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

Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers Saturday 6th November 2021 // 3:00pm

palace √ wolves sat 06 nov | 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 Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott Commercial Director Barry Webber Director of Operations Sharon Lacey Head of Ticketing Ally Spicer General Counsel David Nichol Chief Marketing and Communications Officer James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Editor Ben Mountain Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas, Stu Ellmer Contributors Will Robinson, Ian King, Peter Manning, Darren Ambrose, Tash Stephens, Toby Jagmohan, Mohamed Rguyeg Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Dan Weir (PPA), Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

To communicate, to show your skills, to take some responsibility on the ball, I’m trying to do that always during games. I’m a vocal player, I want to have the ball

briefing palace √ wolves sat 06 nov | 15:00

Palace support Poppy Appeal 2021 Crystal Palace Football Club are supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for today’s fixture with Wolves. Players will wear shirts embellished with the poppy symbol and Selhurst Park will host a minute’s silence before kick-off. Shirts worn against Manchester City last weekend are also available for supporters to bid on and own, with the players signing their poppyembellished strips after a historic victory.

november

Those shirts are up for auction right now, so supporters simply have to decide which player’s they want – from goalscorers Wilfried Zaha and Conor Gallagher to a back line which kept a sensational clean sheet – and get bidding, all to support a fantastic cause. This year marks the centenary of the Royal British Legion, who have supported retired service personnel and their families in a variety of ways throughout their 100-year existence. To support them and get your hands on a piece of Palace history, search: ‘matchwornshirt.co.uk/poppy’.

Ian Wright born, 1963

Don Rogers scores on his debut, 1972 v Everton

Victor Moses makes debut, 2007

Arsenal 0-2 Crystal Palace, 1970

Billy Gilbert (1959), Peter Nicholas (1959) and Wilfried Zaha (1992) born

Fan update Tickets for the home matches against Everton, Southampton, Norwich and West Ham go on sale to Gold Members from Monday 8th November and are on sale to all other Members and Season Ticket holders from 11th November.

What’s inside Find out… how a continental upbringing shaped Joachim Andersen (Page 12), the McDonald’s that spoiled Darren Ambrose’s leaving party (Page 34) and which Palace Women player has starred on the small screen (Page 64). briefing

manager

Welcome to Selhurst Park to Bruno Lage, the Wolves Directors, staff and players, and to everyone here supporting us.

e knew Manchester City was going to be a really challenging game and we knew we must have every single player working hard for the team. I was pleased with how well everyone performed, from Wilfried at the front to Vicente at the back; now we must sustain this togetherness until the end of the season. We’ve learned a lot in really hard ways recently, so the City game showed the team is improving, and this is down to the players’ work ethic. We are getting better and better and are learning from our mistakes, meaning our team spirit and determination got us through the game’s most difficult periods. Our back four is an example of this: they worked well and covered a lot of ground, which is essential against a team like City. We defended well collectively with a number of blocks from our back line and midfielders. So our second goal was recompense for defending so well to earn a reward at the other end of the field. It’s important to sustain our momentum now we have that

fantastic achievement behind us. Winning consecutive games is one of the most difficult things in the Premier League, so today’s challenge is as big as City was.

It’s important to sustain our momentum now we have that fantastic achievement behind us. Winning consecutive games is one of the most difficult things in the Premier League

Wolves are really good away from home because of their individual talent and pace. They play with a back five and four midfielders with great organisation, which makes it manager

difficult to create chances or score goals. We need to be at our best collectively for the second game running to challenge them today. After this match we will break for the international fixtures. We want to keep a positive run going after this, but the programme will be the same. The players will get a couple of days off after today, return for three days of training and then have next weekend off. After that, it’s back to a normal week preparing for the next game. Finally, the team and I recently attended the club’s new Academy opening. These facilities are really important because we can compete with the Premier League teams around us to bring talent to this football club. Young players want to see where they can express their ability and develop themselves, and having an Academy like this is an important tool for the coaches and players to challenge themselves. I am fortunate to be able to call on several graduates in the team today, and look forward to another determined performance from everyone on the field. Thank you for your support

captain

What a win against Manchester City. This game was one where all the moments we did not have luck in other games changed: we performed exactly how we needed to.

was very proud of the boys and the way they played last Saturday. Before the game, we knew how much of a difficult challenge we were in for and that Man City have so many strengths and not many weaknesses at all. You do not expect points from any game in this league, but maybe this one, City away, is the one where you think it will be most difficult. That means you have to play with confidence in your ability and your style, and this is what the boys did. I said in my last notes: you hope for good and bad luck to cancel itself out over a season. So we can say a red card and offside goal is good luck a little bit, but it was something we deserved. It was very tense to watch, but that performance shows what we can do against any team in this league. Newcastle before this was also good as a performance. It was a game where the small mistakes and bad luck caused us a problem, and it was these things we improved against City.

The team and I were lucky to be at the club’s new Academy when it opened – it is a brilliant place. So many talented footballers like Wilfried, Nathaniel

I’m expecting another tough game today against a strong Wolves team. We need to find a balance of being confident from City but also keeping our focus up

and Tyrick came through our Academy before they had these fantastic buildings to develop them, so I think there is a bright future for Crystal Palace with young players coming through. captain

We have lots of boys join us to get experience of first-team football, and it is good to see that they can handle this well. We do not treat these players any different to our senior teammates so that they can learn what this level is like day to day. Of course, we want to be examples and support them too, but they handle the expectations well. With some of the best facilities now these players can only get better: they have to remember that becoming a professional is in their hands, though, it is not the staff or the buildings which will do it for them. I’m expecting another tough game today against a strong Wolves team. We need to find a balance of being confident from City but also keeping our focus up to be sharp for more challenges this season. Those of you who travelled to Manchester made a big difference last week, and everyone with us today will also help so much. Make some noise!

chairman

Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and Directors of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Selhurst Park, and of course, welcome to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here today to get behind Patrick’s team.

t has been a really great few weeks since my last notes. Opening our Academy alongside Gareth Southgate in front of many former players and managers, Patrick and the first-team squad, colleagues, and many special guests was a day that will live long in the memory. To see and hear such overwhelmingly positive comments and media coverage of our new site is extremely pleasing, and I can’t wait to be able to show our Academy Founder Members round very soon. On Saturday, our Under18s won away at Arsenal in yet another impressive performance, and then we celebrated in style at the Etihad, with a remarkable 0-2 win over the champions. Wilfried took his goal brilliantly – his 50th in the Premier League, which is a fantastic achievement – before being City’s chief tormentor, drawing a foul that resulted in a certain red card. The second goal came from an exceptional build-up and breakaway, and the incredible composure between Wilfried, Michael and Conor to finish the

game off in such style. What an incredible win. Then on Sunday, Alan Smith led a squad of former players into a commemorative tournament, The Generation Cup, to celebrate 150

we all know that we have to keep working hard, keep moving forwards and progressing and hopefully there will be many more good days ahead years of the FA Cup. Nine clubs are taking part, all of whom played in the very first edition of the FA Cup. It was fitting that we played our two matches at Hitchin Town, who were our first cup opponents back in 1871/72. Captained by Mile chairman

Jedinak, our side were 0-3 down against Maidenhead United, but fought-back to secure a draw in the opener. With all to play for against Hitchin, our squad stepped up a gear and secured a brilliant 4-0 win to take us through to finals day. I’d like to thank Alan, our squad of former players who gave up their time to represent the club, Mark Bright, Danny Young and our media team who helped pull it all together, as well as the tournament organiser Jonathan Hunter. I’m so pleased that our former players enjoyed the day so much, and that hundreds of fans in attendance and thousands more on Palace TV+ got to see so many popular players pull on the shirt once more. Details of the finals day in March will be confirmed soon. There is great positivity around the club at the moment but we all know that we have to keep working hard, keep moving forwards and progressing and hopefully there will be many more good days ahead. As always, please throw your support behind Patrick and his team today. Up The Palace

Few players have arrived at Selhurst Park with such a storied footballing development, but as Joachim Andersen tells Will Robinson, leadership means responding to challenges wherever they arise.

