Crystal Palace v Chelsea matchday programme 2425 by Crystal Palace F.C.

cover story

cover story#11 Welcome back to Selhurst Park – and welcome back to the matchday programme, where we are celebrating 100 years of football at this very stadium, from 1924 to the present day. Every edition of the programme this season will feature a special handillustrated cover, marking one of the many landmark dates that has made this such a unique place over the last century.

his week, we look back to December 1972, and one of the most memorable results ever at Selhurst Park. Manchester United had visited Palace only a few points ahead in the table, but were regarded as one of the country’s biggest clubs. By contrast, Palace had just scraped top-flight survival the season before and would go on to be relegated that season – so when Alex Stepney, Denis Law and Brian Kidd arrived in SE25, few had cause to fancy the home side. With Don Rogers leading the line, however, the South Londoners stunned their guests to record the club’s jointhighest top-flight victory, winning out 5-0 in front of 39,484 supporters. Paddy Mulligan struck twice for Bert Head’s team before half-time, with debutant

Alan Whittle and a brace from Rogers going on to leave the visitors in tatters. This week’s cover depicts feature interviewee Jean-Philippe Mateta – himself a recent two-goal scorer in a big win over United at Selhurst Park – firing goalwards in that fixture, beating Law to the ball with the encouragement of Rogers in the background. With New Year’s fireworks celebrating our first fixture of 2025, Mateta is coming off the back of a fine calendar year, as you can read about inside this issue. Remember to place every programme this season side-by-side to complete the full Selhurst timeline, from 1924 right the way through to the current day. Pick up all our 2024/25 matchday programmes to complete the set!

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contents

Crystal Palace √ chelsea sat 4 jan 2025 | 3:00pm k.o. 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. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber Chief Marketing Officer Aaron Duckmanton General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Laura Baptiste Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough Front cover David Flanagan

06 08 12

25 10 CHAIRMAN 36 HALL OF FAME 38 EAGLE EYE

41 STATS 44 DOC BROWN 46 MACCA 50 ACADEMY

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Ed Dowling,

56 PALACE FOR LIFE

Doc Brown, James McArthur, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

60 100 years of selhurst park

64 selhurst stories 70 eagle arcade 72 WHAT’S ON?

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea players and staff for this afternoon’s game.

ast Sunday’s game against Southampton was a very important win – one that I value very highly – and an excellent way to end 2024. To get the three points, after going a goal down quite early in the game, was big for us. The reaction to that setback was very good and, in the circumstances, it was a very positive performance. With today’s game our 20th in the Premier League, it’s ‘half-time’ in the season. If you look back to the start of the season, we had some difficulties – so to reach 20 points at this stage is okay. I know a lot of people would have expected us to win. When you play Liverpool away, not everyone is looking at it saying, ‘this is a chance to climb the table’, but when we’re against Southampton or Ipswich, all the talk is that we must win. It’s a team just promoted to the Premier League, they’re struggling at the bottom, you’re at home – but very often it’s not that easy, and it proved to be the case. Southampton fought very hard, and we had to defend very well at the end to see the game out.

To get the three points, after going a goal down quite early in the game, was big for us. The reaction to that setback was very good and, in the circumstances, it was a very positive performance

Manager

We have shown that when we do our jobs and perform at our best, we are competitive. This is what we want to show again, especially at home. We might not have had a break – but New Year always feels like a restart for everybody. We have stabilised, but now we’re looking to kick on, and that starts today

It also backed up the result against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, a team in great shape, who had already beaten Arsenal and Manchester City at home. We wanted at least a draw and, in the end, it was a good point, because we went on and won the next game. That’s why I was particularly pleased with the result last weekend. Now we’re looking to start 2025 in the same way. Chelsea have invested a lot of money over recent years and have a great manager who is doing an excellent job. They have a young squad and although they have had a tough run of results over Christmas, I still think they are doing well. I watched them against Ipswich and they were a bit unlucky, having five great chances but coming up against a great goalkeeper.

But we are confident of getting a positive result. We played Chelsea quite early on in the season, but I believe we are in much better shape now. We have shown that when we do our jobs and perform at our best, we are competitive. This is what we want to show again, especially at home. We might not have had a break – but New Year always feels like a restart for everybody. We have stabilised, but now we’re looking to kick on, and that starts today. Once again may I wish you a happy and healthy New Year – thank you for your support

Captain

marc Guéhi Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our first game of 2025. I hope we can start the year with a win in front of you all today.

owever you celebrated the New Year earlier this week, I’d like to start by wishing you all the best for the next 12 months. The boys managed to end 2024 with a win over Southampton – a really important result after such a busy period for us. As well as moving us up the Premier League table, it also meant we could go into the New Year with some momentum behind us, following on from a point on the road at Bournemouth on Boxing Day. I thought the team did really well on the day. We went a goal down early on, but reacted in exactly the right way, and thoroughly deserved the three points. We knew we’d have to be at the top of our game and that it would be a real battle across the 90 minutes. That’s exactly how it panned out. But we stayed calm, created enough chances – and eventually won the game with a wonderful goal from Ebs. We’ve said all season if we could just be a bit more ruthless in front of goal, we’ll be okay.

I thought the team did really well on the day. We went a goal down early on, but reacted in exactly the right way, and thoroughly deserved the three points

Captain

opportunity to get more points, and more wins, and we’ll approach today with the same mindset.

As a defensive unit, we’ve grown in confidence over the last few months, and if we keep helping out in front of goal when we can, it’ll be a big boost to the team as well

Well done to Will, as well, who stepped in as captain and led the boys to a great win – and also Trev, who chipped in with another goal. As a defensive unit, we’ve grown in confidence over the last few months, and if we keep helping out in front of goal when we can, it’ll be a big boost to the team as well. Today we welcome Chelsea to Selhurst Park. We know they’ve had a strong first half of the season, but we also know that we’ve been in good form lately too. We see every game as an

Obviously, I came through the youth ranks at Cobham and spent 14 years there, so it’s a club I am grateful towards and know a few familiar faces from. But on the pitch, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure we come away with victory this afternoon. We know we’ll have to be at our best from the off, but with Selhurst Park behind us, we have a great chance of getting another three points. Enjoy the game

I came through the youth ranks at Cobham and spent 14 years there, so it’s a club I am grateful towards and know a few familiar faces from. But on the pitch, I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure we come away with victory this afternoon

chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this afternoon’s match – our first fixture of 2025 – and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Chelsea.

’d firstly like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year for 2025. Ahead of kick-off today, we will uphold our important tradition of taking a moment to honour and celebrate the lives of those in the Crystal Palace family who sadly left us in 2024. May they rest in peace. December’s schedule meant an extremely busy month for us all – seven matches in the space of just 27 days – and Oliver and the team did so well to end it on such a positive note. Our Boxing Day draw at Bournemouth was a well-earned point against an in-form, tough, opponent, so to back that up just a few days later with a richly deserved win over Southampton felt like an important moment in our season. Well done to Trevoh and Ebs for getting on the scoresheet again; Will for captaining the side for the first time; and to the entire staff and squad for securing us three points against a spirited opponent. It was a real team effort, and means that we have now won our last match of a calendar year for four years running – the first time we’ve achieved this since 1960-1963.

Chairman

we have a chance to show what we can do against a Chelsea side in the running for this season’s title. Once again, we’ll need Selhurst Park at its very best, but I know this team, with its spirit and your support, can compete against anyone on their day

The support from the stands against Southampton was loud and proud throughout the afternoon. At the end of a busy month, the team could draw energy from your noise – that’s what makes Palace supporters a force like no other. We will need a similar level of backing today. Overall, the last month of 2024 provided some great results for us: two big wins on the road at Ipswich and then, of course, at Brighton; a good draw against the current Premier League champions, Manchester City; and a great win over Southampton. We’ll hope that to carry that momentum into 2025 with this important week, starting the year with two back-to-back home games in different competitions. Next weekend, we host Stockport County in the FA Cup third round. It is these kind of games where, with tickets on general sale,

and available from as little as £5 for Under-18s, we tend to welcome lots of fans to Selhurst Park for the first time. I would urge you book your seats now, and perhaps bring a new face or two with you, for the start of what we hope will be our second strong Cup run this season. First up today, however, we have a chance to show what we can do against a Chelsea side in the running for this season’s title. Once again, we’ll need Selhurst Park at its very best, but I know this team, with its spirit and your support, can compete against anyone on their day. Get behind Oliver and the players this afternoon, and let’s start the New Year in the best possible way. Up the Palace

One year: 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days… and, if you’re Jean-Philippe Mateta, a plethora of goals. With calendars worldwide ticking over from 31st December to 1st January, 2025 promises to be the start of something new for us all – but as Palace’s No. 14 tells Toby Jagmohan about his remarkable year, hopefully it also promises more of the same… 13

