Crystal Palace v Fulham matchday programme

Crystal Palace v Fulham Sunday 28th February 2021 // 12pm

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Directors Steve Parish, Chairman David Blitzer Joshua Harris Chief Executive Phil Alexander

palace √ fulham

Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director

28.02.21

Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell

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Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning

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luka milivojevic

Scott Guyett

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steve parish

Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal

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darren ambrose

Academy Director

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junior eagles

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Daniel storey

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rob street

Gary Issott Director of U23 Development Mark Bright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

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Commercial Director Barry Webber Operations Director Sharon Lacey Head of Consumer Sales Mike Pink Head of Ticketing Dan Clarke Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production

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James Woodroof Head of CRM & Campaigns Tom McGuiness Editor Ben Mountain Design Billy Cooke, Luke Thomas Contributors Dan Blazer, Will Robinson, Ian King, Daniel Storey, Darren Ambrose, Tash Stephens Photography Neil Everitt, Seb Frej, Reuters, Pinnacle, Rex Features Printer Bishops Printers

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palace for life

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1990/91 season

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shaun derry

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andria georgiou

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fixtures & results

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premier league

62 contents

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official matchday programme

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I am confident that any current - or indeed future changes in form will be rectified swiftly

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elcome to Scott Parker, his staff

However I work with this squad most days

and players and good afternoon to

every week and witness their resolve regularly

each of you reading this.

and unfailingly. I can assure anyone reading

I will start at the very top of this page by

this who has perhaps doubted any passion

saying I am not yet aware of the result against

or commitment that everyone on our team –

Brighton & Hove Albion. Due to print deadlines

players, coaches and support staff alike – are

throughout the season, I have often had to

utterly dedicated to the betterment of this club.

express my views before completing the

So I am confident that any current - or

most recent game, and this match is another

indeed future - changes in form will be rectified

such instance. However, we all understand

swiftly. We have shown our capability on

its outcome is of far greater significance than

multiple occasions this season alone and must

many for this club.

remember that we are working with a reduced

It is, therefore, difficult to strike the appropriate chord currently, as I am aware of frustrations amongst some of our supporters in

squad that is missing many key figures who are central to our style of play.

Turning my attention to today’s opponent,

recent weeks. Victory or defeat when facing a

I am delighted to welcome Scott Parker to

fierce rival can of course have a lasting impact

Selhurst Park as the manager of a club I

on the collective mood.

hold fond memories of. Scott and I worked

But what I can comment on is other

together at England and it does not surprise

recent games and the integrity, determination

me that he has entered management with

and passion of the players and staff at this

success. Fulham have achieved some

football club.

commendable results of late and we must be

We will not make excuses for the performances against Leeds United and

alert to that today.

The players and coaching staff will

Burnley. We conceded early in both games and

continue to operate in the way we know works

failed to recover from that, however on each

and to give our all to this football club. We are

occasion we lost to deserving opponents. The

sure you will continue to support us as you

players were more than aware that those two

always do.

matches were not of the standards demanded and the coaches and I were not required to

Enjoy the game.

impress that upon them.

The manager

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Because of our fight, our spirit and our determination to beat Brighton for you, we had the chance to win even in the 95th-minute

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ow. I am writing this just a few hours after our win against Brighton and I do not think this

result has quite felt real yet.

We might not call this win ‘pretty’, but

the chance to win even in the 95th-minute.

