CPFC v Colchester United

Crystal Palace v Colchester United Tuesday 27th August 2019 // 7:45pm // £2.50

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INSIDE THE PROGRAMME CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2019 | 7:45PM K.O.

Directors Steve Parish, Chairman David Blitzer, Joshua Harris Chief Executive Phil Alexander Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director Dougie Freedman Club Secretary

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Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning

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Scott Guyett Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott Commercial Director Barry Webber Operations Director Sharon Lacey Head of Consumer Sales Mike Pink Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production James Woodroof Head of CRM & Campaigns Tom McGuiness Head of Safeguarding Marcus Puddephatt

45 Programme Editor Dan Blazer Graphic Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas Contributors Ian King, Dominic Fifield, Chris Waters, Grace Cullen, Ben Mountain Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Reuters, Pinnacle, Rex Features Printer Bishops Printers

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

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The Manager

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The Captain

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Connor Wickham

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Junior Eagles

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Fantasy Five

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Colchester United

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Dom Fifield

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Palace XI In Time

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Seasonal Statistics

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ROY HODGSON

Last season saw us reach the Fourth Round of this competition, giving minutes along the way to players from our Development side. That we were and are able to do this is a great credit to our Academy staff at every level. Ryan Inniss started in the away win at Swansea City, with Sam Woods, Giovanni McGregor and Dion Henry all making the matchday squad.

Sam went on to make his first-team debut two rounds later, showing the opportunity to progress younger prospects in this competition.

Although not all players made it onto the pitch at the Liberty Stadium or elsewhere, being involved with the first-team squad would have been a great feather in their caps.

Furthermore, looking at what they are working towards in training every day only heightens their desire to succeed at this club.

However, we have many talented players in Crystal Palace’s

first-team who do not always feature in our starting XI, so I am looking forward to a no doubt challenging game for a strong lineup being played in an appropriate, competitive manner.

Due to print deadlines, I’ve penned my notes before Manchester United. However, games like tonight’s highlight the need for a strong squad, coming just three days after our away trip to Old Trafford and recent return from Sheffield United. These midweek occasions offer chances to players who may not have had the minutes they would have desired so far.

Of course, our first priority this season is to secure our status for an eighth consecutive campaign in the top flight of English football.

But that is not to say I, my coaching staff or squad will not be fully intent on seeking to deliver our supporters a prosperous cup run.

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As every football follower knows, cup ties can spring all sorts of surprises and we must remain focussed as we welcome our League Two opponents, Colchester United.

I am hopeful that we can secure a spot in the competition’s Third Round with a professional display tonight, but I am under no illusions that we are facing a comfortable 90 minutes.

I was impressed by the atmosphere at Selhurst Park for our first competitive home game of the season against Everton. That energy certainly played its part in helping us start the season strongly against gifted opposition and we ended the game looking the most likely to finish as victors. The team are eager to return to Selhurst Park and hopefully begin our cup progression in front of you all.

Enjoy the game!

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A warm welcome to Selhurst Park this evening to our loyal supporters, John McGreal and all those associated with Colchester United for our tie in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.

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LUKA MILIVOJEVIC

Firstly, I’d like to start with a message to my teammate, Luke Dreher; I was very sad to hear about the injury to Luke because I had a similar knee injury nine years ago.

It is not easy but he is a young guy, with his whole football career in front of him. I told him to understand that injuries like this are part of the game, to keep his head up and keep positive because as soon as you realise that time goes quick, then so does the recovery and you will get back out on the pitch and get your chance again.

I look forward to welcoming Luke back out onto the training pitch with us as soon as possible and continuing the impressive performances he put in with us during pre-season; he’s a great guy.

We are always up for every game, league or cup, but of course we are excited for our first cup game of the season; it’s always a

great occasion. However, it will not be easy against Colchester United. Last season’s game away at Middlesbrough showed us that we cannot relax; we have taken lessons from that match and we will make sure we are fully focussed tonight to put in a good performance and hopefully go through to the next stage.

I look back on my time in cup competitions in other countries across Serbia, Belgium and Greece.

In England it is certainly tougher; every opponent here is strong and organised and has a chance to do something special, like Watford who reached the FA Cup final last season. However, at my other clubs I was in leagues where just two or three teams would compete for the cup.

In these types of games against teams from the leagues below, it is important to try and

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score an early goal to take the pressure off. This will then hopefully force the opposition out to create spaces for our attacking players.

However, if the early goal does not come we will remain patient and stick to our game plan.

The match tonight gives us a great chance to show our strength across the squad and to highlight its qualities. We have players who of course want to play more in the Premier League, because we are a dedicated, ambitious team, and there will be a chance for them.

To us, though, every game is the same, no matter whether it is Carabao Cup or Premier League. We want to play every minute, we want to play in front of our fans and we want to win for you.

Make some noise!

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I love the English cup competitions, especially when we are drawn to play at Selhurst. It’s special.