main interview

orn and raised in Denmark, graduating from the Dutch Academy system, studying the Italian tradition of defending and tested to his limits in France, Joachim Andersen’s development is a cornucopia of European footballing cultures. The result: a defender confident coming forwards but rigorous in his positioning; prepared to play with the ball but just as competent off it. Andersen’s European upbringing may have been scorned in years gone by, when toughtackling English centre-halves were the fashion and the only sensible place for a defender’s pass was Row Z. But in the fast-moving, high-pressing modern Premier League era, his continental expertise makes him a rare and valuable asset. But cultivating Andersen the man meant sacrifices and commitment from Andersen the boy. Leaving Denmark as a teenager, he joined the youth system at F.C. Twente. Our conversation starts there, with Andersen saying: “In Holland, everything is with the ball. All training sessions are with the ball, all running and physical work is with the ball. “They really like going into the detail and precision of playing out from the back, midfielders wanting the ball, a lot of possession games. So you learn to use the ball and you become really good with the ball. “I was always a midfielder before, and that also helped me. It was only when I was 17 or 18

that I moved back – it was quite late. I really like to play at the back because you can see everything, and I think that’s where my strengths come in.” There was a disadvantage, however. For all his development with the ball at his feet, Andersen was keen to perfect the basic art of defending that eluded him in his youth as a midfielder. When it comes to defending as an art form, there is only one place to go.

it was nice to experience and it helped me a lot in my development, but that’s why I thought it was a perfect step to then go to Italy to learn the defensive part of the game

“They didn’t really focus on defending too much [in the Netherlands],” says Andersen. “There were not a lot of oneagainst-ones, the focus was on us having the ball. So it was nice to experience and it helped me a lot in my development, but that’s why I thought it was a perfect step to then go to Italy to learn the defensive part of the game.” In Italy, defending was at the fore. Training, for Andersen, became an intense experience. “It was some long sessions,” he recalls, puffing his cheeks out. “I had a really good manager [Marco Giampaolo] – he wanted to play really nice football at Sampdoria Joachim Andersen

when I was there. He wanted structure in the game. “He’s like a robot. He wanted to control [the players]. It’s not so free in your positioning. The offensive players were a little bit tired of him sometimes, but for me it was really good to work with the defensive back four line. “Learning how to drop, how to use body language, whenever a guy was receiving the ball what to do. A lot of small details he was really into so that was really nice for me.” Andersen left Italy a more confident and accomplished defender than he had arrived, earning his biggest move to date by signing for Lyon. It meant fighting for titles in Ligue 1, and more exciting still, playing Champions League football. “Lyon is a huge club,” he says. “We went to the [Champions League] semi-finals in my year there.” But after the rigorous defensive preparation of Serie A, Andersen found French football hard to adjust to. “It was really completely different from Italy,” he explains. “Maybe a little bit more similar to Holland, in that it is one-againstone a lot. But the players are just strong, doing what they want to do. There was not a good structure. “For me, it was a little bit difficult because I like to have structure. I like to have a plan. But I learned a lot from playing with some good players, and learned a lot from experiencing the Champions League.

“I don’t know if I got used to it. Maybe I didn’t. I had many talks with the coach about it, and we were not totally agreeing. But that’s how it is sometimes. I enjoyed the city, and I enjoyed the stadium – it is an amazing stadium.” As a young defender, a new signing still settling in to his new side, Andersen’s willingness to challenge the manager over his tactical plan demonstrates a determination to speak out. But the centre-back, an affable character off the pitch, was not trying to be incendiary. There was no desire

I like to have structure. I like to have a plan. But I learned a lot from playing with some good players, and learned a lot from experiencing the Champions League to come across as combustible, or damage his relationship with the manager. Instead, Andersen insists honest and frank conversations like these are the key to displaying leadership. “For me, it’s about communication,” he says thoughtfully. “It’s about showing your leadership skills also in the way that you are playing. You can be a leader in many kinds of ways. “To communicate, to show your skills, to take some responsibility on the ball, I’m trying to do that always during games. I’m a vocal player, Joachim Andersen

main interview

I want to have the ball – I want to do something on the ball. I’m not just playing back to the full-back, and then he’s going to have the job. I want to play some balls.” It is clearly a formula that works. Despite his status as a loan signing last season, Andersen regularly captained Fulham as they battled relegation. “Last season was difficult for us – you’re always trying to give your best. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a Champions League or a European semi-final, or if you’re playing Burnley away.

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a Champions League or a European semi-final, or if you’re playing Burnley away. You have to give your everything and you have to try and win every game

“You have to give your everything and you have to try and win every game.” Andersen is a leader on and off the ball. His communication with his centre-back partner was key at Fulham – a relationship he hopes can be replicated this season with fellow recent signing Marc Guéhi. “Time will show, but of course I want to do it as quickly as possible,” he says, his voice belying an eagerness to get stuck back in to a Premier League duo. “Last season I had a good partnership with Tosin [Adarabioyo], and that came about quite quickly. Joachim Andersen

main interview

“It’s just about understanding football, it’s about understanding each other’s movement. So if you can read that quite quickly from each other, it is going to be good. Just communicate with each other. “Just saying: ‘There’s a guy left or right’ can make it easier. So if you just communicate a little bit more than usual it will help you out a lot. On the pitch you need to have some understanding and respect for each other. That’s my experience – then everything will be good.” Over summer, that leadership and communication could be found in all corners of the Denmark national squad, as they came together to fight to the European Championship semi-finals following the trauma of Christian Eriksen requiring life-saving treatment during their tournament opener. Andersen does not think what the Denmark players did was anything special, or out of the ordinary. Any ebullient praise does not sit well with him. “You know, I don’t think you can look on this situation [as an example of leadership], because this situation will hopefully never happen again. “It’s something unusual. It’s just instinct, you know? For me, everyone on the team was really, really good in that moment. Simon [Kjaer, who captained the side] was the closest and he did his job, so it was good. It is just a human thing, it’s nothing to do with football. “In some kind of way it helped us. After what happened with Christian, we got so much support, and I think it helped us give a little

bit extra. For Denmark to get to the semi-finals is not normal. It is an amazing achievement. But it’s something we have to achieve for these things to become normal.” One thing was certainly not normal: the level of backing Denmark found from supporters all over Europe. That connection with the fans is something Andersen missed in his year at Craven Cottage, and he is now relishing the chance to experience the famous atmospheres the Premier League has to offer.

In some kind of way it helped us. After what happened with Christian, we got so much support, and I think it helped us give a little bit extra. For Denmark to get to the semi-finals is not normal

His voice is gleeful when we mention the fans. “That’s really exciting. I was missing that last season. Of course, when you do something good you always like when people are cheering you on and giving you praise, so I’m just looking forward to getting a reaction from what everyone is doing on the pitch.” Few Palace players have had such a storied footballing journey to get to south London. Born in Denmark, shaped in Holland, refined in Italy and challenged in France, now Andersen aims to unleash his continental capabilities on the Premier League Joachim Andersen

A European Championship and Champions League semi-finalist, Joachim Andersen has played with some of the world’s best players – and against them too. Here, he looks back on some of his favourites, and offers advice to stars of the future.

Quickfire questions Childhood idol When you start playing FIFA you get to know players, and you start watching football. Thierry Henry was a top player and a guy I liked a lot. Pavel Nedvědd was another, from Juventus. I didn’t have just one player.

Danish hero [Michael] Laudrup was obviously the best player for Denmark, so that was a guy I looked at on YouTube. Because I was always an offensive player when I was little, so I didn’t really look at defenders. Also a guy called Jesper Grønkjær [Denmark international winger].

Dream teammate [Andrea] Pirlo I think. He’s such a cool guy, I think he’s unbelievably clever on the pitch. It would be easy to find him and set up the game I like to play, so he’s a good player to have on your team. the follow-up

Best opponent It must be Cristiano Ronaldo!

