Crystal Palace v Liverpool matchday programme 2425

cover story

cover story#4 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.

L

ast week we paired Palace’s

interviewee this week, Chris Richards, riding

newest No. 9, Eddie Nketiah,

Kate, with Charlie Catlett pictured alongside.

with one of our very finest in

Old plans for Selhurst Park show a

Peter Simpson – you can read

stable where Kate was housed, nestled

more about Simpson’s record-breaking

near the entrance to the Whitehorse Lane

exploits in this edition on page 60.

stand. The picture above shows Kate in

This week, we take a look back to 1935, a period markedly different from the pristine pitches and fine-tuned technology of

Dave Flanagan @daveflanagan

@daveflanagan77

action, being helped along the way by a few members of the Palace squad.

Kate and Charlie were a familiar sight

today. The grass at Selhurst Park was looked

at Palace, but, while Charlie was the first

after by groundsman Charlie Catlett from

non-playing employee at the club to receive

the 1920s until 1966, accompanied for some

a testimonial, Kate quietly disappeared from

of that time by an usual assistant: a horse

the scene when mechanised power took over

called Kate.

at some point after the Second World War.

Charlie and Kate would tend to the

Remember, you can keep collecting

pitch together, with Kate uncomplainingly

each original illustration throughout the

working to pull the heavy pitch roller along

campaign as we journey through our

behind her, day in, day out. She also helped

timeline from 1924 to the current day –

with the mowing by eating the grass as

make sure you get the matchday programme

she went! The cover shows our feature

each week!

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contents

Crystal Palace √ liverpool sat 5 oct 2024 | 12:30pm 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 Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough Front cover David Flanagan

06 08 12

25 10 CHAIRMAN 36 HALL OF FAME 38 EAGLE EYE

54

41 STATS 44 DOC BROWN 46 MACCA 50 ACADEMY

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Ed Dowling, Ian King,

56 PALACE FOR LIFE

Doc Brown, James McArthur, Tommy Macarthur, Gregg Evans Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

60 100 years of selhurst park

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

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Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Arne Slot and his Liverpool players and staff for this afternoon’s game.

W

e have played two games since I last spoke to you. Against Manchester United, I saw a big effort from the team. We struggled a bit in the first-half, but by the end it was clear that we could have won the game. We benefitted from such great support from the stands once again.

A point against Manchester United is a good point, even though we wanted to win. It’s something I mention in press conferences and to the players: we have to be humble and respect any point, even when we would prefer all three.

The start to the season is not the start we wanted to have, so we are very critical of ourselves, especially after the loss at Everton. The most important thing now is to stick together, and what I can promise is that the team and everybody within the club is working hard to be successful, and to start winning once again.

The next chance to do that is today against Liverpool. They have a new manager but the same squad, and everybody knows that Liverpool are a top side. We always

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The most important thing now is to stick together, and what I can promise is that the team and everybody within the club is working hard to be successful, and to start winning once again

Manager

We need a big performance today not just from the players but also from the stands, and I look forward to hearing the atmosphere when we step out for the early kick-off this afternoon. I hope we can put in a performance to make you all proud

respect any opponent, but the way we enter the game is the same: we play to win the game. We need a top performance, we need top support from the stands.

They have a new manager but the same squad, and everybody knows that Liverpool are a top side. We always respect any opponent, but the way we enter the game is the same: we play to win the game.

We need a top performance, we need top support from the stands

I remember saying before we faced Manchester City last season that we were playing to win, which raised eyebrows, but we led. Yes, we lost that day, but the following week we went to Anfield and won.

The most important thing is that we believe that it is possible, and that the fans believe that it is possible – then it will be possible. It doesn’t mean it will happen, but it’s possible.

In this final game before the international break, I want to wish all of our players who are selected

the best of luck. Although we haven’t received the international call-ups at the time of writing, we have many established internationals in the squad. Representing your country is a huge honour and they should never forget that. I hope they can have success over the break, and hopefully come back to South London in good shape to be ready for a busy period of four games in 12 days!

We need a big performance today not just from the players but also from the stands, and I look forward to hearing the atmosphere when we step out for the early kick-off this afternoon. I hope we can put in a performance to make you all proud

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Captain

marc Guéhi After growing into the game against Manchester United and coming close to snatching all three points, we were all disappointed to come away from Goodison Park with nothing last weekend.

W

e felt that the Manchester United game was an example of our resilience in the first-half, when we struggled for possession but kept our defensive discipline, before we managed to turn things around in the secondhalf. We created some decent chances and could have won the game on another day – we know how much that first win will do for the confidence of everyone in the dressing room, and it’s only a matter of time before that bit of luck falls our way.

At Goodison Park I felt we more than deserved our lead at half-time – it’s always nice to get on the scoresheet but at the end of the day it doesn’t mean anything unless we convert goals into points, and we let ourselves down in the second-half. The only possible way to remedy this run of results is to go again, and that is exactly what we will do today. The beauty of football is that the next game comes around quickly, so there is always a chance to put a disappointing result behind you and prove yourself once again.

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The only possible way to remedy this run of results is to go again, and that is exactly what we will do today. The beauty of football is that the next game comes around quickly

Captain

I know over the last couple of years how much of an honour it has been to pull on an England shirt and have the Three Lions on my chest, and I know there are plenty who feel the same about their countries around the dressing room

We all want to head into the international break with a win. The call-ups have not been announced yet, but I want to congratulate all of my teammates who will be travelling to meet up with their national sides.

I know over the last couple of years how much of an honour it has been to pull on an England shirt and have the Three Lions on my chest, and I know there are plenty who feel the same about their countries around the dressing room. We have a busy period when we come back and the Premier League restarts again, with a League Cup tie to consider too, so I hope everyone comes back fit and healthy and raring to go!

Today we face one of the title favourites in Liverpool, who have started so well under their new manager and still possess the core of a squad which has challenged for all of the biggest prizes over the last few years. We know from recent experience that we can get a positive result against the biggest sides in the league, including Liverpool, but in order to do that we will have to be at our very best. We have to focus on getting the basics right, leaving everything out there on the pitch, and then hope that we get that bit of fortune to make it a special afternoon.

Your support up and down the country is so appreciated by the players, and I know that today will be no different. Let’s get Selhurst Park bouncing once again

.

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We know from recent experience that we can get a positive result against the biggest sides in the league, including Liverpool, but in order to do that we will have to be at our very best. We have to focus on getting the basics right, leaving everything out there on the pitch

chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for this afternoon’s match, and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Liverpool this afternoon.

W

e all know that the start to the season has not been the one that we wanted, but I am confident that we will soon begin to see the results that our performances have deserved.

Premier League matches are always decided by the finest of margins, and with the hard work that Oliver and his players are putting in on the training field and a bit of luck falling our way, we will be winning games once again.

Our support at Everton was fantastic, and it was great to hear the Palace fans from the first whistle to the last on our final ever trip to Goodison Park in the Premier League. I know how much the players benefit from your backing, so thank you for following up and down the country.

Today marks the final game before the international break. We are privileged to have so many established internationals in the squad, and although it means plenty of travelling over a busy few days, it always reflects brilliantly on the club when a Crystal Palace player

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Premier League matches are always decided by the finest of margins, and with the hard work that Oliver and his players are putting in on the training field and a bit of luck falling our way, we will be winning games once again

Chairman

We are privileged to have so many established internationals in the squad, and although it means plenty of travelling over a busy few days, it always reflects brilliantly on the club when a Crystal Palace player is representing his nation on the global stage

is representing his nation on the global stage. Although I’m writing these notes before the international squads have been announced, I wish each and every player heading off over the break the very best of luck.

Our first ever Women’s Super League fixture at Selhurst Park was a real learning experience, but patience is key as Laura and her players adjust to playing at the highest level for the very first time. Chelsea are serial winners both in the WSL and the domestic cups, and I’m sure the squad will be keen to kick on and get points on the board as the season continues.

During the men’s international break, Palace Women face Brighton at the VBS Community Stadium on Sunday, 13th October (14:00 BST) – do get down to support the team if you can.

Today we welcome a side challenging for the title this season, and we know how difficult a task it will be to come away with a positive result. There are no doubts that we can do so, however, and I think back to our standout performance at Anfield last season as an example of what we can achieve at our very best. I know you will be ready to create the kind of special atmosphere we need on the biggest occasions at Selhurst Park, and I look forward to hearing you throw everything behind Oliver and his players from kick-off. Thank you for your support.

Up the Palace

.

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I know you will be ready to create the kind of special atmosphere we need on the biggest occasions at Selhurst Park, and I look forward to hearing you throw everything behind Oliver and his players from kick-off. Thank you for your support

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As a Crystal Palace mainstay and a regular international – with a home World Cup on the horizon – Chris Richards talks Mauricio Pochettino, big ambitions and why it could be a crazy couple of years to come…

Interview: Robin Johnson Words: Will Robinson

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chris richards

I

t’s safe to say that it’s an exciting time to be Chris Richards. A Premier League regular and integral for the United States international side as they look to make a big splash on the world stage, the next few years could provide some extraordinary memories when he looks back on his career in the years to come.

“I’m excited,” he tells us as the new Premier League season begins to drift into the nitty gritty of the hectic autumnal schedule.

“The summer was good to all of us, whether we had time off or went far in different tournaments.

“Whatever the case was, it was good, but at some point in the summer, I caught myself thinking about playing with the guys I see every day. So I’m really excited for it.” That excitement is understandable – more on those tournaments later – as Palace look to rediscover the kind of form which saw them blow away some of the very best sides in the league last season, in a remarkable run of results including victories over Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

After being made to wait patiently for his chance under both Roy Hodgson and Patrick Vieira, Richards became a key part of Oliver Glasner’s side, forming defensive partnerships with Marc Guéhi, Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell, and building new ones with Chadi Riad and Maxence Lacroix this season.

“You face a different opponent every week, facing different players, formations and

I’m excited, The summer was good to all of us, whether we had time off or went far in different tournaments.

Whatever the case was, it was good, but at some point in the summer, I caught myself thinking about playing with the guys I see every day

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environments, so it definitely helps when you’re able to play 90 [minutes],” Richards says, reflecting on a run of 16 straight starts, the longest of his Palace career.

“The manager’s initial message to us was that we needed to play more aggressively. We have the players and the quality for it, but it was almost like we were scared of letting ourselves go. Especially after our trip to Marbella, everybody could see that we were flying.

“It’s testament to him: he didn’t change the players, he didn’t change this or that, he just changed our mentality. That went a long way.

“Sometimes last season pre-Glasner, we lost touch with our mentality. We were giving up late goals, and that was a lack of mentality and sometimes giving up our discipline. That is something he

chris richards

the manager’s initial message to us was that we needed to play more aggressively.

We have the players and the quality for it, but it was almost like we were scared of letting ourselves go

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chris richards

We’re able to play aggressively, we’re able to win the ball higher up the pitch.

Like against Manchester United, being able to play in JP [Mateta] – they gave me the assist for it, but I played him a three-yard ball and he beat Jonny Evans one-on-one. He padded my stat book!

