taste of first-team football will only increase their desire to push towards their debuts at the club. Despite playing three games this week, the boys have been working hard in training and are raring to go. There is plenty of noise that surrounds the final week of the transfer window, but I can tell you that our minds have been focused solely on what we produce on the pitch and we will be giving everything to secure another three points today. Finally, I want to thank you once again for your incredible support. We could hear you backing us all the way, even when we trailed, at Brentford and in Plymouth, and it was great to meet some of you after the game too. Our travelling fans are special to us, but now is a chance to show everyone once again that Selhurst Park is up there with the very best atmospheres in the Premier League. Make some noise, back the team today and we will try to produce a performance to get you off your seats. God Bless. JW

captain

Welcome to supporters, players, staff and directors of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Selhurst Park today, and to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here to get behind Roy’s team.

oday’s match comes off the back of a very entertaining trip to Plymouth Argyle, and in the league a well-earned point at Brentford. The visit to Devon was a very enjoyable one and I’d like to thank each and every supporter who made the effort to attend what was a cracking cup tie against an impressive Argyle team. To come back from two down in such clinical fashion was immensely pleasing, and congratulations to Jean-Philippe on his well-taken hattrick. We now look forward to a visit to Manchester United in the next round which conjures up some great memories of Darren Ambrose’s amazing goal the last time we played there in the same competition. On the transfer window, we did two excellent pieces of business early on. Jefferson has had a fantastic impact already in every game he’s played, and has hit the ground running. Matheus is a very exciting prospect and a smashing young man, and I am very much looking forward to his Selhurst debut. We had to deal with unexpected challenges around the goalkeeping situation – to that end, we’ve signed

To come back from two down in such clinical fashion was immensely pleasing, and congratulations to Jean-Philippe on his welltaken hattrick

chairman

an absolutely first-class goalkeeper in Dean to join the first-class keeper we already have in Sam. The window is also as much about keeping the incredible talent we have at the club as it is about bringing in new players. Of course, bringing these players into the club has made us stronger but Michael signing a new contract and keeping all the players we have (for whom we have had considerable interest), whilst it doesn’t create the exciting ‘moments’ we all like to experience, I believe will create a better outcome in the long run. With two days to come as I write there may be another addition but we don’t bring players in for the sake of it. We have an excellent squad and we also need room for some of our younger home-grown talent to get – and hopefully take – chances when they arise. Despite the result, our opening home match against Arsenal showed Selhurst Park at its best. The atmosphere you created was electric. I hope you agree that the new screens really do add to the matchday experience – I think it has really modernised the whole ground. We are seeing a big increase in Season Ticket holders using the club’s official ticket resale platform – which is a win-win. We really do want to ensure a packed house for every match as it makes such a difference to the team, so if there is a game or two you can’t attend, simply place your ticket up for resale. If a fellow member or Season Ticket holder purchases it, your seat won’t go to waste and you’ll receive your money back.

our opening home match against Arsenal showed Selhurst Park at its best. The atmosphere you created was electric. I hope you agree that the new screens really do add to the matchday experience

chairman

Our Women’s team enjoyed an excellent first day of the Women’s Championship season at their new home in Sutton last Sunday, in front of nearly 800 supporters. A draw with Reading, who came down from the WSL last season, is a great result and one I hope the team can build on. It would be great to have even more of you for the next game on Sunday, 10th September (12:00 BST). We are investing in the matchday experience to ensure you have a great day whilst supporting the team. Thank you for joining us today, and throw everything you have behind Roy’s team. Up the Palace!

Crystal Palace’s modern model of consistency may be softly-spoken, but Jordan Ayew’s natural serenity off the pitch belies the tireless warrior he is upon it – as the numbers alone aptly demonstrate… Words: Robin Johnson

t is some achievement, amid the disruption of international callups, unforeseen postponements, and the most densely packed fixture schedule in recent memory, to feature in 38 Premier League games in an individual season. It is, in fact, a feat achieved by just 14 outfield players in 2022/23 – Palace duo Jordan Ayew and Ebere Eze among them. The previous season, that total figure was just four. Hone further in, and you notice that of those 14 players, many enjoyed the benefit of a winter break whilst clubmates faced an even more demanding schedule at global football’s centrepiece occasion. Of the 14 outfielders who played all 38 league games, seven went to

It’s something that’s part of my game, I’m an offensive player and I’m going to get fouled. I try to be a bit more direct in my game. I try to be efficient. Anywhere the manager wants me to play, I’ll do a job for my team, and try to do my best

the Qatar World Cup. Four played for England – Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier and Ben White – and three for other nations, including Ayew for Ghana. Adding three World Cup matches to his 31 league starts – and also appearing in all three of Palace’s cup fixtures – you might have afforded Ayew some leeway for feeling fatigued towards the end of the campaign. The man himself, however, did not. Ayew’s tireless pressing, hassling and harrying were key factors in him becoming the Premier League’s most-fouled player (90 times) last season. He won the second-most duels (271) and enacted the second-most pressures (1,181) – including the highest quantity in the middle third of the pitch (821). jordan ayew

Those numbers, in the most gruelling of seasons, are some going – but Ayew sees them simply as his responsibility. “It’s something that’s part of my game,” he shrugged. “I’m an offensive player and I’m going to get fouled. “I try to be a bit more direct in my game. I try to be efficient. Anywhere the manager wants me to play, I’ll do a job for my team, and try to do my best.” When Ayew speaks, you sense no ego. Talk of the self is scarce, rare mentions of personal targets quickly give way to discussion about the collective – and every word is spoken with thoughtful delivery. Ayew hails from one of football’s greatest dynasties. His father, Abedi Pele, was among the greatest African players of all time, and was a Champions League winner with

I’m an offensive player and I’m going to get fouled jordan ayew

you have to enjoy every second you’re on the pitch jordan ayew

I never thought of needing to be better than members of my family. I don’t think that’s the right mentality to have. I see it in a different way, where it’s a positive thing: I’m lucky to be part of a family like this Marseille in 1993, while his brothers André and Ibrahim have both enjoyed sustained success at the highest levels in the game. But Ayew feels no sense of competition in that regard. “I never thought of needing to be better than members of my family. I don’t think that’s the right mentality to have. I see it in a different way, where it’s a positive thing: I’m lucky to be part of a family like this. “The pressure will always be there. It will never end, so you just need to live with it. You just need to enjoy it, because life is short and I’m lucky.” With regular UEFA Champions League appearances, Ligue 1 titles, Africa Cup of Nations finals and Ghana Player of the Year awards, it is fair to say Ayew has furthered his family’s success. Yet his focus remains on the bigger picture.

“I don’t really set myself many objectives. I just want to keep being consistent and keep on performing. After that, the rest will follow. “As a team at Crystal Palace, we are humble. We know our qualities. We know our strengths, and we know what we can do. We have a good team and a good squad. “We go into each game with a lot of expectations, and hopeful we can perform very well. You can’t really control the result, but the most important thing is that we keep on performing well and keep that consistency. “We want to finish as high in the Premier League as possible. We relish every game. It’s a blessing playing in the Premier League, and when you do, you have to enjoy every second you’re on the pitch.” Entering his sixth year as a Crystal Palace player, the Ghanaian jordan ayew

has missed just 11 Premier League games over the last four seasons, evidently relishing his commitment to the club – and having found that appreciation to be reciprocated. “I’d worked with Roy Hodgson before,” Ayew refers to the manager’s first spell at Palace. “He, Dougie Freedman and Steve Parish brought me to the club. “The manager knows my qualities and he gives me a bit more freedom and more responsibility to perform on the pitch. Since he’s come in again, it’s been so positive here. Everything seems to be heading in the right direction and we are here to support him. “He’s very active. You might think he’s a quiet guy but no, he gets involved! In training, he’s everywhere on the pitch, giving us tips and advice. He’s very lively – he shouts, he screams, and he has a lot of

energy.” Does Ayew envisage having that same vivacity at 76-years-old? “I hope so!” he laughs. It has been a successful start to the season for the 31-year-old, who is aware of the scrutiny that Palace’s attackers currently face without the injured Michael Olise and Matheus França, as well as given the recent departure of club legend Wilfried Zaha. Three assists in his first four games of the season, for Odsonne Edouard and Joachim Andersen, suggest Ayew is ready to pick up some of that additional responsibility. “When Wilf was here, it was the same ambition I had,” he explains. “Obviously he’s done great things for the club – he was a really big player for us – but now that he’s not here, there are other players with quality who can step in and do something big for the team. “Odsonne has done it before. He did it at Celtic. We just need to make sure he has opportunities each game. Our job is to make sure that he has chances – then, it’s his job to finish them. We know he will score. “He shows it in training every day and no doubt, if we have confidence in the game, he can, and will, do it. That’s what we as a team are trying to do: we’re all trying to contribute for the team to be successful.” Ayew reiterates the point that collective success often comes hand-in-hand with that of individuals – and another prominent example crops up: Palace’s newest England international. “We all know Ebs is a special talent and a special player,” he

