Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur matchday programme 2223

Directors

Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer

Sean O’Loughlin

Sporting Director Dougie Freedman

Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell

Head of Sports Medicine

Dr. Zaf Iqbal Academy Director Gary Issott

Director of U21 Development

Mark Bright

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon Lacey

Chief Commercial Officer

Barry Webber General Counsel

David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

James Woodroof Head of Safeguarding

Cassi Wright

Head Groundsman

Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson

Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Contributors Ian King, Ben Bailey Smith, Ben Mountain, Toby Jagmohan, Tommy Macarthur, Paddy McCarthy, Aimee Everett, Norman Turpin

Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

My Mum, after 65 or 70 minutes, she couldn’t watch the game anymore. She had to leave the stadium! With her two sons playing it was not easy for her

Maxi Jazz: 1957-2022

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Crystal Palace paid tribute to legendary musician Maxi Jazz during the Boxing Day fixture against Fulham, after he passed away at the age of 65.

Born in Brixton as Maxwell Fraser, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the band Faithless, wowing audiences across the continent and achieving iconic status for their performances at Glastonbury.

He was also known for his charitable work, raising more than £1 million for Comic Relief in 2009 by signing non-stop for 24 hours.

On this day: January 4th

Palace kicked off their FA Cup run in 2015 in unusual surroundings, heading to the south coast to take on National League side Dover Athletic. Scott Dann scored a brace in a 4-0 win, with Dwight Gayle and Kevin Doyle completing the rout.

A lifelong Palace fan, Maxi Jazz became an Associate Director of the club in 2012 and continued to live in West Norwood throughout his career. He regularly attended Selhurst Park and will be missed by all those at SE25.

Before kick-off on Boxing Day, Palace walked out to Faithless’ timeless track ‘Insomnia’, while the Palace fans paid tribute with a banner in the Holmesdale Road End and by applauding in unison on the 65th minute.

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Maxi Jazz’s family at this time.

Fan update

Rail strikes may affect your journey to and from the game today. For all the latest travel information check cpfc.co.uk, and please leave adequate time to reach the ground.

What’s inside

Find out… Paddy McCarthy’s reflections on another strong year (Page 44), how Spurs and Palace share a common ‘Total Football’ heritage (Page 50) and why it just doesn’t get better than a last minute winner (Page 54).

Welcome to Selhurst Park to everyone supporting us today, and welcome also Antonio Conte, the Tottenham coaching staff, directors, players and visiting fans.

Fulham was a disappointing result, but also a disappointing performance.

I hope this is a one-off, because as a team we are far better than that. It is important for us to face up to that and find the energy and positivity to go again.

We have won three of the last four at home – that means we are doing something good here. It’s about getting the right mindset to go and compete again and to do it as a team.

One positive from the game was the atmosphere created by our fans, who backed us right until the end. Especially at this football club, they are used to seeing the team play with intensity and competitiveness; this is something they appreciate from the team, and this is something we have to keep.

We want to keep playing, going forwards, taking risks, and we didn’t see that against Fulham. But the last ten minutes when the fans were still supporting the team just confirms the relationship they have with the football club.

I want to see a different attitude today. I want the team to be brave, to play with more risks and to

show that enthusiasm we have seen in the previous couple of games at Selhurst Park. You can play well and lose the game – that is football. But we can’t play the way we did against Fulham. I want the team to play the game with the values we have always had so far.

Dougie, the Chairman and I are always working to improve the squad. We have identified the profile that we want and now we are trying to make it happen, but we know that the January window is difficult. We don’t want to bring in a player just for the sake of it, we want to bring one with the right attitude, the right quality and the ability to make the team more competitive.

Tottenham are a tough opposition, and this year they will be challenging for the Champions League spots once again. In Harry Kane they have one of the best strikers in the league, and it is a squad full of international players. It will be a challenge for us, and we will do our best to take the game to them.

Last season’s result here against Spurs was a real turning point in the season. In that game, everything was perfect. We need another big performance if we want to do the same again, and I hope it is something we can produce.

Thank you for your support .

One positive from the game was the atmosphere created by our fans, who backed us right until the end

We were all disappointed with the result last time out at Selhurst Park. We came up against a strong Fulham team and in the end things didn’t go our way on the pitch.

It’s crucial now that we pick ourselves up and perform to the level we know we can. We were pleased with the work we put in over the World Cup break, in Turkey and in south London, and so we are confident that we can come together as a unit to compete every time we step on the pitch in the second half of the season.

It was positive to have JohnKymani in the squad on Boxing Day, and as senior players we are always keen to guide the younger generation coming through. It has been great to have players like Kofi, Killian, Kaden, Jack and more travel with the squad this season. As you all saw during the winter break, there is an exciting set of Academy players at the club.

I am writing these notes before our trip to Bournemouth so am unable to talk about the result, but one thing I can be sure of is that our travelling support will be unbelievable once again. Throughout 2022 – and we know it hasn’t been an easy year with the cost of living and disruptions on the railways –your support has been huge for us as we try to get results on the road.

From Millwall at the beginning of January, to West Ham more recently, there have been some great moments along the way.

We are looking forward to kicking off our FA Cup campaign against Southampton on Saturday. Reaching the semi-finals at Wembley last season was a great achievement for the club.

But first we face a tough test in Tottenham Hotspur today. Their manager has turned them into a resilient side who refuse to know when they are beaten, as we saw last week when they came back from two goals down at Brentford. I hope we can produce another performance like last season’s fixture, when we had one of our best days at Selhurst Park in a 3-0 win.

Finally, I have to thank you all for your support. When things weren’t going our way against Fulham, you created an amazing atmosphere at Selhurst Park and stayed behind us for the entire 90 minutes – there aren’t many stadiums in the country that would do the same. We hope that today we can put in a performance to make you proud.

Make some noise! .

you created an amazing atmosphere at Selhurst Park and stayed behind us for the entire 90 minutes – there aren’t many stadiums in the country that would do the same

Fans pay tribute to Maxi Jazz

Happy new year and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Spurs to Selhurst Park for tonight’s match, and of course, to each and every Crystal Palace supporter here for the first time in 2023. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

Tonight, prior to kick-off, we pay our respects to members of the Palace family who passed away in 2022. To all of you who lost loved ones last year, our thoughts are with you.

Just before Christmas, Maxi Jazz passed away. He was someone I was lucky enough to call a friend. Maxi was a passionate supporter of the club and a regular on matchdays; we chatted often and Maxi was always at his happiest seeing local boys come through into the first-team. Some fans left wonderful tributes at his house, which I know have been greatly appreciated. Of course, Maxi was a brilliant live performer and has left an incredible musical legacy that will live forever – in every club, bar and car, people will continue to love the sounds he created. At Palace we will always celebrate him and his music on matchdays. Our thoughts and love go out to his family and friends as well as the legions of fans that adored him.

Former club CEO Phil Alexander was announced as Bristol City’s

new CEO, and I’d like to wish him all the very best for his new challenge. He gave more than a quarter of a century’s service to our club, and his contribution is

These notes are being penned prior to the crucial trip to Bournemouth, and are off the back of a very disappointing result and performance against Fulham. I have so much belief in this group of players, and know they all have the ability and desire to kick-start the second half of the season and get back to winning ways. Our last home match against Spurs, which we won 3-0, was one that will go down as one of the great wins in our recent history, and I very much hope we can rekindle some of that magic tonight with your magnificent support.

immeasurable. Phil was the most loyal of servants steering Crystal Palace through not one, but two, periods when the very existence of the club was threatened. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without his efforts.

Looking ahead, 2023 is a year to be excited about for us all, as we very much hope to make significant progress on the Selhurst Park redevelopment, as well as complete the Academy build. In the immediate future, we are working hard to bolster the squad in key positions and we hope to be able to introduce a fresh face or two soon.

I very much hope we can start the new year with a bang tonight, so let’s throw everything we have behind Patrick and his team.

Up the Palace .

At Palace we will always celebrate him and his music on matchdays. Our thoughts and love go out to his family and friends as well as the legions of fans that adored him

As part of one of football’s greatest dynasties, Jordan Ayew grew up with high expectations and a determination to prove people wrong. He reveals how, from the streets of Accra to the stadiums of Qatar, family and community has always been the most important thing.

Interview: Ben Mountain Words: Will Robinson

The main thing was respect, the discipline, that was key. Those are the values that I am used to

It’s difficult enough watching a particularly crucial match, but harder still when the participants are your own flesh and blood. The emotions are heightened and the atmosphere bubbles. Knuckles whiten as they grip the seat below, butterflies flutter in the pit of the stomach and the heart begins to pound, seemingly aiming to escape the ribcage itself.