Best advice It’s just about practice, having fun. When I was a kid, whenever I had time, whenever I went home from school I was out playing football in the garden. My dad made me a goal in the garden and I was just out all day shooting with him, with my friends. Obviously at the weekend you had games with your team, and when you got home from these tournaments I continued paying in the garden. So it’s just practise whenever you can.

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

Proud to support

Crystal Palace Football Club

Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. est. 1877

Inside Equal forces A risky McDonald’s Ones to watch

opposition

wolves the wanderers

Wolves have enjoyed a solid start to the season, winning five from 10 and drawing once. They sit seventh, with a strong platform for manager Bruno Lage to build from.

match preview

Story so far

Nuno Espírito Santo departed the Midlands club in June this year, after four years of immense success. So Lage’s arrival marked a new era. Things got off to a shaky start with three consecutive 0-1 losses – albeit against formidable opponents – before improving to be unbeaten in their last five. Wolves are one of the league’s lowest scoring sides despite possessing Raúl Jiménez, Adama Traoré and Hwang Hee-Chan. However they are one of the most solid defensively, conceding fewer goals (10) than anyone outside the top three. But after putting two past Manchester City – a third of the goals scored against them this season – Crystal Palace will be confident in their ability to break through a stubborn backline.

Home

third

Last five Seasons

Position

7th

Points

Top scorer

away

Season

Position

Points

Top Scorer

20/21

13th

Neves/Neto (5)

19/20

7th

Jiménez (17)

18/19

7th

Jiménez (13)

17/18

1st (Champ)

Jota (17)

16/17

15th (Champ)

Costa/Edwards (10)

Hee-Chan Hwang (4)

Most assists

Raúl Jiménez (2)

Most passes

Romain Saïss (542)

opposition

star man: Jiménez

Raúl Jiménez netted his 50th goal for Wolves against Everton, his first at Molineux after a long period injured. He has played 120 games.

Remember when?

Boot in both camps

Palace enjoyed playing Wolves in the 1990s, going 11 games with just two losses between ’95 and ’99. This included a 4-3 aggregate win in the 1997 play-off semifinals, setting up David Hopkin’s iconic winner in the final.

Eric Young

recent form

last time out WOLVES 2 Everton 1 Mon 1 Nov / Molineux

Starting xi

subs

J. Sá

K. Hoever

R. Saïss

D. Podence

C. Coady

W. Boly

M. Kilman

F. Silva

R. Aït-Nouri

J. Ruddy

J. Moutinho

L. Dendoncker

R. Neves

A. Traoré

N. Semedo

L. Cundle

H. Hwang

J. Storer

F. Trincão

R. Jiménez

First sub

Second sub Third sub Yellow card Red card Goal Own goal

3 27

8 16

22 23

opposition

Eric ‘The Ninja’ spent five years at Palace as he continued a defensive partnership with Andy Thorn. Aged 35, he joined Wolves for two years before returning briefly to Palace in 1997.

SAFE HANDS

10 apps 02 clean sheets

02 03 Ki-Jana Hoever

Rayan Aït-Nouri

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: NETHERLANDS

NAT: FRANCE

05 15 JosÉ Sá

Marçal

Willy Boly

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: PORTUGAL

NAT: BRAZIL

NAT: IVORY COAST

Signed to replace veteran Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patrício at the start of the season, Jose Sá has made 10 apps with two clean sheets. He has featured for Portugal at Under-20, U21 and U23 level.

player profile

POS: GOALKEEPER

Age

Height

1.92m

Joined

15th July, 2021

Debut

14th August, 2021 v Leicester City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Marítimo, Porto & Olympiacos. opposition

22 16

Jonny

Nélson Semedo

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: PORTUGAL

LEADER

124 apps 34 clean sheets

23 27 Romain Saïss

conor coady

POS: MIDFIELDER

POS: DEFENDER

NAT: ENGLAND

NAT: MOROCCO

NAT: ENGLAND

player profile

Max Kilman

Age

Height

1.86m

Joined

3rd July, 2015

Debut

8th August, 2015 v Blackburn Rovers

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Liverpool & Huddersfield Town. opposition

Since joining from Huddersfield Town, Coady has been a vital cog in the Wolves team. He has played over 100 league games for the club, captaining them to their seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification in 2019/20.

06 11 Bruno Jordão

Francisco TRINCÃO

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: PORTUGAL

GAME CHANGER

119 apps 12 goals

28 32 João Moutinho

Leander Dendoncker

Rúben Neves

POS: MIDFIELDER

NAT: PORTUGAL

NAT: BELGIUM

NAT: PORTUGAL

player profile

POS: MIDFIELDER

Age

Height

1.80m

Joined

8th July, 2017

Debut

5th August, 2017 v Middlesbrough

PREVIOUS CLUB: Porto. opposition

Neves has been a constant figure at the heart of midfield for Wolves since his arrival in 2017. He has a fierce shot on his right foot and can change the game in an instant from distance. He made the Championship Team of the Season and PFA Championship Team of the Year for 17/18.

37 07 09 DANGER MAN

149 apps 7 goals

Adama Traoré

Pedro Neto

Raúl Jiménez

POS: FORWARD

NAT: PORTUGAL

NAT: MEXICO

Daniel Podence

Fábio Silva

POS: FORWARD

NAT: SPAIN

NAT: PORTUGAL

Spain international Traoré is a proven threat down the wing with his sheer pace and power. He’s made over 100 appearances for Wolves and has been a constant threat in their attacking play as a strong and tough figure to control.

player profile

POS: FORWARD

Age

Height

1.78m

Joined

8th August, 2018

Debut

18th August, 2018 v Leicester City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Barcelona, Aston Villa & Middlesbrough. opposition

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY now available countrywide

for SPORT

Since their return to the Premier League in 2018, Wolves have won four of their seven meetings with Crystal Palace in all competitions (D1 L2), keeping a clean sheet in each victory.

Palace won this exact fixture 1-0 in January last season but haven’t won back-to-back home league games against Wolves since November 1969.

17 00

00 20

Passes per match 465

451 shots

109

121 Shooting accuracy %

31 goals conceded

10 clean sheets

Odsonne Edouard goals

Assists

Raúl Jiménez goals

Assists

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.

Rolling back the clock Mark Bright got in contact with me recently to ask if I could get involved in the Generation Cup, a tournament celebrating 150 years of the FA Cup with retired players forming the XI. If ever there’s an opportunity for me to pull on a Palace shirt I’ll always look to do it. I was working that day for talkSPORT but managed to get down there before my shift – well, before and a little bit during…

There was monsoon-like rain pre-match, but we got the go-ahead and it was a fantastic day. It was brilliant to put the boots back on. We tried playing a high line with no pace at the start, which was probably the wrong thing to do! But the fighting spirit was still there for a lot of

If ever there’s an opportunity for me to pull on a Palace shirt I’ll always look to do it

our boys, with Shaun Derry, Mile Jedinak and Mikele Leigertwood putting in some cracking tackles. I was trying to stay clear from all that and protect my fitness! I had a free-kick 20 yards out and even now I don’t know how it didn’t go in. I was right behind it, hit it really well and at the last Darren ambrose

second it caught a gust of wind and skimmed the post. Another time I had an opportunity to shoot but saw Brighty at the back post and thought: ‘This is in, back-post header.’ I put it on a plate for him and he headed it over! He wasn’t too happy; he came up with a face and body covered in mud. Mikele Leigertwood kicked the corner flag at one stage; there was some comical stuff. But the quality shone through once the boys warmed up, which took them about half of the first game. Once you get over that white line, it all comes back. It was brilliant to be back out there.