Our job is to make sure that he has chances – then, it’s his job to finish them. We know he will score. He shows it in training every day and no doubt, if we have confidence in the game, he can, and will, do it

jordan ayew

smiles. “He’s done really well and shown everyone his quality. He got a well-deserved England call-up and now, he must push on. I hope he’ll build on last season and continue into this season in style. “We are all here to support him.” For a player with 90 senior caps, Ayew recognises the unique joys of playing on the international stage – and may yet add silverware to his glittering career when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (yes, you read that correctly) arrives in mid-season. Four-time winners Ghana still require a point from their final qualifier, at home to Central African Republic this coming Thursday (7th September), to guarantee their spot at the finals, which kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire in January.

We all know Ebs is a special talent and a special player jordan ayew

When I’m at Palace I focus 100 percent on Palace jordan ayew

Under new manager Chris Hughton, the Black Stars will be hoping to claim the trophy for the first time in 41 years, having come so close in 2015 – a tournament which ended in a penalty shoot-out defeat (in which Ayew scored his kick) to this year’s hosts, Ivory Coast. But the forward is not getting ahead of himself. “Everything has its time,” he explains. “When I’m at Palace I focus 100 percent on Palace, and when I’m with the Ghana national team, I focus 100 percent on Ghana. “There’s no problem about thinking what’s happening in six months, but we have not yet qualified. We still have one more game, and it will be a tough one.

I don’t see my family and friends in Ghana for most of the year, so when I go back, I spend time with my parents, my friends and my real family – those who started with me from the bottom. I spend time with them in the summer and come back, fresh and ready to go

“We’re a team in a building process. We know each other now and we have a good manager in place, so we just need to try and win this last game.” It is again a measured, mature response – perhaps shaped by the forward’s experiences growing up in his country, but outside of the footballing spotlight. Raised in Accra by his grandparents, Ayew’s hometown was where he was taught the value of humility and community. “I can’t stop speaking highly about Accra because I learned a lot of things there: the basics in life like discipline, humbleness… “You have people in your neighbourhood who tell you when you’re not doing the right thing. It’s a different mentality compared to Europe. Those things have shaped me to become who I am today. jordan ayew

“I don’t see my family and friends in Ghana for most of the year, so when I go back, I spend time with my parents, my friends and my real family – those who started with me from the bottom. I spend time with them in the summer and come back, fresh and ready to go for another 10 months. “When you look at it, and you see what you have achieved in the game and where you are today, you can only be thankful to God because when I was young, my dream was to play professional football. Now, I am 31 and I am a professional footballer. “Hopefully there are more years to come.” Base your judgment off Ayew’s total appearances, pressures, the myriad of other statistics… or just visible determination on the pitch: you’d be hard-pushed to disagree

the follow -up

This season, we’re putting your questions to members of the Palace squad. To have a chance of seeing your question answered by a first-team star, just head to cpfc.co.uk and submit your burning enquiries…

jordan ayew

What’s your biggest pet peeve in a teammate? Becky Meredith There are a lot of things I don’t like, but I’ll go for quite a simple one: when somebody snores – I don’t like it! We’re lucky when we travel these days, because everyone has their own rooms…

What’s the best goal you’ve ever scored?

Which African player would you most like to have played with? Abdullah Daud Samuel Eto’o. He is one of the greatest African players ever. He was very dynamic, very demanding of himself and his teammates, and of course he scored a lot of goals as well. He just has something about him which makes him different to all the others.

Tommy Watkins My goals have dried up for a couple of years now… but I’ve scored a couple of nice goals with the national team. I think I’ll go for the one for Ghana against Comoros [in 2018 World Cup qualification].

If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? Kazim Gursoy I sit down every day and ask myself this! We are a football family and since I was born, it’s always been football, football, football… but I am a big Formula One fan, so maybe I would have tried it... or tennis, maybe. the follow-up

How many brothers who’ve played in the Premier League can you name in 60 seconds? Sam Evans Gary and Phil Neville, Kolo Touré and Yaya Touré, Christian and Jonathan Benteke... err... Rio and Anton Ferdinand and... Jordan and André Ayew! [Other answers include: Kieran and Nathan Dyer; Shaun and Bradley Wright-Phillips; Craig and Gary Gardner; Andy and Michael Dawson; and John-Arne and Bjørn Helge Riise].

Got a question? Scan Here

Worth a try? Probably. Discover the refreshing, crisp and perfectly balanced taste of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.

Brewed in the UK, the Danish way. Enjoy responsibly.

wolves

Wolves Opposition preview A last-minute managerial change threw Wolves’ pre-season preparations into turmoil, as Julen Lopetegui was dramatically replaced by Gary O’Neil on the eve of the new campaign. Nonetheless, they defied expectations on the opening weekend by producing a defiant performance at Old Trafford, unlucky to be denied a point or more by a late Raphael Varane winner and a controversial VARdecision to deny them a penalty. The reality appeared more sobering a week later, as Brighton & Hove Albion smashed four past Jose Sá and co. at Molineux in a game dominated by the visitors. Relegation fears began to grow even before August was out.

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Top Scorer RúBEN NEVES (6) Most assists João Moutinho (2)

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A visit to Goodison Park and the league’s other out-of-form side took on added significance, as both Everton and Wolves searched for a first point of the campaign and a result to kick-start a much-needed run of form. In a game of incredible goalkeeping – and profligacy – the scores were locked at 0-0, before super-sub Saša Kalajdžic popped up with a late winner to send the away fans into raptures. Now, with hopes for more reinforcements to have arrived by kick-off this afternoon, and a resounding five-goal victory in the League Cup boosting confidence, the club hopes O’Neil can spark the same survival spirit he produced in Bournemouth to preserve their Premier League status for another season.

Manager Gary O’Neil -

The former Bournemouth manager could count himself unfortunate to lose his job at the end of the season, with the Cherries finishing the campaign strongly but looking to head in a different direction. The former-West Ham United midfielder was soon back in a Premier League dugout, given only a week to prepare for Manchester United.

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Starting xi

0-1 everton √ wolves Sat 26 Aug / goodison park

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D. BENTLEY

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BOOT IN BOTH CAMPS dougie freedman Freedman scored 108 goals for Palace across two spells, moving to Wolves in 1998 and scoring 13 goals at Molineux before leaving due to the emergence of a young Robbie Keane.