You might think that by now Maha Ayew had become used to the pressure of watching her loved ones do battle on the tensest of occasions. After all, her husband is Abedi Pele, among the greatest African players of all time and a Champions League winner with Marseille in 1993. Her brother-in-law Kwame played 25 times for Ghana.

Her three sons have all played for the national team, two sustaining long careers at the top of the English game. And yet, on 28th November, 2022, she found herself leaving her seat at Education City Stadium in Qatar, calmly walking down the stairs and quietly slipping out of the arena. It was all too much.

Ghana, two goals to the good at the break in their World Cup meeting with South Korea, had been pegged back and her sons Jordan and André were fighting to rectify the situation. “My Mum, after 65 or 70 minutes, she couldn’t watch the game anymore,” Jordan Ayew says, grinning. “She had to leave the stadium! We like [the tension] like that, we enjoy it.

“It was very stressful for her. She is very passionate about the game as well, so she just couldn’t watch. With her two sons playing it was not easy for her.”

But for Ayew, football has always been a family activity. Growing up as the child of arguably the most high-profile Ghanaian player in history, there were always bound to be expectations. “I looked

at videos and I heard people speaking about him,” he says. “He was incredible, and back home he is still seen as one of the best Africans to ever play the game.

“When I go to places and I hear players like [Samuel] Eto’o speaking about him, that shows that he was a top player.” In Ayew’s neighbourhood however, brought up by his grandparents in Accra, he was able to mature and grow away from the spotlight.

“The main thing was respect, the discipline, that was key,” he says. “Those are the values that I am used to. I have very good memories of Accra. It was a community that was very close –and very protective of the young kids growing up as well.

It was very stressful for her. She is very passionate about the game as well, so she just couldn’t watch. With her two sons playing it was not easy for her

“It’s an area where it all started for me and my siblings. That’s where we started football, where we have our friends, where we go to school. Until today it’s where we still live as well. It’s an area that will always be important to us.”

With two Ghanaian internationals to look up to one might expect there to be pressure to follow in the family footsteps, but Ayew says this wasn’t the case. Indeed, his passion for the game took some time to develop.

“My parents always told us we should do whatever makes us happy, and they will be behind us,” he says. “They will tell us the truth, be honest with us and make sure we grow well. They just wanted us to be happy.

“I was playing football but I didn’t really want to play competitively in my youth. I was always playing with my friends from our area and against other areas, and that was fine by me. I just wanted to be with my friends after school, I didn’t want to go to practise. Just to live a normal life.

“Then I got to a certain age when I was 10 where I joined an Under-12s team in my area, and I think that’s where the real love of the game started for me.”

With three talented players in the family, there was always bound to be competition – but it was a quirk of fate that saw that very competition earn both Jordan and André their move to Marseille.

“There has always been competition because no one wants

to lose,” he explains. “But we are all proud of each other and each other’s successes. We want to keep it going.

“I went to France at the age of 14 and joined the academy at Marseille. I went to France for my holidays with my auntie and my brother, because [André] was supposed to do a trial at Marseille. I was not planning to stay there.

“Then my godfather, Pape Diouf, said: ‘Come in and train during the holiday’. That’s where it all started. I went to training and it went very well – they didn’t want me to go back to Accra.

“My mum didn’t want me to stay there because she felt I was not ready, but my dad said: ‘Listen, just let him go for one or two years.’ She was not happy, because she wanted me to come back home. I went when I was 14 – and stayed until I was 23!

“It was a massive change. I was sad – honestly, after four months I called my mum and said: ‘I want to come home, I cannot do it.’ My dad said: ‘You are not coming home. You made a decision and you need to honour

It was a massive change. I was sad – honestly, after four months

I called my mum and said: ‘I want to come home, I cannot do it’

I was playing football but I didn’t really want to play competitively in my youth

The first year was hard, the second year was good, and then after that I felt at home

that decision.’ My parents would come sometimes and every six months I would go back. The first year was hard, the second year was good, and then after that I felt at home.”

Pape Diouf, then president of Marseille, played a huge role in Ayew’s development. But there was no question of preferential treatment because of his father’s playing achievements.

“[Diouf] definitely saw something in me,” Ayew says. “He was living in Marseille but I was in the Academy, so he would just come from time to time to check on us. If we had a problem or anything we could go through him. He was there for us and he did everything for my family, and I will always be grateful and have massive respect for him.

“I grew up [being known as Abedi’s son] so it didn’t really affect me. My dad always said: ‘The football doesn’t lie. If you are no good, everyone will see you are no good. You just need to prove people wrong on the pitch.’ That is what I have been trying to do since I was a child, to show I have

My dad always said: ‘The football doesn’t lie. If you are no good, everyone will see you are no good. You just need to prove people wrong on the pitch’

my own qualities and I can be an important person to the country and the community.”

All these years later, that family bond remains as strong as ever. The Ayew sons have proved themselves at the top level of the game, Jordan and André playing alongside one another in Brazil in 2014 and again in Qatar. It is a source of immense pride.

“Every time I play with my brother there is happiness, because we fulfilled our dreams,” the Palace man says. “It was painful to leave the tournament, but we did our best and gave everything to present Ghana in the best way possible.

“I have a big family, I was raised by grandparents, aunties and uncles. They did a really good job. If I’m here today it’s because of them, they played their part. I always say that its important for me to remember where I came from, to thank them for their role in bringing me up. I feel blessed.”

For all the fame, fortune and everything that goes with it, being a professional footballer can be uniquely challenging. The pressure is immense, the glare of being constantly in the public eye wearying and the expectations ever-growing.

But Ayew knows that he always has a calm conversation to cheer him up, a steady head to offer advice or just a trusted confidante to take his mind off the game. “I speak to my brother, my sister and my parents maybe seven or eight times per week,” he says. “My mum is really chilled and calls when she has

to call, but my brothers and my Dad we speak a lot.

“Sometimes ‘you did well’ or ‘you didn’t play well’, but it’s not really [about football], we just speak about everything.” In the whirlwind environment of the Premier League, that support is invaluable.

It’s clear that for all his personal achievements, Ayew is determined to emphasise how important his community was in his – and his family’s – upbringings. After all, how else could one of the most impressive footballing dynasties still be performing on the global stage?

“We grew up in a really good area with good people around,” he concludes. “We got along together and I still have a lot of friends over there. My childhood friends are there, and one or two are in the UK.

“I still see them from time to time. Those are the friends that really helped me grow. We are still in contact and when I go back home they show how proud they are. They keep on praying for us and supporting us.

“There is nothing more that I can ask for.”

I always say that its important for me to remember where I came from, to thank them for their role in bringing me up. I feel blessed

the follow the follow -up -up

I’m not sure, but I like watching the athletics – the 100 metres in particular. It’s good.

#43 Spicy food, yes or no?

Yes, I like it. My Ghanaian local dishes, I love them all. They are amazing, very delicious. I recommend going for spicy fried rice and chicken as a basic one. It is amazing if is done well with good hands. You will enjoy it!

The one I want to bring has retired now: Lucho González. He helped me so much when I went to the first-team at Marseille, under Didier Deschamps. Those two helped me a lot and I will always have respect for that. Lucho gave me good advice that helped me grow. I took his advice. He helped me a lot and that’s why I was able to make a good career.

There are a few. I would say Marseille, when it is Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain. It is very intense, you have everything.

I’ve received a lot. Never give up, keep believing and trust yourself – because no one can change your destiny

#9 Which sport would you do in the Olympics?

#36 If you could bring one former teammate of yours to Palace, who would it be?

Jordan Ayew has played at two World Cups and sustained a long career in the Premier League – but he still has time to sit down and answer some of the less important burning questions.

#31 What is the best atmosphere you have ever played in?

#50 What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

Worth a try? Probably.

Discover the refreshing, crisp and perfectly balanced taste of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.

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

spurs spurs

Did you know?

Much like Crystal Palace, the Tottenham were originally formed by a cricket club searching for a sport to play in the winter months – Hotspur Cricket Club, to be precise. They only changed their name to ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ to avoid confusion, after mistakenly receiving post addressed to another London club named ‘Hotspur’.

match preview

Defeats to Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are not going to set off any alarm bells, however, and the table still shows them in a strong position with the Champions League places well within their sights.

Amidst all of the furore around Erling Haaland’s frightening goal record for Manchester City, Harry Kane has been quietly plugging away in the background and has 13 Premier League goals already this season, with Heung-min Son contributing a further five more – including a hattrick against Leicester City in September.