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chris richards very much instilled coming in, as well as giving us that attacking mindset and that front foot mindset.”

That attacking mindset is something Richards relishes even from his role as a central defender.

“It’s fun – nobody likes to defend in a low block for 90-plus minutes,” he explains. “Our role as defenders is to defend, but [also] to give the ball to the players that get paid to score goals.

“We’re able to play aggressively, we’re able to win the ball higher up the pitch. Like against Manchester United, being able to play in JP [Mateta] – they gave me the assist for it, but I played him a three-yard ball and he beat Jonny Evans one-on-one. He padded my stat book! It’s good to get those guys the ball higher up the pitch because then they have less work to do.”

Palace are working to rediscover that level of form at the beginning of the new campaign, and Richards says the pride they took from their performances can inspire a repeat this season.

“The gaffer told us from jump that there was no reason we shouldn’t be in a higher spot in the table, no reason why we should lose to any team,” he says. “We could play a team winning the league – even when we played Manchester City, we were winning.

City are City, and we lost the game, but it shows that while we were at the top of our game we could play with any team in the league.

“It was amazing, the last few games. But again, we understood that however you end last season

no reason why we should lose to any team, We could play a team winning the league – even when we played Manchester City, we were winning.

City are City, and we lost the game, but it shows that while we were at the top of our game we could play with any team in the league

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is how we wanted to start the new season, so it was about instilling good principles from the beginning.”

When Richards looks around the dressing room, he sees a group of established international players alongside him – some who are often adversaries as well as teammates.

At this summer’s Copa America, he faced the Colombia of Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Muñoz, and a home World Cup is on the horizon.

“It’s funny, because you want to kill them on the pitch,” Richards laughs. “Not too bad, because you want to play with each other in a few weeks. But those guys are warriors, so if you don’t go in 100 percent on them they will definitely hurt you.”

chris richards The United States were knocked out in the group stage at a disappointing tournament, with the focus now on making sure they are ready to make a big impact at the World Cup in 2026.

“With Copa America not being something that we play in a lot, it was definitely looked at by the fans as kind of a tune up,” Richards says.

“When we played against Colombia and against Brazil, it was amazing – even though we felt like the away team in our own country. It was an atmosphere that I don’t think I’ve ever felt or witnessed before.

“It’s not just the Copa America, we have the Gold Cup next year which is big and then the World Cup coming up. Every game, every tournament is a chance to grow the game in the United States.

“I think the world looks at the United States, especially when it comes to sports – with football excluded – and when you think of basketball, baseball, hockey, track, you name it, they are typically one of the best or one of the biggest.

This is a chance to grow another sport in the US.” It seems strange that a country with a population of more than 350 million people should struggle to play what, on most continents, is the most accessible sport of all.

The world’s very best have come from the most humble backgrounds – after all, all you need to start a game of football is a ball and a street corner.

In the United States, that accessibility is still an issue according to Richards. “Football is the quickest growing sport in the

it was definitely looked at by the fans as kind of a tune up, When we played against Colombia and against Brazil, it was amazing – even though we felt like the away team in our own country. It was an atmosphere that I don’t think I’ve ever felt or witnessed before

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US,” he explains. “Everyone at some point in their life growing up in the US has played, whether it was when you’re four-years-old or at high school to stay in shape.

“But I think the problem is that it’s still ‘pay to play’. That’s when people start falling through the cracks because it’s not a cheap sport. There is a lot of travel involved because we’re such a big country.

“Once you eliminate that ‘pay to play’ aspect, the sport will definitely grow. Hopefully with the World Cup, US Soccer and everything that falls underneath it – Major League Soccer – we can get a model where it’s a lot cheaper, and there’s a lot of avenues where people can play for free.”

Richards is part of a new generation of youngsters inspiring kids back home by representing

chris richards

Everyone at some point in their life growing up in the US has played, whether it was when you’re four-years-old or at high school to stay in shape.

But I think the problem is that it’s still ‘pay to play’. That’s when people start falling through the cracks

some of the biggest clubs in Europe, alongside AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Juventus’ Tim Weah.

“Kids now are seeing people from the same places as them playing on the world’s highest stage, and that’s inspiration,” he says. “I know I was inspired by Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. I think it’s really cool.”

There is another big name addition – although not a US native. Mauricio Pochettino was unveiled last month as the new manager of the national side.

“You’ve seen his success in club football,” Richards says. “It’s another sign that US soccer is pushing to better the game.

“Hiring a manager like Pochettino shows that you’re serious about growing the game.

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chris richards

Hiring a manager like Pochettino shows that you’re serious about growing the game. We could have gone down the safe route by choosing a potential coach from the MLS, but I think them going for a coach that might turn them down and going for coaches of calibre is very impressive from US Soccer

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chris richards

“We could have gone down the safe route by choosing a potential coach from the MLS, but I think them going for a coach that might turn them down and going for coaches of calibre is very impressive from US Soccer.

“I’m really excited for it – hopefully we can win games and tournaments with him.” There’s that excitement again. Richards is unabashed about having ambition.

USA winning a World Cup? Of course it sounds absurd, but why bother showing up if that isn’t your aim?

“It’s funny, people ask me when I’m playing for a team USA: ‘How far do you think you can go in the

It’s funny, people ask me when I’m playing for a team USA: ‘How far do you think you can go in the World Cup?’ I say I want to win it.

Whatever I do, we want to be the best at and we want to win

World Cup?’ I say I want to win it.

Whatever I do, we want to be the best at and we want to win.”

With so many opportunities coming up to create some truly special moments, it’s an attitude that can only serve Richards well as he prepares for a rollercoaster few years at the very top level of the global game.

The very best opponents in the Premier League, week in, week out, and the prospect of a World Cup in front of home fans in the United States in the summer of 2026. It’s an exciting time to be Chris Richards – can we really blame him for feeling it more than anyone?

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captain

SHARE GOOD TIMES WITH

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

And finally...

and finally...

with chris richards

With a home World Cup coming up for Chris Richards in the United States in the summer of 2026, he ranks five defensive greats who captained their side to glory on the biggest stage…

2. Fabio Cannavaro Italy, 2006 I would say Cannavaro at two. He’s a bit more towards my generation, which is probably why I have a bit of bias towards him.

4. Philipp Lahm Germany, 2014 He was a very solid player, but he was very clean. When you think of Philipp Lahm, you don’t think of cracking tackles, you think of discipline, no cards. I met him at Bayern, and he was a really nice person. How much you see on the field you see off the field as well: a very disciplined person but very humble as well.

1. Franz Beckenbauer West Germany, 1974 His legacy at Bayern – everybody knew him and everybody spoke very highly of him – means I put Beckenbauer at number one.

3. Bobby Moore England, 1966 More historic – I didn’t watch him but I’ve seen a lot on films and you hear stories of him.

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5. Carlos Alberto Brazil, 1970 A great defender – he was quite attacking – but because of a bias towards Philipp Lahm I would put him just behind.

FOR THE CLUB captain

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The World’s Game

LIVERPOOL

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liverpool

lIVERPOOL FC

the reds 1892 THIS Season Position

1st

Points

15

Top Scorer Luis Díaz

M. Salah

FREE SCORERS Slot’s Reds haven’t been holding back, with Mo Salah, Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo and co. up to their usual tricks. Liverpool hit three at the San Siro against AC Milan, three against Bournemouth in the Premier League and five against West Ham in the League Cup, showing their readiness to challenge on all fronts this season.

Klopp is a near-impossible act to follow, but Arne Slot has started in fine fashion. The Dutchman transformed Feyenoord both in terms of playing style and silverware, reaching the Europa Conference League final in his first season and winning the title in his

Despite Slot’s positive start, a rare home defeat to Nottingham Forest demonstrated a chink in Liverpool’s armour. With questions over squad depth after an unusually quiet transfer window, with winger Federico Chiesa the only player to arrive, there will be a hope that injuries or surprise setbacks don’t derail their early momentum.

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third

title credentials top slot

5

Most Assists 4

away

At Anfield, there was a hope that the Jürgen Klopp era would never end. Winner of every major trophy, including a first Premier League title in 30 years back in 2020, he brought the good times back to the red half of Merseyside and instilled in the club a belief that they could overcome any adversity or opposition to succeed. His departure at the end of last season was a major shock.

second, while playing an attractive, attacking brand of football. Can he have similar success at Anfield? His positive start has him on the front foot.

home

new beginning

LIVERPOOL

head2head head

1-3 √ ac milan San Siro Stadium

LIVERPOOL

draw

palace

36

13

15

√ bournemouth Anfield

5-1 √ west ham Anfield

1-2 √ wolves Molineux Stadium

2-0 √ bologna

lastfive

3-0

1-3

23rd January 2022 Selhurst Park

1-1

15th August 2022 Anfield

0-0

25th February 2023 Selhurst Park

1-2

9th December 2023 Selhurst Park

0-1

14th April 2024 Anfield

Anfield

1-2

“It feels good [to be top of the league], you want to be up there but it doesn’t tell me that much at the moment. After 19 games, it’ll tell me something but not after six.”

Arne Slot

wOLVES √ liverpool Saturday 28th September / Molineux Stadium

62

C. Kelleher

2

J. Gomez

3

W. Endo F. Chiesa

17

C. Jones

26

18

C. Gakpo

robertson

21

K. Tsimikas

78

J. Quansah

84

C. Bradley

11

jota

Díaz

14

goal cards

20

7

Substitutes

8

10

Szoboszlai

Mac Allister

Salah

38 Gravenberch

4

5

van dijk

Konaté

1 Alisson subs

27

66 Alexander -Arnold

LIVERPOOL

key players A new chapter for Liverpool as Arne Slot replaces Jürgen Klopp, but a familiar set of faces with a knowledge of how to win silverware. Here, we pick out four players who could help the new manager to success this season…

DREAMS TO REALITY -

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DEF Trent

ALEXANDER-ARNOLD age

Height

25

5’9 from

academy

Every academy player dreams of one day making their debut for their boyhood club. But to make more than 300 appearances and win every major trophy available? That is something unimaginable – until it becomes reality.

Alexander-Arnold made his debut in 2016, and his medal collection includes the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, League Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup. He has made the PFA Team of the Year on three occasions, was named in the FIFA World XI in 2020, and – after much debate about his best position being in midfield or defence – has finally become a regular in the national team set-up.

Close friend Jude Bellingham could attempt to lure him to Real Madrid when his contract expires next summer. Having been at the club since the age of six, does his long-term future lie at Anfield or at the Bernabeu? Either way, he has exceeded all expectations since his debut, and continues to shine – for now – as a one-club man.

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38

mid Ryan

Gravenberch age

Height

22

6’3

joined

from

2023

There is a certain irony in the possibility that, despite spending the last few transfer windows searching unsuccessfully for their next long-term No. 6, the answer to Liverpool’s problems may have been under their nose the whole time.