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STEVE PARISH

Tonight promises to be a great occasion. I have absolutely no doubt that John McGreal’s team will be massively fired-up for this match - supported by thousands of visiting fans - as we have seen in cup fixtures with teams from lower divisions in recent seasons.

Roy will certainly be looking to give minutes to those players who have not featured a great deal in our opening three league matches, and perhaps include some of our five new summer signings – all of whom will be looking to impress in their new surroundings.

After the disappointment of being knocked out in the Fourth Round of this competition last season by an impressive Middlesbrough side, it would be great to have a more successful cup run this time around.

I am writing these notes on the eve of our trip to Manchester

United due to print deadlines, so I can only comment upon our first two games. I was really pleased with the team’s performance against Everton on the opening day – where we could easily have taken all three points, but sadly we couldn’t convert one of the several chances we created. I thought the atmosphere you created was brilliant, and I’m hopeful that you will become even louder as the season goes on and that you get rewards for your fantastic support.

The loss at Sheffield United was obviously hugely disappointing, especially for our travelling supporters. But it’s far too early to be making sweeping judgments about which teams are looking good, or conversely: which teams are likely to be in trouble this year.

What I absolutely will say is that players were devastated with

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the loss when I saw them after the match, and they are committed to working even harder in the coming weeks to ensure we give ourselves the best chance of picking up points as soon as possible.

Away from footballing matters, you may have seen the news that we are now one of a handful of clubs paying all of our staff the Living Wage and I am pleased that we now pay all staff – full-time, part-time and agency staff - a wage that reflects the true cost of living in London. It is absolutely the right thing to do, and I am proud that we’ve made the commitment to doing so.

Up the Palace!

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Welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of tonight’s visitors Colchester United for this Carabao Cup clash. If it’s your first time with us tonight, may I extend the warmest of welcomes to Selhurst Park.

Belief in himself never waned, and now Connor Wickham is ready to put his injury nightmare behind him. Here, the striker tells Dan Blazer how he came out the other side of a frustrating spell.

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In spite of the close proximities of teammates and staff, feelings of isolation which accompany long-term injuries can be significant hurdles in a footballer’s recovery, and so mental health and wellbeing are becoming a greater and more important focus of the footballing conversation – especially for sidelined players.

So, when Wickham reveals that remaining positive was the toughest part of his two-year battle, you

“Eventually I found myself in a position to be training from January this year, all the way through to the end of the season, which is my longest block of training since being injured.

“Once I managed to get myself into a position where I could get back outside, I learnt to take it a little bit easier and just concentrate on the day to day, focusing on those short-term goals and completing those, rather than looking at the long-term aim.”

“EVERYONE WOULD THEN GO OUT AT 11 ON TO THE TRAINING PITCHES, I’D STILL BE IN THERE WITH THE PHYSIOS AND GETTING WORK DONE BEFORE HEADING OVER TO THE GYM TO DO MY OWN STUFF. THAT WAS THE WORST BIT ABOUT IT.”

can understand why: “It was quite frustrating to be consistently in and out, then training and not training, which highlighted the importance of the mental side of things. Physically I knew I had the capability but it’s about balancing that against patience and perseverance.”

At Palace, though, Wickham is surrounded by a unified squad with teammates that believe in him, themselves and the club’s goal: “I knew I had the confidence of my teammates and the staff, so it was down to me keeping my head in the best place possible.

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

Regulary training since January, working his way up to match fitness and getting in early, Wickham was rewarded with a contract extension in May of this year; a well-earned fillip in his career. It is one he isn’t taking for granted either, knowing full well that, after such a challenging spell, the club couldn’t take a risk on a player who was potentially unable to prove his fitness: “There was a bit of negotiation about my contract towards the back end of the last calendar year, but it was a case of – and quite

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When the training ground lights switch on and the club staff arrive, Connor Wickham is never far behind.

Naturally, the 26-year-old isn’t looking for brownie points or a pat on the back. It’s just the way he’s always been: a player who takes pride in being a professional footballer and understands the required sacrifices that aren’t always clear to those outside of the game.

Even when injured - a frustrating two-and-a-half-year period during his time in SE25 Wickham’s early rises didn’t stop.

Why would they? Then more than ever he needed to remain driven and focussed.

In fact, Wickham’s unwavering drive and commitment go a long way to explaining his determined recovery on not just one, but five occasions during his time in south London.

“I am always in really early at the training ground,” he explains, “so I was still seeing the lads and part of all that. The hardest bit was that I was still going in for training, but not actually training.

“When the physio room would be full for strappings and everyone would then go out at 11 on to the training pitches, I’d still be in there with the physios and getting work done before heading over to the gym to do my own stuff. That was the worst bit about it.”

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an obvious one – it was down to whether I was fit and whether the club could commit to a player who could prove his fitness.”