30 JANUARY 2021 Selhurst Park

6 NOVEMBER 2021 SELHURST PARK

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18 OCTOBER 2022 Selhurst Park

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briefing What’s the story? As founding members of the Football League in 1888, Wolves were one of the early giants of English football, winning an FA Cup in 1893 and a second in 1908. Their fortunes fell after the First World War, only to be revived in the 1950s by Stan Cullis (more on him later) who guided the club to three league titles and more cup success. They reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 1960, the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1961 and the inaugural UEFA Cup Final in 1972. However, financial crisis in the 1980s saw Wolves slip back down the divisions, ending up in the fourth tier in 1987, before starting the long journey back to the top. After a 14-year stay in

the Championship, they finally reached the Premier League for the first time in 2003 – but their top-flight stability has only arrived since 2018. After a takeover from Chinese investment group Fosun international, the club began to bring in talented young players – predominantly of Portuguese origin – and gained promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo. A seventh place finish saw them earn a Europa League spot, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual winners Sevilla. The post-Nuno era has been a tough one, with Bruno Lage struggling to make an impact. Former-Real Madrid and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui was certainly seen as a coup upon arrival, but has since departed after falling out with the club.

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the greatest manager After a long playing career at Molineux – during which time he claimed 12 international caps – Stan Cullis took charge of Wolves at just 31-years-old, becoming the youngest manager to win the FA Cup in his first season at the helm. Three league titles and a second FA Cup triumph followed, as well as a European Cup adventure against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. He was surprisingly sacked in 1964 and Wolves have not won the league or FA Cup since.

WOLVES √ HUDDERSFIELD town first divison 20 APR 1954 / MOLINEUX

Stan Cullis’ free-scoring Wolves side were sitting atop the First Division table, but their nearest challengers Huddersfield Town awaited them, in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 at Molineux. James Mullen opened the scoring after just two minutes and it was a procession from then on, as Wolves scored four without reply to all-but seal a first title in the club’s history – and pip local rivals West Bromwich Albion in the process.

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BILLY WRIGHT England captain, World Cup winner and a bona fide legend. Billy Wright made his official Wolves debut in 1945 – his career put on hold during the Second World War – and went on to make 541 appearances for the club, winning three league titles in the 1950s. He was the first footballer in the world to earn 100 international caps, and captained the Three Lions a record 90 times.

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A title-winner with Porto and Olympiacos, Sá has been virtually ever-present since his arrival, contributing both defensively and with his expansive passing going forwards – he played through a fractured wrist last season.

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Dawson made an instant impact after signing from West Ham in January, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. He has developed a strong partnership with Max Kilman in central defence .

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After a mixed spell at Southampton, former Marseille and Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina revived his career in France and Turkey before joining Wolves in January.

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from Initially joining the club’s Under23s direct from non-league, Kilman has developed into a Premier League defender and has made more than 100 appearances for the club. He has 25 caps for the England futsal team.

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wolves

TOTI

HWANG HEE-CHAN pos

FORWARD

nat

SOUTH KOREA

age

The former RB Leipzig striker and South Korea international is nicknamed ‘Hwangso’ in his home country, meaning ‘The Bull’ for his combative playing style. He has 53 caps for the national side, scoring 10 goals.

06 27 BOUBACAR TRAORÉ pos

MIDFIELDER

nat age

joão gomes

matheus nunes

MIDFIELDER

pos

MIDFIELDER

MALI

nat

portugal

age

32 07 JOe HODGE

PEDRO NETO

pos

MIDFIELDER

pos

FORWARD

nat

IRELAND

nat

PORTUGAL

age

wolves

braziL age

height

5ft 9in

joined

2023

from A Copa Libertadores winner with Flamengo, Gomes was seen as a real coup for Wolves when he joined after a long drawn out battle for his signature, and has since become a vital cog in the side.

10 18 12 DANIEL PODENCE

Sasa Kalajdzić

pos

forward

pos

FORWARD

nat

PORTUGAL

nat

austria

age

21 // pablo sarabia

MATHEUS CUNHA

enso gonzález

pos

midfielder

nat age

FORWARD

pos

FORWARD

spain

nat

paraguay

age

fabio silva pos

FORWARD

nat

portugal

age

Signed for a then club-record fee as an 18-year-old, Silva spent last season on loan at Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven, scoring 11 times, and netted his first of the season in the League Cup in midweek.

wolves

BRAZIL age

height

6ft 0in

joined

2023

from Cunha joined Wolves on an initial loan before signing permanently for more than £35 million, scoring twice in 17 games last season. He impressed at Old Trafford in Wolves’ season-opener.

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S A L E S @ C P FC. C O. U K arsenal

S CA N M E

Stat zone

Since their return to the Premier League in 2018, Wolves have only lost more league games against Liverpool (9), Man City (7) and Man Utd (6) than they have against Crystal Palace.

01 09

midfielder

joão gomes

Apps

Goals

shots

shot accuracy

29%

passes

415

passes per match

29.64

accurate long balls

cross accuracy

22%

tackles

tackle success

53%

YELLOW CARDS

FOULS

Apps

119

Clean sheets

GOALS

ASSISTS

TACKLES

187

TACKLE SUCCESS

59%

INTERCEPTIONS

146

CLEARANCES

201

RECOVERIES

465

PASSES

4350

PASSES PER MATCH

36.55

FOULS

100

played 10 5

goals

penalties won

penalties scored

clean sheets

yellow cards

red cards

22/23 season goals 40 31

45.8% 50.1%

conceded 49 58

shots 426 412

pts gained from trailing 25 8

pts gained from leading 20 14

wolves

defender

MATT DOHERTY

average possession

Eagle Eye Steve Madeley has spent almost two decades covering the beautiful game, and joined the Athletic in 2019 as their Wolves correspondent. Here, he gives us the perspective from Molineux…

Who will be Wolves’ most important player – and whose contribution flies under the radar? Wolves have been playing with only two players in midfield, and they probably answer both parts of this question. Mario Lemina has experience and quality and has the vital job of protecting the back four and snuffing out danger before it occurs so he is emerging as the most important player in the side. And his partner João Gomes is showing signs that he can be a superstar in the future but right now his pressing and winning of possession is creeping under the radar as things stand.

How did a late managerial change affect preparations for this season? Quite a lot in one sense as Gary O’Neil wants to be a fairly different style to Julen Lopetegui — more on the front foot, a bit more direct and more energetic. But not at all in another sense as they had only signed two players when O’Neil arrived so any he wasn’t stuck with a load of new Lopetegui signings.

Who is a name for the future to keep an eye on? The same answer as the one above — João Gomes. The tenacious midfielder is only 22 but has already been called up to the Brazil squad as a reward for his energetic performances. Wolves pulled out all the stops to beat off Lyon and sign him and, while he hasn’t played too many games yet, he has shown some really promising signs.

What would constitute a successful campaign at Molineux? Given the difficult summer, there’s no escaping the fact that survival would be success this season. But after three seasons when they’ve averaged less than a goal a game in the league, there’s an argument that success is about more than just points and positions. Wolves fans want to enjoy watching their team again. How would you rate Wolves’ transfer business? It’s been a massively frustrating summer for Wolves fans and heading into the final week of business they had only signed two free transfers. I’m writing this on Tuesday and there’s every chance they will have signed more by the time people read this, but at the time of writing you’d have to say it’s been a horrible window.

wolves

We meet again From memorable meetings to tense transfers to shared stories, Palace have their own personal tale to tell for each of our Premier League opposition this season. Here, a near-miss almost derails a Molineux meeting…

SAVING MATCH Of THE DAY On 22nd August 1964, an institution was born: the BBC broadcast a programme called Match of the Day for the very first time. Live on BBC Two, it was very different from today’s incarnation; only one match was shown and in black and white. After England’s World Cup success in 1966, the programme grew in popularity and moved to BBC One, and later in that decade would be in colour. The iconic theme tune was composed for the programme by Barry Stoller and first used in August 1970. On the 30th October 1965, the BBC cameras arrived at Molineux for a routine Second Division

fixture between Wolves and Palace – but the match was far from incident-free. The Palace squad and staff had travelled by train from London, but a failure near Leamington Spa meant massive delays. To make things worse, the BBC’s lead commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme (of ‘They think it’s all over…it is now!’ fame) was marooned on the same train. In order to save some time, the players changed into their kits on the train and were given a police escort for the coach from the station to the ground. As Wolstenholme’s anxious colleague put it: “If the Palace boys don’t make it we won’t have a programme anyway.” Palace’s first visit to Molineux for 40 years had not got off to the best of starts. The Glaziers were holding their own on their return to Division Two, but Wolves were challenging at the top of the table with a team that included former Palace player John Holsgrove, future Palace man Terry Wharton and longterm Palace target Hugh McIlmoyle. With a misfiring strike force against an in-form Wolves side it was one way traffic, but holding his own was goalkeeper John Jackson, playing as a man inspired to defy wolves

the rampaging home forwards with a number of outstanding saves. Despite his virtuoso performance, he was unable to stop the only goal of the game five minutes into the second-half. After full-time, a gentleman came into the Palace changing room to congratulate ‘Jacko’ on his display. Only after he left was Jackson advised it was the Wolves chairman himself. On his return home, the Palace ‘keeper was greeted by letters full of praise, sent to Selhurst Park by Wolves supporters. A different era.