Gravenberch, brought in by Klopp as a No. 8, has seen his role transformed to great effect

by Arne Slot, whose possessionbased approach – less frenetic than Klopp’s ‘heavy metal football’ – has seen him flourish at the base of midfield.

The Netherlands international came through at Ajax under Erik ten Hag, breaking Clarence Seedorf’s record to become the club’s youngest-ever Eredivise player at just 16 years and 130 days old. He headed to Liverpool after a single season at Bayern Munich, and hopes this can be his breakout campaign.

LIVERPOOL

ALWAYS EVOLVING It was a performance at Anfield – although not in Liverpool colours – that helped Darwin Núñez catch the eye of managers across Europe.

Despite Benfica’s elimination from the Champions League, goals in both legs against Liverpool saw Jürgen Klopp forecast a ‘big career ahead’ for the Uruguayan forward.

They would meet again sooner rather than later.

A haul of 34 goals in the 2021/22 season saw Liverpool spend almost £84 million on Núñez, and it is fee he is beginning to repay with increasing influence and consistency. A modest 15 goals in his first campaign was followed by 18 last time out, and now under Arne Slot he is hoping to continue increasing that total.

Núñez got off the mark this season with a wonderful curling finish against Bournemouth at Anfield, demonstrating his ability to finish with poise as well as power. Will he gain the confidence to put together a run of scoring on Merseyside? If so, Slot may have hit the jackpot.

fwd darwin

núÑez age

9 Height

25

6’2

joined

from

2022

If this does turn out to be Mo Salah’s final season as a Liverpool player, he will depart as one of the club’s – and the Premier League’s – finest forwards.

Eyebrows were raised when Jürgen Klopp spent almost £40 million on a player who, despite his fine form at Roma in Italy, had failed to make an impact in a short Premier League spell with Chelsea – but how

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fwd Mohamed

Salah age

11 Height

32

5’9

joined

from

2017

right he was. Salah scored 44 goals in a stunning debut campaign, before inspiring Liverpool to a Premier League and Champions League title in the following seasons.

He has scored 217 goals for the club, placing him fourth on the all-time list, with club-legend Jamie Carragher recently including him in his all-time Liverpool XI. Some praise.

LIVERPOOL

1

gk Alisson

becker age

joined

32 2018

2

def joe

gomez age

joined

27 2015

def Konstantinos

from

from

21

Tsimikas age

joined

28 2020

from

gk Vítezslav

Jaros age

56

joined

23 2017

def virgil

van dijk age

joined

33 2018

def andrew

from

4 from

26

robertson age

joined

30 2017 30

from

gk Caoimhín

62

Kelleher age

from

25

academy

def

5

Ibrahima

Konaté age

joined

25 2021

def trent

from

66

Alexander-Arnold age

25

from

academy

LIVERPOOL

def Jarell

78

Quansah age

from

def Conor

84

Bradley age

from

21

academy

21

academy

mid

8

mid

10

Dominik

Szoboszlai age

joined

23 2023

mid Harvey

elliot age

21

from

19 from

academy

Alexis

Mac Allister age

joined

25 2023

mid Ryan

from

38

Gravenberch age

joined

22 2023 31

from

3

MID Wataru

Endo age

joined

31 2023

mid curtis

jones age

from

17 from

23

academy

mid

53

james

m©connell age

20

from

academy

LIVERPOOL

80

mid Tyler

morton age

from

mid Trey

Nyoni age

98 from

21

academy

17

academy

fwd

9

fwd

11

Darwin

Núñez age

joined

25 2022

fwd Cody

gakpo age

joined

from

18

25 2023

from

mohamed

salah age

joined

32 2017

fwd Diogo

jota age

from

20 joined

27 2020 32

from

7

fwd luis

dÍaz age

joined

27 2022

fwd Federico

Chiesa age

14

joined

26 2024

fwd jayden

from

from

76

danns age

18

from

academy

LIVERPOOL

squaddepth st Darwin NÚÑEZ Diogo JOTA Jayden DANNS

lw Cody GAKPO Luis DÍAZ Federico CHIESA

rw Mohamed SALAH

am Alexis MAC ALLISTER Trey NYONI

cm Dominik SZOBOSZLAI Curtis JONES Harvey ELLIOTT James McCONNELL

Dm lb

Rb

Ryan GRAVENBERCH Wataru ENDO Tyler MORTON

Andrew ROBERTSON Konstantinos TSIMIKAS

Trent ALEXANDER-ARNOLD Conor BRADLEY

CB

CB

Ibrahima KONATÉ Joe GOMEZ

Virgil VAN DIJK Jarrell QUANSAH

GK ALISSON Caoimhín KELLEHER Vitezslav JAROS

Academy Graduate

33

New Signing

LIVERPOOL

through time

1892 1900

Liverpool are formed after a dispute at Everton First Division title winners

1923

Back-to-back title winners

1954

Relegation to the Second Division

1892 -

1959

Bill Shankly appointed manager

Liverpool were founded via a split at existing club Everton. In 1892, Anfield was already hosting sell-out games on Merseyside – but the home side was Everton, not Liverpool. However, when the committee fell out with Club President and owner of the land at Anfield John Houlding, Everton relocated across Stanley Park to Goodison Park. Left with an empty stadium, Houlding found himself in a tricky situation, and launched a new club as a result: Liverpool FC.

1962

Promotion to the top-flight

1965

First FA Cup win

1973

Bob Paisley takes charge

1978

Back-to-back European Cup winners

1989

Hillsborough Disaster

2005

European Cup winners

2015

Jürgen Klopp appointed

2020

Premier League winners

1963 You’ll Never Walk Alone first became a part of Liverpool folklore when local group Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded their cover, which reached number one in the UK charts. Bill Shankly heard a preview of the new record, and decided to incorporate it into the club. “Gerry my son,” Shankly told lead singer Gerry Marsden, “I have given you a football team and you have given us a song.”

1978 After Bill Shankly had rebuilt the club into a modern behemoth, he bequeathed control to Bob Paisley

in 1973. Paisley won a league and UEFA Cup double in his second season, lifting the European Cup in 1977 and retaining the trophy the following campaign. By the time of his departure in 1983, he had won six league titles, three European Cups and three League Cups.

1989 The 1980s combined a golden period at Liverpool with unthinkable tragedy. The club won six league titles and two European Cups in a glittering decade, with Kenny Dalglish earning his ‘King’ moniker thanks to his displays on the pitch and in the dugout.

34

LIVERPOOL There was tragedy, however, first at the 1985 European Cup final at Heysel, when 39 supporters were killed by a collapsing wall. The Hillsborough disaster at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989 led to the deaths of 97 people, and a three-decade fight for justice for Liverpool supporters.

2020 A 30-year wait for a title seemed unthinkable in 1990, but it took the genius of Jürgen Klopp to finally end the drought, lifting the Premier League in a strange season disrupted

by COVID and finishing behind closed doors. Klopp won every major trophy at the club during a nine-year spell, departing at the end of last season.

dreamfive GK Ray Clemence One of a select group of players to make more than 1,000 career appearances, Clemence played 665 times for Liverpool and won five league titles and three European Cups during a record-breaking career as No. 1.

cb Phil Neal Neal is one of the most successful English footballers of all time, lifting the European Cup on four occasions to add to eight league winners’ medals. He made 650 appearances for Liverpool and earned 50 caps for the national team.

cm Graeme Souness While younger audiences may be more familiar with the opinionated talkSPORT host, older fans will remember one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Souness captained Liverpool to European Cup glory, before moving to Sampdoria in Serie A.

st Kenny Dalglish ‘King Kenny’ was one of Liverpool’s finest-ever forwards, and became one of their finest managers in the late-1980s to earn god-like status on the Kop. His role in bringing the city together after Hillsborough earned him a place in the hearts of all of Merseyside.

st Mohamed Salah The standout player from Klopp’s modern-era Liverpool is Mo Salah, whose nickname ‘The Egyptian King’ harks back to Dalglish, the highest complement available. His 217 goals and counting have brought every bit of major silverware available.

35

LIVERPOOL

kitstory best

celebrity reds

worst

daniel craig Home: 1989/90

Home: 2016/17

A firm favourite ever since: think John Barnes flying down the wing under Kenny Dalglish, the final title win before Klopp three decades later.

It’s just a bit boring, isn’t it? Klopp’s first full season wasn’t blessed with a vintage strip to go alongside it. An inauspicious start to a great era.

best

Scan the Anfield Director’s Box and you may be lucky enough to spot 007 in the crowd, who recommended Jürgen Klopp for his replacement as James Bond.

samuel l. jackson A Hollywood great known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino and… Merseyside?

Jackson fell for Liverpool when filming The 51st State in the city in the early 2000s.

worst

paul hollywood Hollywood by name, but not by nature this time: the TV chef made his name on The Great British Bake Off, forming an unlikely partnership Off with Everton fan Mary Berry.

lebron james away: 1983/84

away: 2013/14

Yellow kits aren’t for everyone, but for Liverpool they seem to make sense.

European Cup winners this season: Rush, Souness, classic.

Oof. A fine Liverpool team that came close to winning the title, but the kit was an eyesore and won’t be remembered fondly.

36

LeBron bought a stake in Liverpool, attempting to do what he had done on the court in Los Angeles: return a once dominant side to the top of the game.

LIVERPOOL

greatestgames 4-3 REVENGE BECOMES LEGEND Ask a certain generation of Crystal Palace fans their greatest moment supporting the club, and the same answer will come back time and again: Villa Park, 8th April 1990. Going into the game, a few months after the same Reds side hit nine without reply against the Eagles in the league – and with Liverpool eyeing a Double – Palace were not expected to reach their first ever FA Cup final. But they did. And in style. A back-and-forth encounter, in which John Pemberton’s storming run and John Motson’s sensational commentary holds a special place in the memory, Alan Pardew scored the winning goal in extra-time to secure a 4-3 victory and a place at Wembley.

3-3 CRYSTANBUL After taking a first-half lead in 2014, Liverpool had stormed out of the blocks after half-time and pinned the Eagles back to display their dominance and surely secure three points. Victory was crucial for Brendan Rodgers’ men, and their three-goal advantage kept them in the race for their first league title since 1990. Then it all changed. Palace fought-back from near-certain defeat, and a deflected long-range effort from Damien Delaney and a Dwight Gayle brace sent Selhurst into raptures, bringing their final home game of their Premier League return to a close.

0-1 TOTAL FOOTBALL Palace were written off by many pundits before travelling to face Liverpool as Jürgen Klopp’s side aimed to keep up the pressure at the top of the table. The Eagles had alternative plans, however. Oliver Glasner’s side scored one of the best goals Anfield had witnessed all season, as a free-flowing team move saw Liverpool carved open, with quick, one-touch football creating space for Ebere Eze to slot home in front of the Kop. Palace’s defensive commitment in the second-half was phenomenal, with last-ditch challenges and goalline clearances preserving the lead and earning a fantastic three points.