The quality was never in doubt. After all, this is the same player that, aged only 18, moved to then-Premier League club Sunderland, breaking the transfer record for a player switching the Football League for England’s top tier. Making a huge impact in the

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“IF I EVER DID TRY AND GET TOO BIG FOR MY BOOTS THEN I KNEW THAT I WOULD BE SHOT BACK DOWN AND BROUGHT DOWN TO EARTH”

Championship with Ipswich Town, including a first team debut at 16, Wickham made 37 first-team starts and came off the bench 35 times, scoring 15 goals to earn his move early and with style.

Four seasons, two loan spells and over 100 appearances later, Palace sought to bring the striker south for moments exactly like the one he delivered in the 2016 FA Cup semi-final against Watford

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day, and that’s what I did; I trained every single day. I have been available for every single session – that is a massive step from where I was a year ago.

“There was the Under-23s game against Barnet, the Bristol City game, too - I’ve scored a couple of goals and that’s something I can take confidence in.”

“THAT WAS A MASSIVE BOOST OF CONFIDENCE TO KNOW THAT THE CLUB’S HIERARCHY HAVE STILL GOT YOUR BACK; THAT WAS MASSIVELY IMPORTANT TO ME. ”

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Despite not adding to his preseason goal tally in the 90 minutes, Wickham also put in a dominant performance in Palace’s 2-2 draw away to League One outfit AFC Wimbledon, with his enormous presence providing a constant threat. The former Football League Young Player of the Year’s assist for Brandon Pierrick’s first of the night was no more than the former England Under-21 international deserved for his efforts.

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at Wembley, arguably his finest moment in a Palace shirt to date.

With fitness levels now proven, the contract extension made perfect sense for both parties. And thankfully for the Eagles, the Palace fans and Wickham, the powerful frontman is back in amongst Roy Hodgson’s matchday squad and pushing for minutes.

“Obviously, it is a massive boost of confidence [the new deal]. The chairman, towards me, throughout my time when I was injured and not playing was so supportive. Steve [Parish] would text me and tell me to keep going and I’d come back for reserve games and he’d speak to me after them.

“That was a massive boost of confidence to know that the club’s hierarchy have still got your back; that was massively important to me.”

A few minutes in the final game of the 2018/19 season against AFC Bournemouth and the announcement of a new deal set Wickham up for an impressive and most importantly full pre-season.

Returning to Copers Cope on 1st July knowing he had the full backing of his teammates and chairman, coupled with his own self-belief, the Eagles’ pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign was always going to be a significant one for the striker.

He said: “When I came back for pre-season my first aim was to just make sure I am training every

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for the south Londoners, and after a frustrating spell in SE25 so far, he is back and ready to make the most of those promising years he still has ahead of him.

Finishing, the frontman added: “I have been out of the game for the best part of two-and-a-half years but I’m still only 26; I’ve still got a good few years until I hit my prime.”

Few players could stay positive as they watch their teammates play unrestrained through a treatment room window and fewer still

“TO GET GOALS I NEED TO GET ON THE PITCH, AND TO GET ON THE PITCH I NEED TO WORK HARD EVERY SINGLE DAY FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY TO BE IN CONTENTION FOR THE SATURDAY.”

“As a striker you’re of course judged on goals. But it’s everything: appearances, assists and minutes.

“To get goals I need to get on the pitch, and to get on the pitch I need to work hard every single day from Monday to Friday to be in contention for the Saturday. As long as I’m training regularly, I know in myself I’ve got the talent to step in.”

A positive and fit Connor Wickham is an exciting prospect

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could come out punching after two gruelling seasons of setbacks.

Few players could handle such debilitating stretches in the physio bay or months of isolated work and fewer still could return stronger before building on the years left in their career.

But then again, few players arrive hot on the heels of the training ground staff as the lights flicker on. Few players are Palace’s Connor Wickham

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Wickham continued: “I’m glad to be moving forward into the season, with a full pre-season behind me, which everyone always says is vitally important and it’s something I’ve not had for a long time.

“Now I’ve had the full six weeks’ training, it has built a solid foundation and I’m pleased with the performances when I’ve got on the pitch. It is now just about maintaining that standard and hopefully that will soon be from the first whistle, not towards the end.

IN STORE & ONLINE

PROUD TO BE SUPPORTERS OF CPFC

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PALACE 0 EVERTON 0 SELHURST PARK SATURDAY 10TH AUGUST

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REACT Ultralight SPRINTWEB technology for stability.

CONTROL K-Leather for premium touch.

OUTPACE RAPIDSPRINT outsole for acceleration.

22 ADAPT evoKNIT PRO upper featuring NETFIT for a customizable fit.

STRIKE 3D Havoc Frame for precision and power.

ACCELERATE Lightweight RAPIDAGILITY outsole for speed.

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Cameron Messenbird Age: 11

want to be a mascot this season?

Email liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk for more information.

quiz,games And more! plus: training with

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Freddie Skinner Age: 10

junior eagles

henderson

Mascots

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junior eagles that s the real quiz

Clinton Morrison represented the Eagles and the U’s, but for whom did he make the most appearances for?