Jean-Philippe Mateta

n the run up to a New Year – those heady days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve – many of us will have had time to take a moment to reflect and to collect our thoughts. It’s an opportunity to evaluate everything that’s happened in the last 12 months and shape an approach for the year ahead in the form of resolutions – or goals, maybe. A Premier League footballer scarcely enjoys such a luxury. The games keep coming thick and fast in the festive period, and while 2024 has now concluded, Palace’s season – in many ways – feels like it is just beginning. “For me personally, January was hard,” Jean-Philippe Mateta takes us right back to the beginning of Palace’s 2024. It feels like a lifetime – not just the 12 months – ago. “You always want to win, and as a team you always want to play well, but we didn’t get the results.” The Eagles were struggling at the start of 2024, hovering precariously above the relegation zone and being eliminated from the FA Cup by Everton after a third-round replay. “When you’re not playing well, you’ve got to keep working and hope you play better. We were trying and working hard at the time and keeping spirits together. It was tough in February, too. We continued to push hard, but we still didn’t get the results we wanted...” Enter Oliver Glasner. “I know a new manager brings energy,” Mateta recalls. “We all know we might get another chance to feature and bring some new energy. We felt it with that first result” – a 3-0 win over Burnley in the new manager’s first game in charge.

When you’re not playing well, you’ve got to keep working and hope we play better. We were trying and working hard at the time and keeping spirits together. It was tough in February, too. We continued to push hard, but we still didn’t get the results we wanted...

“Oliver’s system really suits me. I’m a player who likes to go in behind. I’m a player who likes to get involved in the box. I’m a striker, of course, I like to finish! Oliver’s game, his tactics, his set-up... it all suited me so well. “We started so well with the new manager. At first, the results did not paint a picture of the way we were playing. We were playing well, but the results weren’t there straight after Burnley.” While Glasner’s tenure started well with a resounding victory, it was not until midway through April the tide started to properly turn – but how it did. We need not remind you – but maybe we will – of Palace beating Liverpool at Anfield, or Mateta scoring back-to-back braces against Newcastle United and West Ham United, or his double against Manchester United.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Oliver’s system really suits me. I’m a player who likes to go in behind. I’m a player who likes to get involved in the box. I’m a striker, of course, I like to finish! Oliver’s game, his tactics, his set-up... it all suited me so well

Jean-Philippe Mateta

We have so many good players here and we just said: ‘let’s keep winning.’ We took every game as it arrived. We always want to do better than the last one and have fun doing so

Jean-Philippe Mateta “We were creating lots of chances in the box in those games, and when we create chances in the box, I’m there to score,” Mateta beams. “The confidence was so, so high. “We have so many good players here and we just said: ‘let’s keep winning.’ We took every game as it arrived. We always want to do better than the last one and have fun doing so. “I’m a player who likes to have fun, and we have a lot of fun together as a team on the pitch when it all comes together – so this is the motivation for us.” Victory at Anfield kick-started a run of six wins out of seven, the Eagles scoring 21 goals. Mateta was responsible for nine of them, including Palace’s first-ever Selhurst Park Premier League hat-trick on the final day against Aston Villa, our joint-biggest top-flight league win. Indeed, not only was it Palace’s first home hat-trick in the top tier since Mike Flanagan’s in October 1980, but the striker had also scored in seven consecutive top-flight home matches – another club record. With Palace sealing only a second top-half Premier League finish, Mateta scooped the Players’ Player of the Year award – but while many of his teammates headed off for a well-earned rest, it was by no means the end of the action for him. Mateta took some time to head abroad to Rio de Janeiro to recharge, but all-the-while continued to prepare for a home Summer Olympic games, having earned a call-up as an ‘overage’ player for France Under-23s – his first international recognition in five years.

i had a bit of rest, but then I had to get back to work quickly. The Olympics came around in July, and it was a good experience for me. It had been a long time since I played for France, and it was also a long time since I played in France

“It was good to be in Brazil, to be in Rio – it feels like home for me!” he smiles. “It’s one of my favourite places in the world. It’s amazing. “As a footballer, I encourage everyone to go there – it’s the country of football. Everywhere you go they’re talking about football, playing football, it’s everything for them. “I had a bit of rest, but then I had to get back to work quickly. The Olympics came around in July, and it was a good experience for me. It had been a long time since I played for France, and it was also a long time since I played in France. “I was actually back in South London training a month before the Olympics actually started – I was here for hours! It was tough, but it was worth it, because we made it all the way to the final.” As he alludes to, Mateta had more history to write, scoring twice in his first game back for Les Bleus: a

Jean-Philippe Mateta warm-up match against Paraguay. The story, there-on in, continued to stun, as he became the first-ever player to win an Olympic medal whilst playing for Palace. Mateta donned the captain’s armband and scored a brilliant flick in a group-stage win over New Zealand; netted match-winning goals against Argentina and Egypt in the quarter- and semi-finals respectively; and then showed nerves of steel at the most of critical of moments in the Gold Medal match. “I stepped up to take a penalty in the last minute of stoppage time,” Mateta recalls making it 3-3 against Spain at Parc des Princes. “I knew it would be tough, but I wanted to take that responsibility. Personally, I like to face the pressure. “Thierry Henry and everyone in the country wanted that Gold Medal, and we finished with silver [after defeat to Spain in extra-time] – but I enjoyed every minute of it. The new season was starting a week later!” Football never stands still. Just nine days later, in a whirlwind turnaround, the striker found himself on the pitch at the Gtech Community Stadium, as Palace’s 2024/25 campaign got underway against Brentford – but Mateta, by his own admission, felt like his performances weren’t quite reaching the same standard. “To be fair, I tried my best after returning so quickly, but my body was feeling tired,” he admits. “In my head I always want to be on the pitch and do everything to win. “I played 45 minutes against Brentford, feeling a bit tired. Against Chelsea I was on the bench, but still supporting the team – I always try to

Thierry Henry and everyone in the country wanted that Gold Medal, and we finished with silver [after defeat to Spain in extra-time] – but I enjoyed every minute of it. The new season was starting a week later!

encourage the team even if I’m not playing, and help in any way that I can. “I got my first two goals of the new season [in a 2-2 draw] against Leicester at Selhurst Park. Once again, I love and enjoy that pressure of taking a penalty late on – a striker should take any opportunity they can to score! “I’ve always loved scoring against Leicester! That goal I scored in 2023” – Mateta’s mind drifts to his last-minute winner in April of that year in 2023 – “was my best goal for Palace! Everything about it – the quality of the goal, the timing, the fact we needed the points… it was amazing.” As quickly as last season finished, the fresh campaign got fully underway – and 2024/25 took both striker and club time to truly get going. “We had new faces coming in at the end of September,” the

Jean-Philippe Mateta

I got my first two goals of the new season [in a 2-2 draw] against Leicester at Selhurst Park. Once again, I love and enjoy that pressure of taking a penalty late on – a striker should take any opportunity they can to score!

Jean-Philippe Mateta

The manager has everything planned, and it can be hard for players to understand and adapt so quickly after joining. You need time, but time in the season is hard to come by – that’s why we were struggling at first. We also had a lot of injuries too, so it was hard across the board

Jean-Philippe Mateta

striker says. “It was easy for me to adapt with everyone new being experienced players, but it was hard at the same time. “The manager has everything planned, and it can be hard for players to understand and adapt so quickly after joining. You need time, but time in the season is hard to come by – that’s why we were struggling at first. We also had a lot of injuries too, so it was hard across the board.” Mateta’s smile returns as he recounts the first win of the current campaign: “It was critical to get the win against Tottenham Hotspur – we needed that. We were so happy to get it in front of our fans – and of course I was happy to score and do my celebration!” It was a celebration seen again not too long after, with Mateta scoring a superb individual effort in the win

Here, we fight for each and every one of our points and, with that, we want to win more and more games. The mindset for me is to win the next game, and then the next one, and the next one. We train to compete – and win as much as possible

over Ipswich Town in early December. “This goal was good!” he smiles. “We needed those three points. “Here, we fight for each and every one of our points and, with that, we want to win more and more games. The mindset for me is to win the next game, and then the next one, and the next one. We train to compete – and win as much as possible.” We finish, then, with one more eyebrow-raising statistic: in the calendar year of 2024, only four other players in the Premier League scored more goals than JeanPhilippe Mateta’s 25 combined for club and country. “2024 was one of the best years of my life – my best year so far at Palace,” he smiles. “But I want even more. “I always want to score more – and do better.” Consider that a New Year’s resolution

captain

SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

GREAT PILSNER GRAB A BEER THAT’S CRISP, BRIGHT AND REFRESHING 22

And finally...

and finally...

with Jean-Philippe Mateta Before taking us through his recollections of 2024 and hopes for the future, Jean-Philippe Mateta sat down with Palace TV to go through the key photos from his story so far…

Photo 1: This is exactly where I’m from, Sevran! ‘Des Trois Tours’ – three towers – and I used to live in the tower in the middle, on the 15th floor. When I was young I would play there with my friends. I started football there.