A not-so Happy Meal Wolves are very similar to Crystal Palace, on similar points and changing managers in summer after a long spell with the same man in charge. They’ve shown they’ve got spirit, are on a good run of form and are sitting about where they belong in the league. On the flipside, Palace could be higher. Wolves don’t score many and don’t concede many, and confidence

is high in both camps. I’d like Palace to use their momentum to have a really good start, taking the late goal against Manchester City into an early goal today. We need to counteract Wolves’ momentum, but that’s exactly what I think Bruno Lage will be telling his team. Wolves are such a welldrilled unit you could pick out a lot of key players: Conor Coady is the leader, João Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker have been brilliant in the middle, Adama Traoré stands out, if they don’t start Rúben Neves, they’ve got Daniel Podence; you could go on and on. If I had to pick one then Hwang Hee-Chan has looked very good. He looks fast and direct. They’ve always had Traoré to take the ball up the field and cause problems, but now they’ve got someone on the other side to join him. I have a few positive memories against Wolves – Danny Butterfield included – but one game stands out for a different reason. It was my final match for Ipswich before joining Newcastle United, and I was doing a fitness test pre-match after a slight injury. We took the club coach, which was huge, blue and covered in Ipswich badges. I passed as fit to play the game, but that test meant I missed the pre-match meal. So we rocked up at McDonald’s in this massive blue coach covered in Ipswich badges, where the physio went in and I’m sure I had a Big Mac meal. I ended up getting dragged from the pitch in my last game for my hometown club, and never had a pre-match McDonald’s again!

What a win against City. I said this after West Ham, Brighton, Arsenal and Leicester: luck evens itself out over a season Flying high What a win against City. I said this after West Ham, Brighton, Arsenal and Leicester: luck evens itself out over a season. And I do think we had a bit of luck last Saturday. I don’t think Aymeric Laporte’s foul was a red card; it was one of those where it could or couldn’t have gone our way. There will come points where we get last minute goals and decisions going for us and I think we had that against City, but that’s football, and we’ve had plenty of bad luck before that. You can still crumble against a team like City though, even against 10 men. They dominated possession, but who cares about possession when you win 2-0 at the Etihad? Wilf was unplayable at times and he puts in big performances in these games. But the whole team played well. To win, you have to take your opportunities and we absolutely did.

darren ambrose

writers Mohamed Rguyeg

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

Despite having one of the toughest starts to the season, facing five of the so-called ‘big six’, Crystal Palace are currently sitting in 13th place with 12 points. The Eagles have won two games, drawn six and lost two and are one of the few Premier League sides yet to be defeated at home.

Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace This new-look Palace side have put an emphasis on keeping the ball and playing out from the back. Comparing statistics to last season’s side the average possession per game is up by over 10% from 39.9% to 50.2%. The passing accuracy is also up 5.5%, with the addition of Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen making this transition look easy as the two seem comfortable receiving the ball at the back.

What’s to come However, Palace have conceded occasional goals late into games. Vieira has expressed his desire to see results out after a few frustrating moments so far, so focused game management will be key this campaign. Palace’s ability to adapt

while retaining their style was on clear display against Manchester City, so supporters may be able to expect a flexible but still distinct approach going forward.

This new-look Palace side have put an emphasis on keeping the ball and playing out from the back

Top performances so far Despite being winless going into a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, Palace dominated from start to finish. Vieira’s side had 63% possession, creating far more chances than the opposition. The floodgates opened in the 76th-minute as Conor Gallagher won a penalty following Ben Davies’ handball which Wilfried Zaha converted to make it 1-0. Odsonne Edouard was brought on for his debut aspiring writers

in the 84th-minute and it took him a matter of seconds to score his first Palace goal, a brilliant finish after Zaha pulled the ball back to the French striker. Nine minutes later it was Edouard at the double, firing past a helpless Hugo Lloris to make it three. Not many have high hopes when a visiting side face defending champions City at the Etihad stadium. But it took just six minutes for Palace to get their noses in front last Saturday. Gallagher dispossessed Aymeric Laporte with some good pressing from the front, before finding Zaha through on goal who finished clinically past Ederson to make it 1-0 Palace. Despite pressure from the hosts Palace defended well and were rewarded in the 88th-minute. Michael Olise and Zaha combined well on the counter and found Gallagher who dispatched a chance with a brilliant strike, making it 2-0. Impressed by what you’ve read, and need work from a media professional? You can discuss work opportunities with Mohamed and our other aspiring writers by emailing programme@cpfc.co.uk.

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inside the academy copers cope road

Inside The "Lampard-type" Academy midfielder What drew Paddy McCarthy to Palace The Academy’s greatest ‘keeper

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.

Freddie Bell age: 17 / position: Centre-midfielder / joined: Under-12s

highlights so far In his own words: “Being a part of this club, being signed and being part of what this club is turning into. Being able to say: ‘I play for Crystal Palace.’”

Take note of Bell is a typical box-to-box midfielder, a real No.8. He aims to break up the opposition play, take the ball forward and find passes into the opposition half. He is best with the ball at his feet looking to make intelligent moves, but can put in a strong challenge when needed. inside the academy

getting to know Freddie Bell -

Freddie’s a Lampard-type and we want to add goals to his game. He’s really, really intelligent and can do most things: tackle, run, pass. He just needs to add a few more goals Rob Quinn Under-18S manager

Under-18s manager Rob Quinn says there are none of the old stereotypes of uneducated footballers in his team. Instead, he has a squad of young men thriving both on the pitch and in their classrooms. Few showcase this better than Freddie Bell, a centre-midfielder who already displays an in-depth understanding of his position, says that reading the game is his strongest asset and provides a thoughtful answer to even the most standard question. For example, the main pitfall when interviewing young footballers is to ask who their idol is. In a heartbeat, you’ll be told Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Sometimes both. Not with Bell. “I’d say N’Golo Kanté,” he begins. “A bit of a smaller person but manages to clean stuff up. Also Declan Rice, I like the way he controls the midfield and can be effective higher up the pitch. Finally, I like Jude Bellingham. He’s exactly what I want to aspire to be like. He took a big leap going out to Germany and I really respect what he does on the pitch. “I like Ronaldo’s work ethic,” Bell continues, with that ‘finally’ not being definite. “Frank Lampard and the stories about his work ethic, too. I’m an Arsenal fan, so seeing Patrick Vieira come in as first-team manager has really inspired me. Although he’s a bigger centre-defensive midfield he’s similar to what I’m trying to do. Inside the academy

“My grandad used to be a pro footballer at Arsenal. I’d definitely say he’s someone I look up to as someone who’s been in the game and been successful.” But Bell’s answers don’t just highlight a player who takes an avid interest in Match of the Day – and, it seems, Premier League Years – they reveal one who has an academic approach to the game, too. He references lessons given by his mentors when discussing his thoughts on the sport and development: “As coaches have said in previous talks, players are built differently. I use the reading part of the game as my friend and use that to win balls, clean up balls and find forward passes for attackers… It’s a very important thing, especially in modern day football. “If you’re not in the team it’s a challenge for you; [the coaches are] putting you in a position they don’t necessarily want to see you in but it builds your character, especially when you’re younger in the game. It’s important to build that character early on so in the future you’re prepared. I feel like coaches do that, not to put you on the bench, not to be a pain, but to build you as a player and a person.” There are plenty – programme staff’s younger selves included – who would simply moan and kick-off about a spot on the bench. But Freddie Bell and his Palace teammates are brighter than that. They see it as an opportunity to develop. Not a bad approach at 17-years-old

inside the academy

Paddy M©Carthy We’re 10 games in to our first season at the top of Academy football and I’m delighted with the players’ progress. We knew it was going to be a challenging league but we also knew we’d go into every game with belief.

e’ve played with confidence and a clear identity in every game and although we’ve had mixed results, every match has been tightly contested until the very end. Darren Powell and I have really enjoyed the step up; this progression is something we’ve always wanted to do, and we have similar views on how the game should be played. So this summer saw a change in style from last year, but it wasn’t just with Darren and I taking over, it was also the first-team manager arriving. Last year the Under-23s were aligned with Roy Hodgson’s style, playing more of a low block in most matches. Now we’ve adopted a high-pressing game against all opponents and are trying to control games in possession, putting a lot of emphasis on players being brave and getting the ball to the exciting attacking talent we have. This change happens because it’s important players have the tools to step up to the first-team and adapt when they’re there. It would be

counterproductive if I coached a completely different style to our first-team, because the players wouldn’t fit in to that environment.