37

LIVERPOOL

eagle eye

@greggevans40

Gregg Evans covers Liverpool for the Athletic, having previously spent over a decade covering Aston Villa’s rise from the Championship to the Champions League.

What have you made of Arne Slot’s Anfield career so far?

It’s been a really good start for him.

I feel like the defeat to Nottingham Forest was a bit of a surprise result and that was the only game that Liverpool have lost. They’ve now won five in a row.

He’s hasn’t tried to copy the previous manager too much. He’s come in, done what he feels is best his own way, put together a very strong backroom team who he trusts wholeheartedly. Between them, they’ve got off to a decent start.

How has he dealt with the challenge of following Klopp?

I think he’s just come in really and believed in himself, understood that the qualities that he’s already shown in his coaching career have got him to where he deserves to be at this point in time.

He was very successful at Feyenoord: he took them to a European final in his first season, then won the Dutch title in the second season.

He is inheriting a team that Klopp put together. He’s been very respectful on that. He said that he will not try to change too much of the way that Liverpool play, but there are very clear differences.

38

He’s come in, done what he feels is best his own way, put together a very strong backroom team who he trusts wholeheartedly.

Between them, they’ve got off to a decent start

LIVERPOOL

What constitutes success for Slot in his first season?

Having a very good crack at the Champions League. They’ve got to try to go deep in that competition, if not try to win it, and at minimum finish in the top four. This is a team that are the same group of players as last year, and the expectation is for Liverpool to sustain the title challenge for a little bit longer, if not all the way through to the season.

Was Liverpool’s quiet transfer window a concern?

It was a concern at the time. Liverpool needed to address the defensive midfield position, and at that point, we didn’t know how good Ryan Gravenberch was going to be – in his first year at Liverpool he hadn’t performed very well and he had been used in more of an advanced position.

But since Slot has come in, they have tried to play him in a more deep line role and it seems to be working.

It was very clear that the top target was Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad and Liverpool weren’t able to get him because he decided to stay there. I thought it was quite wise in some ways that they didn’t just go for another target and just pick somebody out to fill up the numbers because Liverpool kind of did that in the last window with Wataru Endo when they missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Defensively, it is a bit of a worry with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk both out of contracts at the end of the season. We expect a new centre-half to be coming in at some point. Whether that’ll be in the next window, we’ll wait and see.

Who is Liverpool’s most important player?

Liverpool have got quite a few important players! The most in-form player at the moment is Gravenberch and it’s incredible that we’re saying this because he certainly wouldn’t have expected this turnaround over the summer; he had a pretty underwhelming first season.

He is a very young player so has lots of time to kick on, but I think if he got injured now that would be the big worry. Who would Liverpool play in that deep line midfield role alongside Alexis McAllister? There isn’t really a standout option: there is Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, Curtis Jones but it just doesn’t feel like they’re as good as Gravenberch at the moment.

But look, if Virgil van Dijk ever got injured there would be serious concerns, because he’s the guy that holds it all together.

39

It was very clear that the top target was Martin Zubimendi at Real Sociedad and Liverpool weren’t able to get him because he decided to stay there Whose contribution often flies under the radar?

That would probably be Alexis Mac Allister. He has been getting the plaudits that he deserves in more recent times, but I think a lot of the good work that he does goes under the radar – a little bit of the dirty work at times. It’s also his incredible ball retention rate, the way that he can find key passes as well as the simple ones. He’s somebody that really helps Liverpool tick along.

Give us a name for the future to keep an eye on…

There are a few: you may have seen Connor Bradley’s rise at the back end of last season. If Trent Alexander-Arnold does move on this summer – albeit Liverpool hope that he doesn’t – Bradley could be a very good alternative to him.

A little bit younger, there is Trey Nyoni, a 17-year-old who Liverpool signed from Leicester 18 months ago.

He is a fantastic young midfielder who plays for England Under-18s, and he’s really shining. Even younger is Rio Ngumoha, who Liverpool signed from Chelsea recently. He’s tipped to be a future star. It’s still very early days for him.

.

west ham united

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LIVERPOOL

HEAD TO HEAD

marc

Guéhi age

24

POSITION

def

nat

joe

32

Goals

69

3

Penalties won

4

2

Penalties scored

4

gomez age

27

POSITION

def

nat

Apps

104

4

Clean sheets

10

Apps

141

Clean sheets

23

55

Yellow cards

45

Clean sheets

46

Goals

4

3

Assists

0

2

Red cards

Passes per match

59.72

Passes per match

53.91

Interceptions

98

Interceptions

150

Clearances

386

Accurate long balls

431

13

games without a win for Palace against Liverpool before victory at Anfield in April.

10

years since Palace’s last victory against Liverpool at Selhurst Park.

87.8

xG accured by Liverpool last season, higher than any other side in the Premier League

Delivered by:

41

Clearances

290

Accurate long balls

363

west ham united

42

doc brown & james m©arthur

43

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...

A CLICK AWAY I’m hearing a lot about “clicking”. I’m sure you’ve heard it too “We haven’t clicked yet”.

“We’ve not quite clicked into gear.”

“Things haven’t clicked into place.”

“We’re just not clicking.” No football team in the world can avoid a clickless period at some stage in their history. The non-clicking phase is a tricky one to deal with emotionally because “things not clicking” suggests a temporary status – things will eventually click, so don’t worry too much.

The problems begin when the lack of clickiness persists for so long it becomes a rut. No one wants a rut.

A “rut” to me is only stepping stone away from the speculation phase of a TV pundit saying “I worry for them”, which as we all know is a rung below crisis and eventually Code Red: the panic phase.

But I’m not even humouring that. We’re just not clicking – it’s very different. The real question is: what exactly are these mystical “things” that a team for whom things have not clicked desperately require? I’d say they include quick

passing, attacking intent, high chance creation and of course, goals – the ultimate and most important of end products. Being a team sport, what underlines all of these desirable “things” and undoubtedly provides the foundation for their clickativity, is intuitive connection.

You know when an amateur team whom you don’t know well (or perhaps at all on a personal level) needs two ringers and you come down to the astro or the cage or the park with an actual mate of yours? There will always be those satisfying passages of play in the ensuing game – maybe even resulting in a goal – wherein you know what your pal’s gonna do and vice versa, and you react intuitively.

There’s a neat efficiency to it, born of friendship, that gives you the tiniest of advantages over strangers.

You’re in Clicksytown.

Now I’m not gonna stand here (I’m sitting down for a start - who types standing up?) and claim that saying goodbye to Olise, Andersen, Ayew and Johnstone has been easy or not been a factor, but no one player is ever greater than the sum of a team’s parts. Football is about

44

believe it or not, football is somewhat more poetic than unloading triple packs of men’s briefs from a shipping crate

doc brown working together, playing to each other’s strengths, supporting and championing each other – just like great friends and colleagues would.

Of course footballers don’t have to all be friends – it’s a job at the end of the day and no matter how much of a laugh you have sorting freshly delivered stock out the back of a major clothing retail chain in Marble Arch, you don’t necessarily wanna bring the warehouse crew along on every family holiday. Yes, I’m speaking from experience.

But believe it or not, football is somewhat more poetic than unloading triple packs of men’s briefs from a shipping crate, pricing them up and replenishing stock on the shop floor. Football requires a profound level of cognitive understanding, an unspoken language where subtle looks and movements mean everything. A sixth sense. The kind of thing you might feel with someone you just seem to click with.

That kind of real-world magic can, sometimes, magnificently happen in an instant, although more commonly – yep – it takes time. And time is something that famously waits for none of us – pressure rises with each passing game week and of course the Premier League table offers grim reading at the moment.

But while the table supposedly never lies, equally it never tells the full story of a game. In every single game so far, the tiniest of happenings could have changed our destiny for the better – were the ref not so whistle-happy on Eze’s phenomenal free kick at Brentford; were he and Sarr able to take those gilt-edged chances against Man

We’ve been right in the mix in almost all our games so far – imagine if we’d clicked and kept on clicking?

We need time and belief from inside and out to give ourselves the best chance of finding that sweetest, clickiest spot

45

Utd; had the resilience in the draws against Chelsea and Leicester been capped with late winners; were Mateta to be given the penalty he clearly should have at Goodison…

We’ve been right in the mix in almost all our games so far – imagine if we’d clicked and kept on clicking?

We need time and belief from inside and out to give ourselves the best chance of finding that sweetest, clickiest spot. Admittedly, today’s opponents present both a huge task and a huge ask for a new-look team as recently deconstructed and reassembled as ours but who knows?

In life, as in football, things can click into place when you least expect.

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 delves into transfer windows, international breaks and memories against today’s opposition…

Keep working hard Results haven’t been going our way, but that is when you need a bit of experience in the changing room. The boys who have got experience of playing in the league for so many years will understand that you can’t win every game, and you do go through spells where you’re not winning.

You just have to keep doing the right things in training, keep believing, and don’t let your confidence be knocked. The team have got some fantastic players and a really good structure, so they will believe that they will turn the corner. Keep trusting each other and doing the things that brought success before.

Every game is completely different. I know they boys haven’t won, but they’ve got a couple of good results they need to take confidence from: drawing away to Chelsea and at home to Manchester United. Those are big results throughout a season.

In football, you get one win and it turns around and confidence is flying.

Everyone is looking forward to getting back into training the next day. With

the talent on that team, the wins will come. I believe that with the manager, with the way he’s got the lads playing, wins will come and good feelings will come back.

Leadership Leaders come in different forms, but this is when the leaders in the Palace dressing room will be stepping up. When you’re on the pitch, you’re setting the example to get the wins, keeping everyone calm, talking to everyone.

Off the pitch, you’re wanting to get into training the next day and keep everybody’s spirits higher than the doom and gloom of losing football matches. When people aren’t doing their job, make sure you tell them too. Football is not all nicey nicey. You sometimes need to have meetings, go through things, tell people they need to do better.

Look at yourself in the mirror too.

Knuckle down and try to become the best version of you, and you will get out of that period of not winning games. Leaders have very important roles to play in a changing room.

46

Knuckle down and try to become the best version of you, and you will get out of that period of not winning games. Leaders have very important roles to play in a changing room

James M©arthur

Club and country -

Liverpool memories -

International football is tough, and very demanding on the body and on the mind. When I did retire from international football, the break that I got was so vital for me to continue playing football.

When you do get older and you are travelling, going to training and playing three games within eight days, and then club football as well, it’s so demanding.

Playing for your country is a great privilege and an honour for everyone that does it, so if the lads get a win this weekend they will be looking forward to getting away with their countries.

You look at how many games the lads who go away and play have got now, and I sympathise with the players who are complaining about how many games they play throughout the year. I wasn’t playing European football, just international and domestic games, so it’s very tough for them.

I won my first three Palace games against Liverpool – including two at Anfield! It was a very good start, although I think later on the roles were reversed and Liverpool did seem to get more results. They are a fantastic team, and on their day one of the very best in the world.

But this Palace team, on their day with the individuals they’ve got and if they stick together and do everything right, they can get a result. You look at Man Utd and Chelsea: those were games that, on paper, everybody would have thought we might not get a result.