Photo 3: This is after my first professional contract. I was in the third league with Châteauroux. This is Jérôme Leroy. He used to be a footballer too, for Paris Saint-Germain. I was very happy to move there because I had a lot of friends signing with PSG, with Rennes, at 13. But at Châteauroux, I was very happy.

Photo 5: Ah – Thierry Henry! When you start, it’s strange, but after a while you get used to it. The first time I met him in person it was strange, but you get used to it training every day. Even now, if I want to watch a striker on YouTube, I put ‘Thierry Henry’ in.

Photo 2: Crazy – I have hair here! The guy next to me, was the captain, Amin. He was the same age as me, maybe 11 or 12… We had a good team. Now there is ‘Football Club of Sevran’, but before it was ‘Olympique de Sevran’. I started as a winger, but on the right side. I was skinny though!

Photo 4: This was against Brighton, no? My first [Palace] goal was against Brighton – and I megged two people. It was a good goal! 23

For more of Mateta’s memories and backstory, watch the full feature ‘My Photo Album: Jean-Philippe Mateta’ – now showing on Palace TV.

FOR THE CLUB captain

PLAY NOW PLAY NOW PLAY NOW

PLAY NOW 24

PLAY NOW

The World’s Game

chelsea

chelsea FC

the blues 1905

a flying start Position

4th

Points

Top Scorer Cole Palmer

Most Assists Cole Palmer

away

One of the most successful English clubs of the 21st century, Chelsea are yet to lift silverware since the Todd Boehly-led consortium takeover in 2022. However, they have a great chance to take home a European trophy this season in the UEFA Conference League. The Blues' bulky squad has allowed Maresca to select strong XIs on Thursday nights. They already look a solid bet for the tournament – finishing top of the league phase with six wins out of six. A trophy would be a fitting reward for their fine first half of the season, and although they exited the League Cup in the round of 16, the FA Cup represents another chance for the Blues to get amongst the big prizes come the end of the campaign.

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conference league quest

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After a summer of upheaval at Stamford Bridge, few expected Chelsea to be riding high at the top end of the Premier League come 2025. But Enzo Maresca has built upon the fine finish the Blues enjoyed to last season under Mauricio Pochettino. The goals have been flowing, Chelsea scoring 38 goals in the first half of the season. Only a relentless Liverpool team made a better start to the season – with Chelsea losing just twice in their first 17 games of the season, against the Reds and defending champions Manchester City. That progress stuttered over the Christmas period, however, and the Blues go into today's match winless in their last three.

THIS Season

chelsea

head2head

2-1 √ brentford Stamford Bridge

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draw

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√ shamrock rovers Stamford Bridge

0-0 √ everton Goodison Park

1-2 √ fulham Stamford Bridge

2-0 √ ipswich town

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1-2

1st October 2022 Selhurst Park

1-0

15th January 2023 Stamford Bridge

2-1

27th December 2023 Stamford Bridge

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12th February 2024 Selhurst Park

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1st September 2024 Stamford Bridge

Portman Road

2-0 ipswich town √ chelsea

“We expected this kind of moment during the season because we know that this kind of moment belongs to football. It is almost impossible to have a season where you do not have a moment like now for us.” Enzo Maresca

Monday 30th December / Portman Road

18 Nkunku

Substitutes 1

R. Sanchez

R. James

M. Gusto

J. Acheampong

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P. Neto

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J. Sancho

N. Jackson

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chelsea

key players Chelsea have made an impressive start to life under Enzo Maresca following the Italian’s appointment in the summer. But who could be crucial to pushing forward their title challenge in the New Year? Here, we check out the Blues' most important assets…

EUROS WINNER -

DEF marc

cucurella age

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2022

Marc Cucurella has proven one of the most successful buys of the BlueCo era since his £55million move from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022. He has excelled, either when deployed as a left-back or further forward in a wing-back position, offering a combination of both technical proficiency and athleticism. He arrived at Stamford Bridge with only one Premier League season under his belt – albeit a very successful one – having helped Brighton to a ninth place finish and being voted the club’s Player of the Season. Mauricio Pochettino even used the Spaniard as an inverted full-back towards the end of the 2023/24 season, which coincided with the Blues' late rise up the Premier League table. Cucurella then went to his first major tournament with Spain - the 2024 Euros - which ended in glory. His inviting cross four minutes from time in the final was converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, breaking England hearts in the process.

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palmer age

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2023

Born in Wythenshawe, Cole Palmer came through the ranks at Manchester City, arguably the club's most exciting young talent since Phil Foden. Yet surprisingly, after scoring in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup in August 2023, Palmer was sold to Chelsea on transfer deadline day. An outstanding 2023/24 season saw him break through as an important player for club, and increasingly, his country. A sublime hat-trick in a dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United was probably the highlight – the performance seeing Palmer awarded the Premier League Game Changer of the Season award. He eventually finished the campaign with 25 goals in all competitions across 45 games. A first major tournament with England followed, Palmer coming off the bench to score in the 2-1 final defeat to Spain.

chelsea

THE £107MILLION MAN Enzo Fernández arrived at Stamford Bridge only a month after becoming a World Cup winner with Argentina. Then just 21-years-old, he played every game in Qatar, scoring in the crucial 2-0 win over Mexico in the group stage. Despite having only six months of European football under his belt, Fernández played a vital role in the Argentinian side, doing the gritty midfield work to allow the likes of Angel Di Maria, Julian Alvarez and, of course, Lionel Messi to flourish. Both Chelsea and Liverpool were immediately in the market for the midfielder, with transfer speculation first reported only days after the World Cup final. In the end Fernández opted for West London, completing a dramatic deadline day move to Chelsea at the cost of £107million. This broke the British transfer record at the time, eclipsing the £100million Manchester City spent on Jack Grealish. Fernández has quickly become one of the most important players at the club and regularly captains the side in Reece James’ absence.

MID enzo

fernÁndez age

Height

5’10

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2023

Portugal international Pedro Neto made the switch to Stamford Bridge from Wolves this summer. Neto started his career at Braga in his homeland. He made his men's first-team debut in May 2017 and scored in a 4-0 victory over Nacional. At 17 years, two months and five days, he became the thirdyoungest scorer in the club’s history. A two-year loan move to Italy with

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7 Height

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2024

Lazio followed, during which he time he helped the Roman club win the Coppa Italia. England was Neto’s next stop when he transferred to Wolves in August 2019. He scored and created a goal on his debut and quickly established himself as a regular in the Wolves attack. A series of impressive displays saw Chelsea swoop to sign the speedy winger.

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27 2023

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Jackson age

joined

23 2023

fwd cole

from

palmer age

joined

22 2023

from

noni

madueke

fwd

from

age

joined

22 2023

fwd Christopher

Nkunku age

joined

27 2023

fwd Tyrique

from

george age

from

academy 32

joÃo

félix joined

25 2023

fwd jadon

sancho age

joined

24 2024

fwd marc

guiu age

from

38 joined

19 2024

from

chelsea

squaddepth st Nicolas JACKSON Marc GUIU lw

Cole PALMER Mykhailo MUDRYK Tyrique GEORGE

Pedro NETO Jadon SANCHO Noni MADUEKE

am Christopher NKUNKU João FÉLIX Carney CHUKWUEMEKA

cm Enzo FERNÁNDEZ Cesare CASADEI

Dm Moisés CAICEDO Roméo LAVIA Kiernan DEWSBURY-HALL

lb Marc CUCURELLA Renato VEIGA Ben CHILWELL

Rb Malo GUSTO Reece JAMES Josh ACHEAMPONG

Levi COLWILL Benoît BADIASHILE

Tosin ADARABIOYO Axel DISASI Wesley FOFANA GK

Robert SÁNCHEZ Filip JÖRGENSEN Lucas BERGSTRÖM

Loaned In

Academy Graduate

New Signing

chelsea

through time 1905 After Gus Mears purchased Stamford Bridge in 1904, he offered it to Fulham as a new home ground. When they turned him down, he founded his own club instead: Chelsea. After promotion to the First Division, they became known for their money spent signing star players (history repeats itself etc.) which attracted large crowds, but success proved elusive.

1955 Legendary Arsenal centre-forward Ted Drake led the club to their first league title, modernising in the process with a new badge, youth setup and training regime.

1971 Having won the FA Cup the season before, Chelsea lifted the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in Athens, beating Real Madrid.