With a tough Champions League clash against AC Milan approaching in February, Antonio Conte will want his players to hit the ground running on their return to action, as he seeks to secure qualification for a second year running.

Boot in both camps Emmanuel Adebayor

Adebayor’s storied career took in Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid before he arrived at Spurs in 2011, scoring a series of vital goals but being red carded in a ferocious north London derby encounter. He moved to

The three time Golden Boot winner has Alan Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals firmly in his sights, and is just four goals behind Jimmy Greaves’ record of 266 for the club in all competitions. Add that to matching Wayne Rooney’s England tally during the 2022 World Cup, and it’s safe to say Kane will retire as one of the game’s modern-day greats.

Bryan

Lucas

Palace won this exact fixture 3-0 last season – they’ve never won consecutive home league games against Spurs before.

Of every Premier League side they’ve played more than 20 times, only against Sunderland (66%) do Tottenham have a higher win rate than they do against Crystal Palace (58% - won 15 of 26 meetings).

It’s Wednesday evening, kick-off is ticking closer and you're first to the pub. Before long hazy memories and almost-accurate stats will be filling the air. Brush-up for your Spurs pre-match below.

Aren’t they…

Named after a 12th century knight. Yep, hang on, this one takes a bit of context.

Sir Henry Percy was a knight in the late 1300s who fought against the Scots and during the Hundred Years’ War. He was nicknamed ‘Hotspur’ by the Scots for his tendency to dig his spurs into his horse while charging into battle.

He achieved fame by pushing for the deposition of King Richard II in favour of Henry IV in 1399, an erroneous decision given the new king’s army eventually killed him during another rebellion in 1403. William Shakespeare later featured Percy in his play Henry IV. The above is all well and good

might seem a little irrelevant. We’ll get to the point.

The Percy family once owned the Tottenham Marshes where Spurs first played, and so the club assumed his nickname after a proposal at their inaugural members’ meeting. It’s all very Victorian gentlemen. As spurs (the item) were associated with fighting cockerels, the club adopted the bird on their logo too, and a version of the huge statue that stands atop their stadium today was first crafted by William James Scott, one of the players.

Crystal palaces and north London knights. Noble origins indeed.

What ever happened to?

John Bostock made club history when playing for Palace aged 15, becoming our youngest ever player. The year before he’d had interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, then after five appearances the teenager moved to Spurs.

A Palace fan, Bostock’s career failed to take off in north London, and after four outings and five loans he joined Belgian side Royal Antwerp. Bostock

began to climb the divisions again when he represented Toulouse in Ligue 1 and Nottingham Forest in the Championship, and he recently joined

He briefly forayed into American football with the London Monarchs in 1997, becoming a kicker. he called the experience ‘terrifying’

Didn’t he?

Play for most major London clubs –across the sports. Clive Allen was known to have represented most of London’s biggest teams, signing for Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal, Palace, Spurs, Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall.

He took that mantle further when he briefly forayed into American football with the London Monarchs in 1997, becoming a kicker. At 5’10” he called the experience “terrifying”. Not surprising.

As well as being top scorer in 1980/81, Allen is best remembered at Palace for his ‘ghost goal’ against Coventry City, which thwacked the stanchion and rebounded only for the referee to wave play on.

He was eventually nabbed by ex-Spurs player (and future Spurs manager) Terry Venables, who took him and several other Palace figures to QPR.

Do you remember…

Sticking with freak goals, Spurs had an incident of their own when Pedro Mendes launched past Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll in 2005 only for Carroll to paw the ball away from well behind the line and continue playing.

The goalkeeper had fumbled the looping effort from Mendes, who struck David Beckham-style from the halfway line, but reacted quickly enough to deceive the referee. In doing so Carroll managed to avoid further embarrassment post-match too, with manager Alex Ferguson privately praising his reactions.

Ex-Lilywhite Jason Cundy had better luck from distance than Mendes

when he netted against Ipswich Town in 1992/93. Intercepting the ball from an innocuous position over 40 yards out, Cundy slipped while launching the ball upfield. Travelling at an unnatural angle and with the wind behind it, the ball sailed over Craig Forrest in goal as Cundy lay on his back not far from the halfway line.

A few years later Spurs loaned the defender to Palace, where he made four of just 143 career appearances.

space on the right, receiving the ball from Wilfried Zaha and slamming past Michel Vorm from a tight angle despite having options in the box.

Pub talk tidbit

Spurs were one of the league’s form sides at the start of this season, going unbeaten in their first seven games and triumphing 6-2 over Leicester City.

But that form slipped in more recent matches, losing five from nine before the winter break – including against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup.

Despite this, and having had a roster of players in the World Cup, now will still be a challenging time to face Spurs. Their defeats came to Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool, after all .

Happy days

If you’re going to score one goal for a club, make it an FA Cup matchwinner that helps book a Wembley final.

That’s exactly how Martin Kelly approached his time at Palace, forming part of the defence for 148 matches but hitting the net just once.

His first goal in five years knocked Spurs from the 2016 FA Cup and saw Palace into the quarter-final. It wasn’t just a big-man-up-for-the-corner bundle, either, with Kelly running into

Pre-match pint

Cronx APA – 4.5%

American Pale with juicy peach, pineapple and grapefruit aromas coming from both the active fermentation hopping & the late dry hopping of American hops.

30 YEARS OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace 3-2 Brighton & Hove Albion – April 14th, 2018 One of Palace’s greatest wins over Brighton, this game saw a Wilfried Zaha brace and rare James Tomkins goal and made the Seagulls’ debut Premier League season a disappointing one.

30 years of the Premier League

doc brown Aimee Everett david obou

Ben Bailey Smith tell us to keep the Faith

Aimee Everett on kicking on after her Player of the Year award

Paddy McCarthy on his Under-21s getting first-team minutes

David Obou reacts to his first professional contract

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.

Keep the faith

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What day is it? Who knows. It’s Christmas! At press time at least. As you read this though, it’s cold, hard January – the Monday of months. The party season is but a distant memory – the decorations have been ripped down quick as a flash, like a plaster off a wound, the quicker the better I suppose.

But as I write, we’ve just had our backsides handed to us by Fulham of all people, plus two red cards against the nicest club in English football. Grrrrr. But hey, maybe it never happened. I mean, the games come thick and fast at this time of year, don’t they? And I thought Boxing Day was a Saturday – not even close. Who knows where we were at? Maybe the Fulham loss was all just a fever dream, brought on by way too much cheese.

But thank the good Lord for Palace fans – they know what time it is. You lot knew exactly what minute in which to send a proper farewell to Maxwell Fraser – better known to the world as legendary, iconic Faithless frontman Maxi Jazz. And Lord knows he would have loved three points to accompany the

sentiment… Considering what a Christmas turkey of a game it was on the pitch – what a performance from those tireless Eagles in the stands! Funnily enough, it coincided perfectly with a gust of wind that must have bounced off the Holmesdale Road and blown some miniscule debris into my eyes, making them redden and moisten somehow – it was weird. Sniff.

And now, 2023. A Maxi Jazzless 2023, but we can’t let it be a Faithless one. Ironically we need the opposite of that great band name. The easiest thing to do as we all trudge back to work in the dark,

munch a soggy meal deal in the sleet and trudge home in the dark is to let the gloom descend from the January skies all the way into our hearts. What I’m gonna do is stop and think for a moment about the joy this club brought Maxi, how he smiled down from the good seats

And now, 2023. A Maxi Jazz-less 2023, but we can’t let it be a Faithless one. Ironically we need the opposite of that great band name

Ben Bailey Smith

What I’m gonna do is stop and think for a moment about the joy this club brought Maxi, how he smiled down from the good seats onto the pitch, regardless of the result, then bounced around onstage at some amazing venue, sweating buckets in a Palace shirt

onto the pitch, regardless of the result, then bounced around onstage at some amazing venue, sweating buckets in a Palace shirt.

He'd know, the best thing about a rubbish outcome in a league match is that there’s always another one round the corner to rectify it, which means there will always be a time to celebrate.

Good times can’t ever really be sweet without the hard, just like the way it’s harder to appreciate summertime in South London without the brass monkeys that’ll be climbing through our Eagles beanies tonight against Spurs.

and his positivity shone with his presence. Even the saddest song can make you happy... When you think about it, there’ll never be a day we’ll stop singing – even when we’re gone, the next generation of Eagles will carry on, singing the songs we used to sing.