Darren Ambrose is another former Eagle to player for Colchester United, too. Which club did the midfielder play for first?

What is the name of our League Two visitors’ home ground?

The U’s or the Eagles Crystal Palace or Colchester United JobServe Community Stadium or Layer Road

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Which Palace defender spent the 2017/18 season on loan with the Colchester United?

What nationality is our ‘keeper, Vicente Guaita?

Which current Palace player did the Eagles sign from Blackburn Rovers

Which current Palace player does the anagram spell out?

Based on the squad list at the back of the programme, how many different nationalities represent the Eagles?

Joel Ward has been a loyal servant for the Eagles.

How many years has he been with the club?

And from whom did the south Londoners sign the right-back from?

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Ryan Inniss or Nik Tavares Spanish or Russian Scott Dann or James McArthur

YMLALRKENIT

13 or 19

5 or 7

Portsmouth or AFC Bournemouth?

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Today marks our first clash with Colchester United in over 11 years, with Palace emerging victorious in the 2008 Championship game. Can you remember the missing players from that day and the score?

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?

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in training with:goalkeeper

stephen henderson Stephen Henderson was one of five new faces to join the Eagles over the summer, with the experienced ‘keeper coming in as the replacement for club legend, Julián Speroni.

We caught up with the former Republic of Ireland U21 international down at the Palace training ground and asked him for his advice to any aspiring goalkeepers out

QUIZ: 1.The Eagles 2.Crystal Palace 3.JobServe Community Stadium 4.Ryan Inniss 5.Spanish 6.Scott Dann 7.Martin Kelly 8.13 9.7 10.Portsmouth Guess Who: (LM) Moses, (ST) Scowcroft, (ST) Morrison Score: 2-1 Palace

answers

there who want to know how to line up a wall at a free-kick.

“First and foremost, get it done quick and decide who you want in the wall. And then for the positioning get your second man in from the right in line with the ball so he’s covering the side you aren’t.

“In terms of numbers in the wall, that is completely down to you.”

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guess who

palace vs colchester

BESPOKE SHIRTS 26

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FANTASY FIVE Throughout this season, we are asking the Palace squad for the five players they’d choose based on a certain criteria.

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This week, we asked Luke Dreher to choose a 5-a-side team using only central midfielders.

MICHAEL PHILLIPS "I always remember in training with the U18s and U23s he’d go in goal at the end for fun and Michael was almost as good as the ‘keepers.”

NK

DS

FL

DF

DF

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GK

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PATRICK VIEIRA “Has to be in there because he’s so physically strong; Viera would win every battle.”

ST

N’GOLO KANTE “Tireless and crucial to Leicester City and Chelsea’s title victories; he’d just be everywhere on the pitch.”

ST

DAVID SILVA “You need that flair and trickery in five-aside, and the Spaniard is as close to the definition of those traits as you can get.”

FRANK LAMPARD “He’d stick the chances away every time. To be Chelsea’s all-time top scorer as a midfielder is incredible.”

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MESSAGEBOARD MATCHDAY

1. Happy 10th Birthday to Holmesdale Upper season ticket holder Peter London.

Have a fantastic day!

Love from Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandad.

2. Thanet United FC would like to thank Palace U23s player Jacob Mensah for inviting them to the Hertha Berlin game. It was a great day.

3. Nearly 9 months in to two relationships. Palace and us and yet you beat me at FPL! Love you Beth 4. Happy 7th Birthday to Zachary, lots of Love, Mum, Dad, Albie & Arthur 5. Dear Gabriel, Dad would be so proud of you. He’s with you in spirit cheering Palace to victory! Love Phoebe.

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6. Happy birthday to my best friend and lover Russell Collins! Let’s hope for a win tonight to top off your birthday celebrations!! From Nick xxxx 7. Sid Ralfs 19/02/38 - 19/03/19.

Lifelong Crystal Palace fan.

Wonderful husband, father, grandfather, Paralympian in the 80s. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.

8. Alfie’s first game under the lights! Let’s get this win and hopefully might get a player’s shirt! Lower Holmesdale, block G, row 3 9. Good luck Palace. Enjoy the match Grandad, can’t wait for you to come and visit me in Australia. Love Oscar.

10. Molly Howard is the best.

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11. Hi to young CPFC fans Chloe and Amber with daddy and grandad who all followed the Colchester team bus today.

12. Thank you for coming out with me on a Tuesday night!

13. Happy 16th Birthday to Josh Read. Season Ticket Holder in the Upper Holmesdale. Love Mum, Dad, Tom and Family.

14. Wishing ‘Upper Tier Steve’ a very happy 80th birthday.

Can’t wait to celebrate at the bowls green after the game. Love Jim & Paul 15. Happy Birthday to season ticket holder Scott Whittaker, who turned 27 last Saturday!