2003 In 2003, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich purchased the club, and transformed the face of English football by splashing over £100

million on new players. When Claudio Ranieri failed to deliver trophies, an ambitious European Cup winner named José Mourinho was flown in from Portugal to take over, winning back-to-back league titles with new signings like Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, Ricardo Carvalho and Petr Cech. Three league titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups have followed, and the Holy Grail: the Champions League in 2012.

1905

Chelsea founded

1915

FA Cup runners-up

1955

First league title

1970

FA Cup winners

1971

European Cup Winners’ Cup champions

1997

FA Cup winners

2003

Roman Abramovich buys the club

2004

José Mourinho appointed

2006

Back-to-back title winners

2010

Double winners

2012

Champions League winners

2015

Premier League winners

2017

Premier League winners

chelsea

dreamfive GK Petr Cech One of the Premier League’s greatest goalkeepers arrived from French side Rennes in the same summer that José Mourinho joined the club. He stayed for the next 11 years, playing 494 games and winning four league titles.

cb John Terry Terry came through the academy at Stamford Bridge to make 717 appearances for the club, and captain them to some of their greatest victories. He won five league titles, five FA Cups, and made up for his slip in the 2008 Champions League final shootout by finally lifting the European Cup in 2012.

cm Frank Lampard Lampard’s scarcely believably scoring record places him in the discussion as one of the best midfielders of his generation, netting 211 times for Chelsea to become the club’s record goalscorer. For 10 consecutive seasons, he reached double figures in the Premier League, and sits sixth in the all-time list, behind only Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Andy Cole and Sergio Agüero.

st Gianfranco Zola One of Chelsea’s first superstars and the finest player of the pre-Abramovich era. Zola straddled eras, playing alongside Diego Maradona at Napoli before joining Chelsea in the latter stages of his career, and lighting up the Premier League.

st Didier Drogba 2021 Thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, everything changed again. Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club, and ripped up the rules of the transfer market just as Abramovich had almost two decades earlier. Spending of more than £1.5 billion has followed, with Chelsea improving last season to finish sixth after ending the previous campaign in 12th.

The man for the big occasion. Drogba scored in FA Cup finals, Champions League finals and massive title-deciders, across two spells at the club that saw him score 164 goals in all competitions.

chelsea

kitstory

celebrity blues

best

worst

Home: 2000/01

Home: 2018/19

Simplicity, just before the club changed forever. Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Gianfranco Zola. Excellent.

Yawn. A kit with all the charm of a generic train seat, and likely the same amount of minutes spent on the design, too.

best

gordon ramsay

worst

The often-controversial TV chef is known for his furious outbursts, so fits in well with the general vibe at Stamford Bridge.

jeremy clarkson The often-controversial TV host is known for his furious outbursts, so fits in well with the general vibe at Stamford Bridge.

nigella lawson away: 2004/05

away: 1991/92

The second year of this kit’s use saw José Mourinho build his first Chelsea super-team: Drogba, Cech, Carvalho and Robben all arrived.

On the road, Chelsea looked like a quarter of a pack of playing cards. No wonder they finished in the bottom-half.

The often-controversial TV chef… OK, we’ll stop. But Lawson is a Chelsea fan who has written about football’s ability to ‘provide the most compelling, most enduring soap opera I know’.

chelsea

greatestgames 2-3 FA CUP HEROES A match remembered thanks to the heroics of Peter Taylor. Third Division Crystal Palace travelled to Stamford Bridge in 1976 with full belief they could cause an upset, in no small part down to the management of Malcolm Allison. Cause an upset they did, with Taylor scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 victory and sending Palace into the quarter-finals.

2-1 THREE POINTS (FINALLY) After losing the first seven (yes, seven) matches of the 2017/18 season without scoring a goal, the Eagles scored twice against champions Chelsea, proving once and for all that in the Premier League nothing is a certain three points. Wilfried Zaha was the matchwinner, sparking a combination of delirium and relief around Selhurst Park, and beginning the journey towards safety under newly arrived Roy Hodgson.

1-2 CHIPS ON THE BRIDGE Earlier that year, Palace had sprung another surprise against Chelsea, with all three goals scored inside the opening 11 minutes. Cesc Fabregas gave the hosts the lead after just five, but Wilfried Zaha ripped up the script by equalising four minutes later. Then, just 90 seconds after kick-off, Christian Benteke scooped calmly over Thibaut Courtois to give Palace the lead. Just 80 minutes to hold on now!

chelsea

eagle eye

@SonOfChelsea

Daniel Childs founded @SonofChelsea – YouTube, Podcast, TikTok and X channels dedicated to covering Chelsea FC - in August 2014, whilst also producing content for Football.London, Reach Women’s Football and the CFCUK Fanzine. Here, he gives us his views on Chelsea. What have you made of life under Enzo Maresca? I’d say it’s been wildly better than many of us expected given the offpitch chaos during the summer that raised eyebrows. Although this Chelsea team still possess flaws, sitting within the top-four hunt and looking on course to regain Champions League football was the main goal and Maresca is well on course to achieving just that.

Although some results over Christmas have slightly dampened the mood, his management of squad, style of football and frank approach to players has been refreshing and created the most positive mood yet under the Clearlake ownership.

although some results over Christmas have dampened the mood, his management of squad, style of football and frank approach to players has been refreshing and created the most positive mood

chelsea

given the quality of opposition in the Conference League, it would be something of an embarrassment if Chelsea do not lift the trophy in Wroclaw in May

At the start of the season, what were your expectations for Chelsea this season? I hoped – and believed – we would finish fifth, along with winning the Conference League. This season needed to be better than last term and so far it has proven to be the case. I’m always hopeful for the FA Cup. It’s always a competition Chelsea seem to go far in, despite our inevitable Wembley pain. Is Cole Palmer already on his way to becoming a Stamford Bridge great? Absolutely. Palmer is now treated like a rockstar around Stamford Bridge. What makes his status slightly different to recent modern legends of the club is he’s excelled in difficult moments, not amidst a title winning side under Mourinho for comparison.

He is a privilege to watch live and creates so many jaw-dropping moments it is hard to believe how little he cost the club and how young he still is.

Aside from Palmer, who is Chelsea’s most important player – and whose contribution flies under the radar? Whilst Palmer is the star attraction, Moisés Caicedo has been Chelsea’s best player this season. His consistent performances have propelled the team’s overall level and has shut down any major doubts over his price tag. He sniffs danger so immaculately and covers every inch of the pitch. I would say both Caicedo and Marc Cucurella are essential figures for the way Maresca’s Chelsea function. Watch them in loose duels, or moments of transition. Either they are preventing danger or helping to start it against the opposition. Give us a name for the future to keep an eye on… I would say Josh Acheampong. Palace fans know quite well how talented the production line at Chelsea’s Academy Cobham is, given the loans for Ruben LoftusCheek, Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah. Plus of course Marc Guéhi, who I never wanted to see leave.

Acheampong is the latest defensive talent that is highly rated internally and recently signed a new long-term deal. He is composed, technically comfortable and looks set to become a top tier regular. Whether that is actually at Chelsea is always hard to predict.

And finally, will Chelsea win a trophy this season? I think given the quality of opposition in the Conference League, it would be something of an embarrassment if Chelsea do not lift the trophy in Wroclaw in May

west ham united

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chelsea

HEAD TO HEAD

ismaïla

sarr age

POSITION

26 fwd

nat

jadon

Goals

Penalties won

Penalties scored

sancho age

POSITION

24 fwd

nat

Apps

Clean sheets

Apps

Goals

Yellow cards

Goals

Assists

Red cards

Goals this season

Shooting accuracy

59%

Shooting accuracy

40%

Crosses

Big chances created

years since Palace's most recent win over Chelsea: a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.

1992

The year the last time Palace avoided defeat against Chelsea in both league meetings between the teams. The two sides played out a pair of draws in 1991/92.

Premier League goals scored by Palace at this stage last season. Two goals today would take us to an identical total.

Delivered by:

Crosses

Big chances created

west ham united

SHOWROOMS

42 www.boydentiles.co.uk

doc brown & james m©arthur

doc brown

doc brown 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...