When their captain missed that fateful spot kick at the Al Bayt arena on the world’s grandest, most iconic sporting stage, even through the visceral pain we shared with him as one, somehow he knew that within days he’d be nodding in a header in front of a few thousand at the Gtech Community Stadium and all would be well in the world once more.

Maxi sometimes sang of isolation, of fear, of self-doubt and emotional pain, but there was always a hope underneath it all

You see, no matter how dark it gets, we’ll always have Faith. Just like the day we lost the great Terry Hall, after news of Maxi I sat and listened to some of the timeless bangers. When I got to God Is A DJ, it struck me how the verse could also describe Selhurst itself. Check it out:

This is my church

This is where I heal my hurts

It's in natural grace

Or watching young life shape

It's in minor keys

Solutions and remedies

Enemies becoming friends

When bitterness ends

This is my church

RIP Maxi Jazz, long live Crystal Palace. Keep the faith. x

the best thing about a rubbish outcome in a league match is that there’s always another one round the corner

Ben Bailey Smith

cpfc women cpfc women

Crystal Palace Women broke club records in 2021/22, and are looking to do the same

of the squad, with Aimee Everett

We excelled last year from a team perspective by finishing fourth, with no one expecting us to do as well as we did. We entered the season with very little pressure on us but thinking we could win every match. That paid off.

aimee everett

I considered receiving Player of the Season to be a big achievement after not playing much with Leicester, and it was a big surprise to be presented with the award at Boxpark. I worked hard in training and did as much as I could to improve my performances, but overall the team was such a good group and we all learned off each other, as well as coaches Dean and Marrsy.

We made 15 signings over summer, so there was a bit of a challenge to sustain our momentum with a new-look squad. In 21/22 we had a tight-knit group with relatively few new faces, so we earned our results by being quite a close and settled team. Any club needs time to let so many new players gel because you can’t expect to click straight away, but everyone knew that and accepted it. Now we’ve gelled perfectly.

We started the campaign with a bit of pressure to earn promotion

Aimee Everett

Any club needs time to let so many new players gel because you can’t expect to click straight away, but everyone knew that and accepted it. Now we’ve gelled perfectly

to the Super League. That’s very much still the target, whether it happens this year, next year or in the years after, but it’s going to take time and hard work. We’re more focused on improving over the second half of the season and taking each game as it comes than any particular league position.

The end to 2022 was slightly frustrating because a lot of games were postponed. Most clubs will be in that position, but the positives for us are we had a few injured or unwell players over that spell and the break gave us an opportunity to rest, recover, and come back into the new year with a fresh squad.

There won’t be many weekends off this year and it’ll be a full second half of the season, so having a rest, and training full-time now, ensures we’re fit enough for the challenge.

Away from Palace I do coaching when time allows. I did more last season because our schedule was different, but I still do it on days off or in the morning. I earned my level one coaching licence early because in the women’s game you need to think about what you want to do after football, and I wanted to get a head start on that. I love the sport so want to stay within it when I eventually retire, and this feels like a way of giving back my knowledge.

It’s led me to work with Palace for Life Foundation at times, and I’ve loved coaching their walking football and girls-only development teams. It’s always refreshing to see other people’s lives and what they do and those sessions inspired me. You

get to hear other people’s stories, so I always put myself forward for appearances when required.

Lastly, Issy Sibley had surgery on her ACL recently, and I just want to say on behalf of the squad that we’re all here for her every step of the way. We wish her luck in her recovery and hope everything goes as well as possible for her.

And to any supporters considering heading to our matches this year, it’s not only a great day out for your family but you can see what we do and meet the players too. We all love to interact with the fans, so hopefully we can get as many people down as possible in 2023

any supporters considering heading to our matches this year, it’s not only a great day out for your family but you can see what we do and meet the players too. We all love to interact with the fans, so hopefully we can get as many people down as possible in 2023

Paddy M©carthy

academy academy

M©carthy - under-21S manager

We have been fortunate enough to compete in the Premier League Cup, so it’s been a competitive spell for us which has been excellent. There has been a lot of growth both as a group and as individuals. Ultimately, we’re disappointed with the recent result against Newcastle United, but we’ll learn from it and move forward.

it’s been challenging playing these games over Christmas – it’s always challenging at this level in terms of player movements. I couldn’t have asked for any more commitment from the players over the course of the last few weeks.

Results went our way with Bristol City beating Sheffield United, so there's an exciting fixture against the latter on the other side of Christmas: the winner will qualify for the next round. That’s something we want to do. After the first part of the season, I think the lads deserved to go away with a victory and that feel-good factor in the final game of the year but they’re resilient, they’ll learn from it and I’m sure they’ll come back stronger.

We’ve been competitive in every game over this period, bar the Bristol City game where the performance was below-par. In all the competitions we’ve entered, we wanted to create a realistic games programme for our players to get them ready for the step up to first-team football.

The second half of the season will be more of the same. I don’t think anyone who comes and faces us will get an easy day at the office – that’s something that

Seeing players like Tayo Adaramola, Kofi Balmer, JohnKymani Gordon, Jack WellsMorrison and Joe Whitworth train with the senior squad is what it’s all about. If we can get players into our first-team then it’s job done for us. The experience they are having training day in, day out with the first-team will only bring them on as individuals.

They certainly enjoyed the trip to Turkey, where they got game time which is great for them. It was a fantastic experience and great for their development. Hopefully we can see a few of them out at Selhurst Park in the not too distant future.

we pride ourselves on. We have an abundance of quality, we’ve got game changers in our ranks and we’ve got lads who will give themselves a real chance of having a long career in the game.

The boys have just been excellent overall – they are a credit to the football club and they are a credit to the people that they represent in terms of family and friends. They have been an absolute joy to work with, they come with energy every day and a desire to get better and I’m looking forward

to the second part of the season

Paddy

The second half of the season will be more of the same. I don’t think anyone who comes and faces us will get an easy day at the office –that’s something that we pride ourselves on

over the over theroad road

david obou

Getting to know

David Obou

First-year scholar David Obou recently reached a major milestone, signing his first professional contract. He is predominantly a winger, though he has experience playing as a central attacking midfielder.

“I’m very proud of myself – obviously I’ve been working towards this achievement for a while and I’m happy to be here,” Obou said after putting pen to paper on a new deal. “It’s a reminder that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

“I joined Palace at preAcademy, Under-6s, and ever since then I’ve been working and I’ve been playing up the age groups. It’s been a challenge coming up and playing above my age, but I’ve just been enjoying myself and my time here.”

Playing up the ranks is a key achievement for any up-andcoming Academy prospect, but Obou made an impact for Rob Quinn’s Under-18s last season at the age of 16. A week after coming on as a second-half substitute against Reading,

David obou

Gary

Academy Director

Obou found himself starting and scoring against reigning Under18s Premier League champions Manchester City.

“I was told a couple of days before that I was going to start the game against Manchester City, but when I scored in that game I was very proud of myself. It was my first goal for the Under-18s and you could see by the celebrations that I was enjoying myself.”

for the team I have to play a different position, which is most likely centrally.”

“I can play on the wing, left or right. I can play central attacking midfielder as well. My strengths are my technical abilities, I try to use them and show them in my game.”

Academy players will often find themselves asked to play outside their natural position as they progress through the ranks. For Obou, this was the case against Manchester City; he started through the middle instead of in his favoured wide slot, though he was prepared for this eventuality.

“I like to be direct and try to get goals and assists,” he explains. “So winger is my preferred position but sometimes

While playing in different positions are a part of every footballer’s career, so too, unfortunately, are injuries. Obou is yet to make a start this campaign owing to a torn hamstring in preseason, however he is raring to go and relishing an opportunity to get back out on the pitch.

“It was tough to hear that I was out for six or seven months, but rehab is going well and I can't wait to be back. I’m very proud of the team and how they’ve done this season, but I can't wait to be back.

“Once I’m back on the pitch, I hope to have a big impact on the team and win as many games as possible towards the end of the season.”

I was told a couple of days before that I was going to start the game against Manchester City, but when I scored in that game I was very proud of myself

David obou

David has been at the club for over 10 years now and he has put in a lot of work to earn his first professional contract. He has played above his age group on multiple occasions and is working to overcome a lengthy injury

Issott

Keeping you posted on all things south London. Over the page, we see how Spurs and Palace have a shared footballing heritage.

mo gilligan

Born in Lambeth and raised in Camberwell, comedian Mo Gilligan found huge breakout success when spotted by rapper Drake, and has since gone on to host his own TV show and the BRIT awards from a sold-out O2 Arena

Bankside

Until January 31st, 2023

When the Thames froze over in the 17th and 18th centuries, London residents held full-blown ‘Frost Fairs’ on the ice, with food stalls, markets and – if you can believe it – an elephant walking across the river. Celebrate this year by heading down to the modern-day version for food, drink and more.

aside suddenly strings a few passes together: short, quick passes with people moving intelligently to give and take them. It’s as if the game suddenly got a little electric shock. The crowd catches its breath, and when it’s over everyone claps because it’s been a lovely moment.”