But the players will never look at fixtures and say: ‘This is where we are going to win, this is where they are going to win’.

Look at Nottingham Forest, who won at Anfield; many might have seen that fixture and thought it was a guaranteed three points for Liverpool. There are so many surprises and that is why the

47

this Palace team, on their day with the individuals they’ve got and if they stick together and do everything right, they can get a result. You look at Man Utd and Chelsea: those were games that, on paper, everybody would have thought we might not get a result. But the players will never look at fixtures and say: ‘This is where we are going to win, this is where they are going to win’

Premier League is the best league in the world. There is no reason why the boys can’t create an upset this afternoon and surprise everyone

.

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INSIDE PALACE

49

inside palace

palace academy 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 midfielder Seb Williams takes on our quickfire questions.

FACT FILE

past childhood idol?

Steven Gerrard. He’s a midfielder like me, so I just look up to him.

present strongest attribute?

Turning or passing, either one. Or creating goals!

i model my game on...

Steven Gerrard of course, but the moment maybe Kevin de Bruyne.

Best moment of your career so far?

Winning the U15 Floodlit Cup, or beating Hull 5-0 in the FA Youth Cup last season.

Favourite palace player?

Eze for sure.

Favourite hobby?

Playing EA FC or table tennis.

Favourite TV show?

Prison Break.

future in five years time...

First team?

Fulham. I was scouted at U7s.

seb Williams age

nationality

17 position

centre-mid

I want to be playing in the Premier League, at the highest level.

first position?

champions league or world cup?

Left-wing!

World Cup for sure.

first match you went to?

i want to improve...

Chelsea v West Ham at Stamford Bridge, when I was about five.

first boots?

These bright yellow Nike Tiempos.

50

Scoring goals. I haven’t scored any yet this season.

manager or pundit?

Manager – you get to see people develop and improve.

inside palace

fixtures&results

pos Club

P

W

D

L

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

1

whu

5

5

0

0

9

15

2

ful

4

4

0

0

12

12

3

mci

5

4

0

1

9

12

4

liv

5

4

0

1

7

12

5

ars

5

4

0

1

5

12

6

bha

5

3

1

1

6

10

7

nfo

5

3

0

2

5

9

8

lei

5

3

0

2

4

9

9

mun

5

3

0

2

3

9

10

cry

4

2

2

0

6

8

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST Tue 20

Stevenage

L

0-1

Sat 17

Tottenham Hotspur

L

4-6

Fri 23

Blackburn Rovers

W

7-2

Sat 24

Southampton

D

1-1

Fri 30

Leeds United

D

1-1

Wed 28 Birmingham City

W

3-0

Sat 31

W

3-0

SEPTEMBER

Reading

GD Pts

Tue 17

Real Sociedad

D

2-2

SEPTEMBER

Fri 20

Reading

D

1-1

Sat 14

Norwich City

W

4-2

11

eve

5

2

2

1

-2

8

Tue 24

Gillingham

W

3-1

Sat 21

Fulham

L

0-6

12

new

5

2

1

2

1

7

Mon 30 Nottingham Forest

W

2-1

Sat 28

Aston Villa

L

1-3

13

wba

5

2

1

2

-3

7

14

avl

5

2

1

2

-3

7

OCTOBER

OCTOBER Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

Fri 18

Sporting CP

Fri 25

Southampton

NOVEMBER Fri 1

Tottenham Hotspur

Tue 5

Peterborough United

Fri 29

Newcastle United

december Tue 10

RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16 Liverpool JANUARY Mon 6

Fulham

Fri 10

Leicester City

Fri 17

RB Leipzig

Sat 5

Liverpool

15

sou

5

2

1

2

-3

7

Sat 26

Leicester City

16

nor

5

2

0

3

0

6

NOVEMBER

17

lee

5

1

3

1

0

6

Sat 2

Arsenal

18

der

5

2

0

3

-1

6

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

19

rea

5

1

2

2

-4

5

Sat 23

Arsenal

20

che

5

1

1

3

-1

4

Sat 30

Brighton & Hove Albion

21

sun

5

1

1

3

-4

4

DECEMBER

22

wol

5

1

1

3

-4

4

Sat 14

23

tot

5

1

0

4

-7

3

24

stk

5

0

1

4

-13

1

Chelsea

JANUARY Sat 11

West Ham United

25

mid

5

0

0

5

-10

0

Sat 25

Tottenham Hotspur

26

bla

5

0

0

5

-12

0

GD Pts

FEBRUARY Sat 1

Southampton

Sat 8

Reading

pos Club

P

W

D

L

Mon 20 Wolves

Sat 15

Norwich City

1

avl

6

4

1

1

2

13

Mon 27 Norwich City

Sat 22

Aston Villa

2

bha

6

3

3

0

11

12

FEBRUARY

MARCH

3

tot

6

3

2

1

5

11

Mon 10 Stoke City

Sat 1

Fulham

4

FUL

6

3

1

2

6

10

Mon 17 Aston Villa

Sat 8

West Ham United

Mon 24 West Bromwich Albion MARCH

Sat 15

Chelsea

APRIL

Mon 3

Arsenal

Sat 12

Leicester City

Sun 16

Manchester City

Thu 17

Arsenal

Sat 26

West Bromwich Albion

APRIL Fri 4

West Ham United

Mon 14 Chelsea

MAY Sat 3

Brighton & Hove Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 3rd October.

51

5

ars

5

2

3

0

2

9

6

LEI

5

2

2

1

2

8

7

sou

6

1

4

1

0

7

8

cry

6

2

1

3

-5

7

9

CHE

5

2

0

3

-2

6

10

nor

5

1

2

2

-1

5

11

WHU

5

0

3

2

-2

3

12

wba

5

0

2

3

-8

2

13

REA

6

0

2

4

-10

2

inside palace

palace academy Crystal Palace Under-21s head coach Darren Powell has seen his side get off to an outstanding start to the season, going six games unbeaten in all competitions, beating League Two Gillingham in the EFL Trophy and getting their defence of the Premier League International Cup underway. Here, he gives the lowdown on the season so far…

i

n the first-half against Nottingham Forest on Monday night, the conditions weren’t the best with the rain and the wind, but we were still on the front foot and we wanted to impose ourselves on them whenever we could. In the second-half, even though we were still up against the wind, I think we created more chances.

When we were in the final third we’re looking to start getting a few more outcomes, i.e. crosses into the box or some shots, just trying to put them under a bit more pressure. We did that, we scored and then, unfortunately, on a restart, it dropped to them and they got a little deflected goal.

But, despite conceding, I love the fact that the boys never gave in. They showed great character and resilience to find the winner late on. That’s what I also asked of them before the game.

In terms of trying to get a consistent run in the league, we’ve got to show those elements in our game and the boys stuck with it and showed it.

We’re a good side on a good unbeaten run so far, but we’ve got to do the other parts of the game

as well, on a consistent basis. That gives you a good base to win and the boys have shown it.

Even the games where we’ve drawn away, to Leeds United for example, I thought we had those moments where we could have come away and won it, but we didn’t. So we’ve seen gradual improvements in our performance.

The only game I wasn’t too happy with our performance in was against Reading, but I guess we had a two-game week and a three-day turnaround, playing on the Tuesday and then again on the Friday. The boys looked fatigued, but we did enough to get a point and we showed it. Again, there’s that great resilience and character for the win.

It’s difficult to deal with the scheduling and games coming so quickly, but that’s the reality of football and it’s what the real game presents itself.

If you look at the Football League. it’s Saturday to Tuesday to Saturday, again and again. The boys have to get used to it – these are the levels that they aspire to. It’s about them being professional in terms of looking after

52

We’re a good side on a good unbeaten run so far, but we’ve got to do the other parts of the game as well, on a consistent basis. That gives you a good base to win and the boys have shown it

inside palace

their body, eating, drinking the right stuff at the right time.

You have to enjoy the recovery process. If you make sure you do that right and you’re professional, it will only reflect well in your performance.

The boys have rolled their sleeves up when they’ve had three-day turnarounds and they’ve got on with it and haven’t complained. They go out and run their hearts out and that’s all you want.

Jerry Umolu is on a good run – he’s a goal scorer. We’ve got two goalscorers in the side, with Zach Marsh as well; I know he hasn’t scored yet, but trust me, he can finish. It’s good competition. They both get on the pitch together and they work together.

We’ve been playing this formation at the back end of the last season and in pre-season. I know the gaffer plays a certain way. Fortunately for us, we’ve been playing it too, so the boys understand it and we’re comfortable with it. We continue and it helps with the first-team manager. It’s a buy-in from the boys. If the boys buy into it, then it can only be positive.

Finally, I want to say how good the fans were at Sutton – I loved it. They came out here and gave us their time and their money and we can only appreciate that.

We can hear them singing for the boys, that’s all we can ask.

Be there for the next Under-21s’ clash against Sporting Clube de Portugal at Selhurst Park on Friday, 18th October! Tickets will be available soon at tickets.cpfc.co.uk

.

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Asher AGBINONE

4

1

Victor AKINWALE

1

0

Cormac AUSTIN

1

0

Luke BROWNE

5

0

Rio CARDINES

2

Jesse DERRY

Name

apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

6

1

Dean BENAMAR

2

0

Benji CASEY

6

2

0

Freddie COWIN

5

0

0

0

Euan DANAHER

1

0

Justin DEVENNY

7

2

Matteo DASHI

6

1

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

0

0

Jesse DERRY

7

8

Chima EZE

0

0

Craig FARQUHAR

0

0

Zack HENRY

2

0

Chris FRANCIS

0

0

Marcus HILL (GK)

4

0

Joe GIBBARD

4

0

Mofe JEMIDE

0

0

Jake GRANTE

4

0

Jasper JUDD

2

1

Sean GREHAN

3

0

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

0

0

Joe KHOSHABA (GK)

0

1

Mofe JEMIDE

7

0

George KING

6

1

Caleb KPORHA

5

1

Enrique LAMEIRAS

5

0

Finley MARJORAM

0

0

Jack MASON

1

0

Zach MARSH

7

0

David MONTJEN

0

0

Roshaun MATHURIN

1

0

Louie MOULDEN (GK)

6

0

Joshua MUWANA

7

0

Kurai MUSANHI

0

0

David OBOU

3

1

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

6

3

Stuart ODURO

0

0

Adler NASCIMENTO

6

1

Chuks OKOLI

0

0

David OBOU

1

0

Jadan RAYMOND

0

0

Jerome OSEI

4

0

Dylan REID

2

0

Caleb REDHEAD

1

0

Kaden RODNEY

7

0

Sean SOMADE

5

0

Joe SHERIDAN

3

0

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

6

0

Franco UMEH

4

2

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

0

0

Jemiah UMOLU

7

6

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

2

0

Tyler WHITE

5

1

Seb WILLIAMS

0

0

7

0

Seb WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 3 October. rd

53

inside palace

palace women Crystal Palace’s recent Barclays Women’s Super League game against Chelsea at Selhurst Park showcased moments of promise, and despite the result, the team is determined to carry the positives into the next fixture.

m

olly-Mae Sharpe spoke to Palace TV after the game to reflect on a difficult but historic night for the club. “Moving forwards, we need to take the togetherness that we showed into the next game,” Sharpe remarked.