HAPPY NEW PALACE? Well, that escalated quickly. 2024 is already but a memory. For someone who remembers seeing the year 2015 in Back to the Future 2 as an 11-year-old and finding even the idea of such a distant date hard to conceptualise, it’s weird for me to think we’re already 10 years beyond hoverboards and microwave ovens that rehydrate tiny pizzas. The funny thing is, despite a continued need for roads (roads?), life on earth has changed in ways that would have been even more inconceivable in the 80’s than flying cars. And with change moving at such a monumental pace, what has become of one of life’s most indefatigable constants, Association Football? Fair to say it’s moved on a bit since Huey Lewis introduced us all to The Power of Love. From mud and sand to carpeted bowling greens, from the Bosman ruling to the passback rule, from fourth officials to VAR, from handballs to ball-to-hands, to natural hand positions to whatever the hell it is now, the National Obsession continues to evolve - for better or for worse. And where in

this world do we find Crystal Palace Football Club? Have we changed? I actually looked back at our January results for each Premier League season dating back to the futuristic 2015 (because that’s the kind of Rock n Roll lifestyle I live when I’m off duty). Helpfully there are websites for this sort of nerdery and worldfootball.net assures me that we’ve traditionally been pretty patchy during this month, only to go on sneakily streaky streaks that push us out of any lingering thoughts of danger. I can never remember details of games and exactly how we performed without visual reminders so I concede that I may be overgeneralising this January pattern, but it does feel familiar doesn’t it? What interests me is that we could easily follow that path again this season – have a dismal opening to the calendar year, then fight like hell to get back on an even keel, maybe even finish with style… But for me, it would still feel like something different to before something new. The way this current squad deals with adversity feels fresh. I’ve heard so much mainstream news about Man City and Tottenham

What interests me is that we could easily follow that path again this season – have a dismal opening to the calendar year, then fight like hell to get back on an even keel, maybe even finish with style…

doc brown being derailed by injuries and very little about the fact that we have cobbled together squads in the absence of França, Wharton, Doucouré, Lerma and Eze at times, yet quietly continue to compete at the highest level. Barring that Arsenal thrashing (which felt like an outlier after the huge effort put in against the same side just three nights before), Oli Glasner seems to get these guys to really believe, and with positive and progressive attitudes coursing through the squad I always feel like anything in possible. We’ve had so many false dawns in my life as an Eagle but this latest incarnation has firmer foundations. We’re growing steadily, not suddenly. Characters are beginning to make their presence known: Muñoz, Sarr, Hughes, Devenny, and Chalobah have all made real impacts in challenging moments this season. A couple of fresh faces that match the bill or even simply the return of those on the injury list still fighting for full fitness and I think we could still have a lot to look forward to in 2025. When I’m feeling low about my team and where we’re headed, I often find myself glancing enviously at similar sized clubs like Fulham, Bournemouth, Brentford or Brighton, wishing we could scale the heights they have in recent times. But here comparison is not only the thief of joy, it also displays an ignorance of - or indifference to - the fact that all of those clubs have had monumental struggles of their own in the past. Football clubs are like an emotional, experiential extension of the human beings who support them.

Football clubs are like an emotional, experiential extension of the human beings who support them

They have highs and lows, dreams and disappointments, but they keep plugging on, hopeful for the next chapter. Who knows where we’re going? We may not need roads but as long as we’ve got grass there’ll be a shot at glory someday soon. Our time in the sun will come, I’m certain of it, and it all begins with that most simple of things, a positive thought. And on that note… HAPPY NEW YEAR and here’s to a prosperous 2025 for all of us. UTP

James M©arthur

james m©arthur Palace legend James McArthur made 253 appearances for the club, playing over 19,000 minutes in all competitions across nine years. Below, he reflects on the year just gone, gives his thoughts on our win over Southampton – and looks ahead to today’s opponents, Chelsea …

new perspectives I’d like to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! I must admit that in 2024, I just really enjoyed being away from football, kind of, and watching it from afar. Watching the lads doing well last year, obviously, and finishing the season the way they did was unbelievable. Since Oliver Glasner has come in, he’s really lifted the team and kicked them on to new levels. I'm a boyhood Rangers fan, so it's not been a great year for them, really! But I've really enjoyed watching the Palace boys and supporting them, and I’m looking forward to a positive year in 2025, because I think this team's just getting started and coming into a bit of form with confidence. This year, I think, will be a real year to kick on.

emotional control When you concede an early goal, and you've got the composure and the belief to keep doing the same things to win the match and you get those results, it gives you a real, real belief and confidence, no matter what

happens in the game, that you can go on and win it. Back in 2014/15, we won the most points from losing positions out of every Premier League team that season (21, with six wins and three draws). When you're able to do that, there's no fear or panic when you concede that goal. There's that real belief and calmness on the field that you can keep doing the right things. The boys did that the other day and it will give them a confidence going forward that they can go behind in games and come back and win, which is a very important trait in the Premier League as you can't really control when goals go in, or how they go in, but you can control your emotions and the structure of the team, and not just go and do your own things. It was a great, great win that the lads needed.

excellent ebs I think Ebsy will probably want to get more goals and assists this year than he's had. Hopefully, his goal will give him that confidence going forward to go and start being clinical.

Watching the lads doing well last year, obviously, and finishing the season the way they did was unbelievable. Since Oliver Glasner has come in, he’s really lifted the team and kicked them on to new levels

James M©arthur

At the start of the season, he was very unlucky – I watched probably six games in a row where he hit the post or bar! If those go in, you go, ‘oh, those are really good numbers.’ I heard his interview as well about keeping belief and just doing the right things – and that’s what you need to keep doing. I know from experience that, playing in the Premier League when you're not scoring goals or you're not playing as well as you feel you can, it's quite hard to keep doing the same things and keep trying to play well. It's a struggle in the mind to think: ‘what do I need to do here?’ That goal, hopefully, will give him the opportunity to kick on and hopefully he'll get that little bit more luck in front of goal, and start producing the form that he did at the end of last year, which was scintillating and amazing to watch.

chelsea's talisman I've seen bits and bobs of Chelsea this season and they're a good side. I always went back to when you played Spurs and Harry Kane got the ball – you needed to be so, so aware of him being on the ball, and trying to stop him. Cole Palmer is the Chelsea player that you really need to stop. When he's on it, get around him all the time. Make sure he's not got that half-second to even think. I think if you stop him, you've got a good chance of getting a result. That's not saying that they've not got other dangerous

players, because they have all the way through their side, but I think he's the talisman that if you were able to keep him quiet, there's a much better chance of getting a result. I think Palace will look at this game and think that they've got a good chance to get a win. I talked recently about momentum at this point of the year. The lads have been able to get that momentum, that winning mentality, get the wins that are needed, get good draws, and put on a good run, which will give everyone belief that they can start the New Year with a win.

blue record Palace’s recent record against Chelsea is not the strongest, and I always knew that even as a player! Every time you go into this fixture, even when you go into it with belief, you need to be on it. Even when you're on it, you play well – I can remember a couple of times Wilf scored – you can still lose the game. I remember too well Conor Gallagher scoring in the last minute! You need to not switch off at all, and even when you're on top, you need to remember the quality they've got, that they can punish you when you're on the front foot and you keep attacking. There still needs to be that structure and that discipline in the team that you're wary of counter-attacks if you're pressing or filling those gaps that top players fill

Palace will look at this game and think that they've got a good chance to get a win. I talked recently about momentum at this point of the year. The lads have been able to get that momentum, that winning mentality, get the wins that are needed, get good draws, and put on a good run, which will give everyone belief that they can start the New Year with a win

captain

CHOOSE YOUR

WIIINGS RED BULL GIVES YOU WIIINGS.

INSIDE PALACE

inside palace

palace academy

present i model my game on... I like Drogba a lot, but I try to play like Jamie Vardy. I like to run in behind. He does that a lot and I try to do the same.

With so much talent coming through at Crystal Palace, it’s time to grill the next generation on the key questions past, present and future. This week, Under-18s forward Jerome Osei tackles our quickfire questions…

FACT FILE

past childhood idol? Didier Drogba. Most of my family are Chelsea supporters so I watched him a lot and I liked the way he played.

Career highlight? Signing my scholarship earlier this season. It’s progress onto the next step.

favourite palace player? Jean-Philippe Mateta.

future in five years time...

jerome Osei age

nationality

16 position

striker

first team?

I want to be playing in the Premier League.

Welling United, the same team Caleb Kporha started at. I was there at U14s. I started football quite late.

champions league or world cup?

first match you played in?

World Cup.

i want to improve...

It was for Welling against Chatham Town. We won 8-2 and I scored six!

My heading. I’ve scored a few goals with my head, but not that many.

First shirt?

manager or pundit?

It was a Chelsea shirt, ‘Drogba’ on the back with the Samsung sponsor.