The man responsible for prompting such lyrical commentary on what was then referred to as ‘push-and-run’ (soon morphing into ‘total football’), was former Spurs captain and England international Arthur Rowe, the originator of this style and, in this humble writer’s opinion, Spurs’ finest coach.

‘Push-and-run’ can clearly be identified as a forerunner of ‘total football’. It is a short-passing game whereby the activity of players without the ball plays as significant a role in success as that of the player in possession.

By the early post-War period, an emphasis on physical, long-ball football had seen England fall behind in the world game, but Rowe’s approach surprised and delighted crowds. When facing Spurs as an Aston Villa player,

the great Danny Blanchflower was impressed: “[Spurs’ style was] thrilling to watch, players encouraged to improvise, the ball moved along the ground at remarkable speed and with devastating accuracy.”

who he acquired cheaply from Southampton. Despite this lack of investment, in his third season Spurs almost clinched the title again, finishing second only to Matt Busby’s first great Manchester United side.

Unable to rejuvenate his team, a gradual decline followed. The only occasion Rowe was provided with the kind of cash needed for rebuilding, he outbid Arsenal to bring in the commanding figure of Blanchflower. He had also put together other members of Bill Nicholson’s later, muchheralded Spurs’ side, including Peter Baker, Ron Henry, Tony Marchi and Terry Dyson.

However, despite Blanchflower’s welcome arrival, the strain of maintaining results with a faltering squad affected Rowe’s health and he departed White Hart Lane in 1955.

When Rowe led Tottenham to successive championships in his first two seasons, his only significant acquisition on taking over had been Alf Ramsey,

But Spurs are not the only London club who owe much to Arthur. When he accepted a less-pressurised managerial role at Selhurst Park in 1960, Rowe persuaded his fourth-tier players

to perform the same

a side suddenly strings a few passes together, short, quick passes with people moving intelligently to give and take them. It’s as if the game suddenly got a little electric shock

Arthur Rowe: how attractive, one-touch football put both Spurs and Palace on the map

Arthur Rowe: how attractive, one-touch football put both Spurs and Palace on the map

sophisticated short-passing ‘push-and-run’ that had achieved so much in the First Division.

Roy Summersby, strike partner to Palace great Johnny Byrne, said of the opening League game under Rowe: ‘‘From the kick-off Johnny, myself and Alan Woan passed the ball between us and ended with a shot on goal! Straight the way through! I couldn’t believe it. It was so exhilarating.” The result in Palace’s very first competitive game under Rowe? Palace 9-0 Accrington Stanley.

recorded not only their all-time record League goals tally (110) but also the club’s highest-ever points total – and this at a time when only two points were awarded for a win. By season’s end Rowe’s scintillating football had produced a Fourth Division attendance record, one game alone attracting 37,774.

Byrne would later score eight goals in just 11 England appearances and he and Rowe formed a close relationship. Those Palace fans who saw Byrne in action will always consider him one of the club’s best ever players, and he later proved his top-level quality when shining brightly at First Division West Ham and even netting a hattrick for England in Portugal. Would Palace be in the Premier League today if Rowe had not set his ten-year target to reach the First Division in 1960? It was a particularly bold pledge considering Palace were then marooned in the Fourth Division. But leap ahead nine years to 1969, and Palace were indeed sitting, with two games left, requiring just two more points for the club to reach the promised land.

uncovering the youthful likes of goalkeepers Bill Glazier and John ‘Jacko’ Jackson, defender Alan Stephenson, and midfielders David Payne and Steve Kember.

Palace would dramatically turn a two goal half-time deficit against Fulham into a 3-2 victory, thus clinching the club’s arrival in Division One. That summer work continued on a new stand to adequately welcome fans drawn by likes of Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Moore. Indeed, during the summer of 1969 the smartly dressed Rowe would personally contribute to clearing up the rubble left from the hurried construction of the ‘Arthur Wait’ stand.

As they had in north London, the fans now began pouring through the turnstiles at Selhurst Park. In his first season, Palace

By then Rowe was no longer manager, having again suffered ill-health, but, by 1968 he remained a much-respected, cheerful force in the background,

Perhaps it should now be renamed The Two Arthurs Stand? Were he sitting there today, Rowe would surely have much enjoyed watching Patrick Vieira’s Palace and seeing his legacy of attacking football at Selhurst Park live on .

Norman Turpin’s comprehensive and well-illustrated biography, ARTHUR Push-and-Run ROWE will be published in early 2023 priced at £25 but can be pre-ordered for just £20 (including UK postage and packing) by credit/debit card by calling 0800 448 0284 or 0161 872 3319

From the kickoff Johnny, myself and Alan Woan passed the ball between us and ended with a shot on goal! Straight the way through! I couldn’t believe it. It was so exhilarating

THE LENS

The Premier League celebrates its 30th anniversary this season, with Palace there at the start in 1992/93 and still there today – with a few detours along the way. Here, we break down the club’s Premier League spells, letter by letter.

J J just in time

That sickness in the pit of your stomach. That sinking feeling. We’ve all had it. That slow, dawning realisation that after the 5am alarm call, the three-hour train journey – with two cancellations and a rail replacement bus service of course – and the overzealous search on the way into the ground, that it isn’t going to be your day after all.

You reassure yourself with the positives: it’s been a fun day out; you have ticked off another new ground; the teams around us might drop points too. But in the end there is disappointment.

The one thing that keeps you going, singing until the end and resisting the urge to beat the crowds back to the station, is that thought gnawing in the back of your mind: ‘Could we get a late goal here…?’

It’s a seed that was planted years ago. ‘You remember, that one time that player did that thing?’

you hastily explain to the grumpy man next to you, realising you’re making little sense, gabbling more in hope than in expectation.

It’s a dangerous thought too. Sometimes you try to will a goal into existence, using up your final reserves of good humour so that when it doesn’t materialise you are far more anguished than if you had just accepted your fate.

But when it does happen, when the net does bulge with seconds remaining, it is like entering a thus-undiscovered state of euphoria reserved only for those who kept the faith.

Some players react with immense cool when it happens, almost the antithesis of the bedlam they have unleashed in the stands. Michael Olise, for example, grinning slyly with his arms outstretched after his 94th minute winner against West Ham United.

Others can’t contain their joy. Wilfried Zaha, twisting and turning away from the defender before firing home from distance against Southampton, could barely decide which celebration to deploy to mark the moment and ended up a blur of arms and legs, somehow jumping, running, punching the air and roaring all at once.

There is a certain melancholy that perhaps the greatest late strike came behind closed doors, when Christian Benteke volleyed home the unlikeliest of winners away at Brighton & Hove Albion. The only consolation, as chaos erupted in living rooms across south London, was being able to hear the players and staff going crazy, and Joel Ward’s now-legendary proclamation: ‘Smash and grab, baby!’

k k KICK IT OUT

It should not go under the radar that Patrick Vieira remains the only black manager in the Premier League at time of writing. There is plenty more to be done to tackle the issue of racial discrimination at the top of the national game.

Palace have long worked with charities like Kick It Out and campaigns such as No Room For Racism and Black History Month over the years to celebrate diversity, and this season was no different.

“Football is a really good reflection of our society,” Vieira told a group of students from Palace for Life’s Targeted Intervention programme, which

aims to divert people away from crime. “I think we should use football to talk about our differences, and those differences shouldn’t stop us from living well together.

“An example is just looking at our dressing room, people come from all around the world, and we accept our differences and work and fight to win football matches together.”

Chris Richards, who grew up in traditional Alabama and faced racism as a youngster, shared his advice for people suffering discriminatory abuse: “People try to degrade you, but they don’t know you.

Don’t let their words define you. You very much have your own mojo, your own personality.

mile jedinak

Picture the moment: you’re stood in the tunnel at Wembley, Old Trafford or Anfield, ready to walk out for a cup final, play-off or an important league six-pointer. Who would you want to see alongside you? Joel Ward – who has done all of the above and more – answered before we could even finish the question: Mile Jedinak.