arsenal

THROUGH THE LENS

HATTRICK HERO V PLYMOUTH

through the lens

JOIN THE CLUB

arsenal

ben bailey-smith

Ben Bailey Smith, aka Doc Brown, does it all – acting, rapping, writing, directing, you name it. The multifaceted Palace fan is also a patron of Palace for Life Foundation. In each edition, he offers his unique take on the world in SE25...

ROUND WE GO Not many of us are lucky enough to be multilingual but everybody knows the French for ‘already lived’ – two simple words that describe that strange yet false feeling that you’re somehow experiencing something that has happened before. That funny feeling we call ‘déjà vu’. It could be fleeting sense of a conversation repeating, a place you’ve visited or drawing with Brentford. Not many of us are lucky enough to be multilingual but everybody knows the French for ‘already lived’ – two simple words that describe that strange yet false feeling – wait… I don’t want to get stuck in a loop here because supporting Palace is enough to time warp the brain at the best of times. Is it just me or have we seen this movie? Childhood Eagles’ fan returns to south London to lead his young charges, steady the ship and guide them back to their spiritual home: 12th. I’m one of those Palace supporters that is more than happy

Is it just me or have we seen this movie? Childhood Eagles’ fan returns to south London to lead his young charges, steady the ship and guide them back to their spiritual home: 12th

ben bailey-smith

to take progress slowly – I’ve witnessed so many clubs shoot for too much too fast and subsequently implode, so I really don’t mind the Tortoise v Hare approach. I live in confidence that the memories of yo-yoing up and down divisions are very much ‘déjà vu et plus jamais’ – already lived… and never again. No, let me lounge in the strangely comforting repetition of strikers running around and working really hard but not really striking, being last on Match of the Day and hearing someone somewhere say Selhurst Park is a tough place to go. I mean, sharing a point with Brentford is repeated more times than that clip of Del Boy falling through the bar. Some things are like déjà vu but ever so slightly tweaked, like when you chat Palace with someone who’s never watched much Palace. The conversation is essentially a perfect echo of that one you had with a different person a few years back, and another the year before that, except now they say: “Ooh Palace, yeah… Good player that Eze isn’t he?” instead of “Ooh, Palace, yeah… Good player that Zaha, isn’t he?” Of course, us avid Eagle Consumers know that the real recurring motif on the pitch is not really any one individual but a unit that is greater than the sum of its parts. Hence August’s back pages providing déjà vu through that vaguest of vague phrase so often heard in transfer chat – ‘sniffing around’. The ‘big boys’ were sniffing around Marc Guéhi. Then there

that particular nosy parker had their sinuses joyously pinched shut one morning by Big Steve P. Now I hear some loud sniffing creeping its way down the M6 towards Ebs and Cheick Doucouré. NOT ON MY WATCH

ben bailey-smith

was some sniffing around Joachim Andersen. The sniffing continued around Michael Olise (until that particular nosy parker had their sinuses joyously pinched shut one morning by Big Steve P). Now I hear some loud sniffing creeping its way down the M6 towards Ebs and Cheick Doucouré. NOT ON MY WATCH. All these clubs are living out the same simple mistake – these players are all great in their own right, but truly amazing together – and you can’t buy ‘em all so jog on. But hey ho, round and round we go. We’ve seen it all before – it should get stale but it never does – but isn’t that the nature of true love? It tends to be the things we feel most passionate about that recur in our thinking in the mysterious form of déjà vu. It makes sense that love blurs the lines of reality – did that already happen or is it just that we wish it did? I looked on with envy and admiration at West Ham last season, just as I did with Leicester City back in 2016 – two smaller clubs who have had their fair share of negative déjà vu over the years – and on both occasions I found myself in awe of how they’d managed the break the chain, snap out of a seemingly ceaseless loop and change the course of history. Just like that proverbial tortoise, they got there in the end. Why not us? One day. Until then, we normally turn it on against Wolves, don’t we? Yeah, three points surely. Nailed on. In the bag. Right? Uh-oh, I’ve got the feeling I’ve been through this before…

It’s an exciting time to be coming through the Academy at Crystal Palace – each week, hear from one of the next generation on their journey so far…

Roshaun Mathurin Age

Joined

Under-21s

Position

Winger Career highlight so far

Scoring a hattrick away at Chelsea Under-18s, having left the club earlier in his career. Take note of Mathurin is a fiery winger who is capable of playing on either flank or through the middle.

roshaun mathurin

o join Palace is a great opportunity – I’m just so happy and I can't wait to progress here. I am a twofooted winger; I prefer to play on either wing, but I can also play as a number 10. When I was nine I signed for Chelsea, and I was there for four years before moving to Tottenham Hotspur. I stayed at Tottenham from Under-13s to Under-19s, and now I’m here at Palace. Ever since I came in the boys have been really welcoming. The gaffer Darren Powell has been good – he lets us all know what he wants from us and encourages me to be confident and take players on. His coaching sessions are also top notch. Coming off the bench in my first appearance for Palace – as ‘Trialist B’ – was a great feeling. I had my family there, so I was determined to make them happy and proud. I also wanted to make an impact on the game. My family is really important to me. My mum and dad have sacrificed so much since I was really young to get me this far. I try

to spend as much time with them as I can whenever I’m not playing football, and I’m just grateful for everything they’ve done for me. To come on against Manchester United and have an impact on the game was a relief. There was a lot of pressure on me, but after scoring that goal to make it 2-1 the pressure felt completely

Supporters may have seen his impact in our recent home win over Manchester United, where he came off the bench to put in an exciting attacking performance for the team, and we hope that success will continue Gary Issott Academy Director

Coming off the bench in my first appearance for Palace – as ‘Trialist B’ – was a great feeling. I had my family there, so I was determined to make them happy and proud. i also wanted to make an impact on the game

off – I just wanted to score more and more after that. Winning the game in the 98th minute was such a good moment for me and the boys. It was a really memorable game, especially as it was the first game of the new season. I am actually familiar with a couple of the boys here at Palace already, like Jadan Raymond and roshaun mathurin

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Jes and I played together at Chelsea at the same time when we were younger, so I have known him for quite a while. Looking ahead to this season, we are really interested in competing at the top of the league. Palace Under-21s had a good season last time and I think we’ve got a big chance of winning it. For me personally, along with competing at the top of the league and in all competitions, I would love to break into the firstteam. I will be giving my all at all times, you never know where you can end up – that’s the best bit of advice I’ve heard and I’ll stick to it

While Palace’s first-team find their Premier League season well underway, both Academy sides began their league campaigns with wins of their own.