A pundit for sure. It’s a lot more entertaining than being a manager.

inside palace

fixtures&results

pos Club

GD Pts

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

mci

24 27

ful

bha

23 23

liv

new

mun

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST Tue 20

Stevenage

0-1

Sat 17

Tottenham Hotspur

Fri 23

Blackburn Rovers

7-2

Sat 24

Southampton

1-1

Wed 28 Birmingham City Sat 31

3-0

Fri 30

Leeds United

SEPTEMBER Tue 17

Real Sociedad

2-2

Fri 20

Reading

1-1

Tue 24

Gillingham

3-1

Mon 30 Nottingham Forest

2-1

OCTOBER Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-10

Fri 18

Sporting CP

1-2

Fri 25

Southampton

2-0

NOVEMBER

Reading

4-6

1-1

3-0

SEPTEMBER Sat 14

Norwich City

4-2

Sat 21

Fulham

0-6

Sat 28

Aston Villa

1-3

OCTOBER Sat 5

Liverpool

2-5

Sat 26

Leicester City

1-1

NOVEMBER Sat 2

Arsenal

1-1

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

2-2

Fri 1

Tottenham Hotspur

5-1

Sat 23

Arsenal

2-0

Tue 5

Peterborough United

1-4

Sat 30

Brighton & Hove Albion W

2-0

Fri 29

Newcastle United

0-1

DECEMBER

december Tue 10

RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16 Liverpool JANUARY Mon 6

Fulham

Fri 10

Leicester City

Fri 17

RB Leipzig

Mon 20 Wolves Mon 27 Norwich City FEBRUARY Mon 10 Stoke City Mon 17 Aston Villa Mon 24 West Bromwich Albion MARCH

Fri 6

Manchester City

0-1

Chelsea

4-2

3-1

Tue 17

3-3

JANUARY Sat 11

West Ham United

Sat 25

Tottenham Hotspur

che

sun

ars

nfo

cry

whu

eve

-1

lei

wol

sou

-6

rea

-3

lee

-3

nor

-6

wba

-10

tot

-10

mid

-12

der

-13

bla

-11

avl

-15

sto

8 -22

FEBRUARY Sat 1

Southampton

Sat 8

Reading

pos Club

Sat 15

Norwich City

avl

sou

20 18

Sat 22

Aston Villa

MARCH Sat 1

Fulham

Sat 8

West Ham United

Sat 15

Chelsea

APRIL

GD Pts

tot

ful

bha

whu

che

-1

cry

-3

ars

-2

10 10

Mon 3

Arsenal

Sat 12

Leicester City

Sun 16

Manchester City

Thu 17

Arsenal

nor

-4

Sat 26

West Bromwich Albion

lei

-5

rea

-12

wba

-10

APRIL Fri 4

West Ham United

Mon 14 Chelsea

MAY Sat 3

Brighton & Hove Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 2ndJanuary.

inside palace

palace academy With Palace’s Under-21s and Under-18s both returning to action in the upcoming week, we took the opportunity to sit down with both teams’ head coaches to review the Academy season so far…

Darren powell u21S manager What are your thoughts on the season so far? “There’ve been a lot of ups and downs, as we’ve expected. In terms of league position, we’ve got to look at it from afar and know that we’re not far off it. “We’ll just keep going. I said to the boys at the beginning of the season: we have to finish well in the league, because we want to get ourselves in those play-offs [for the top 16 teams] at the end of the season. “It’s been tough in a sense, because we’ve had to shift players. We’ve had players playing in different positions, and players coming up from the Under-18s. It’s been a good learning experience for them, a bit different.

“This is the job: first and foremost, we’re thinking ‘can we get people across the road?’ Can we get them training with the first-team, and even can they get themselves on the pitch? The hit is that they’re then not with us, but we’ll adapt. “It’s good, because then it gives somebody else an opportunity. If at first they are out of position, then they are also learning in a different position. It’s been challenging, getting a competitive team out, but again the bigger picture is players getting that opportunity to play at a higher level.” How proud can the Academy be of that this season? “It’s been brilliant to see so many of the boys go across the road. You sit there like a proud father, looking at them and saying: ‘they’re out on the pitch!’ Justin Devenny, Asher Agbinone and Caleb Kporha have all got on the pitch in the Premier League. “It’s been pleasing from an Academy sense, and as a coaching staff as well, seeing these boys get a chance. It’s commendable from the manager [Oliver Glasner] to be giving them an opportunity – especially with the position that we’ve been in,

trusting the young players to get on the pitch is pleasing. “That’s the aim of the game: trying to keep them across the road, training and playing some sort of part of the season for the first-team. That’s a massive achievement for everyone at the Academy.” How much are you looking forward to 2025? “We come back, and in the first week we’ve got a double gameweek against Fulham and then Leicester – so it’s a quick turnaround in that sense. “But from our point of view, we cross that white line looking to win a game of football, and play in a certain way as well. We want to be on the front foot – and we want to compete and win every game we possibly can.”

rob quinn u18S manager What are your thoughts on the season so far? “It was really pleasing to end this year with a positive performance and a positive result with the second-half comeback from the boys against Chelsea [a 4-2 win]. “They had to overcome a lot of adversity, especially as we had

inside palace

three pull-outs in the 45 minutes leading up to the game through sickness, unfortunately. The boys had to adapt. I didn’t think we deserved to be 2-0 down at half-time, but I don’t think we deserved to be in front either. “We changed one or two things at half-time and I just reminded the boys to make sure that they show their character and togetherness, which had been showing especially in the last month. “We’ve really pressed on and got more togetherness and team spirit, and I think we were showing the qualities that we want as a Palace team in the second-half everyone was outstanding. “I think it’s taken us a bit of time to get in a rhythm this season. We are starting to find it, and getting back to doing the basics well, week in, week out. That doesn’t change in my opinion, no matter what level you’re playing at – you have to do the basics well, but we are also showing some fighting spirit.” What are your targets for the second half of the season? “Now, we’ve got something to look forward to: we want to try and push up this league table in the second half of the season. “I think there’s no team that is running away with the league at all. We can continue and build on this spirit shown, and the result against Chelsea sent everyone into the Christmas break on a positive note”

u21s Name

u18s Name

apps goals

Asher AGBINONE

apps goals 7

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

Victor AKINWALE

Dean BENAMAR

Cormac AUSTIN

Benji CASEY

Luke BROWNE

Freddie COWIN

Rio CARDINES

Euan DANAHER

Jesse DERRY

Matteo DASHI

Justin DEVENNY

Jesse DERRY

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

0 Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

Chima EZE

Craig FARQUHAR

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

Chris FRANCIS

Jacob FASIDA

Joe GIBBARD

Zack HENRY

Jake GRANTE

Marcus HILL (GK)

Sean GREHAN

Mofe JEMIDE

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

Jasper JUDD

Mofe JEMIDE

Joe KHOSHABA (GK)

Caleb KPORHA

George KING

Finley MARJORAM

Enrique LAMEIRAS

Zach MARSH

Jack MASON (GK)

Roshaun MATHURIN

David MONTJEN

Louie MOULDEN (GK)

Joshua MUWANA

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

David OBOU

Adler NASCIMENTO

Stuart ODURO

David OBOU

0 Chuks OKOLI

Jadan RAYMOND

Dylan REID

Jerome OSEI

Kaden RODNEY

Caleb REDHEAD

Joe SHERIDAN

Sean SOMADE

Franco UMEH

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

Jemiah UMOLU

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

Tyler WHYTE

Seb WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 2 January. nd

inside palace

palace women After suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the penultimate match of Palace’s Championship-winning campaign, last season’s top scorer Elise Hughes is nearing a return to action – and cannot wait to get back to doing what she does best…

fter a long and challenging road to recovery, Hughes is nearing her return to competitive action, having spent the last nine months recovering from an ACL injury. But as she prepares to step back onto the pitch, Hughes is filled with a mixture of excitement and determination, saying: “It’s getting more and more exciting the closer it gets. Sometimes it’s felt like a million miles away, so I didn’t want to concentrate on it too much. But now, it feels like it’s just around the corner.” A measured character, Hughes is not getting ahead of herself, the 23-year-old fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Returning to full fitness after such a lengthy layoff presents its own hurdles, and with Palace’s Women’s Super League campaign already well underway, she knows there is a lot of ground to make up. “That is actually going to be the toughest part – getting up to speed with the team,” she said. “I’ll be six months behind what they’ve already achieved this season, and the amount of training sessions and games they’ve already

played – so the hard work starts with catching up.” The journey to this point has been anything but easy. For Hughes, the initial news of her ACL injury at the Dripping Pan was devastating, an experience she admits changed her perspective on the sport. “When you get the news that you’re going to be out for as long as you are, it’s obviously really tough. It was an injury that, in the past, I’ve always empathised with, but I never truly understood – until it happened to me. “It’s obviously an injury which plagues the women’s game, and I don’t want it to keep happening. But if it happens in the future, I want to support everyone who goes through it, because it is tough.” Head coach Laura Kaminski has spoken at length about Hughes’ relentless dedication to her recovery and, as she works her way back into the team, the Wales international is determined to make the most of her next chance to take to the pitch. “I’m not going to waste the opportunity,” she said. “If I could change it, I would have started the campaign with the team. But I