What more can be said about Palace’s Aussie legend that hasn’t already been said? Selhurst Park instantly took to their new midfield warrior as he led the side towards promotion, and he never looked back. A captain, a born leader, and a bona fide club legend.

“Don’t let a few words ruin something that very much isn’t something to worry about.” .

Football is a really good reflection of our society, I think we should use football to talk about our differences, and those differences shouldn’t stop us from living well together

ian king

Having been on the brink of collapse in 2010, Crystal Palace earned promotion back to the Premier League 10 years ago this season. Here, Club Historian Ian King tells the story of a dramatic campaign – with a little help from the stars of When Eagles Dare

saturday, December

1st: Palace 3-0 Brighton

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The Eagles were looking for a fourth successive home victory without conceding when a confident Brighton side arrived at Selhurst Park. Their chances improved after just six minutes when defender Lewis Dunk was sent off for bringing down Yannick Bolasie outside the penalty area. Despite the man advantage, it would take a further 30 minutes to breach the Seagulls’ defence, but there was Glenn Murray leaping high to head home a Bolasie corner.

Brighton’s main chance came early in the second-half when Mackail-Smith hit the post with only Julian Speroni to beat. They were made to pay when Murray was brought down in the area and stepped up to net his 17th goal from 16 games.

Murray could have completed his hattrick from the spot with 20 minutes left, but he unselfishly turned down the opportunity against his former club by Owen Garvan to successfully dispatch from 12-yards.

Palace remained in second place after the weekend fixtures as all the top six won their games.

Saturday, DECEMBER 8th: PALACE 2-2 BLACKPOOL

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Manager Ian Holloway faced his former club just six weeks after joining Palace. The visitors took

the lead during an under-par first half performance from the Eagles, Tom Ince crossing for Nathan Delfouneso to convert. Palace were back on level terms seven minutes after the break when Owen Garvan found the net – and Holloway seized the initiative.

Andre Moritz, returning after injury, came on for Darcy Blake with Kagisho Dikgacoi moving to rightback, and it soon paid off when Murray – who else – powered home a cross from Garvan.

Palace went looking for a third and came close when Bolasie’s free-kick was tipped over, but were pegged back in the final minutes when Nouha Dicko stabbed home.

Cardiff extended their lead at the top to three points as Middlesbrough and Hull moved closer to the Eagles, who remained second.

december 1st

december 8th

Glenn Murray scores his ninth goal in six games under Ian Holloway

Darcy Blake plays in his last first-team appearance at home to Blackpool

SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 15th: BIRMINGHAM City 2-2 Palace -

Mile Jedinak had to sit out the Eagles’ visit to lowly Birmingham with Andre Moritz returning to the starting lineup. Palace were quick out of the blocks with both Zaha and Bolasie going close and the visitors bossed the opening 20 minutes but no reward was forthcoming – until six minutes before half-time when Bolasie and Moritz combined to fashion an opening for Murray to bundle home.

From the restart, the Eagles were on the front foot so it came as no surprise when Zaha played in the overlapping Jonny Parr and his low cross was steered home by Murray.

But the game changed when the hosts sent on the tall Serbian Nikola Zigic, and he soon reduced the arrears. Momentum shifted and the home team rallied, and with eight minutes left an unmarked Diop headed in the equaliser. Defender Danny Gabbidon came on for his Palace debut, but it was a frustrating night for the Eagles as the points were shared.

The dropping of two points was mitigated by Cardiff’s defeat but Middlesbrough and Hull were now snapping at Palace’s heels as Millwall entered the play-off places .

JOEL WARD player in focus

BORN: October 29th, 1989 – Emsworth APPEARANCES: 319 GOALS:

When Nathaniel Clyne left for Southampton at the end of the 2011-12 season Palace already had his replacement lined up, and Joel Ward duly signed from Portsmouth.

It was a turbulent start to life in south London and a torn groin muscle kept him out for three months. Since then he’s been an ever-present part of the Palace scene, proving correct the predictions when he joined that he looked set to be a mainstay for many years to come.

It was brilliant the way they were set up. Fantastic confidence – not arrogance, confidence – about the place. Fantastic leaders like [Mile] Jedinak, who as a man I thought was outstanding.

Ian Holloway

december 12th december 15th

Academy player Jack Holland returns to his first club Bromley on loan

Danny Gabbidon makes his debut from the bench at Birmingham

from the

Times have changed over Crystal Palace’s rich and storied history. In each edition, we dust off the archive and reprint a story from one of the club’s historical programmes. This week, after our return to action on Boxing Day, we republish abridged notes from our previous meeting with Fulham – after a very special result indeed…

The Captain

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Wow. I am writing this just a few hours after our win against Brighton and I do not think this result has quite felt real yet.

We might not call this win ‘pretty’, but we can be very proud of it. In some ways, it represented what we are about and I think our fans will agree with that. We knew we were coming up against a very good team in some strong form so Brighton’s possession and attacking ability did not surprise us.

But we did have to fight from kick-off to ensure we were in the game at all times – this was the plan. Against a confident opponent, the fight is very difficult, but all of the lads showed how much they are passionate and how we play for the badge. Seeing Gary do everything to block shots and attacks with a bleeding nose shows that as well.

And then, JP and Christian – I must congratulate my teammates for those goals. JP scored with our first real attack of the game and showed that he is clinical and very skilled. We have scored some memorable goals this season, but I think it will take something to rival JP’s. Although, Christian’s comes close! Because of our fight, our spirit and our determination to beat Brighton for you, we had the chance to win even in the 95th minute.

If the whole team has fought from the front to the back to have that opportunity, what you are then hoping for is your strikers

from the archive

to make the most of it. Christian did that. Andros crossed a very clever ball and he must also receive the praise for this but, wow, the finish. We were very proud to win this game because we know how much it means to each of our fans – however the team and I were disappointed because we celebrated alone. Last time at the stadium, we got to enjoy this feeling with all of you. This time we could not do that, but we know how you will have supported us at home.

I know we are still apart, but we are all aware of the support that you continue to give us.

Crystal Palace v Fulham

– February 28th, 2021

the chairman

I am hopeful that you are in as good a mood reading this programme as I am writing these notes on a Tuesday morning, following another memorable win against our biggest rivals Brighton. Where to begin?! It was a dogged victory, especially with so many key players out injured. Yes, we didn’t have much of the ball but it was a proper Palace performance in every other way: strength of character, resilience and frankly balls to win that game.

Congratulations to JeanPhilippe on his magnificent goal, for what I hope is the first of many. It was really pleasing to hear Andros speak so positively about his impact since his arrival, with his quality impressing his new teammates on the training pitch and then performing on the field.

I also couldn’t be happier for Jordan who created both goals and of course Christian – what an incredible finish from a trademark Andros cross. The defensive line and Vicente also deserve huge plaudits for the way they – time and again – threw themselves in front of every attack. The reaction from all of the players and staff showed just how much it meant to us all; as Palace fans, we really can’t ask for more than a last minute wonder goal away at Brighton! I just wish you’d all been in the away end to soak it up.

Up the Palace .

The above copy is printed verbatim.

palace for life

Academy players spread Christmas cheer

jack Wells-Morrison, David Ozoh, Vonnte Williams, Adler Nascimento, David Omilabu and Seán Grehan visited as part of the Academy’s social action programme, which allows young prospects to give back to their community.

Palace have long worked with the Croydon NHS and this is one event in a long line of player visits. With many struggling financially during the cost of living crisis, the Foundation’s Programme Manager James Odagi highlighted the impact of initiatives like this: “It’s important

because it shows [that] the boys, many of whom grew up in the local community, are giving back to where they were raised.

“It makes everyone happy, especially over this period where many families might be unable to afford Christmas presents. I think this is a terrific opportunity to put a smile on some of the young people who live within our borough’s faces.” Academy Player Care Officer Lekan Odushola, who helped to organise the visit, said: “This is definitely one of the highlights of the year for me and it is part of

the social action programme at the Academy, working handin-hand with the Foundation and Croydon Hospital to bring a smile to the children’s faces.

“Volunteering

come down is a testament to their character and what we’re trying to build at Crystal Palace. To see them interact with the kids and have a laugh and joke with them is brilliant.” .

to

Crystal Palace Academy players donated Christmas presents on behalf of the club and Palace for Life Foundation in a visit to Croydon University Hospital this month.