Lots of love, Momo and Pea. 16. My last matchday before you arrive. Mummy and Daddy can’t wait to meet you, Daisy xx

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Send your message (max 25 words) with a picture to programme@cpfc.co.uk for a chance to be in a future edition.

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PROUD PARTNER

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JDX LIVE ON THE APP NOW

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THE U’S

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COLCHESTER UNITED THE U’S

PREVIEW 32

Palace have won 12 of the 32 games they’ve played the U’s in , drawing 10 and losing the same amount.

FROM THE DUGOUT

“WE SAY IT EVERY WEEK – YOU HAVE TO STOP CROSSES, DEFEND YOUR BOX AND DEFEND YOUR BACK POST.”

Thank you to Keith from the Colchester United Supporters Association for providing the below insight into our Carabao Cup opponent.

Historically, Colchester United have been associated with many fine cup campaigns but in recent years our exploits have been devoid of much success - this is our first appearance in the Second Round since the 2010/11 campaign.

A blend of experience and youth has epitomised the summer recruitment strategy.

Paris Cowan-Hall from Wycombe Wanderers brings a wealth of experience with over 230 league appearances and not far behind that number is Luke Gambin who signed after his contract expired at Luton Town.

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Omar Sowunmi joined us from Yeovil Town and at 6’6’’ he brings valuable height to the defence and an aerial threat at set pieces. Further additions to the forward line saw Jevani Brown join us from Cambridge United and Michael Fernandes from Farnborough. Dean Gerken was welcomed back to the U’s from Ipswich Town as our first-choice goalkeeper. Dean had played over 120 games for us in his first spell, between 2003 and 2009.

Formation-wise Colchester have a structure throughout the club built on playing the ball out from the back four. Attacking wing-backs and a target man supported from midfield with a mix of wide and central personnel; Frank Nouble and Luke Norris usually provide the goal threat upfront.

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Between 1st September 2007 and 29th March 2008 Colchester went on a 38-game streak without keeping a clean sheet.

DID YOU KNOW?

MOST GOALS

MOST GAMES

Tony Adcock

Micky Cook

149

700 Mike Walker

Martyn King

524

Bob Curry

105

517 Steve Leslie

Arthur Turner

98

Jackson Duguid Platt Lisbie

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CLASSIC

Gerken Ifil White Coyne Virgo Hammond Izzet

AWAY

2-1

LAST TIME OUT XI

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SUBS

30 Elito 24 Vernon

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503

01 18 03 05 19 22 10 04 07 09 20

HOME

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Tony English

FORM GUIDE

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OPPOSITION IN NUMBERS

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700

The record number of appearances for the U’s is held by Micky Cook, who played for the club across three decades from 1969 to 1984. He played as a right-back and was part of the team that caused one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history when beating Don Revie’s Leeds United in 1971.

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By Chris Waters @Clapham_Grand

The number of goals Aritz Aduriz has scored against Colchester United. The Spanish international played in the opening match at the U’s’ new stadium, and was the first ever player to score there in a 2-1 win for Athletic Bilbao. Now 38 years old, the forward is still playing for Bilbao and recently scored an incredible winner against Barcelona in the opening game of the new La Liga season.

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2,500,000

The number of managers who have held the hotseat at both the U’s and the Eagles: George Burley, Kit Symons and Dick Graham.

The highest fee in pounds ever received for a Colchester United player. Greg Halford had caught the eye of many clubs but it was Reading who were able to secure his signature in January 2007. However, Halford only played three times for the then-Premier League club before quickly moving on to Sunderland.

SOMEONE THEY’D LIKE TO FORGET: Sam Baldock, now of Reading, enjoys facing the U’s with seven goals and one assist in his nine appearances against the now-League Two side.

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The highest position the U’s have ever finished in their history, when they ended up 10th in the Championship in the 2006/07 season. Having been promoted in second place in League One the previous year, United impressively finished in the top half of the table, higher than all of their East Anglian rivals.

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WHAT’S ON SELHURST PARK

TICKETS ON SALE W/C 2ND SEPTEMBER

SAT 31 AUG | 3pm Selhurst Park

SAT 21 SEP | 3pm Selhurst Park

SAT 28 SEP | 3pm Selhurst Park

SUN 20 OCT | 4:30pm Selhurst Park

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - SEARCH ‘CPFC TICKETS’ FOR DETAILS

the very best ticket access search ‘cpfc memberships’ BUSINESS CLUB LUNCH WITH ASHES WINNER The first Business Club Lunch (19th September) in association with MyPeople will see former England cricketer Matthew Hoggard MBE guest-speaking.

The event offers a networking opportunity like no other whilst guests enjoy a three-course meal, before Hoggard provides insight into what it takes to successfully lead a team in a high-pressure environment. Attendees will also be given a behind the scenes tour of the Eagles’ home.

Tickets for this event - which starts at 11:30am and ends at 3pm - are just £55+VAT per person, or £500+VAT for a table of 10.