When you get through it, you’re in a much better place than when you left the game. And that’s all that I wanted to do – come back better than I was before couldn’t, so I’ll come back halfway through the campaign, and hopefully show enough in training and games to get me back in the team. “It’s been tough to watch, not being able to contribute as much as I’d like, but I’m excited for what’s next. “When you get through it, you’re in a much better place than when you left the game. And that’s all that I wanted to do – come back better than I was before.” On the international stage, Wales secured their first-ever qualification to a major tournament in November, reaching next summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 via the play-offs, giving Hughes an even greater incentive – if any were needed – to reach the best possible shape for both club and country. “I want to compete in this league for as many years as I can,” she explains. “That includes the back end of this season and pushing until the end. Hopefully, I’ll be in

inside palace

the best place mentally and physically for when the Euros come around.” But while her focus is on her return to the pitch, Hughes has been keeping herself involved with the team, despite not being able to contribute directly. “It’s obviously been a bit difficult watching the team start the WSL campaign without being part of it. I’ve tried to keep myself part of it as best I can – being at every game, home and away, and manipulating my schedule so I can be there. “Hopefully, I can contribute off the pitch right up until I’m back on it.” Hughes also recognises the tough nature of the WSL, where the competition is fierce, and results are never guaranteed: “We’ve learned that it’s a cut-throat league. “If you’re not at your best, you’re going to take nothing. Sometimes, we’ve learned that the hard way. But now, we’re ready to put things right.” Away from football, Hughes has also taken the time to reflect and work on herself during her recovery, explaining: “I’ve put a lot of focus into things I wasn’t as good at before. “It was a time where I could really focus on me, and what I can do to come back. I’m in a really good place now, and hopefully I’ll be returning soon. “I’ve used these past months to get to WSL standard – so that I’m ready to help the team when they need me.”

fixtures&results Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) SEPTEMBER

playerstats Name

apps goals

Chloe ARTHUR

Brooke ASPIN

Sun 22

Tottenham Hotspur

0-4

Izzy ATKINSON

Fri 27

Chelsea

0-7

Annabel BLANCHARD

My CATO

Aimee EVERETT

Jorja FOX

Mille GEJL

Fliss GIBBONS

Josie GREEN

Shanade HOPCROFT

Elise HUGHES

october Wed 2

Aston Villa

0-2

Sun 6

Leicester City

2-0

Sun 13

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-1

Sun 20

Liverpool

1-1

november Sun 3

Manchester City

0-3

Sun 10

Everton

1-1

Abbie LARKIN

Sun 17

Aston Villa

2-3

Milla-Maj MAJASAARI (GK)

Sun 24

Charlton Athletic

2-0

Hayley NOLAN

december

Lexi POTTER

Sun 8

Poppy PRITCHARD

Indiah-Paige RILEY

Molly-Mae SHARPE

Katie STENGEL

Katrine VEJE

Ashleigh WEERDEN

Lily WOODHAM

Annis-Clara WRIGHT (GK)

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

West Ham United

2-5

Wed 11 Tottenham Hotspur

0-2

Sun 15

0-1

Manchester United

january Sun 12

Sheffield United

Sun 19

Arsenal

Sun 26

Tottenham Hotspur

february Sun 2

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 16

Manchester United

march

GD Pts

Sun 2

Liverpool

pos Club 1

che

25 28

Sun 16

Aston Villa

mci

ars

mun

bha

tot

-8

Sat 22

Everton

Sun 30

Arsenal

april Sun 20

Chelsea

avl

-6

Sun 27

West Ham United

liv

-8

eve

-10

whu

-7

may Sun 4

Leicester City

lei

-10

Sun 11

Manchester City

cry

-18

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 2ndJanuary.

inside palace

palace for life The Marathon March is a 26.2 mile walk that takes place every year, with Palace fans taking on the challenge to raise vital money for young South Londoners.

WHAT AND WHEN IS IT? The Marathon March is now in its ninth year and has secured its place in the calendars of hundreds of Palace fans. It’s a marathon, but instead of running, we walk, talk, and make new friends and connections on the way. This year, it’s taking place on Saturday, 11th October 2025, during the international break. Since 2016, Palace fans have raised over half-a-million pounds for young people across our community. With a whopping number of participants last year – 220 – and money raised – £90,000 – we need your help to make it even bigger for 2025. In the past, we’ve had Palace royalty like Mark Bright and Andrew Johnson join us on the walk.

WHY TAKE PART? We already run tried and tested programmes to help improve young people’s mental and physical health,

donate to palace for life below

inside palace

THE DETAILS The Marathon March is on Saturday, 11th October 2025. The route begins and ends at Selhurst Park, culminating with a lap of the pitch and a Palace party in the Malcolm Allison Lounge. You will receive your very own Marathon March T-Shirt and finisher’s medal; a training programme created by Palace fan and personal trainer, Beulah Pickles; and a fundraising guide to help you with your sponsorship. Marchers are asked to pay a registration fee of £25 (£20 for half route, £10 under 18s) and to commit to raising a minimum of £300 each in sponsorship. If you want to fundraise as a family or a group we will ask you to commit to the below pledges: • Group of four = £600 • Group of five = £750 • Group of six = £900 • Group of 7+ = £1,000 Contact the fundraising team (fundraising@palaceforlife.org) if you want to fundraise as a group or if you have any questions

advance their employment prospects, and support them with mental health challenges through mentoring. You can find out more about our work at palaceforlife.org We all love South London, but we know it can be tough growing up here. We know our programmes work, but we need more funds to reach more people. The money you raise by doing the Marathon March helps us do exactly that. But remember, this isn’t a race, and it’s not competitive – it’s a chance for Palace fans to get together, chat Palace, and do something special for the local community.

100 years of selhurst park

100 YEARS OF Selhurst Park

As Selhurst Park celebrates its 100 th year during the 2024/25 campaign, club historian Ian King is looking back at a century of history from 1924 to the current day…

he iconic stadium has long been known as the home of Crystal Palace – and, for lesser spells, several other London sides – but for over 75 years, Selhurst Park has also been chosen as a neutral venue for Football League and Cup games. In December 1947, the football authorities closed Millwall’s ground, The Den, and ordered a league fixture to be played at an alternate location. Unthinkable as it may seem, on Saturday 13th December, Selhurst hosted the Division Two fixture between lowly Millwall and high-flying Newcastle United. Palace were away at Bristol City in the Cup at the time, so non-travelling fans had the chance to see the Toon’s Jackie Milburn and Len Shackleton in the flesh – an opportunity which boosted the crowd to over 30,000 attendees, Millwall’s second-best gate of that season. Against the odds, the Lions won 2-1. Fast forward six years, and it took a second replay, in the FA Cup tie between Brighton and Wrexham, to separate the two teams. The date chosen was Monday, 21st December 1953, with a 14:00 kick-off at Selhurst Park. Despite having to travel twice to southern

100 years of selhurst park

England from Wales, Wrexham were victorious 3-1 in front of around 5,000 fans. The instances would get even more bizarre. In the early 1970s, the FA decided to introduce a third-place play-off for their flagship competition, usually taking place on the Friday evening before the Final. Thus, Selhurst Park was chosen to host it on Friday, 7th May, 1971 when Everton took on Stoke

City – and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the low crowd of just over 5,000 meant this somewhat meaningless fixture would soon be abandoned. Nevertheless, it was Stoke who won 3-2; a certain Alan Whittle, later the scorer of one of Palace’s most iconic goals, was on the scoresheet for the Toffees. More Londoners came to adopt Selhurst as a brief home. Tuesday, 5th February 1974 witnessed Orient

and Portsmouth locking horns for a second replay in the FA Cup fourth-round. Orient had a number of ex-Palace players in their squad, which drew plenty of interest from Eagles’ supporters, but they lost 0-2 as Bobby Kellard – who’d had two stints in South London – netted one of Portsmouth’s goals in front of 20,000 spectators. Sometimes, Selhurst was used at short notice. When non-league Wimbledon drew 0-0 at First Division Leeds in the FA Cup in January 1974, the replay was due to be at the compact Plough Lane ground three days later, but was initially called off because of an unfit pitch. In the interim, due to the interest generated, the match was switched to Selhurst Park, and was played on Tuesday, 10th February when around 45,000 spectators attended as Wimbledon’s Dave Bassett scored an own goal. In December 1979, non-league Croydon were drawn at home to Millwall – and the local club opted to play the second-round tie in SE25. Just under 10,000 attended to see the game end in a 1-1 draw. Finally, the very first season of the play-off system had the final held on a two-leg system home and away, which meant that, after Swindon and Gillingham were locked at 2-2, a replay for promotion from the Third Division was required to decide the outcome. This took place at Selhurst Park, on Friday, 29th May 1987 and the Robins were successful, winning out 2-0