There’s a really good alignment between the Academy and first-team and we’re seeing the fruits of our labour at all levels. More widely, there’s a real sense of excitement throughout the football club The new manager has been fantastic with me and, speaking together, we have really similar ideas. I look at the first-team now and see a similar style to the

Inside the academy

Under-18s last season, pressing opponents home and away, playing on the front foot and controlling possession. When I first came to Palace under Neil Warnock, joining a team of quick, exciting and young talent with a strong backbone and fearless, attacking mentality is what drew me to the club. We didn’t change our approach regardless of who we played, and that’s the style I want to enact and the one I’ve always enjoyed watching. I’m just lucky to be at a football club that fits me as a person. There’s a really good alignment between the Academy and first-team and we’re seeing the fruits of our labour at all levels. More widely, there’s a real sense of excitement throughout the football club. The Academy Training Ground is an inspiring environment for individual and collective success and having a clear identity throughout the club makes it a really exciting time. Who wouldn’t want to play in a team the way Palace are playing now?

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

academy's greatest 'keeper -

JOHN JACKSON Born First-team debut Appearances

5th September, 1942 25th August, 1964 388

inside the academy

Before the time of football academies clubs scouted schools and junior football for young players, and it was through this that goalkeeper John Jackson came to Crystal Palace’s attention. He was attending school St Clements Danes, then in Hammersmith, and had already represented London and England Grammar schools while on Brentford’s radar when he was spotted by manager Arthur Rowe. He was invited to Selhurst Park and made his Reserves debut in February 1961. Jackson wanted to continue his school studies with the thought of going to university so signed amateur forms for £15 a week. He initially attended school and played for Palace on Saturday afternoons while occasionally helping in Chairman and builder Arthur Wait’s offices. In March 1962 Jackson turned professional, by which time he was sharing duties in the Reserves with Vic Rouse and

Bill Glazier, two notable Palace goalkeepers. By 1963/64 he was the regular custodian for the second XI while Glazier was ever-present in the first-team promotion side. Jackson was handed his senior debut in August 1964 at Swindon Town when Glazier was unavailable, and two months later Glazier departed for Coventry City in a record fee for a ‘keeper. Many supporters believed Jackson to be capable

jackson strung together an unbroken sequence of 254 league and cup games (including 138 outings in the top-flight) without being substituted

of stepping up but the club purchased Wales international Tony Millington instead. A nasty injury to Millington in November gave Jackson the opportunity for his second appearance, at home to Cardiff City, and by the end of that season he was undisputed first choice. Such was Jackson’s prowess between the sticks that when early-day Match of the Day cameras covered Palace’s game Inside the academy

at Wolves on 30th November, 1965, iconic commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme extolled the ‘keeper’s ability despite a 0-1 defeat. The Wolves Chairman also made a point after the game of congratulating him for his display. From August 1967 to October 1972 Jackson strung together an unbroken sequence of 254 league and cup games (including 138 outings in the top-flight) without being substituted. He played every minute of the 1968/69 promotion season when, despite being concussed, he was instrumental in a 1-0 victory at Second Division champions-elect Derby County. In Division One Jackson earned the nickname ‘Stonewall’ as the club struggled to survive in the higher division, but in an era of outstanding England goalkeepers such as Gordon Banks, Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton international honours eluded him. However he was selected for the Football League XI against the Scottish League in Glasgow in March 1971. In October 1973 Jackson moved to Leyton Orient and then played for Millwall. In 1982 Bobby Robson signed him for Ipswich Town with whom he made one league appearance against Manchester United, showing that nearing 40 he still had the goalkeeping reflexes and skills. Jackson today lives on the south coast, enjoying his allotment and making wine

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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 we speak with Tony Chinnery, whose son Dane lost his life in the Croydon tram derailment five years ago next week.

Voices of South London

n November 9th, 2016, five years ago next Tuesday, seven people lost their lives when a tram derailed on its approach to Sandilands. Two of the victims were Crystal Palace supporters Dane Chinnery and Phil Seary, with Philip Logan, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Robert Huxley, Mark Smith and Donald Collett also lost in the incident. When Palace hosted Manchester City 10 days later, all seven were commemorated by a display in the Lower Holmesdale, a minute’s silence and applause in the 19th and 57th minutes. To this day, Dane and Phil are fondly remembered by those who knew them, both in and out of the club. “I was watching When Eagles Dare the other day and Steve Parish says the first thing anybody falls in love with is their football club, and he’s right,” says Tony Chinnery, Dane’s father. “You’ve got to instil that, because clubs like Palace need people like us.” Talking with Tony makes Dane’s choice of club apparent: he didn’t have one. In fact, he was almost named David as his mother nearly entered early labour on the eve of the ’97 play-off final. ‘If you want to go to the game you can,’ Tony recalls her saying. “I didn’t hear the word ‘can’,” he says, “I just went!” As Dane grew from having a Palace baby grow and teddy bear, he swiftly became enamoured by the club, idolising Attilio Lombardo and Andrew Johnson. Once, aged seven, he won a Nottingham Forest

pencil topper at school. ‘You know what you can do with that, don’t you?’ his father asked him. ‘Yeah,’ Dane replied, and threw it in the bin. Dane’s first away game was a 2-1 League Cup win at the Valley, and when he became a teenager, he and his dad used to follow Palace across England, watching the game before staying overnight with a group of Selhurst regulars. “Before the incident we played Burnley away and lost in the last minute,” Tony remembers of one such trip, Dane’s last. “There were quite a few of us, about 25, who stayed in Preston overnight. We were in a Yates and basically took it over. “One of the doormen turned to him and went: ‘What are you Voices of South London

One of the best days of my life was being at Villa Park in 1990. Walking up Wembley Way with my two kids… blows that out of the water

lot doing here?’ He said: ‘We’re Palace fans, we’ve been to Burnley.’ The doorman went: ‘But you lost in the last minute,’ and Dane went: ‘Yeah, yeah, I know.’ He said: ‘Jesus Christ. What are you lot like if you win?’ “We came back from Leicester away the same season and pulled into St Pancras. There was a guy playing the piano, and 50 of us were all dancing around him. We’d lost 3-1. With us and him it was

just going and supporting the team. Who cares what the result is? “The one thing I’m glad about is Dane and my daughter actually saw Palace in a cup final at Wembley... I turned round to him and said: ‘Look, we’re not going to get to cup finals every year. We’re not going to win leagues.’ But he didn’t care about that. “One of the best days of my life was being at Villa Park in 1990. Walking up Wembley Way with my two kids… blows that out of the water; completely tops that. It absolutely does. “It’s the build-up, the national anthem, Abide With Me, they got to see that. I’ve been lucky enough to see my club do that twice in my lifetime. Dane saw it once a few months before the incident, and it was one of the best days as a Palace-supporting parent.” Palace next played just days after Dane lost his life. Supporters volunteered a group of tickets at the front of the Holmesdale for Tony and his family, who wore ‘Dane - 19 - Top Boy’ shirts. The crowd chanted his name. “It was surreal,” Tony remembers. “Especially to hear them singing his name. You only get that with a player… He was probably up there going: ‘Yeah, that’s me they’re singing about.’” Tony calls his fellow fans’ support and the club “unbelievable”. People hugged him, gave him shirts from 1997 – the year Dane was born – and Manchester City invited his and Phil’s family to watch the return

game in hospitality, something Tony calls “a touch of class”. He talks passionately and regularly about the community at Palace, how those around him

Going to football isn’t the same, and it’s never ever going to be the same. But I have to do it

have stood close by, and of the respect shown by fans to those who lost their lives. “[Football] helped me through the first few days,”

Tony says. “Going to the football afterwards, I felt I had to be there for a bit of normality. “After that it took me a while to get back into going. I’d go, but I’d go with a couple of friends and we wouldn’t go in the Lower Holmesdale, we’d go in the top tier or the Arthur Wait or Main Stand... It did take me a few months and still doesn’t feel right going without him. “There are bad times, pretty s--- times, but you have to get through it. I’ve got a daughter, I’ve got a step son, I’ve got three grandchildren now. Dane’s missed out on those. He has three nephews he missed out on, one of which we found out my daughterin-law was pregnant with two weeks after the incident. He’s missed out on a lot. “Going to football isn’t the same, and it’s never ever going to be the same. But I have to do it. “Dane and my daughter had no choice but to be Palace fans. It’s what fathers do.”