You can book by contacting events@cpfc.co.uk.

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DIGITAL PROGRAMME Digital matchday programmes are available on a match-by-match basis, priced at £1.99. Head over to cpfc.co.uk to grab a copy.

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Memberships 2019/20

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PALACE FOR LIFE

A group of Palace fans travelled from as far away as Australia and Canada to take on the 100-mile Prudential RideLondon, raising more than £16,000 in the process for the Palace for Life Foundation.

The 20-strong team completed one of the biggest English cycling events of the year, riding through the closed streets of London, followed by the beauty of the Surrey countryside and finishing back in London on The Mall.

Taking part in a bespoke red and blue Palace-inspired cycling kit, the riders were cheered along the way by choruses of ‘Eagles’, giving them extra motivation during the challenging stages of Box and Leith Hill.

Nicholas Eisner, from Canada’s capital Ottawa, but born and raised in Croydon, said: “I actually found

it really enjoyable, it was a great ride and very well organised, it was good to meet up with some other Palace fans as well.

“I’ve done charity rides in Canada for 15 years now. I decided this year I’d do this one and give back to the community I grew up in. I’m Palace for life for sure, even 50 years on. Year after year, whatever happens, it’ll always be Palace.”

Lifelong Palace fan Robert Sutherland was taking part in his fourth RideLondon: “It was hard work, but enjoyable. I think riding 100 miles is always a challenge, but it was great to wear my Palace colours! Palace has always been a passion of mine, and seeing Palace for Life and the good that they do, it’s such a unifying thing for Palace fans to get behind.

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

“I’d recommend for anyone to take part next year, but train, and work at it, because the more you train the more you’ll enjoy it!”

We would like to thank the following riders for taking part and for their incredible fundraising efforts: Nicholas Eisner, Stuart Mackenzie, Robert White, Martyn Pearce, Richard Rose, Mike Clark, Stephen Barton, Toby Wait, Chris Dixon, Nigel Bosworth, Joseph Rayment, Donald Forde, Ben Walters, Robert Sutherland, Tom Gowers, Rebecca Hurst, Charlie Parnell, Charlie Peake, Andrew Phillips and Nick Carter.

Register your interest to take part in the 2020 Prudential RideLondon by searching ‘RideLondon’ at palaceforlife.org

39

PALACE FANS RIDE TO RAISE £16,000

27.08.2019

40

GAME CHANGER CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITEDfootballfoundation.org.uk

27.08.2019

The fireworks crackled over the main stand as dusk fell on that Tuesday evening in late August three decades ago and Crystal Palace, once labelled the ‘Team of the 80s’ before that became a moniker they were desperate to shed, took to the turf as a First Division side once again.

There was something gloriously appropriate that Manchester United, such prestigious opposition even if Alex Ferguson was still labouring to establish them as contenders at the time, were the first visitors to Selhurst Park. Retreat back to 1969 and it had been the Red Devils, with the likes of George Best, Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, Pat Crerand and Bill Foulkes in their number, who had marked Palace’s first ever topflight game. Wilf McGuinness’ side had twice come from behind that day, in front of a crowd of over 48,000, to draw 2-2, offering their hosts a glimpse of the glitz and glamour of life in the higher echelons in the process.

Ferguson’s team had yet to claim a trophy under his stewardship, but they had lavished seven-figure fees on reinforcements over the summer and thumped the reigning

champions, Arsenal, 4-1 at Old Trafford three days earlier. That thrashing had fuelled the impression that this, finally, could be a new dawn. “They had all their team out and ready against us: Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Neil Webb, Brian McClair, Lee Sharpe, Steve Bruce”, recalled Ian Wright, the names tripping off the tongue even now.

Gary Pallister and Paul Ince were still a few weeks away from big money arrivals but, on paper, United still looked every bit a side capable of realising their manager’s dream: to knock Liverpool off their perch.

Palace must have been braced for an awkward night’s work.

It would have been easy for them to be overawed. Certainly, the way Robson was permitted to stroll unnoticed into space just inside Palace’s penalty area to meet McClair’s header back across goal, his first-time shot fizzing low beyond Perry Suckling, would betray an apparent gulf between the teams.

Yet Palace, so rough and ready, retained all the spirit which had propelled them from the second tier.

This group were not ready to wilt yet.

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

“We’d come up into the First Division with a unit that wasn’t as strong as many of those we were competing against,” said Gary O’Reilly. “But it was up to us to prove ourselves. We’d been written off as soon as we were promoted, but we had character. That’s why we got promotion. That’s why we would reach the FA Cup final later that season, and stay in the First Division.

We had a sense of direction.”

Stoppage time was approaching when John Pemberton launched a free-kick forward from deep inside his own half, Alex Dyer leapt above Bruce to flick on and Wright, darting on to the spot, found himself goal-side of Mal Donaghy. The first touch was cushioned on his chest, the second crunched on the volley beyond Jim Leighton and into the corner of the net from close range. It was the first goal Wright had scored in the elite.