Despite the final scoreline, there were standout moments in the first-half, with Palace creating chances against the defending WSL

Champions. “Apart from conceding, the first half was really good, we had chances and we need to take those chances,” Sharpe said.

“Having the chances we did against a team like Chelsea is definitely one of the positives. I think that is only going to help us build going into the next game.”

Despite the defeat, playing at Selhurst Park in the top-flight for

Moving forwards, we need to take the togetherness that we showed into the next game. Apart from conceding, the first half was really good, we had chances and we need to take those chances 54

inside palace

the very first time was a special occasion. “It is always amazing to play at Selhurst,” Sharpe added.

“Under the circumstances, it is a bit upsetting, no one wants to lose like that but it was a big occasion and I am always proud to play for the club.

“We need to learn from this, move on from it and go to the next game and try and get something out of that.”

no one wants to lose like that but it was a big occasion and I am always proud to play for the club. We need to learn from this, move on from it and go to the next game and try and get something out of that

The Eagles were beaten by Aston Villa in the opening group game of the FA Women’s League Cup on Wednesday night, but return to action tomorrow as they take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, with tickets available on the day

.

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

playerstats Name

apps goals

Chloe ARTHUR

1

0

Brooke ASPIN

2

0

0-4

Izzy ATKINSON

1

0

0-7

Annabel BLANCHARD

3

0

My CATO

2

0

Aimee EVERETT

3

0

Jorja FOX

0

0

Mille GEJL

2

0

Fliss GIBBONS

3

0

Josie GREEN

2

0

november

Shanade HOPCROFT

0

0

Sun 3

Manchester City

Elise HUGHES

0

0

Sun 10

Everton

Abbie LARKIN

3

0

Milla-Maj MAJASAARI (GK)

1

0

Hayley NOLAN

0

0

Lexi POTTER

2

0

Poppy PRITCHARD

3

0

Indiah-Paige RILEY

2

0

Molly-Mae SHARPE

3

0

Katie STENGEL

3

0

Katrine VEJE

3

0

Arsenal

Ashleigh WEERDEN

3

0

Tottenham Hotspur

Lily WOODHAM

3

0

Annis-Clara WRIGHT (GK)

0

0

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

2

0

Sun 22 Fri 27

Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea

L L

october Wed 2

Aston Villa

Sun 6

Leicester City

Sun 13

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 20

Liverpool

Sun 17 Sun 24

L

Aston Villa Charlton Athletic

december Sun 8

West Ham United

Wed 11 Tottenham Hotspur Sun 15

Manchester United

january Sun 19 Sun 26

february Sun 2

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sun 16

Manchester United

0-2

march P

W

D

L

GD Pts

1

CHE

2

2

0

0

8

6

Aston Villa

2

MUN

2

2

0

0

4

6

Sat 22

Everton

3

TOT

2

1

1

0

4

4

Sun 30

Arsenal

4

ARS

2

1

1

0

1

4

5

MCI

2

1

1

0

1

4

6

BHA

2

1

0

1

3

3

Sun 2

Liverpool

Sun 16

pos Club

april Sun 20

Chelsea

7

LIV

2

0

2

0

0

2

Sun 27

West Ham United

8

AVL

2

0

1

1

-1

1

9

LEI

2

0

1

1

-1

1

10

WHU

2

0

1

1

-3

1

11

EVE

2

0

0

2

-5

0

12

cry

2

0

0

2

-11

0

may Sun 4

Leicester City

Sun 27

Manchester City

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 3rd October.

55

inside palace

palace for life As the official charity of Crystal Palace, we’re always looking for fans to join us as volunteers. We call them PlayMakers, and it’s all about leaning on the passion, skills, and experiences of Palace supporters like you to help improve the lives of young people in South London.

o

ur PlayMakers volunteering programme is jointly funded by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers Association and has been running for seven years.

Last year, we saw over 30 Palace fans give up their valuable time to support over 400 Palace for Life participants, an incredible feat. They worked on programmes ranging from workshops in schools, hosting a visit for young people at their place of work, supporting with events, fundraising and loads more. We hugely value all the opportunities they bring to help support our mission.

employment Support our employment team in their mission to assist young people furthest from the job market.

• Deliver a workshop or tour of your industry/workplace; • Provide mentoring or employment opportunities; • Assist with CV writing and interview skills.

56

donate to palace for life below

inside palace

Disability -

miles across South London) on Saturday 12th October 2024, or the ‘Bike To...’ challenge (cycling to a Premier League stadium) in Spring 2025; • Launch your own fundraising idea/event!

Support people of all ages living with a disability.

• Assist at our Down’s Syndrome Eagles employability programme (Monday evenings); • Help at football sessions for learning disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, and Powerchair participants (Tuesdays/ Wednesdays); • Help out at our adult mental health football sessions on Thursday lunchtimes; • Help at our pan-disability football sessions on Thursday evenings; • Support our vision-impaired football sessions (monthly, Saturdays).

Community Engagement Support young people and adults with their physical and mental fitness; • Help out at regular weekly sessions based around football and youth work; • Deliver a workshop to young people, e.g. on opportunities in sport, e-safety, leadership, EDI; • Sit on a Q&A panel to inspire female participants in our ChangeMakers programme; • Help at events like our International Women’s Day tournament, Community Iftar, or the anti-knife crime event ‘Cut It Out’; • Befriend older adults at our regular Thursday morning ‘Extra Time’ sessions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Share guidance on EDI issues.

• Deliver a workshop or assembly on your area of expertise; • Help at tournaments and festivals throughout the season.

Staff Support -

Schools -

Support our staff with expert knowledge.

Help us to deliver our work in schools.

• Deliver a workshop or assembly on your area of expertise; • Help at tournaments and festivals throughout the season.

Fundraising Take part in a fundraising event.

• Join our matchday fundraising team – be an ambassador before Palace home games by raising funds and engaging with fans.

Whether you can commit to one game a season or multiple, your support is invaluable!

• Help us make a difference by signing up for or supporting our flagship events, including the Marathon March (walking 26.2

57

• Deliver a training session for staff on your area of expertise; • Provide guidance to staff on your area of expertise; • Support with administrative tasks such as data entry.

Want to volunteer?

Just scan the QR code or get in touch with Josie at josiecarter@ palaceforlife.org

58

100 years of selhurst park

59

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…

t

he 1930/31 Division Three South season turned out to be one of the most extraordinary in the history of Selhurst Park, both for the team as a whole, and for one spectacular footballer. Palace scored 84 league and cup goals – and that was just at home! Centre-forward Peter Simpson was the star, responsible for 34 goals including a remarkable eight hat-tricks. He was aided by George Clarke on the left-wing and Albert Harry on the right, who both got in on the act, as well as Hubert Butler at inside left; all four players were virtually ever-present.

Despite no overwhelming personnel changes from the previous campaign, the tone was set for the season in the opening home game of the season, as the Glaziers put five goals past Luton Town, with Simpson notching his first treble.

In the middle of September the club was in mourning, as Sydney Bourne, who had served as chairman since 1905, passed away suddenly the day before Newport County arrived at Selhurst Park. The side paid tribute in the best possible manner, smashing seven past the visitors with Simpson once again bagging a hat-trick.

The goals kept coming for Palace who hit five against Fulham and six against Walsall. It wasn’t all plain sailing, however, as manager Fred Mavin unexpectedly resigned due to family issues, and Jack Tresadern took over, while a spate of robberies blighted London clubs, with thieves stealing a dozen gold medals from the club’s safe.

Former Palace Chairman, Sydney Bourne.

Simpson was proving unstoppable, but he still managed to exceed expectations a fortnight later as he produced one of the greatest displays in a Crystal Palace shirt. In a 7-2 victory over Exeter City, Simpson notched six goals – the rarely seen double hat-trick – to write his name forever in the record books, alongside legends of the game who would achieve similar feats like Arsenal’s Ted Drake, Manchester United’s George Best and West Ham’s Geoff Hurst.

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In a 7-2 victory over Exeter City, Simpson notched six goals – the rarely seen double hat-trick – to write his name forever in the record books

While our league form was sensational, would Palace be able to continue their exploits in the FA Cup? Of course they would. Palace were handed consecutive home ties against non-league opposition in Taunton Town and Newark Town, with each hit

100 years of selhurst park

for six without reply; Simpson scored a hat-trick against the former, before putting four past the latter for good measure. Four days after his quartet in the cup, he hit four more in the league against Watford.

Christmas produced a five-goal thrashing of Brentford on Boxing Day, before 1931 began with a setback. The FA Cup draw brought Everton to town, who took their revenge for Palace’s 6-0 victory at Goodison Park back in 1922, and won by the same scoreline.

It was an unusual losing feeling for the all-conquering Glaziers, and it sparked some strange coping techniques: one spectator decided to try to stand by the Everton goalkeeper during the game at the Holmesdale Road end, before being led away by a policeman.

one spectator decided to try to stand by the Everton goalkeeper during the game at the Holmesdale Road end, before being led away by a policeman A knock to the confidence meant the goals – although they kept flowing – slowed at Selhurst Park for the remainder of the season, until a final flourish on the last day of the campaign in a 5-0 trouncing of Torquay United.

Incredibly, despite running up 17 home victories, a club record in a 42 game season, Palace finished second to Notts County. Only one club was promoted each season, and so the Glaziers, despite one of the finest seasons on record, would have to wait another 33 years to return to the second tier

.

Palace record goalscorer, Peter Simpson.

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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?

t

wo players have made the right-back position their own for the best part of the last 16 years, and cannot be ignored – and both remain at the club to this day.

Nathaniel Clyne came through the Academy and was handed his debut by manager Neil Warnock in October 2008 when just 17-years-old, signing his first professional contract just three days later. Within a couple of months he was vying with Danny Butterfield for the right-back spot in the starting XI, and from 2010 he had made it his own.

He was named the club’s Young Player of the Season on three consecutive occasions, and was voted Player of the Season in 2011. In the summer of 2012, he signed for Southampton and later Liverpool. The club had already obtained his replacement.

The £400,000 transfer fee for Joel Ward, from Portsmouth in 2012, is surely some of the best money the club has ever spent. In his first season, he was part of the team which gained promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Off Final, with the Eagles beating Watford – and Ward clearing an effort off the line in the last minute of extra time.

To separate the two is a difficult choice, but in view of his 12 years at the club, some as club captain, and getting close to Dougie Freedman’s total of 368 first-team appearances, which would take him up to seventh on the all-time list, I will give the vote to Ward as the second right-back in this squad.

joel

Ward . position

nationality

rb

He has occasionally been found at left-back or in central defence, but has been a regular feature of the side for the next decade, chipping in with the odd goal here and there.