in memory

Phil Seary

Dane Chinnery

1959-2016

1997-2016

Voices of South London

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

Non-League Neighbours

bromley f.c. In this edition, we speak with Bromley supporter Roy Oliver, Jackpot ticket boss, fan of over 60 years and converter of Palace fans.

league table pos CLUB

recent results P

0-2

Pts woking

chesterfield

bromley

halifax town

0-0 bromley

The romance of non-league football is what keeps him coming all these years later. It manifests itself in one familiar feeling. “It’s the friendliness,” he says. “Everybody talks to each other, everybody is on the same page. The friendliness and camaraderie of people is what really appealed to me. You get hooked.” Hooked he was, but what chance did he have? “My father took me down in the mid-1950s, because my nan used to be in the tea room in the old wooden stand, doing the tea and the Bovril. Sometimes he would take me down at half-time because you could get in for free. “We used to sell Jackpot tickets for tuppence each, or Non-League Neighbours

halifax town

1-1 notts county

weekday night in south London, and a football fanatic is leaning over his kitchen table. “I get all my Jackpot tickets cut up, folded up and stapled,” he says keenly. “Then when I get down to the ground on Saturday at around one o’clock, I start selling. It’s £40 to the winner and £51 to the club. But I’ve had to give up in the last year – I’m 74 and it’s harder and harder to get up and down the stands these days!” This is Roy Oliver, a Bromley fan. And yet he’s much more than that. Home and away since 1961, committee member for four decades, and the heart and soul of a vibrant football community, he has been jack-of-all-trades and yet mastered every one.

bromley

five for tenpence. The tea bar had proper china cups in those days, so then I’d have to go around picking them up, washing them and putting them away.

The friendliness and camaraderie of people is what really appealed to me. You get hooked “In summer we would do some painting and weeding, working on the pitch. Anything that needed doing we would give it a try,

because it was all voluntary. You did it because you wanted to do it.” You would be excused for thinking of this as another world, an antiquated notion of football’s past. But in those early years following Bromley Oliver saw some things that other clubs at nonleague level could only dream of.

You support the team home and away. You support if you’re winning every game or if you’re losing every game. You don’t run away

“We were the first team to get our floodlights, and so the Japan [national] team came and played – there were about 8,500 people. It was huge crowds, and the first time a Japanese team had toured England, so that was quite notable. “In 1949, we had played Nigeria for the first time they toured England, and in 1946 we played a team called Sing Tao from Hong Kong, and they were the first Chinese team to come.” Did those glamourous evenings leave Oliver longing for more? No chance. “I’ve been to Queens Park Rangers, I’ve been to Chelsea. I’ve been to both Arsenal grounds. For my birthday a few

years ago a friend took me to the Emirates. They played Watford in the cup and they were dreadful. I sat there and thought: ‘I’d rather watch Bromley any day!’” That being said, times have changed. As Bromley’s success grows – they missed out on promotion to the Football League last season after losing in the play-offs – they become more departed from Oliver’s childhood. But he knows things must move on. “As we’re becoming more professional, you’ve got more stewards saying: ‘Move along’,” he laments. “Where we used to stand was doing no harm, just in front of the tea room. I said: ‘I was standing here before you were even in nappies!’ “It’s brilliant where we’ve come from, but sometimes it’s a little bit sad because it’s not like it used to be. But you move on – you have to have ambition, otherwise you’re stagnant and you won’t go anywhere.” While regulations change and seasons come and go, the things that Oliver really holds dear remain. A regular for 60 years, he’s well known by all at Hayes Lane. Rather than bask in his notoriety, he instead uses it to encourage the younger generations. “It’s nice to be recognised. Everyone knows me down at Bromley, and everyone says hello,” he admits. “There’s a guy who lives down the road from me who doesn’t really know anyone, and I try to take these people under my wing. I get Non-League Neighbours

him in with the crowd, and get everyone to say hello to him. “He very much enjoys it now really. He used to be a Palace supporter!” We’ll let him off this time. In the end, be it Premier League or Isthmian League, Roy Oliver holds above everything the principles that supporters carry with them on rainsoaked away trips and cold midweek February nights. “You support the team home and away. You support if you’re winning every game or if you’re losing every game. You don’t run away. You don’t say: ‘I’m not watching that rubbish’ – and believe me, we saw some dreadful rubbish over the years!” If a supporter of the affectionately dubbed ‘Worst Football Team in Britain’ can do it, anyone can

Crystal Palace v Wolves

FA Cup 4th Round Replay 2/2/2010

Danny Butterfield completes a seven-minute hat-trick in the FA Cup, slotting the ball past Wayne Hennessey.

moment in time

Patrick van Aanholt gets involved with Wolves’ Ivan Cavaleiro.

Premier League 6/10/2018

Crystal Palace v Wolves

moment in time

Sasa curcic From its founding to the current day, Crystal Palace’s history is rich in stories and characters. Here, we look back at some of the best. Today, we go behind Saša Curcic’s famous NATO protest in 1999.

arching around Selhurst Park as fans filtered in under a chilly March sun to watch Palace host Bradford City, Saša Curcic held aloft a simple message. It read: Stop NATO Bombing. Head to toe in a full Palace tracksuit - backwards cap tight, oversized clothes baggy - and applauded as he walked past the crowds, Curcic looked every bit the ‘90s footballer. Every bit, but for his placard.

I never thought this would become the place where my family would hide from the bombs With one-time bleachblonde hair and wispy goatee, mesmerising skill and a taste for nightlife, Curcic had never been the type of player to keep his head below the parapet, so when NATO began bombing areas of Yugoslavia on March 24th, 1999, his reaction was typically - and understandably - bold. From the Archive

For the first time, NATO launched strikes without the approval of the UN Security Council, so there was a host of arguments against the intervention. Worse still, Toza and Ramila - Curcic’s parents - lived close to NATO targets in Belgrade with other members of the family. Speaking at the time, Curcic revealed his family’s situation and how the air strikes were affecting him from 1,300 miles away: “I always promised my mother and father I would get

them a house in Belgrade when I was rich enough. It has two floors and a basement which I had intended to use as a snooker room and also to put my trophies and photos in as a memory of my career. I never thought this would become the place where my family would hide from the bombs.” The footballer regularly demonstrated outside Downing Street and pledged to do so until the end of the bombings, saying he had considered returning to Belgrade but was advised by

I don’t think I will ever recover. I may never play again, which will be a big shame, but I need all my spirit to fight this situation family to stay in England and raise awareness. Come the Bradford game, then, four days after air strikes began, Curcic decided to take his protest to Selhurst. Manager Steve Coppell held Curcic and fellow Yugoslavian Gordan Petric from the squad facing Bradford that day. The Palace boss justified his decision at the time, saying: “I saw both of them yesterday [Saturday, before the Sunday game] and with it now becoming fairly tangible for the families of the two players, From the Archive

I told them they would not be considered for the game.” Coppell was insistent on Curcic not playing competitively while his family endured the bombings, but the midfielder was determined to not play anyway. He said himself that: “I will forget about football until the bombing has stopped. I am in a situation where I may quit football forever because this has caused me big mental problems. “I don’t think I will ever recover. I may never play again, which will be a big shame, but I need all my spirit to fight this situation.”

palace for life Marathon March raises £100K A record-breaking Marathon March saw 140 walkers raise over £100,000 for Palace for Life Foundation.

he 2021 Marathon March, powered by Utilita, has raised over £100,000 thanks to the impressive fundraising and generosity of Crystal Palace fans. Running for its fifth year, supporters were joined by Palace legend Mark Bright and Team GB Olympic medallist and Palace fan, Martyn Rooney, who took on the 26.2-mile challenge around the streets of south London. Further from SE25 we were also joined by Palace for Life Foundation patron, Eddie Izzard, who ran her own marathon simultaneously at 3am in Toronto.