academy story so far Rob Quinn's Under-18s side put in a five-star performance on the opening day, slotting five goals past Southampton with no response. The Saints, who were Under-18s Premier League South champions in 2021/22, fell to goals from David Obou and Jesse Derry, before a 10-minute second-half hat-trick from captain Zach Marsh comfortably sealed the points. A narrow defeat away at Chelsea in the ninth minute of time added on was a tough one to take for the following week, though the Young Eagles picked themselves back up and managed to secure a 2-1 win at home against Reading last time out. Jesse Derry was in fine form for both games, scoring Palace’s only goal against Chelsea before notching a brace against Reading – the second of which in surely in contention for the club's Goal of the Month award. Derry is one of 15 new first-year scholars who have made the step up to the Under-18s this

season and has adapted well alongside teammates Kai-Reece Adams-Collman, Matteo Dashi, Mofe Jemide and Tyler Whyte, who have started strongly. Meanwhile, Darren Powell's Under-21s got off to a great start with a last-gasp 3-2 win against Manchester United at the Academy ground. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Roshaun Mathurin (then known as Academy

the famous Trialist B) and Jadan Raymond got their names on the scoresheet, with Raymond finding the winner in the 98th minute. This result got the side off to the best possible start in the newlook Premier League 2. Remember, promotion and relegation have been removed in favour of a Swiss-style system where every side plays select fixtures against seeded

opposition, before the top 16 enter a knock-out stage later in the campaign based on league position. Defeats to Reading and Fulham have come in recent games, and now Powell and his side will turn their attention to the EFL Trophy and the Premier League Cup, with trips to Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers to come after the international break. New signings Chris Francis, Justin Devenny and Mathurin will bolster Powell’s side, as will the number of first-year pros and second-year scholars making the step up. A selection of Under-21s games will also be played at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium this season, in addition to some games at Selhurst Park. All of the Under-21s’ Premier League International Cup group fixtures, Premier League Cup home fixtures and five Premier League 2 fixtures will be contested at the League Two side’s stadium. Palace's Academy prospects have also nudged their way into first-team reckoning. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi earned another Premier League appearance in Palace’s first home game of the season against Arsenal, coming on in the 83rd minute. With Arsenal down to 10-men, Rak-Sakyi showed several moments of invention as Palace mounted a succession of attacks – but unfortunately could not find an equaliser. “[It was] tough, but if I want to play at the highest level, I’ve got to play against the tough teams, so

[It was] tough, but if I want to play at the highest level, I’ve got to play against the tough teams, so it’s really good for me. I was just trying to make things happen jes rak-sakyi

it’s really good for me,” Rak-Sakyi admitted. “I was just trying to make things happen. Coming on the pitch, intensity was high. Fans were screaming and shouting, so it was crazy.” Rak-Sakyi followed with a first start under Roy Hodgson away at Plymouth Argyle in the League Cup, scoring with an emphatic finish into the top corner only to be denied by the assistant referee’s flag. John-Kymani Gordon, Seán Grehan and Jack Wells-Morrison were all among the substitutes at Home Park, another valuable experience in their development. All are itching to make their debuts in red and blue this season. With games coming thick and fast after the international break, there may be more opportunities for Palace’s young Academy prospects to shine and make a breakthrough into the first-team

academy

The ball seemed to hang in the air for an age: for Crystal Palace Women’s players, for the near-800 assembled crowd at the VBS Community Stadium – and no more so than for striker Elise Hughes, rising to attack Fliss’ Gibbons cross in the 12th minute of stoppage time…

A challenging start had seen new-look Palace Women paired with last season’s relegated Super League side Reading on an historic opening day of the season. For Palace, the match marked the first chapter of a highly promising story. The arrivals of Head of Women’s Football, Grace Williams; new head coach Laura Kaminski; four new players; and the move to a new home in Sutton all transpired over the summer. The Eagles more than matched the Royals throughout, but looked set to suffer a frustrating defeat after Reading’s Deanna Cooper challenged goalkeeper Natalia Negri at a last-minute corner, forcing the ball over the line despite the home team’s vehement protests. But just as it appeared that a lengthy period of injury time had run its course, Hughes peeled off her marker and latched onto a diagonal delivery from Gibbons, heading the ball back across goal and into the far corner – and sparking jubilant celebrations on and off the pitch.

Hughes: Palace’s No. 9 was the coolest person in Sutton as Gibbons’ diagonal cross dropped towards her forehead in the 102nd minute. “Now I’m thinking back, it felt like it was in the air for ages!” Hughes laughed. “I know the quality that we’ve got in this team and as soon as it went to Fliss’ left foot, I thought ‘get yourself in and around the goal and hope for the best’. It was a great ball and I was delighted to get on the end of it. “Obviously conceding late, late on, in the 90th minute, it

shows a real togetherness that we were able to come back into the game. I feel like it was the least we deserved.”

Kaminski: “We’ve worked so hard all week on a way to play; on us; and on being prepared for the opposition,” Laura Kaminski added. “We wanted to stick to that. “We never want to go away from the gameplan: we stay focused and believe in ourselves that until the final whistle has gone, we back the way we play. In the end, that pay-off was really good. women

“To the fans: thank you for coming out. You’ve made this place feel like home. When we scored, the place erupted, and it was a great feeling and a great moment for the players. They’ll cherish that and want to repeat that week after week.” Palace Women travel to St Andrew's to take on Birmingham City on Sunday, 3rd September (15:00 BST). The Eagles' next home match is against Durham on Sunday, 10th September (12:00 BST) – tickets are available via cpfc.co.uk.

Age 21 Position Winger Nationality Jamaican Signed 2022 – Leicester City

paige bailey-gayle Paige Bailey-Gayle became Palace Women’s first-ever FIFA World Cup representative this summer, helping Jamaica to reach the Round of 16 at the finals in Australia and New Zealand.

How would you describe your World Cup experience? It was the best experience ever – so many memories! I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but we could all feel the support of Jamaica everywhere we went. It’s unfortunate we’ve now got to wait another four years to do it again, but fingers crossed I’ll get to go to another one. How much has changed at the club since you’ve been away? It’s been a big change – there are lots of new faces – but it’s exciting! I’m hoping I’ll take what I learned from

I’ll take what I learned from the World Cup and hopefully bring it back to the girls

get to know palace’s history maker...

paige bailey-gayle

the World Cup and hopefully bring it back to the girls, and help in more than one way – not just on the pitch, but off the pitch too – so that we can more consistently get three points throughout the season.

How did it feel seeing that lastminute equaliser from Elise? I’m just so happy it did go in! I think we deserved to win the game, but we’ll take a draw. We had a lot of chances and we played better in a lot more spells of the game, but to get the draw felt just as good because we were coming from one behind late on.

How is it being back in action for Palace after the World Cup? It’s good to be back out there with the girls! It felt like off-season has been long, but I’m happy to be back out there. We were unfortunate not to get three points to start the season, but we grinded and kept going until the final whistle to get that point, so we’re happy. paige bailey-gayle

What’s your target for this season? I want to develop as a player. I want to get as fit as possible, and the numbers and goals will follow after that – but mainly, I just want to give the best version of myself.

APSLEY

For more than 150 years, Palace have paved a way into the history books, navigating wild misadventures, cult heroes, political and social changes and all the ups and downs that come with them. Step back into another world…

RETRO PALACE

History Makers Palace players past and tantalising titbits from eras gone by: club historian Ian King takes us through the wacky, weird and wonderful history of Crystal Palace one new tale at a time.

BOBBY WOODRUFF

ans of a certain era may remember the chant: ‘Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!’ With 48 goals in 139 games for the club, it was no wonder Woodruff was a firm fans’ favourite. Born near Swindon in 1940, he became a youth player with his hometown club, under future Palace manager Bert Head. Head had introduced a number of younger players into the first-team, including the likes of Mike Summerbee, Don Rogers and Cliff Jackson. In 1964 Woodruff was transferred to Wolves for £40,000, making his debut in a 5-1 thrashing of Birmingham at Molineux. New manager Andy Beattie shifted him to centre-forward, and the decision paid off: he scored a hattrick of headers against Sunderland in April 1965.