In 2020, Clyne returned to the Eagles, and the two players have competed for a place in the starting XI for the following three years, with the competition added to by the arrival of Daniel Muñoz in January. The arrival of Oliver Glasner has meant that Clyne and Ward have found themselves utilised on the right of a three-man defence.

62

100 years of selhurst park

honourable

Mentions

Liverpool. In the spring of 2010 he returned as a coach to help Paul Hart, when the club entered administration.

DANNY BUTTERFIELD -

JOHN HUMPHREY Stylish and unflappable, Humphrey didn’t have to move dressing rooms when he signed for the Eagles from Charlton Athletic in the summer of 1990. In his first season, the club attained its best ever position of third in the First Division, and he was virtually ever-present, including winning the Full Members’ Cup at Wembley.

In the following three seasons of top-flight football, he made his presence felt, before helping Palace return to the top tier with a stunning strike against former club Wolves. In 1995 he returned to Charlton.

JOHN PEMBERTON Pemberton signed for Palace from Crewe in 1988. A strong player with a turn of speed, he was involved in the ‘game of five penalties’ against Brighton, putting his effort over the bar and into the Holmesdale terraces.

He will long be remembered for his surging run at the start of the secondhalf of the FA Cup semi-final against

Arriving at Selhurst Park on a free transfer from Grimsby Town in 2002, Butterfield was soon a fan favourite and became a key player on our return to the top-flight in 2004. Injuries restricted his appearances but a career highlight came in February 2010, when he was pushed into the forward line and netted a ‘perfect hat-trick’ inside six minutes against Wolves, the fastest trio in the club’s history.

AARON WAN-BISSAKA Wan-Bissaka came through the Academy as a right-winger, before being converted to right-back after keeping Wilfried Zaha quiet in training. He made his first-team debut in 2018 and from then on was first choice. In the summer of 2019, he moved to Manchester United for £50 million, before returning to London with West Ham over summer.

Next ISSUE Ian King moves over to the left-backs for his ultimate Selhurst 100 squad…

63

selhurst

Squad JOHN GK JACKSON

1964-1973

nigel gk martyn

1989-1996

RB

Paul HINSHELWOOD 1973-1983

rb

joel ward

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

?

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

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

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

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

?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2012-

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 speak to someone who knows all too well the life-changing experience of becoming part of the Crystal Palace family...

o

ne of the most wonderful facets of football is that it’s a convergence of so many of life’s unlikely circumstances.

In the Premier League, the players have all risen to that level, statistically, against the odds. There are clubs who, perhaps without the same financial muscle as others, compete amongst the elite, and fans who – by either historical, familial, geographical, or some other association – stand behind their club through thick and thin.

This convergence of circumstances can produce lifechanging results – but even by that standard, Patricia Ashwood’s Selhurst Park story is quite something.

Growing up in Essex into a West Ham-supporting family, Patricia recalls how: “My Nana bought my brother and I mugs… only she’d picked up the wrong one, and mine was Crystal Palace! I’ve still got it from the 1970s.

I’m sure that was a sign.”

Patricia embarked on a career in communications and then management consultancy, living in South London all the while, before settling on Howden Road – just off Whitehorse Lane – around the turn of the Millennium.

“All week I worked in the city, and if I was at home on a winter Saturday afternoon, I would have to turn the volume up on my TV so I could hear it over the roar of the Palace crowd!” she laughs. “I would often wish I had someone to go with – it sounded so exciting – but I would never dream of going to watch a football match on my own back then.”

The catalyst to that change?

Patricia recalls: “Sadly, in the spring of 2005, a colleague had a heart attack at my desk after most people had already left the office for the evening. I had no clue what to do apart from shout for help and pray.

64

“It was then that I became determined to learn how to save a life.

I went to HR and said I wanted to be a first aider – and that’s how I first came into contact with St John Ambulance.”

Patricia refers to the nation’s leading first aid charity, who offer training courses, volunteering opportunities, event support, and more – and whose volunteers are on hand at Selhurst Park to help fans, each and every Premier League matchday.

“It was the ultimate opportunity, because all of my new St John colleagues went to every home game,” she remembers. “Fast forward to the autumn, and not only had I got

100 years of selhurst park

a First Aid at Work certificate under my belt, I also had a new hobby in volunteering, and a new place to be on a Saturday afternoon: watching the Eagles play, whilst looking after fans and visitors!”

The life-changing occurrences don’t stop there. “In March 2006, I met Ralph – my now-husband,” Tricia recalls. “We got posted on the same corner together, and just chatted for 90 minutes Ralph had also been volunteering with St. John Ambulance since he was a Cadet [a teenager] back in leafy Berkshire.

“When Ralph and I first met, we both felt like we’d known each other for years. I don’t know if I really believe in love at first sight, but it was pretty much that – we just looked at each other like: ‘There’s my person’.”

Almost 20 years later, Tricia and Ralph can be found on matchdays in the Selhurst Park every game – looking out for their fellow Palace fans and being serenaded to Glad All Over.

“When it’s going well, the energy and the human aura, is just electric,” she says. “You just have to make sure you’re paying attention to the crowd so you can spot if someone’s in distress. Of course, we have radios, so if anything’s going on around the ground, we get a call to tell us to be aware or attend immediately”.

On 28th October, 2017, it was exactly that which helped Tricia do something even more remarkable: save a fellow fan’s life. When the call came over the radio that Palace supporter Steve Ware was having difficulty breathing, and that he had suffered a cardiac arrest, Patricia

Steve Ware (centre) returns to Selhurst Park to thank the crew who saved his life.

When it’s going well, the energy and the human aura, is just electric, You just have to make sure you’re paying attention to the crowd so you can spot if someone’s in distress was first to reach him and begin CPR, helping him in a dire moment of need – another simply remarkable Selhurst story in her life.

Some 20 years on, now firmly part of the Crystal Palace family, she smiles. “The time’s gone so quickly.

I cannot imagine my life without St John now – and I cannot imagine my life without Crystal Palace.

“Apart from Ralph, they’re the two constants in my life: St John and Crystal Palace Football Club. I was

65

thinking about it this morning: they’ve seen me through so many milestones in my life, from meeting my husband, to getting married, saving Steve…

“I’ve got too many memories to mention. It’s just that… if you become part of the Selhurst Park family, it all becomes very special.”

A special person indeed: Patricia Ashwood

.

You can donate to St John Ambulance by scanning the QR code below.

Got a Selhurst story to tell?

Let us know by emailing selhurst100@cpfc.co.uk!

1990 from the 4 100 years of selhurst park

Archive

Palace’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool has gone down in the annuls of history as one of the club’s greatest games. Below, we look back at a special day from the point of view of fans on the terraces, journalists and the players themselves…

A

t Selhurst Park, Jeff Perkins was waiting for his supporters coach to take him to Villa Park for the game. The minutes passed, and no sign of any transport. “A guy said: ‘Don’t worry lads, I know where there’s a coach, it’s somewhere down in Epsom,’” Perkins remembers. “We thought this was ridiculous.

“This guy gets into a Range Rover, and as soon as he leaves all we’re thinking is that he’s straight up the M1, he’s going to the game. But true to his word, he did – he’d been down to Epsom and came back with a coach!

“But then it becomes apparent that this coach isn’t going very fast… the coach will only go into third gear.

It’s now an episode of Only Fools and Horses!! We were running so late that we turned on the radio. By the time we got to the ground, we had already heard that Liverpool had scored.”

Ian Rush had put Liverpool ahead early on, and it seemed everything was going to script. But Palace knew they were never out of the game. “[Steve Coppell] believed if we were still in the game after 45 minutes, we still had a chance,” says Geoff

66

3 palace √ liverpool 8th April 1990 / Villa Park

100 years of selhurst park

Thomas, who captained the Palace side that day. “Some of their players were getting a little long in the tooth.

Lets go out and attack them.

“That’s where we found ourselves – although I don’t think anybody envisaged John Pemberton doing what he did straight from the whistle! That really kicked things off.”

Sure enough, Pemberton took the game into his own hands. Picking up the ball in his own half, he raced past a bemused Coppell and Alan Smith on the touchline and took on the Liverpool defence, crossing for Mark Bright to eventually bundle home.

Palace went ahead shortly after through Gary O’Reilly, and it seemed as if the dream was on. “It just felt an inevitability that it was going to be our time,” says supporter Carl Davies.

“But then football does what football does, and it rips your heart apart.”

A dizzying three-minute spell saw Liverpool score twice to turn the game on its head, and leave the Eagles reeling. Chants of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rang around the ground.

“You could sense it from the Liverpool supporters,” remembers former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie. “Getting the lead at that late stage, it was very unlike Liverpool to not see the game through, at 83 minutes being 3-2 up in a semi-final.

“It was very unlike Liverpool not to manage the game and get the result. But sometimes in the FA Cup, what’s for you won’t go by you. Palace certainly, it was their day and their time to shine.”

Sure enough, Andy Gray rose highest to head home a late equaliser, and extra-time beckoned. Against the

best side in England, this was when Steve Coppell’s secret weapon came into play.

“He kept the foot on the pedal with our fitness,” remembers Thomas.

“A lot of teams were winding down for the summer, but we were just going full pelt and I think that helped.

“Farthing Downs is like a steep grass ski slope, and he just used to have us running up and down there.

There are plenty of stories of players ending up in the bushes to be violently sick, because it was so tough, so hard.

Andy Gray ended up in the bushes a few times. But it stood us in good stead for the game.”

It was very unlike Liverpool not to manage the game and get the result.

But sometimes in the FA Cup, what’s for you won’t go by you. Palace certainly, it was their day and their time to shine gary gillespie

Sure enough, the dream came true: Alan Pardew netted the winner in extra time. Beaming behind his camera was Palace fan and Guardian photographer Tom Jenkins.

“I picked up my bag and cameras and just ran on the pitch,”

67

he remembers as the final whistle blew. “I think I was a bit delirious to be honest with you. I was just like a headless chicken.

“Part of me is thinking: ‘Oh my god, Palace have just beaten Liverpool and are in the FA Cup final.

Part of me was thinking: ‘I have to take some pictures here and try and be professional’.

“Wherever the Palace players went I just ran with them, partly in joy and partly just to take some pictures.

It was crazy.”

Jenkins’ career went from strength to strength after that game, but it’s a match he still holds on a par with anything else he has witnessed.

“I’ve been to every World Cup since 1994, five Olympic Games – I’ve been incredibly lucky,” he admits.

“I just look back and think what a privilege it was to be there.

“I’ve done some amazing games…but that game at Villa Park is right up there at the top.

“Probably because I have an emotional investment in it, but also it was just the most incredible game of football.”

.

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We award grants and work with partners to deliver outstanding grassroots football facilities across England.

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68

round-up

69

round-up

eagle arcade

9 letters BLANCHARD, CAVALIERI, COLLYMORE 8 letters HOUGHTON, STAUNTON

Another matchday is upon us at Selhurst Park, so it’s time to get your heads in the game – can you tackle all our tough teasers below?

wordfit Can you fit all 14 Crystal Palace players to play for both Palace and Liverpool into the grid below?