The record-breaking day saw 140 participants walking together through the streets of London, with the aim of raising as much money as they could for the Foundation while talking all things Palace with fellow fans. A challenging route saw walkers take on the hills of south London as they passed through Addington, before heading north to Lewisham and then back to SE25, where the final few metres of the route were made up with a lap of the Selhurst Park pitch. They then celebrated their efforts with a Palace party in the stadium.

palace for life

Palace for Life Chief Executive Mike Summers walked the Marathon March for the fifth consecutive year, and said: “The Marathon March is one of our biggest days of the year as it helps us to raise crucial funds to continue our work helping the young people of south London who need it most. “I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has fundraised, donated, and been a part of the day. £100,000 is an incredible milestone and we’re so grateful for every single person who’s helped us to get there.

£100,000 is an incredible milestone and we’re so grateful for every single person who’s helped us to get there “I’d also like to thank Utilita Energy for powering the Marathon March for the fifth time. Their backing allows us to make it such a successful day every year.” If you wish to donate to the Foundation you can do so by visiting palaceforlife.org and clicking ‘donate’. Alternatively, if you want to stay up to date with future fundraising events, including the Marathon March, visit palaceforlife.org and search ‘contact preferences’

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

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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 learned the Crystal Palace Club was one of 11 sides recorded in the Football Association’s first set of minutes, having attended its earliest meeting in October 1863 “for the purpose of forming an Association with the object of establishing a definite code of rules for the regulation of the game of football,” and enrolled as members. In this edition we look at Crystal Palace’s crucial role in the first three meetings to found the FA and in establishing the rules of what many now know as ‘soccer’.

Q: How did the Football Association begin? A: It’s probably natural to imagine a picture of middle aged or old men gathering in the Freemasons’ Tavern in Covent Garden to form the Football Association and thrash out the rules of football in October 1863, but nothing could be further from the truth. Those earliest members were young players, mainly men in their 20s, and some were even schoolboys as young as 16. The Crystal Palace Club was represented by its 25-year-old secretary and master brewer, Frank Day. Arthur Pember, who was in the N.N. team Palace played in April 1863, took the chair and opened the meeting by saying it was “felt desirable to form some sort of rules which the metropolitan clubs should adopt

among themselves as there were so many different ways of playing,” so that “the existing difficulty of ‘getting a goal’ would be more easily overcome.”

it is advisable that a football association should be formed for the purpose of setting a code of rules for the regulation of the game of football

Ebenezer Morley, another player who had been in the N.N. team that played Crystal Palace, followed Pember’s opening speech by suggesting “it is advisable that a football association cpfc 1861

should be formed for the purpose of setting a code of rules for the regulation of the game of football.” The proposal was put to the 11 clubs and carried, thus the Football Association was born. After the Football Association was formally set up its first officers were then appointed. Pember was made President, Morley became the Hon. Secretary and Francis Campbell of Blackheath was appointed Treasurer. Much of the debate in the sporting press before the FA’s first meeting had been between those who supported using rules applied by Rugby school and the rest. At the heart of this was the practice of ‘hacking’ or ‘shinning’, the act of trying to stop a player with the ball by kicking away their legs, which was allowed at Rugby. One Rugby supporter described their game as “an open manly struggle with feet and shins, and

the strength and pluck of Rugby boys against each other in perfect friendship, yet in perfect war.” We don’t know how prepared Arthur Pember and Co. were for this debate to continue at the opening meetings of the FA, but continue it did.

‘an open manly struggle with feet and shins, and the strength and pluck of Rugby boys against each other in perfect friendship, yet in perfect war’ The teams at those first meetings divided starkly into two camps: the Rugby teams who supported ‘hacking’ were led by Blackheath, and the ‘non-

hackers’, who were built around the core clubs of Forest, The N.N, Barnes and Crystal Palace. At the second meeting, James Turner, a wine merchant from Croydon, replaced Frank Day (who was more of a cricketer at heart) as Palace’s representative. The initial nine Rules of the Association were agreed and then there was wide-ranging discussion on many aspects of the game, from trying to settle the dimensions of the pitch to how the goal should be marked out, how the game should be started and what constituted a goal. After two meetings agreeing nine laws, the attendees realised another meeting would be required and so a third was called a week later. At this point, clubs were allowed two representatives at each meeting and Turner was joined by his brother-in-law, Harry Lloyd, a shipping insurance clerk from Thornton Heath and member of the great Lloyd banking family, to represent Crystal Palace.

cpfc 1861

After further discussion the second meeting’s nine laws were expanded to 23, which tried to accommodate the views of all delegates, including those who supported the contentious issues of hacking, tripping and holding. It must have been at this meeting that the ‘non-hackers’ realised the difficulty they faced in getting rules that did not include hacking, tripping and holding past the Rugby ‘hackers’ who were at least equal in number to them. The third meeting concluded with Secretary Morley being tasked to refine the 23 draft laws into a set of rules for final approval by the association at a fourth meeting on November 24th

NEXT TIME In the next edition we’ll look at the next three FA meetings and the political manoeuvring it finally took to get the rules of ‘soccer’ adopted over the rules of Rugby, the important part Crystal Palace played in it and what it meant for the embryonic Football Association and the future of football. Peter Manning’s book, Palace at the Palace, is available online through the Club Shop.

leanne cowan We’ve had a really positive start to the season, and the amount I’m running shows the type of football we’re trying to play!

always want to feel like I’ve impacted a game in a positive way, so I was delighted to earn an assist on my full home debut in front of 900 fans earlier this season. That was really special, as was playing at Selhurst Park.

That year was genuinely tough to show up and come in. It was day after day of knowing I wouldn’t be outside My main aim this season is to stay fit and healthy and push for a starting place in the team. Fitness is a big focus for me, because I’ve had a couple of bad injuries during my career. I started at Millwall aged eight, and in my last year there before they became London City Lionesses I had quite a bad ankle injury. That put me out for about 12-14 palace women

body; even when you’re sleeping there’s pressure on it. That was quite tough, but what helped that year was being made captain. So every day I made sure to come in with loads of energy for the girls. It’s only now when you look back that you can appreciate the journey you’ve been through. I didn’t know what to expect when coming to Palace because I’d never been the new person at a club before. But everyone’s so lovely and within about two days of joining I felt settled in. The more we get to know each other, the better it is.

weeks, but five games in to my return, I hurt my hip flexor and was sidelined for another 12-14 weeks. By the time I was fit and ready to play again, we had two games left until the close season. That year was genuinely tough to show up and come in. It was day after day of knowing I wouldn’t be outside and the limited stuff I was able to do at each point. It was particularly difficult with my hip, because you can’t rest that part of your

my biggest role is in the Nike London advert a few years ago. I got to score an amazing goal, and the next thing I knew it had 3m views on Twitter

Away from Palace, I work part-time teaching PE to Reception, Year One and Year Two children and do advert work and sport modelling on the side. I was most recently on a shoot in Manchester with Pepsi and have worked with palace women

Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool before, which was unreal. My agency, Sports on Screen, is run by the former Palace Academy player Andy Ansah, and got me my biggest role in the Nike London advert a few years ago. I got to score an amazing goal, and the next thing I knew it had 3m views on Twitter!

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

Happy 75th birthday to David Harper from the Arthur Wait sweet club!

Sam Stewart turns 50 - Club Scratchcards, Pete the Eagle, No To Merger, Supporters Football Team, Away Days, Taxis, Celebrating wins in shopping trolleys, Toilet Paper, Cardiff. You’ve done it all

Happy 80th birthday Terry Carter! Terry, a lifelong Palace supporter, is enjoying today’s game with his grandsons, brother and nephew. As Terry would say, Come on you Eagles!

Happy 70th Birthday Rob & Happy 38th Birthday Robbie! Enjoy your special day, Love your family xxx

In loving memory of lifelong palace fan Alan Simmons who sadly passed away in February. A father, grandad & great grandad who passed his love and passion for the Eagles down through the generations. Loved and missed every day x

Happy 50th birthday Dean O’Hara. Red & blue, through and through. Have a great birthday weekend. Love from your family and friends.

from the terraces

In loving memory of Alan Smith who has sadly passed away. His family fondly recall the very many happy times he spent at Crystal Palace football ground, especially with his eldest grandson.