In 1966 Bert Head was appointed manager of Crystal Palace and he duly made Woodruff his first signing for £18,000. Scoring twice on his Palace debut at home to Carlisle United that August, he went on to only miss only one league or cup game over the next two seasons, and was the Glaziers’ leading scorer with 18 goals in each campaign. His magnificent heading ability and prodigious long throw – he could easily reach the penalty spot – gave Head a new dimension in attack. In the early spring of 1969, Woodruff netted five goals in six games; his winner at championselect Derby County created the belief that the club could attain its first ever top-flight promotion. Sadly, Woodruff broke his collar bone and could not feature history makers

in the final seven games that cemented promotion, but as the players acclaimed the fans from the Directors Box the cry went up – “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby” – and he promptly appeared. Woodruff moved to Cardiff City in 1969, where he experienced European football before ending his professional career with Newport County in 1976. Post-retirement saw him training as a social worker, helping young offenders and those with mental health issues.

debuts and curtain calls Terry Wharton made more than 200 appearances for Wolves in the 1960s, and it was a serendipitous coincidence that he would make his Palace debut against his boyhood club in January 1971. Goalkeeper Paul Hammond and midfielder Kevin Taylor also made their Palace debuts against Wolves in 1972 and 1985 respectively. In 2007, legendary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly signed off a successful Palace career against Wolves, before Victor Moses made his final Palace appearance against the same opposition in 2010. In January 2021, Mamadou Sakho pulled on a Palace shirt for the final time at Molineux. Irish midfielder Hugh Brophy played only a minute of football for Palace, coming against Wolves as a substitute for Johnny Byrne.

Weird and wonderful Sometimes, results are so bad you just wished they never happened. If only they could be scrubbed from history, erased from our collective memories and forgotten. Well, as it happens, it isn’t unheard of. When Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939, life in Britain was about to be transformed – but in the meantime things continued as normal. On Saturday 2nd September – 84 years ago yesterday – Palace played their third game of the Division Three South, beating Bristol Rovers, but they had suffered a

chastening five-goal thrashing at Reading the week before. However, these results were soon to be lost to history. The declaration of war on Germany on the morning of 3rd September meant league football was abandoned with immediate effect; it wouldn’t restart until 1946. And, just like that, Palace’s first three matches were expunged, never to count towards statistics or records. During the war, the governing bodies organised local wartime leagues wherever possible to fill the void left by the abandonment of football, but, again, no matches contributed to all-time stats and figures.

A complete meeting of FIFA, for the first time since the war, at the Victoria Hotel, London, 1945

brief encounters -

Terry Wharton of Wolverhampton Wanderers, 1967

Founded in 1885 and initially playing in the Welsh leagues, Chester entered Palace’s periphery with the formation of Division Four in 1958. The two had first met in a cup tie in 1948, but now were set to clash in the league for the first time. In three seasons together – plus two more in Division Three in the 1970s – Palace found Chester history makers

something of a bogey side, losing six out of 10 games, but they did claim a memorable 5-1 win at Selhurst Park in January 1961. In 1983, Chester became Chester City, but after a series of relegations they entered administration in 2010, and were expelled from the Football League. A phoenix club was created with the same name who currently play in the National League North

Times have changed over Crystal Palace’s rich and storied history. In each edition, we dust off the archive and reprint a story from one of the club’s historical programmes. This week, we look back at Palace fan Paul Romain’s column from our play-off semi-final encounter…

Crystal Palace √ Wolverhampton wanderers – 10th May 1997

ince we met Wolverhampton fans Rod and Chris last season, drinking in and around Wolverhampton has become a lot easier, as we get an ‘escort’ past the extremely visitor-unfriendly bouncers installed in most pub doorways. I shall be looking forward to another excellent trip to Molineux on Wednesday – I did say after our last meeting that I didn’t think we had seen the last of each other this season and so it has proved! Opinion seems to be divided on how the play-off matches have lined up. Most people seemed to agree with me that Ipswich were the team to be avoided, so I found myself performing strange contortions for the last 15 minutes last Sunday – jumping up with the usual instinctive anticipation when Palace threatened the Port Vale goal, and then trying to figure out why I was doing this when a goal would have meant an almost certain trip to Portman Road! I suppose at this stage of the FROM THE ARCHIVE

season it really doesn’t matter too much though. We were, after all, the form team going to Wembley last year and look at the good it did us! Yet again though, for the second consecutive season, if we get as far as Wembley, Steve Coppell will have one less player to choose from. Quite how these virtually meaningless end of season league matches inspire such misguided passion amongst the players is beyond me, especially, when for some of them, it appears to be the most animated they have been all season. I noticed this morning that Steve Coppell was complaining that a policeman prevented him from getting close enough to referee Andy D’Urso after the match to seek an adequate explanation to Dougie Freedman’s dismissal. Luckily, I can help you out here Steve as the incident was directly in front of my vantage point. I can confirm that despite one newspaper’s assertion that there was a ‘ten man brawl’, the referee’s basic explanation that it was ‘all handbags’ was completely accurate. The referee stood calmly in the middle of some gentle pushing and shoving, presumably waiting for everybody to behave like grown-ups, and apparently not particularly concerned about taking any action, when one player landed a better punch than Billy Hardy had managed the previous night. Now I have never been slow to jump on the back of the game’s major whingers like Ferguson, Robson and Kinnear who have

made criticising referees a life’s work. I have always said that they should first look to their own behaviour and that of their players before they start attacking others. Much as I hate being critical of my own side it would hardly be fair to change my stance now. So, in conclusion, I’m not entirely sure what referees can be expected to do in a situation such as last week’s. Looking back on last week’s General Election, I am surprised that Messrs Paxman, Dimbleby, Frost et al haven’t picked up on the

Now having a Chelsea fan running the country was bad enough, but at least Major was close enough in Westminster to be able to say it was his local team. Nothing changes with United though! most worrying aspect of Labour’s victory to date, namely that last week amongst the various items of Blair furniture being moved into Number Ten was a Manchester United duvet! [Editor: Tony Blair is in fact a Newcastle United fan…] Now having a Chelsea fan running the country was bad enough, FROM THE ARCHIVE

but at least Major was close enough in Westminster to be able to say it was his local team. Nothing changes with United though! Much better news was that Blair has chosen to give one prominent left winger a job after the announcement that Tony Banks is the new Minister for Sport. Good news of course because Banks is an ardent football fan, unlike some previous incumbents of this post, albeit yet another afflicted with a strange tendency to visit Stamford Bridge. I’m confident that he will be much more amenable to representations from supporters’ groups than they have previously found under the Tory government and am looking forward to hearing his plans (a 99 per cent corporation tax limited to a small area in the Trafford region of Manchester for example?). Meanwhile, what does he do when the Bridgefaithful start singing “We’ll keep the blue flag flying high”?! And finally thank you again for the various comments and letters that I have received through this season. Despite the fact that the club very wisely removed my picture from the top of the page this year, I still get plenty of people come up to me at games with suggestions, opinions, and more often than not to tell me that I don’t know what I’m on about (luckily I don’t think Dougie knows what I look like!). I won’t say enjoy the game, I shall be far too nervous so I know I won’t!

This article is reprinted verbatim.

1962

nineteen

sixtytwo

Football, fashion, music and more – step back in time to an era that had it all…

At the European royalty at selhurst park Rain hammers down under Selhurst Park’s newly-installed floodlights. Illuminated by the fresh, electric glare buzzing over a near-saturated pitch, a footballer whose name remains synonymous with the sport over half a century later emerges. In a stadium of 25,000, a single diminutive figure wouldn’t typically stand out. But as Ferenc Puskás’ stubby metal studs made their maiden voyage into the viscous south London turf, the squat Hungarian had all eyes on him. The 20th century’s highestscoring player and into his third of five consecutive seasons as the club’s top scorer, Puskás was the star when Real Madrid came to Selhurst Park as arguably the club’s most eminent opponent ever. Also among their ranks were the icons Alfredo Di Stéfano, Francisco Gento and Raymond Kopa.