7 letters BENTEKE, KENNEDY, RUDDOCK, STEWART, STENGEL 5 letters CLYNE, MOSES, SAKHO

career ladder Guess the ex-Palace player based on their former clubs!

c l y n e

SPOT THE BALL Prove that you are eagle-eyed – which ball is the real one?

70

round-up

quiz-talpalace 1

Which current Crystal Palace player has played for Liverpool?

today’s mascots dexter Barnes prediction:

2

What is Liverpool’s stadium called?

3

Who was Liverpool’s previous manager?

age: 10

1-1 george Pacey prediction:

4

age: 11

3-1

Liverpool signed one player this summer – who was it?

liam Costidell

5

When did Liverpool last win the Premier League?

prediction: age: 10

6

Who are the club’s cross-city rivals?

7

Which former Liverpool player has their most England caps?

8

Who scored the winner for Palace at Anfield last season?

9

What was the score in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final between the two?

2-1 beau Perks prediction:

2-1 henry de Goede prediction:

age: 11

2-1 Ralph prediction:

Where did Palace play Liverpool on tour in 2022? age: 7

2-1 Zahra Shazad prediction:

Quiz: 1) Nathaniel Clyne 2) Anfield 3) Jürgen Klopp 4) Federico Chiesa 5) 2020 6) Everton 7) Steven Gerrard (114, fourth-highest total) 8) Ebere Eze 9) Palace 4-3 Liverpool 10) Singapore

age: 12

prediction: age: 10

71

1-2 oscar Berryman

Spot the Ball: A Career Ladder: Christian Benteke

10

age: 7

1-3

round-up

what’son?

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

palace √ liverpool

palace u21S √ sporting

forest √ palace

sat 05 oct | 12:30

fri 18 oct | 19:00

mon 21 oct | 20:00

premier league

premier league international cup

PREMIER LEAGUe

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE match broadcast

LIVE audio commentary

palace u18S √ leicester

palace √ spurs

villa √ palace

sat 26 oct | 11:00

sun 27 oct | 14:00

wed 30 oct | 19:45

u18S premier league

premier league

carabao cup

LIVE match broadcast

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

To follow Palace’s Premier League clashes, the hunt for Academy silverware and our first season in the Women’s Super League, subscribe to Palace TV+ by scanning here:

72

round-up

World Mental Health Day.

Palace beat Barrow 9-0 in record league victory.

James McArthur turns 37.

thursday, 1o october

10 october, 1959

07 october

G’mar Chatima Tova.

Bobby Tambling scores the winner against Manchester United.

Jonny Williams turns 31.

saturday, 12 october

10 october, 1970

09 october

BST ends, GMT begins. The clocks go back one hour.

Ian Wright scores first Palace league goal against Oldham.

Dean Kiely turns 54.

sunday, 27 october

12 october, 1985

10 october

73

round-up

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

Start of Teenage Life on October 3rd Happy Birthday. Lots of love, Mum, Dad and the Palace Caterham Pumas Clan.

Happy 3rd Birthday to our beautiful Millie, we all love you millions, love Mummy, Daddy and Harry xxxx

One year old Ollie - a big Eagles fan who can’t wait to come along to Selhurst Park as a season ticket holder.

Mum, Dad & big brother Callum are all; loud, proud & Palace!!!

Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Bond! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Love from everyone in the Paeds department at East Surrey Hospital xxx

Happy 17th Birthday today to our son James, lots of love Mum, Dad and Liv xxx Come on Palace!

74

Happy belated 13th Birthday wishes to Harry. Boom Boom Boom Booom.

Happy 50th birthday Mr Dave Halliday.

Regards, Stav

round-up

Happy 21st birthday to Harry for the 4th October and also Happy 50th birthday to his dad Matthew for the 24th October!!

Both are palace mad!! Eagles!!!

Happy 13th birthday to Archie, now officially a teenager!! Have a brilliant birthday, love from Mum, Dad, Louie, Alice, Charlie dog, Sassy, Nan Nan and both grandads.

Memories today of loving husband, dad and grandad John Pollard, 4th October 1945 - 9th April 2024. Lifelong Crystal Palace FC supporter. Go Glaziers! Come on Palace! Eeeeeeeaaaagles!!

Happy Birthday to Vince Cristiano, lifelong Palace fan – have a great day. Lots of love Jules, Mia, Amelia & Marcus xx Darcy, Dexter, Dax and Dolly, love you all more than words can say I will always be here for you all. Keep smiling and see you again soon, love uncle Rob.

R.I.P Shane Sturgis, 17/09/1954 – 17/04/2024. Loved and missed everyday.

Much love, Lee, Marie, Charlotte, Michael, Debbie, Robyn, Jordan, Courtney, Elise, Spencer, Summer, Archie, Bobbie, Bonnie, Ruby, Maisie and Jimmy xxx

Happy 70th birthday Stuart Clark, who has been going to Selhurst Park since he was a young lad when his dad took him. He took his girls when they were younger and one day soon hopefully his grandchildren!

Barry Shearman died age 71 years old. Barry passed away in tragic circumstances on the 27th March. He was a very loyal Palace fan for more than 55 years following Palace home and away. He will be greatly missed by his family and all his friends.

75

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

round-up

24/25 fixtures & results

ALL-TIME

may

april

mar

february

january

december

november

october

september

august

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

Date

Opposition

attendance/KICK-OFF

Sun 18

Brentford

16,988

L

1-2

Sat 24

West Ham United

25,099

L

0-2

17th

Tue 27

Norwich City

12,503

W

4-0

Second round

Sun 1

Chelsea

39,298

D

1-1

16th

Sat 14

Leicester City

25,124

D

2-2

16th

Tue 17

Queens Park Rangers

13,945

W

2-1

Third round

Sat 21

Manchester United

25,172

D

0-0

16th

Sat 28

Everton

38,954

L

1-2

18th

Sat 5

Liverpool

12:30

Mon 21

Nottingham Forest

20:00

Sun 27

Tottenham Hotspur

14:00

Wed 30

Aston Villa

19:45

Sat 2

Wolverhampton Wanderers

17:30

Sat 9

Fulham

15:00

Sat 23

Aston Villa

15:00

Sat 30

Newcastle United

15:00

Tue 3

Ipswich Town

19:45

Sat 7

Manchester City

15:00

Sat 14

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Sat 21

Arsenal

15:00

Thu 26

Bournemouth

15:00

Sun 29

Southampton

15:00

Sat 4

Chelsea

15:00

Tue 14

Leicester City

19:45

Sat 18

West Ham United

15:00

Sat 25

Brentford

15:00

Sat 1

Manchester United

15:00

Sat 15

Everton

15:00

Sat 22

Fulham

15:00

Tue 25

Aston Villa

20:00

Sat 8

Ipswich Town

15:00

Sat 15

Newcastle United

15:00

Wed 2

Southampton

19:45

Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Sat 12

Manchester City

15:00

Sat 19

Bournemouth

15:00

Sat 26

Arsenal

15:00

Sat 3

Nottingham Forest

15:00

Sat 10

Tottenham Hotspur

15:00

Sun 18

Wolverhampton Wanderers

15:00

Sun 25

Liverpool

16:00

palace Career Appearances palace Career goals

76

Result

Position 13th

Joel Ward Tyrick Mitchell Rob Holding Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Eberechi Eze Matheus França Daniel Muñoz Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes Adam Wharton

Matt Turner Remi Matthews Chadi Riad

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 26 27 28 29 30 31 34 42 46 55 64

28 362 152

1

4

119

8

37

4

132 12

24 114 237 222 8

90 23 103 46

0

51

31

0

0

0

6

1

1

1

28

0

2

0

0

0

6

3

0

32

19

1

1

77

0

21

1

Asher Agbinone

Justin Devenny

Franco Umeh

Kaden Rodney

Naouirou Ahamada

Cheick Doucouré

Trevoh Chalobah

Chris Richards

Odsonne Edouard

Dean Henderson

round-up

0

1

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

round-up

table

week5

pos Club P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

sat 05 oct 12:30

1

6

5

0

1

12

2

10

15

selhurst park

2

6

4

2

0

14

6

8

14

3

6

4

2

0

12

5

7

14

sat 05 oct 15:00

4

6

4

1

1

15

7

8

13

5

6

4

1

1

12

9

3

13

6

6

3

2

1

8

5

3

11

7

6

3

2

1

8

7

1

11

8

6

3

1

2

12

5

7

10

9

6

2

3

1

10

8

2

9

10

6

2

3

1

6

5

1

9

11

6

2

2

2

8

9

-1

8

12

6

2

1

3

8

10

-2

7

13

6

2

1

3

5

8

-3

7

14

6

1

2

3

6

10

-4

5

15

6

0

4

2

5

10

-5

4

sun 06 oct 14:00

16

6

1

1

4

7

15

-8

4

villa park

17

6

0

3

3

8

12

-4

3

sun 06 oct 14:00

18

6

0

3

3

5

9

-4

3

stamford bridge

19

6

0

1

5

3

12

-9

1

sun 06 oct 16:30

20

6

0

1

5

6

16

-10

1

american express stadium

emirates stadium

sat 05 oct 15:00 gtech community stadium

sat 05 oct 15:00 king power stadium

sat 05 oct 15:00 etihad stadium

sat 05 oct 15:00 london stadium

sat 05 oct 17:30 goodison park

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Tuesday, 1st October.

nextthree

home away

mon 21 oct 20:00

sun 27 oct 14:00

wed 30 oct 19:45

the city ground

selhurst park

villa park

78

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 26 27 28 30 31 34 42 46 55 64

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Joel WARD Tyrick MITCHELL Rob HOLDING Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Ebere EZE Matheus FRANÇA Daniel MUÑOZ Jean-Philippe MATETA Jeffrey SCHLUPP Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Chris RICHARDS Trevoh CHALOBAH Cheick DOUCOURÉ Matt TURNER (GK) Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Kaden RODNEY Franco UMEH Justin DEVENNY Asher AGBINONE

liverpool f.c.

S. Hooper A. Holmes S. Long L. Doughty D. Coote N. Aspinall

1

ALISSON (GK)

2

Joe GOMEZ

3

Wataru ENDO

4

Virgil VAN DIJK

5

Ibrahima KONATÉ

7

Luis DÍAZ

8

Dominik SZOBOSZLAI

9

Darwin NÚÑEZ

10

Alexis MAC ALLISTER

11

Mohamed SALAH

14

Federico CHIESA

17

Curtis JONES

18

Cody GAKPO

19

Harvey ELLIOTT

20

Diogo JOTA

21

Konstantinos TSIMIKAS

26

Andrew ROBERTSON

38

Ryan GRAVENBERCH

56

Vitezslav JAROS (GK)

62

Caoimhín KELLEHER (GK)

66

Trent ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

78

Jarell QUANSAH

80

Tyler MORTON

84

Conor BRADLEY

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