Happy 40th birthday Tim, from all the family

Happy Heavenly 80th Birthday to David Peters, sorely missed Dad, Grandad, Brother, Friend and life long Palace fan. We all hope you are having fun up there and look forward to raising a glass in your memory tonight. Love from Maria, Sam and Bob xx

Welcome to Arthur Hewitt born on Oct 11 to season ticket holder Hannah Lovelock. Now the counting the days to Arthur singing Glad All Over

A E Saunders (1925-2021), goalkeeper for Palace Juniors 1942. Still jogging along... RIP.

Welcome to the Palace family Millie Ann Ella Burman, born 10th September 2021 and loved so much by Mummy, Daddy and big brother Harry xxx

Happy 60th Birthday to lifelong Palace fan Angus Robertson. Lots of love from your biggest fans x

Happy 21st Birthday Ben Green

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk Little Eaglet Leo wants to thank Danny Young and Joel Ward for a beautiful gift and the wishes. Can’t wait to turn 2 to experience Selhurst Park atmosphere by himself.

In loving memory of Laurie Scott. A kind and loving soul who touched so many lives with his warm and devoted heart. Greatly missed. X

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

Bakary Sako began his senior career with French side LB Châteauroux. Which current Palace player has also represented the club?

Who was goalkeeper in Palace’s 2010 FA Cup win over Wolves, when Danny Butterfield netted the perfect hat-trick?

Who was younger on their Premier League debut: George Ndah or Brandon Pierrick?

How many England caps did Geoff Thomas collect?

Which club did Palace loan John Humphrey to in 1993?

GAmes

FAMOUS FAN

guess the ground

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

This rock legend has a whole lotta love for Wolves, and says he even plays their chants before gigs. Today he is vice-president of the club and has been seen drinking at Beavertown brewery before watching Wolves face Tottenham Hotspur; his son owns the company.

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

Brighty

You

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

ANSWERS Guess who: Rhys Wilmot Spot the image: Page 62 Quiz: 1) Jean-Philippe Mateta 2) Wayne Hennessey 3) Ndah (17 and 341 days) 4) Eight 5) Reading Famous Fan: Robert Plant Guess the Ground: Keepmoat Stadium - Doncaster

games

team stats: women / U23S / U18S Sophie McLean McLean netted Palace’s second against Watford, helping them go four games unbeaten (1W 3D).

Fionn Mooney Mooney bagged his first goal of the season against Arsenal as the U18s won 3-2.

Joe Whitworth ‘Keeper Joe Whitworth has saved four penalties from 10 games this season.

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

AUGUST Sun 29

Bristol City

W 4-3

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST Mon 16 Leeds United

L 1-3

Fri 20

Arsenal

L 2-4

Everton

W 3-1

Sun 5

London City Lionesses

L 1-2

Fri 27

Sun 12

Sunderland

D 1-1

Sun 26

Liverpool

L 1-2

SEPTEMBER Mon 13 Leicester City

W 6-1

Sat 18

Manchester City

L 2-4

Fri 24

West Ham United

L 0-1

OCTOBER Sun 3

Sheffield United

D 0-0

Sun 10

Coventry United

Wed 13 Lewes

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

Sun 31

D 2-2

Watford

NOVEMBER Sun 7

Durham

Sun 14

Charlton Athletic

Wed 17 Reading Sun 21

Blackburn Rovers

DECEMBER Wed 15 Bristol City Sun 19

Lewes

JANUARY Sun 9

Sunderland

Sun 16

Durham

Sun 23

Liverpool

FEBRUARY Sun 6

Bristol City

Sun 13

London City Lionesses

MARCH

OCTOBER Fri 1 Tottenham Hotpsur Sat 16

Brighton & Hove Albion

L 1-2

Fri 22

Derby County

W 3-2

NOVEMBER Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers Sat 6

Chelsea

Sat 20

Liverpool

Sat 27

Manchester United

DECEMBER Mon 6 West Ham United Mon 20 Derby County JANUARY Mon 10 Everton Mon 17 Chelsea Mon 24 Liverpool FEBRUARY Mon 7 Tottenham Hotspur Mon 21 Manchester United Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 6

Coventry United

Sun 13

Lewes

MARCH Mon 14 Manchester City

Sun 27

Charlton Athletic

Mon 21 Arsenal

Sun 3

Blackburn Rovers

APRIL Mon 4

Sun 24

Watford

Mon 25 Blackburn Rovers

Sheffield United

MAY Mon 2

APRIL

MAY Sun 1

W 4-3

Leeds United

Leicester City

women/u23S/u18S

L 1-2

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 DECEMBER Sat 4 Tottenham Hotpsur Sat 18 Brighton & Hove Albion JANUARY Sat 8 Norwich City Sat 15 Fulham 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 Sat 23 Reading Sat 30 Chelsea MAY Sat 7 Brighton & Hove Albion

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

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

Name

Apps

Bianca Baptiste

Goals

Kirsty Barton

Hannah Churchill

Charley Clifford

Name

Apps

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Victor Akinwale

Jay-Rich Baghuelou

Ryan Bartley

Scott Banks

Kalani Barton

David Boateng

Freddie Bell

Malachi Boateng

Maliq Cadogan

Junior Dixon

Owen Goodman

Grace Coombs

Harry Freedman

Leanne Cowan

John-Kymani Gordon

Aimee Everett

Reece Hannam

Millie Farrow

Danny Imray

Coral-Jade Haines

Annabel Johnson

Sophie McLean

Chloe Morgan

Leigh Nicol

Nya Kirby

Jake O'Brien

David Omilabu

Dan Quick

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

Sean Robertson

Cardo Siddik Aidan Steele Rob Street

Emily Orman

Gracie Pearse

Molly-Mae Sharpe

James Taylor

Lizzie Waldie

Siobhan Wilson

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

Apps 6

Victor Akinwale

Jackson Izquierdo

Kanye Jobson

James Leonard

Cameron Lewis-Brown

Joe Ling

Fionn Mooney

Ademola Ola-Adebomi

David Ozoh

Jadan Raymond

Kaden Rodney

Joe Sheridan

Basilio Socoliche

Noah Watson

Matthew Vigor

Jack Wells-Morrison

Joe Whitworth

Vonnte Williams

DUR

12 4

8 18

ars

10 7

2 29 18 11 22

LEI

2 12 8

LIV

7 16

mci

10 6

1 26 13 13 21

CRY

Lon

2 13

CHA

4 12

SUN

Goals

Tayo Adaramola

Dylan Thiselton

Oliver Webber

Name

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts

pos CLUB P W D

A GD Pts 4 18

18 13 5 17

whu

10 6

3 28 17 11 19

CHE

2 26 12 14 16

bha

10 5

2 18 13 5 18

SOU

2 23 13 10 16

tot

10 5

3 25 20 5 17

FUL

2 20 10 10 16

mun

10 4

4 15 18 -3 14

ARS

2 20 14 6 14

BRI

3 13 11

2 10

cry

10 4

6 23 23 0 12

BHA

3 23 16 7 13

SHE

3 10 10 0 10

lee

10 3

4 23 23 0 12

whu

3 15 11

LEW

liv

10 3

4 16 18 -2 12

TOT

4 18 21 -3 9

7 -1 10 9

4 12

10 lei

3 12 19 -7 12

10 WBA

5 14 26 -12 9

10 2

3 18 24 -6 11

5 24 27 -3 7

12 BIR

13 RDG

6 13 20 -7 4

CRY

2 12 12 0

10 BLA

9 10 -1 9

12 che

10 2

4 14 21 -7 10

cov

17 -10 1

13 eve

10 2

6 12 22 -10 8

12 wat

7 19 -12 1

14 der

14 nor

bla

9 19 -10 3

women/u23S/u18S

AVL

9 20 -11 6 2 26 -24 0

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