But how did we get here? With new ambition, increased financial backing and appointment of a distinguished manager in Arthur Rowe, Palace sought a suitably sizeable opponent to help showcase their newly installed floodlights. It was a chance to draw a hefty crowd to Selhurst Park, to place a lowly Third Division club on the global map and to test the south Londoners against the world’s best. Palace’s choices were plentiful, with northern powerhouses like Manchester United and Burnley dominating – but the best opponents in English football knew their worth. Exasperated by teams within his own country, Chairman Arthur Wait reportedly exclaimed: “If that’s what they’re going to do to us, we might as well try to get Real Madrid!”

retro palace

Real Madrid were just a fortnight out from the European Cup final against Benfica and Eusébio – Puskás would go on to score a hattrick in the final, of course. They needed the preparation. “This is the first time that Real Madrid have played in London,” wrote Wait in his pre-match notes, “so forgive us if we throw our chests out a little for being able to arrange such a fixture, it needed quite a lot of courage.” Palace trailed 4-1 at half-time – with Di Stefano opening the scoring – before fighting back to within inches of claiming a famous draw. A 4-3 defeat only told half of the story – after all, defeat can tell you the most about a team’s collective character. The Glaziers had held their own against the world’s greatest team.

Music

top 5 singles 1

I Remember You

Frank Ifield

Stranger on the Shore

Mr. Acker Bilk

Can’t Help Falling in Love

Elvis Presley

Telstar

The Tornados

Wonderful Land

The Shadows

Fashion

Films

The name’s Bond. James Bond. The European-style suits of Sean Connery, further popularised by the Rat Pack of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr et al, were all the rage. Even more radical still was the popularisation of the bikini, named after the nuclear test site on Bikini Atoll and soon to become a best-seller.

Lawrence of Arabia

The Longest Day

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Music Man

In Search of the Castaways

12 july The Rolling Stones make their debut as a support act at the Marquee Club on Oxford Street 6 March Accrington Stanley are forced to resign from the Football League due to massive debts

21 september University Challenge is broadcast for the first time 28 april Ipswich Town win the First Division title in their first season in the top-flight

5 october Dr. No, the first James Bond film, premieres in London starring Sean Connery 5 may Jimmy Greaves inspires Tottenham Hotspur to win the FA Cup, beating Burnley at Wembley

retro palace

5 october The Beatles release their first single: ‘Love Me Do’ 17 june Brazil beat Czechoslovakia in Chile to win a second successive World Cup

Get great value phone and SIM only deals today! 58

SCAN ME

Official Partner of Crystal Palace F.C.

Unlocking the power of pitches The Football Foundation is the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity. We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

selhurst stand-off

inside palace

MICHAEL HARRINGTON, HE’S ONE OF OUR OWN

isability Manager Michael Harrington began his role at Palace for Life in 2004 and has since grown the Disability department from the ground up. To recognise his contribution, he has been presented with the ‘One of Our Own’ award as part of the Premier League Supports campaign, which highlights the exceptional commitment and contributions made by figures in the community. Michael was working in a completely different industry before making the move to the charity sector to coach football, a pursuit he has remained dedicated to since his very first day. He began his role at Palace for Life in the infancy of the Disability department, and since then, the number of people Michael and his team have supported has risen from zero to thousands. Michael is a pioneer in disability sport. He has grown various projects including school programmes, vision impaired and blind football, Down’s Syndrome and Powerchair football, football for those living with mental health conditions, and learning disability projects across south London – reaching

participants ranging from five years old to adults in their fifties, from a variety of different backgrounds. Having spent 18 years at Palace for Life, Michael is one of the longest-serving members of staff and has been responsible for delivering practical coaching, as well as coordinating his team foundation

and administration behind the scenes – as his department has grown, so has his workload! In his area of work, there can be challenging safeguarding issues that arise from time to time and Michael has always remained professional and supported his participants through some incredibly

challenging situations, regularly going above and beyond to support the individuals he has built such important connections with. There have been some real highlights during his career, including when the Down’s Syndrome Eagles took part in first-team training, winning Parasport’s Club of the Month, and leading the Powerchair team to championship success last season.

Michael’s passion and longevity shine through to everyone at Palace for Life and despite being a lifelong West Ham fan, he’s certainly One of Our Own

Support Palace for Life in our mission to raise £1 million to help us transform thousands of more young south Londoners’ lives.

donate a pint from your pre-match routine below

Michael’s achievements have been rightly recognised on more than one occasion, having won a Disability Champion Award from Crystal Palace and recently being nominated for Coach of the Year for the Grassroots Football Awards by the Football Association. Having turned down other opportunities in order to stay directly supporting people day-to-day, Michael’s passion and longevity shine through to everyone at Palace for Life and despite being a lifelong West Ham fan, he’s certainly One of Our Own

foundation

Every day is a busy one at the Palace, from matchdays – men’s, women’s and Academy – to anniversaries, birthdays to events. Keep track of everything happening at the club right here…

03 sep

Palace √ Wolves | 14:00

05 sep

07 sep

Rest in Peace

LIVE audio commentary on

Palace legend John Jackson, who made 388 appearances for the club and was born on this day in 1942.

Palace assistant manager Ray Lewington turns 67 today!

07 sep

08 sep

09 sep

Denmark take on San Marino (19:45) in their European Championship qualifier – can Joa get on the scoresheet?

(1995): Palace sign Dougie Freedman – he would score 20 league goals in his first season at the club.

what’s on?

Ukraine host England (17:00), with Marc Guéhi, Ebere Eze and Sam Johnstone among the squad travelling to Wrocław.

10 sep

Finland welcome Denmark (17:00) - can Joa and co. take a huge step towards next summer’s European Championships?

16 sep

leicester city √ palace u18S | 11:00 LIVE ON

16 sep

11 sep

(2021): Palace thrash Spurs 3-0 at Selhurst Park, as Odsonne Edouard scores within 28 seconds of coming on for his debut.

12 sep

England take on the auld enemy at Hampden Park to mark the 150th anniversary of their first meeting in 1872.

(2017): Roy Hodgson is appointed Palace manager, with the club marooned at the foot of the Premier League. Palace would come back to finish 11th.

17 sep

19 sep

Sean Scannell turns 32 today!

(2020): Palace kick-start a bizarre COVID campaign with a win at Old Trafford, thanks to Andros Townsend and a Wilfried Zaha brace.

ASTON VILLA √ PALACE | 15:00 LIVE audio commentary on

Jordan Ayew turns 32 today!

All times BST. Head to cpfc.co.uk for more details.

what’s on?

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, we print your messages. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

Happy 12th Birthday, Ollie! Love from Mum, Dad, Lewis & all the family xxxx

Dan a lifelong Palace supporter & Robyn first time at Selhurst Park are over from Canada. Enjoy the game love from Mike, Chris & Pat.

Patrick Francis Carey, 12 July 1937 – 21 July 2023. RIP my dear, dear dad. We will all miss you like mad. Until we meet again. Love you. Andy, Mandy, Lily, Connor and all the family.

Happy 75th Birthday to Linda Grilli. Best Mum and Nonna. 63 seasons in the Whitehorse. Love Emilio, Michael, Dawn, Katy, Lucia and Benny the cat X. COYP.

from the terraces

Happy 9th birthday Bobby Hope you have a great day, here is hoping for a Palace win lots of love from Mummy, Daddy Stanley and Alfie xx

In loving memory of Ian Nash, 15.11.1953 - 15.08.2023. The most amazing Husband, Dad and Grandad. You are going to be so missed by everyone. Sleep well & rest in peace xx

We wish our daughter Jess a happy 21st birthday for the 30th August, love mum & dad. COYP

Welcome to Griffin and Calin Slade from Newcastle Australia who are attending their first ever Premier League game. Enjoy from Will and Hayley!

Get Well Soon Thiago from Andreas, Mummy, Daddy and Nana Potter we love you lots. Good luck Palace for 23/24 season.