“People had been saying: ‘You scored in the Second Division, but can you do it in the top league?’” the striker said. “So when I did it in the first home game of the season, against a club like Manchester United, I realised I was in the big league now.”

41

The 2019/20 season marks 30 years on from the first year ‘back’ in the top-flight under Steve Coppell, and the Guardian’s Dom Fifield looks back at the highs, lows and iconic moments for the Eagles during that campaign.

27.08.2019

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CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED 43

Times certainly change – a photo of the complete non-playing staff from 1977. Only three members of staff are missing – secretary Alan Leather, commercial manager Tony Shaw and assistant commercial manager Sylvia Shaw.

27.08.2019

27.08.2019

INVEST IN WHAT YOU LOVE 44 CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

45

27.08.2019

PALACEXI IN TIME

By Ian King

It’s the Carabao Cup tonight. Club historian, Ian King, looks back at the last time we played Colchester United in the competition, at a time when it was known as the Worthington Cup.

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

27.08.2019

The first leg saw the Eagles head to Layer Road for a game that would end tied, 2-2.

Two weeks later, the Essex-based side were welcomed to south London for the second leg.

STARTINGXI 1

Fraser Digby

2

Jamie Smith

3

Andrew Frampton

4

Dean Austin

5

David Woozley

6

Richard Harris

7

Stephen Thomson

8

Simon Rodger

9

Matt Svensson

10

Lee Bradbury

11

Clinton Morrison

SUBS 46

Crystal Palace 3 Colchester United 1

12

Wayne Carlisle

13

Nicky Rizzo

24th August 1999

1 5

2

7 9

6

4

10

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

3

8 11

27.08.2019

PALACEXI IN TIME

THE 90 MINUTES The second leg began evenly poised at 2-2 thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Nick Rizzo at Layer Road; a game in which Colchester had their ‘keeper Simon Brown sent off after just three minutes.

There were some familiar faces in the U’s squad as former Palace juniors Sagi Burton, Brian Launders and Jamie Moralee all played their part during the tie. Jamie Smith had scored his first ever Palace goal in the previous encounter with the visitors and he popped up with his second after 18 minutes in the second leg.

Clinton Morrison doubled the advantage in the 36th minute but Joe Keith reduced the arrears with 15 minutes left. Palace again imposed their authority and, following a freeflowing move, Nicky Rizzo wrapped up the tie just before the end.

LEAP YEAR DAY The U’s are one of only four clubs that Palace have played on Leap Year Day (February 29th), the others being Brighton & Hove Albion, Coventry City and Norwich City. This ‘phenomenon’ only occurs on a Saturday every 28

years, so the next occasion will be in 2020 when the Eagles are currently scheduled to play the Seagulls!

The game against Colchester was in 1964 with both clubs in Division Three and took place at Selhurst Park, ending in a goalless draw. It was also the season in which Palace gained promotion back to Division Two after a 39-year absence.

ONE OF MANY LINKS Clinton Morrison came through the Palace ranks making his debut in May 1998, scoring against Sheffield Wednesday and then over two spells with the Eagles (1998-2002 and 2005-08) notched 113 goals in 316 appearances.

In July 2012 Clinton signed for the U’s from Sheffield Wednesday and over the next two seasons made 71 appearances (nearly half as a substitute), scoring four goals.

Morrison then moved on to Exeter City and these days, when not carrying out his broadcasting commitments, he can be seen around Selhurst Park.

ADMINISTRATION TURMOIL With the Eagles approaching their

CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

sixth month in administration around the time of the game, players were being sold, with both David Tuttle and goalkeeper Kevin Miller departing for Barnsley.

At the same time a bankruptcy petition against former chairman Mark Goldberg was put on hold and there were rumours of an anonymous group of businessmen wanting to buy the club. Furthermore, this perilous situation wasn’t helped by the fact that Philips had withdrawn their sponsorship of the club.

LATECOMERS TO THE LEAGUE Colchester United were formed in 1937, joining the Southern League.

However, when in the summer of 1950 the Football League expanded their Division Three North and South leagues, the U’s entered along with Gillingham, Scunthorpe United and Shrewsbury Town.

In 1990 came relegation to the Football Conference for the Essexbased side but the club returned two seasons later and in the ensuing years reached the old Second Division and the Championship, before falling back to League Two in 2016.