It’s important because it shows [that] the boys, many of whom grew up in the local community, are giving back to where they were raised

It makes everyone happy, especially over this period where many families might be unable to afford Christmas presents. I think this is a terrific opportunity to put a smile on some of the young people who live within our borough’s faces

lekan odushola, academy player care officer

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on

Some players you simply forget. Maybe they didn’t play much, or they signed without fanfare and left similarly under the radar. But some are household names who once graced the Selhurst turf in red and blue – and many of us have no recollection of it. These are the pages to change that.

matthew Upson: England international, onetime Arsenal regular and Premier League winner. The one that got away.

He’s a regular on TV and we’ve seen him at a World Cup, but most fans will be unable to picture him in red and blue.

The then-18-year-old defender was a sought-after prospect in 1997, and soon became Arséne Wenger’s first English signing. Having made his professional debut with Luton Town at 17 and with England youth experience behind him, Upson cost Arsenal a justifiable £2 million. In time he would play 14 matches of a title-winning season and make almost 300 Premier League appearances, but life in north London started slowly.

With icons Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Martin Keown ahead of him, and Kolo Touré and Sol Campbell settling in, Upson played just 57 games across six seasons with the Gunners –one such time against Palace, playing behind a certain Patrick Vieira. So as he approached his 24th birthday Upson eventually signed for Birmingham City, and started to fulfil promising signs from the start of his career.

But before then the defender didn’t spend his life waiting for Wenger, instead completing three loan spells in his final years.

“I am not even getting a sniff,” he complained in February 2001. “I’ve got into the mould of not expecting to play, which might not be a good thing.

“I don’t feel I’ve had a consistent run of games to show that I’m good enough. You are going to make mistakes as Tony Adams did when he first came into the side.”

With teammate Ashley Cole having thrived on loan at Selhurst in 1999/2000, Upson went south for minutes, and put pen to paper with the Eagles just days after criticising Arsenal’s approach.

He wasn’t the only one going south. With tension behind the scenes under Simon Jordan’s new ownership, 93/94 First Division-winning manager Alan Smith was brought back to the club, and struggled to replicate his earlier success.

The squad was crowded with egos, Smith later admitted, and

ON HIS PLAYING TIME AT ARSENAL IN 2001

I am not even getting a sniff, I’ve got into the mould of not expecting to play, which might not be a good thing.

I don’t feel I’ve had a consistent run of games to show that I’m good enough

UPSON

there were big names aplenty: Neil Ruddock, Clinton Morrison, Chelsea loanee Mikael Forssell and Fan Zhiyi included. In fact this time produced some of the most fitting Sands of Timetype players, with Ruddock, Cole, Upson, Ricardo Fuller and Steve Staunton all featuring at the turn of the millennium.

From the outside, then, Upson may have been moving to a club on the up: big names, new ownership and a popular, successful manager taking his team to the League Cup semi-final.

But reality was harsher, and the defender joined at the start of a six-game losing run that later became one win – by a single goal – in 14 matches. This collapse in form sent Palace hurtling down the table. Famously, Steve Kember was appointed caretaker manager for the final two matches as Palace needed two wins and the right results elsewhere to stay up.

You know the story: Kember’s Palace secured their secondtier status away to Stockport County on the final day.

Upson didn’t make the squad that afternoon, but did feature on seven other occasions – perhaps not quite as much as he’d have hoped. He returned to Arsenal and enjoyed much more regular football thereafter, helping Vieira and co. claim the 2001/02 league title. Another loan followed, this time to Reading, before the defender left north London permanently.

Upson went on to forge an impressive career mostly in the top-flight and collected 21 England caps. He played in the Europa League with Stoke City, represented West Ham and Leicester, and scored twice for the national team.

But his games against Palace stand out for less triumphant reasons.

He hit the headlines in 2005 for conceding two penalties on Birmingham’s behalf, causing a 2-0 Palace win over a Blues side also containing Clinton Morrison and Julian Gray.

Later, as he plied his trade in the Championship, Upson was the victim of a devastating, young Wilfried Zaha – as was Brighton’s entire backline on May 13th, 2013.

His time at Palace may have been brief, but given Upson’s success elsewhere it’s easy to imagine him succeeding in south London at another time. Recently Smith, discussing fellow defender Gregg Berhalter, said of the club’s ability to support new players in the early noughties: “It was just a shame that we weren’t in the best position at the time – I don’t mean league position… [Players were] very unfortunate to be with us in that period.”

In 2009 Wenger admitted he would have liked to re-sign Upson after his Arsenal departure, and cited his impatience to play for leaving. For Palace, that impatience enabled fielding a future England international – perhaps just in the wrong season .

Happy 90th Birthday to Stan Mayle. Lifelong supporter & avid Palace fan. Enjoy your day, all our love, Yvonne, Steve, Laraine & family.

Wishing Kane, who is a season ticket holder in the Lower Holmesdale, a happy 21st birthday! Enjoy the game. From Mum, Mark, Dion, Lauryn, Danielle, Kerry, Charlie & Ellie

Happy Birthday Dad! Hope you have a great day supporting your boyhood club. Thank you for everything you do for the family. Lots of Love from all the family and Cassie

Celebrating friendships built around this wonderful game. Stand up if you ain’t Tottenham! Cos we support the Palace and that’s the way we like it. Whoaaaaaaaaa!

Massive congratulations to Sars & Andy on their big day and wish them both a lifetime of happiness as the new MR & MRS WRIGHT! X

Happy birthday Craig! Hope you have a great day! Love from Mum, Dad, Liam & Megan x

Happy

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard.

Happy Birthday Betty and Good fortune Eagles in 2023

21st birthday Matthew, a supporter of the Palace since a small kid. Love Mum, Dad & Stanley COYP.

from the terraces

A culinary exploration, the next generation and a look back at years gone by. Catch-up on what you might have missed in this edition, prep for what’s coming up next and pit your wits against Brighty below.

did you spot? did you spot?

quote of the week

quote of the week

“I don’t think anyone who comes and faces us will get an easy day at the office –that’s something that we pride ourselves on. We have an abundance of quality, we’ve got game changers in our ranks and we’ve got lads who will give themselves a real chance of having a long career in the game.”

The elephant on Page 65. Find out why this one paraded around Selhurst Park in the 1990s.

Paddy McCarthy

-

Venezuelan midfielder Fernando de Ornelas featured nine times for Crystal Palace in 1999, in a storied career which saw him play in Norway, Hong Kong, Cyprus and more – and earn 27 caps for his country along the way. After retiring he settled in Norway where he works as a pastor.

Jordan Ayew’s Ghanaian food recommendations on page 23.

Fernando de Ornelas

next up: southampton

Palace are back at Selhurst Park welcoming Southampton to south London for a second time this season as their FA Cup campaign gets underway.

Academy: Palace Under-21s are also back in action, taking on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, 8th January (16:00 GMT), while the Under-18s face a tricky London derby against West Ham United on Saturday, 7th January (11:00 GMT).

BEAT BRIGHTY BEAT BRIGHTY

In each edition, club icon Mark Bright calls it how he sees it and predicts events from the day’s football. See how you fare and try to Beat Brighty!

Best memory: Wilfried Zaha’s 92nd minute stunner lit up St Mary’s last season, as he span away from the defender and found the bottom corner from 25-yards out to send the away end into delirium and the travelling fans home happy.

Scoring: One point for every correct result, three for a correct scoreline. Manage to Beat Brighty? Keep track of your total score above!

BrightyYou 1-1 1-0 2-1 0-2 total

team stats: women / U21S / U18S

Kirsty Barton Barton scored her first goal of the season before the break, a winner against Lewes.

Adler Nascimento Nascimento made his U21s debut against Bristol City after impressing at U18s level.

AUGUST

Mon 8 Brighton & Hove Albion W 3-2

Fri 12 Manchester United W 5-1

Fri 19 Fulham D 2-2

Fri 26 Wolves W 2-1

Tue 30 Swindon Town W 2-0

SEPTEMBER

Sat 3 Tottenham Hotpsur W 3-0

Fri 16 Chelsea D 3-3

OCTOBER

Sat 1 West Ham United W 1-0

Tue 4 Bristol Rovers L 0-2

Sun 9 Everton L 3-4

Tue 18 Plymouth Argyle L 0-1

Sat 22 Manchester City D 3-3

Mon 31 Arsenal D 1-1

NOVEMBER

Fri 4 Leicester City D 0-0

Mon 14 Sheffield United W 2-1

Mon 21 Newcastle United W 1-0

Mon 28 Bristol City D 2-2

december

Sat 3 Bristol City L 2-5

Mon 19 Newcastle UnitedL 2-3

JANUARY

Mon 9 Brighton & Hove Albion

Fri 13 Sheffield United

Mon 16 Fulham

Sun 22 Liverpool

Mon 30 Manchester City

FEBRUARY

Mon 13 Leicester City

Mon 20 Manchester United

Mon 27 Tottenham Hotspur

MARCH

Fri 3 Everton

Fri 17 Arsenal

APRIL

Mon 3 Chelsea

Fri 7 Blackburn Rovers

Mon 17 West Ham United

Mon 24 Wolves MAY

Mon 1 Blackburn Rovers

Sat 6 Liverpool

Zach Marsh Marsh scored twice at Brighton, and made his FA Youth Cup debut against Man Utd at Selhurst Park.