Hope you enjoy the match, thank you for being a special big brother lots of love Mummy, Daddy and Nana xxx

Many Congratulations to my Mum & Dad, Angela and Roger Dickson on their Ruby Wedding anniversary. Dad will love seeing this photo in the programme. He has every programme from the last 73 seasons. Much love Katy, Dan, Emily & Thomas xx

In memory of Charles Winter. Devoted husband, father, granddad, great granddad and supporter of Crystal Palace. He was a fan for over 75 years! His wife of 64 years worked at the ground and is also a proud Palace fan. With love from all of his family.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or Happy 60th Birthday Martin! With lots of love from Fran, Jasmine, Flash and Ted x

fewer and an image to feature Happy birthday Mandy, lots of love from Debs, Kim, Dan xxxxxxx

from the terraces

on our messageboard.

Meet today’s mascots, prepare for a trip to one of the league’s most historic grounds, relive a dramatic last-minute winner and pit your wits against Brighty below.

Freddie Clyro

Joey Dylan Ashby

ross harvey

AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

kayden harvey AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

Finley Newton

Cody Wait

AGE:

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-1

Want to feature as a mascot? Email: liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk

round-up

SCORE PREDICTION:

2-0

SCORE PREDICTION:

1-2

next up: aston villa

Best memory: Dwight Gayle scored a sumptuous late winner at Villa Park on Boxing Day, 2013 as Palace picked up a huge three points on their road to survival.

It’s a trip to the Midlands as Palace take on Aston Villa on Saturday, 16th September (15:00 BST). Travel: Witton is the nearest train station to Villa Park, with regular services from Birmingham New Street. Alternatively, Birmingham New Street is a short drive from the stadium. Pre-match: There are a number of away pubs near Villa Park, with The Witton Arms, The Yew Tree and the Hare of the Dog all previously welcoming travelling supporters.

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

Brighty

You

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

round-up

team stats: women/U21S/U18S Elise Hughes Hughes scored the only goal as Palace Women earned a point on the opening day against Reading.

Jack WellsMorrison scored at Selhurst Park against Fulham, earning a place in the firstteam squad against Plymouth Argyle.

Jesse Derry Derry made it four goals in the first three games of the season with a brace against Reading.

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

AUGUST Sun 27

Reading

SEPTEMBER Sun 3

Birmingham City

Sun 10

Durham

Sun 17

Sunderland

Sat 30

Sheffield United

OCTOBER Sun 8

Blackburn Rovers

Sun 15

London City Lionesses

Sun 22

Charlton Athletic

NOVEMBER Sun 5

Watford

Sun 12

Lewes

Sun 19

Southampton

DECEMBER Sun 17

Reading

JANUARY Sun 21

London City Lionesses

Sun 28

Charlton Athletic

FEBRUARY Sun 4

Southampton

Sun 18

Blackburn Rovers

MARCH Sun 3

Birmingham City

Sun 17

Sheffield United

Sun 24

Watford

Sun 31

Durham

APRIL Sun 21

Lewes

Sun 28

Sunderland

D 1-1

AUGUST Mon 14 Manchester United W 3-2 Sun 20 Reading L 0-2 Mon 28 Fulham L 2-5 SEPTEMBER Fri 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Fri 15 Middlesbrough Tue 19 Wycombe Wanderers Mon 25 Nottingham Forest OCTOBER Sun 1 Liverpool Fri 6 Birmingham City Mon 30 West Bromwich Albion NOVEMBER Fri 3 Leeds United Tue 7 AFC Wimbledon Fri 10 Ipswich Town Tue 14 Stevenage december Sun 3 Manchester City Mon 11 Middlesbrough Mon 18 West Ham United JANUARY Sun 14 Blackburn Rovers Mon 22 Birmingham City Mon 29 Brighton & Hove Albion FEBRUARY Mon 5 Ipswich Town Fri 9 Tottenham Hotspur Mon 19 Leicester City MARCH Mon 4 Stoke City Mon 11 Aston Villa Fri 15 Southampton APRIL Mon 8 Everton Fri 12 Chelsea Sun 28 Middlesbrough

women/u21S/u18S

september Wed 27 Athletic Bilbao october Tue 24 Monaco december Wed 6 Benfica january Wed 17 Feyenoord

AUGUST Sat 12 Southampton W 5-0 Sat 19 Chelsea L 1-2 Sat 26 Reading W 2-1 SEPTEMBER Sat 2 Liverpool Sat 16 Leicester City Sat 23 Fulham Sat 30 Brighton & Hove Albion OCTOBER Sat 21 Newcastle United Sat 28 Arsenal NOVEMBER Sat 4 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 11 West Bromwich Albion Sat 25 Fulham DECEMBER Sat 2 Norwich City Sat 16 Aston Villa JANUARY Sat 6 West Ham United Sat 13 Leicester City Sat 27 Fulham FEBRUARY Sat 10 West Bromwich Albion Sat 17 Brighton & Hove Albion MARCH Sat 9 Chelsea Sat 16 Arsenal APRIL Sat 6 Norwich City Sat 13 Southampton Sat 20 Tottenham Hotspur Sat 27 Aston Villa may Sat 4 West Ham United Sat 11 Reading

women Name

u21s

Apps

Chloe ARTHUR

Goals

Paige BAILEY-GAYLE

Name

u18s Apps

Goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

Victor AKINWALE

Asher AGBINONE

Justin DEVENNY

Cormac AUSTIN

Rio CARDINES

Chima EZE 1

Chris FRANCIS

Lia CATALDO

Sean GREHAN

Aimee EVERETT

Anna FILBEY

Danny IMRAY

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

Felicity GIBBONS

Shauna GUYATT

Caleb KPORHA

Roshaun MATHURIN

Adler NASCIMENTO

Goals

Freddie COWIN

John-Kymani GORDON

Polly DORAN

Apps

Tayo ADARAMOLA

Keira Barry Annabel BLANCHARD

Name

Matteo DASHI

Jesse DERRY

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

Leon ELLIOTT

Joe GIBBARD 1

Jake GRANTE

Zack HENRY

Marcus HILL (GK) Shanade HOPCROFT

Elise HUGHES

Ademola OLA-ADEBOMI

3 Mofe JEMIDE

David OZOH

Jesurun RAK-SAKYI

Jadan RAYMOND

Dylan REID

George KING

Annabel JOHNSON Frances KITCHING (GK) Natalia NEGRI (GK)

Hayley NOLAN

Kirsten REILLY

Joe SHERIDAN

Franco UMEH

Noah WATSON

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

Finley MARJORAM

Joe WHITWORTH (GK)

Hope SMITH (GK)

Zach MARSH

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

David OBOU

Olaoluwa OMOBOLAJI

Molly-Mae SHARPE

Enrique LAMEIRAS

Kaden RODNEY

Ellie NOBLE

Joseph KHOSHABA

Vonnte WILLIAMS

Caleb REDHEAD

Tyler WHITE

Sebastian WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 31 August – see full tables at cpfc.co.uk. st

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

pos CLUB P W D

1 +3 3

16 che

2 10 7

sou

A GD Pts 3

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

3 +5 6

cry

bla

0 +1 3

17 new

8 -2 3

che

2 +5 6

cha

18 sou

7 10 -3 3

avl

5 +2 6

cry

19 cry

9 -4 3

ful

dur

20 lei

9 -5 3

wba

6 +2 4

rdg

21 stk

3 13 -10 3

bha

5 +1 4

shu

22 der

lei

5 -3 1

women/u21S/u18S

Sam Johnstone

Joel Ward

Tyrick Mitchell

James Tomkins

23/24 FIXTURES & RESULTS

palace Career Appearances

338 107

133

palace Career goals

ALL-TIME

may

april

march

february

jan

december

nov

october

september

AUGust

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card attendance/ KICK-OFF

Date

Opposition

Sat 12

Sheffield United

31,194

1-0

Mon 21

Arsenal

24,189

0-1

11th

Sat 26

Brentford

16,997

1-1

11th

Tue 29

Plymouth Argyle

15,826

4-2

Second round

Sun 3

Wolverhampton Wanderers

14:00

Sat 16

Aston Villa

15:00 15:00

Sat 23

Fulham

W/C 25

Manchester United

TBC

Sat 30

Manchester United