100 years of selhurst park

ian king’s Selhurst Squad

More than 900 players have graced the turf at Selhurst Park across a century of special memories, but who makes Ian King’s squad of the finest in each position?

n the early 1990s, Italian football began to be shown on British television and, for me, one player stood out: a balding international winger playing for Sampdoria, and then Juventus, by the name of Attilio Lombardo. When Palace gained promotion back to the Premier League in the summer of 1997, I doubt if many fans thought they could sign Lombardo. But try they did, and after talks about the transfer had initially stalled at the end of July, it was announced that an agreement with the player had been reached. In the following few days it became known that Ray Wilkins, who spoke Italian, had joined the coaching staff. The opening-day fixture at Everton was Lombardo’s first outing, and he duly netted in the first-half following a neat one-two with Paul Warhurst. His presence and skills seemed to lift all the players in the 2-1 victory. During the game his ‘song’ rang out – “Just One Lombardo” – among the travelling fans. Another away victory followed at Leeds two weeks later as he made an assist and scored again. By now, Palace supporters were taking him to heart, as Attilio became dubbed ‘The Bald Eagle’, and by November the club

Attilio

Lombardo position

nationality

had reached mid-table despite some poor home form. He was recalled to the Italian national squad on account of his performances but sustained an injury which kept him out of the sidelines until March. By then, Mark Goldberg had become Chairman and the Eagles were bottom of the table. Days after his return to the team in the defeat at Chelsea, Lombardo took over the reins from Steve Coppell and became player-manager, assisted

by Tomas Brolin. He immediately orchestrated a victory at Newcastle, but it was too little, too late, and when relegation was confirmed, he returned to being a player. With Terry Venables installed as manager, it was hoped that with a fit Lombardo, the club could fashion a swift return to the top-flight. Marooned in mid-table in November, however, injury struck the Italian again and, amid rumblings of financial problems, he was released to return to Italy. Although his time at Selhurst barely lasted 18 months his performances and attitude will be long remembered by supporters.

100 years of selhurst park

honourable wayne routledge

Mentions

Coming through the Academy, Routledge made his debut aged 16 in 2001, but it took him two seasons to establish himself in the first-team. When lain Dowie arrived as manager in December 2003, he immediately installed the teenager wide right, where he chipped in with six goals as Palace won promotion to the Premiership. There, he started every game, but as Palace went straight back down, he moved on to Tottenham.

yannick bolasie Palace signed Bolasie from Bristol City in the close season of 2012, and whilst it took a few games for him to settle on the opposite wing to Wilfried Zaha, the pair would come to wreak havoc on opposition defences. In the Premier League, he featured for three seasons, the highlight no doubt being the 11-minute hat-trick he scored at Sunderland in April 2015. He departed for Everton in the summer of 2016.

darren ambrose A former England Under-21 international, Ambrose moved to Palace on a free transfer from Charlton in July 2009 and, for the next three seasons, plied his trade usually on the right side of midfield. In his first season, he notched a remarkable 20 league and cup goals, featuring in all 53 games. Noted for his skill from dead-ball situations, few will forget his stunning Cup strikes against Aston Villa and Manchester United, or Palace’s all-important second goal at Sheffield Wednesday in May 2010’s ‘Survival Sunday’.

andros townsend Townsend joined in the summer of 2016 as Palace triggered his release clause from relegated Newcastle United. He soon became popular with the fans for his work rate and willingness to defend, as well as his attacking skills. Townsend remained with the Eagles for five seasons, his most productive being 2018/19 when he netted nine times, including ‘that goal’ in Palace’s win at Manchester City in December 2018 – later voted Premier League Goal of the Season. He departed in the summer of 2021. Next ISSUE Ian King continues to assess midfield options for his ultimate Selhurst 100 squad…

selhurst

Squad JOHN GK JACKSON

1964-1973

nigel gk martyn

1989-1996

Paul HINSHELWOOD 1973-1983

joel ward

2012-

kenny lb sansom

1975-1980

lb richard shaw

1987-1995

CB MEL BLYTH

1968–1974 1977-1978

cb jim cannon

1973-1988

cb eric young

1990-1995

rm peter taylor

1973-1976

rm attilio lombardo

1997-1999

..................... .....................

100 years of selhurst park

stories of Selhurst Park

Selhurst Park isn’t just a Premier League football ground, but the heart of a vibrant and diverse community, whose stories stretch back a century. Here, we hear about a unique family connection to Crystal Palace, focusing on a very special attendee in the Selhurst crowd this afternoon… But Chris’ Selhurst story runs a little deeper than simply that of an unsuspecting attendee today – his family ties hark back right to the very roots of Crystal Palace Football Club, for he is the grandson of Edmund ‘Eddie’ Goodman, who – serving in the role between 1907 and 1925 – remains the longest-serving manager in the club’s history.

y the time most readers see this article, Chris Middleton has probably guessed what’s happening – but best not to warn him in advance, just in case. Chris, an 81-year-old retired former consulting engineer, assessor and accident investigator, is in attendance at today’s game on a surprise visit, arranged by his daughter – and tipped off to us by his son-in-law, Paul. For that reason alone, we hope he has a fantastic matchday at Selhurst Park.

I got my love of sport from him, really. i can remember being in the garden with him. He never had an artificial leg – he always just used his crutches to get out there and play football with me

Before then, Goodman – whose playing career with Aston Villa was cut short following an injury which required a leg amputation – was

one of the key figures behind turning Palace professional in 1905 under the ownership of the Crystal Palace Company, helping to appoint the club’s first Chairman and manager, before taking on the latter role himself two years later. Born in Shoreham, Kent, Chris lived with Goodman for the first 11 years of his life. “I got my love of sport from him, really,” Chris explains. “I can remember being in the garden with him. He never had an artificial leg – he always just used his crutches to get out there and play football with me, kicking the ball around the garden. “Whenever I came home from primary school, if I’d been playing games, he always looked at me and said: ‘come on, let’s have a look at your legs.’ He lost his leg through a kick in football, when gangrene set in, and he’d just turned 18. “We’d catch the train to Penge station and get the bus from there to the Palace. We used to watch the games, and that’s where the love came from. I live up in Preston now. He died in 1960, when I was 17, so I’ve been 200 miles away from the club for this part of my life – but I still follow them closely.”

100 years of selhurst park

Asked for his favourite Palace memory, it’s evident that Chris’ familial connection to the club remains such a fond one. “I used to love seeing the joy the club gave him, even when he was poorly at the end of his life,” he recalls. “If Villa and Palace both won, he was a sprightly individual til about Wednesday! If they both lost, you could see the down in him – that’s just the love he had for the game, and for the club. I was close to him, and I thought the world of him.” It was Goodman who was in charge for Palace’s first-ever match at Selhurst Park – just over 100 years ago now, back in August 1924, against The Wednesday – but indeed also Goodman, in his dual secretarial and managerial role at the club, who worked with Chairman Sydney Bourne, among others, to have the stadium constructed in the first place.

player! “But this is what he put in me,” he continues. “Sport’s always been an important part of my life, and obviously I’ve made a lot of friends because of it. “Even when I’m up watching rugby, we look at the results when we’re in the stands, and two or three lads will go: ‘How are Palace doing?’ “It would be lovely to see Selhurst again. I would look forward to that one day.” That day has arrived.

In 2022, supporter Lee Snashfold organised a fundraising campaign to refurbish and restore Goodman’s grave in Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery, with the club making a donation towards these costs. By attending today’s match at Selhurst Park, Chris will be returning once again to a place where – a century later – his own blood was influential in the origins of the Crystal Palace Football Club we know and love today. Under the guise of a hypothetical piece about the club’s founders – so as not to ruin the surprise – we put that prospect to him. “It obviously makes you feel very proud,” he smiles. Our 20-minute conversation goes by with him in a flash, as he shares light anecdotes of memories of his grandfather – and how disappointed he was that Chris eventually became an amateur rugby

I used to love seeing the joy the club gave him, even when he was poorly at the end of his life As our recent call came to an end, we thanked Chris for giving up his time to speak to us. “Thank you,” he replies, “but at the end of the day, I’ve just enjoyed reminiscing about him again, bringing back things I haven’t thought about for years.” Nevertheless, we must insist: thank you, Chris, and thank you, Edmund ‘Eddie’ Goodman. Look around Selhurst Park today, and take in all our gratitude. Still a family club so many years later, Crystal Palace really does owe it all to them

Got a Selhurst story to tell? Let us know by emailing selhurst100@cpfc.co.uk!

1976 from the 100 years of selhurst park