AUGUST

Sat 13 West Ham United L 2-3

Sat 20 Aston Villa W 4-0

Sat 27 West Bromwich Albion W 3-0

SEPTEMBER

Sat 3 Brighton & Hove Albion W 3-0

Sat 17 Southampton W 3-2

OCTOBER

Sat 1 Chelsea W 3-2

Sat 8 Sheffield United W 2-1

Sat 22 Leicester City L 1-5

Sat 29 Fulham D 2-2

NOVEMBER

Sat 5 Leeds United L 2-5

Sat 19 Norwich City D 2-2

Sat 26 Tottenham Hotspur L 1-3

DECEMBER

Sat 3 Brighton & Hove Albion W 5-0

Sun 11 Manchester UnitedL 1-3

JANUARY

Sat 7 West Ham United

Sat 14 Fulham

Sat 28 Aston Villa

FEBRUARY

Sat 4 Arsenal

Sat 11 Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 18 Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 25 Arsenal

MARCH

Sat 18 Leicester City

APRIL

Sat 1 Southampton

u18s u21s women

Chloe Arthur 8

Paige Bailey-Gayle 7

Kirsty Barton 81

Annabel Blanchard 11 1

Charley Clifford 1

Rianna Dean

Polly Doran 11

Aimee Everett 7

Anna Filbey 81

Fliss Gibbons 61

Shauna Guyatt 9

Coral-Jade Haines 91 Elise Hughes 11 4

Annabel Johnson 10 Fran Kitching (GK) 10 Natalia Negri (GK) 1

Leigh Nicol

Ellie Noble 6

Hollie Olding 4

Chloe Peplow 6

Kirsten Reilly 8 Molly-Mae Sharpe 11 2

Isabella Sibley 71 Hope Smith (GK)

Lizzie Waldie 8

Tayo Adaramola 12

Josh Addae 4

Victor Akinwale 16 3

Kofi Balmer 13

Ryan Bartley 2

Freddie Bell 1

David Boateng 1 Maliq Cadogan 10 1

Owen Goodman (GK) 16

John-Kymani Gordon 16 13 Seán Grehan 18

Danny Imray 10 Jackson Izquierdo (GK) 3

Fionn Mooney 3 Adler Nascimento 2

Jake O’Brien 2

Ademola Ola-Adebomi 18 3

David Omilabu 19 7

David Ozoh 17 1 Killian Phillips 19 7

Dan Quick 1

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi 1

Jadan Raymond 8

Kaden Rodney 17 Laurence Shala (GK)

Cardo Siddik 3

Rob Street 42

Matthew Vigor 2 Noah Watson 12 Jack Wells-Morrison 18 1 Joe Whitworth (GK) 3

Cormac Austin 8

Kalani Barton 10

Freddie Bell 13 2

Rio Cardines 7 1

Junior Dixon 1311

William Eastwood (GK)

Joseph Gibbard 12 1

Jake Grante 13 Jackson Izquierdo (GK) 11 Eyimofe Jemide 14

David Ozoh 2 1

Caleb Kporha 14 2

Giulio Marroni 2

Zach Marsh 12 4

Hindolo Mustapha 11 1 Adler Nascimento 13 5

Kaden Rodney 21

Laurence Shala (GK) 4

Basilio Socoliche 11 2

Vonnte Williams 13 1

1 ars11 650 2412+1223 2 liv11 641 2212+1022 3 mci11 632 2918+1121 4 che12 552 2920+920 5 cry11 551 2617+920 6 ful11 542 2511+1419

7 eve11 614 2118+319

8 bha11 443 2318+516

9 wol12 426 1826-814

10 bla12 318 1625-910 11 mun12 174 2136-1510

12 lei11 236 1425-11 9

13 whu13 229 1527-12 8

14 tot13 0679 27-18 6

1 whu1010 00 3816+2230 2 ful10 523 3316+1717 3 cry10 523 2619+717 4 che10 514 1920-116 5 tot10 505 2021-115 6 nor10 334 1317-412 7 wba 9324 1516-111 8 bha10 325 1124-1311 9 sou 9234 2022-2 9 10 ars 9234 1619-3 9 11 avl10 235 2232-10 9 12 lei 9216 1122-11 7

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

Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card

AUGUST

Jack Butland Joel Ward Tyrick Mitchell Luka Milivojevic James Tomkins Marc Guéhi

DateOpposition attendance/ KICK-OFF ResultPosition 010203040506

Fri 5 Arsenal 25,286 L 0-2 17th

Mon 15 Liverpool 52,970 D 1-1 16th

Sat 20 Aston Villa 25,012 W 3-1 9th

Tue 23 Oxford United 9,564 W 2-0 Second round

Sat 27 Manchester City 53,112 L 2-4 12th

Tue 30 Brentford 25,043 D 1-1 13th

SEP Sat 3 Newcastle United 51,863 D 0-0 15th

Sat 1 Chelsea 25,125 L 1-2 17th

Sun 9 Leeds United 25,002 W 2-1 15th

OCTOBER

NOV

Sat 15 Leicester City 31,298 D 0-0 13th

Tue 18 Wolverhampton Wanderers 25,099 W 2-1 11th

Sat 22 Everton 38,939 L 0-3 13th

Sat 29 Southampton 25,130 W 1-0 10th

Sat 5 West Ham United 62,451 W 2-1 10th

Wed 9 Newcastle United 51,660 D 0-0 (3-2) Third round

Sat 12 Nottingham Forest 29,045 L 0-1 11th

DEC Mon 26 Fulham 25,176 L 0-3 11th

JANUARY

Sat 31 Bournemouth 15:00

Wed 4 Tottenham Hotspur 20:00

Sat 7 Southampton 12:30

Sun 14 Chelsea 14:00

Sat 21 Newcastle United 17:30

Sat 4 Manchester United 15:00

FEBRUARY

March

Sat 11 Brighton & Hove Albion 15:00

Sat 18 Brentford 15:00

Sat 25 Liverpool 19:45

Sat 4 Aston Villa 15:00

Sat 11 Manchester City 15:00

Sat 18 Arsenal 15:00

Sat 1 Leicester City 15:00

Sat 8 Leeds United 15:00

APRIL

Sat 15 Southampton 15:00

Sat 22 Everton 15:00

Tue 25 Wolverhampton Wanderers 19:45

Sat 29 West Ham United 15:00

Sat 6 Tottenham Hotspur 15:00

Sat 13 Bournemouth 15:00

MAY

Sat 20 Fulham 15:00

Sun 28 Nottingham Forest 16:00 tbc

TBC Manchester United TBC

TBC Brighton & Hove Albion TBC

Jack BUTLAND (GK)

Joel WARD

Tyrick MITCHELL

Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS

Marc GUÉHI Michael OLISE Jordan AYEW Eberechi EZE Wilfried ZAHA Vicente GUAITA (GK)

Jean-Philippe MATETA Jeffrey SCHLUPP

Joachim ANDERSEN Nathaniel CLYNE James McARTHUR

Will HUGHES

Sam JOHNSTONE (GK)

Odsonne EDOUARD Malcolm EBIOWEI

Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ

Nathan FERGUSON Jaïro RIEDEWALD

Killian PHILLIPS Kaden RODNEY

M. Oliver S. Burt S. Ledger G. Scott M. Dean G. Beswick

Hugo LLORIS (GK)

Matt DOCHERTY Oliver SKIPP

Pierre-Emile HØJBJERG Davinson SÁNCHEZ

Heung-min SON RICHARLISON Harry KANE Bryan GIL Emerson ROYAL Ivan PERIŠIC Eric DIER Cristian ROMERO Ryan SESSEGNON

Fraser FORSTER (GK)

Dejan KULUSEVSKI

Djed SPENCE

Japhet TANGANGA

Lucas MOURA

Pape Matar SARR

Rodrigo BENTANCUR

Ben DAVIES Clément LENGLET Yves BISSOUMA

Brandon AUSTIN (GK)

Harvey WHITE