47

By Ian King

27.08.2019

48 CRYSTAL PALACE v COLCHESTER UNITED

27.08.2019

U18s, U23s & WOMEN FIXTURES, RESULTS & TABLES

Birmingham City

Sheffield United

Wed 21

Crewe Alexandra

Sat 24

Nottingham Forest

Tue 27

Hull City

Sat 31

Burnley

Mon 2

Barnsley

Tues 3

Birmingham City

Mon 9

Leeds United

Wigan Athletic

Mon 16

Bolton Wanderers

Sat 21

Cardiff City

Mon 23

Queens Park Rangers

Sat 28

Coventry City

Mon 14

Watford

OCT

Sat 14

Ipswich Town

Mon 21

Charlton Athletic

Sat 19

Queens Park Rangers

Mon 28

Cardiff City

Sat 2

Millwall

Mon 4

Coventry City

NOV

Sat 5

Charlton Athletic

Mon 18

Bristol City

Sat 16

Bristol City

Mon 25

Millwall

Sat 23

Watford

Mon 9

Colchester United

Mon 16

Ipswich Town

Mon 6

Queens Park Rangers

Mon 13

Charlton Athletic

DEC

Sat 9

Result

Date

Opposition

Sun 18

Coventry United

Sun 25

Durham

0-1

Sun 8

Lewes

Sun 15

Aston Villa

Sun 29

Leicester City

Sun 13

Sheffield United

Sun 27

London Bees

Sun 17

London City Lionesses

Sun 24

Blackburn Rovers

Sun 1

Charlton Athletic

Sun 15

Durham

Sun 12

Coventry United

Cardiff City

Sat 11

Queens Park Rangers

Sat 1

Millwall

Mon 27

Cardiff City

Sat 8

Charlton Athletic

Mon 3

Bristol City

Sun 19

Leicester City

Sat 15

Bristol City

Mon 10

Coventry City

Sun 2

Sheffield United

Sat 22

Watford

Tue 18

Millwall

Sat 29

Ipswich Town

Mon 2

Colchester United

Sun 9

London Bees

Sat 14

Colchester United

Fri 6

Watford

Sun 23

London City Lionesses

Sat 21

Barnsley

Mon 16

Ipswich Town

Sat 28

Hull

Mon 23

Wigan Athletic

Sun 22

Blackburn Rovers

Sat 4

Bolton Wanderers

Mon 30

Nottingham Forest

Sun 29

Charlton Athletic

Sat 11

Sheffield Wednesday

Mon 6

Sheffield United

Sun 19

Lewes

Sat 18

Leeds United

Mon 20

Sheffield Wednesday

Sun 26

Aston Villa

Mon 27

JAN FEB MAR APR

FEB MAR

Crewe Alexandra

DEC

Coventry City

Sat 20

JAN

Sat 7

Sat 25

Result

1-1

Burnley

0-0

49

Opposition

Mon 12

Sat 17

SEP

0-0

Date

AUG

0-4

SEP

Result

OCT

Colchester United

NOV

Opposition

Sat 10

AUG

Date

Professional Development League

APR

APR

MAR

FEB

JAN

DEC

NOV

OCT

SEP

AUG

U18 Professional Development League

Team

P

Pts

Team

P

Pts

Team

P

Pts

1

Watford

2

6

1

Watford

2

6

1

Durham

1

3

2

Charlton Athletic

2

6

2

Coventry City

2

4

2

Lewes

1

3

3

Millwall

2

6

3

Crystal Palace

2

4

3

Millwall Lionesses

1

3

4

Crystal Palace

2

4

4

Bristol City

2

3

4

Aston Villa

1

3

5

Bristol City

2

4

5

Charlton Athletic

2

2

5

Coventry United

1

1

6

Queens Park Rangers

1

3

6

Millwall

2

1

6

Crystal Palace

1

1

7

Charlton

0

0

7

Ipswich Town

1

3

7

Ipswich Town

1

0

8

Sheffield United

1

0

8

Coventry City

2

3

8

Colchester United

1

0

9

London Bees

1

0

9

Cardiff City

2

2

9

Cardiff City

2

0

10

Blackburn Rovers

1

0

10

Colchester United

2

1

10

Queens Park Rangers

2

0

11

Leicester City

1

0

Results & standings correct as of Friday 23rd August.

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27.08.2019

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02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 31 34 44

colche

Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO (GK) Wayne HENNESSEY Jeffrey SCHLUPP Christian BENTEKE James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Connor WICKHAM James McCARTHY Victor CAMARASA Gary CAHILL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Martin KELLY Jairo RIEDEWALD

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 14 16 17 18 19 21 23 24 26 27 29 37 40 45

Dean GERKEN (GK) Ryan JACKSON Cohen BRAMALL Tom LAPSLIE Luke PROSSER Omar SOWUNMI Courtney SENIOR Harry PELL Luke NORRIS Jevani BROWN Paris COWAN-HALL Brandon COMLEY Diaz WRIGHT Cameron JAMES Thomas EASTMAN Ollie KENSDALE Ryan CLAMPIN Louis DUNNE Ben STEVENSON Luke GAMBIN Noah CHILVERS Ethan ROSS (GK) Andre HASANALLY Michael FERNANDES Frank NOUBLE

TODAY’S OFFICIALS Andy WOOLMER Mark RUSSELL Daniel LEACH Paul YATES

Squad lists correct as of Thursday 22nd August.