If the whole team has fought from front to back to have that opportunity, what you are then hoping for is your strikers to make the most of it. Christian did that. Andros crossed

we can be very proud of it. In some ways, it

a very clever ball and he must also receive

represented what we are about and I think our

praise for this but, wow, the finish. We were

fans will agree with that. We knew we were

very proud to win this game because we

coming up against a very good team in some

know how much it means to each of our fans

strong form so Brighton’s possession and

– however the team and I were disappointed

attacking ability did not surprise us.

because we celebrated alone. Last time at their

But we did have to fight from kick-off to

stadium, we got to enjoy this feeling with all

ensure we were in the game at all times – this

of you. This time we could not do that, but we

was the plan. Against a confident opponent,

know how you will have supported us at home.

that fight is very difficult, but all of the lads

Today, the challenge is to take the energy

showed how much they are passionate and

and confidence that late win gave us and use

how we play for the badge. Seeing Gary do

it to continue collecting points against another

everything to block shots and attacks with a

tough side. Fulham have something to fight

bleeding nose shows that well.

for and have shown recently that they are just

And then, JP and Christian – I must

as challenging as any team in this league at

congratulate my teammates for these goals.

times. They will be hard to break down and

JP scored with our first real attack of the game

determined to take points from us, but we must

and showed that he is clinical and very skilled.

show the patience and drive we did against

We have scored some memorable goals

Brighton again for you today.

this season, but I think it will take something

I know we are still apart, but we are all

to rival JP’s. Although, Christian’s comes

aware of the support you continue to give us.

close! Because of our fight, our spirit and our

So, as ever, continue to…

determination to beat Brighton for you, we had

Make some noise!

The captain

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T

hank you for buying today’s matchday programme, and welcome to the players, staff and directors of Fulham

to Selhurst Park.

I am hopeful that you are in as good a mood reading this programme as I am writing these notes on Tuesday morning, following another memorable win against our biggest rivals Brighton. Where to begin?! It was a dogged victory, especially with so many key players out injured. Yes, we didn’t have

as Palace fans, we really can’t ask for more than a lastminute wonder goal away at Brighton!

I just wish you’d all been there

much of the ball but it was a proper Palace performance in every other way: strength of

His signing was a real marker for us

character, resilience and frankly balls to win

back in 2015 – indeed, it was a club record

that game.

fee that we paid to PSG for him, and I said

Congratulations to Jean-Philippe on his

at the time that his signing was on a par

magnificent goal, for what I hope is the first

with Attilio Lombardo in terms of proven

of many. It was really pleasing to hear Andros

international quality being added to the team.

speak so positively about his impact since his

Yohan made more than 100 appearances for

arrival, with his quality impressing his new

us, and he will always be a welcome visitor

teammates on the training pitch and then

at Selhurst Park.

performing on the field.

I also couldn’t be happier for Jordan who

I was at the Academy last Saturday to watch a fantastic Under-18s game against

created both goals and of course Christian

Norwich, which disappointingly Paddy’s team

- what an incredible finish from a trademark

lost 3-5. But I was pleased that thousands of

Andros cross. The defensive line and Vicente

supporters tuned-in to the live broadcast on

also deserve huge plaudits for the way they

YouTube, and I’m sure that incredible number

- time and again – threw themselves in front

will include the parents of all the players who

of every attack. The reaction from all of the

have been unable to watch their sons play this

players and staff showed just how much it

season due to COVID-19 restrictions. Subject

meant to us all; as Palace fans, we really can’t

to the opposition clubs agreeing, we hope to

ask for more than a last-minute wonder goal

continue the service for the remainder of the

away at Brighton! I just wish you’d all been in

season – which is in addition to every U23s

the away end to soak it up.

home match being on Palace TV for Members,

Yohan Cabaye announced his retirement

and available for pay-per-view.

from football late last week, and all the

Fulham are on a bit of a roll at the

memories of him in red and blue came

moment, so I hope Roy and his team can use

flooding back, none more so than that

this week’s momentum to put in an excellent

incredible strike under the lights at Selhurst

performance and secure a positive result.

when we overcame Arsenal.

Up the Palace.

The chairman

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Jaïro Riedewald’s time at Crystal Palace has revolved around adoption, with the Dutchman taking on a new position, approach and city. But it’s worked both ways, as the Palace fans warmly embrace their No.44. Shortly after extending his contract, Riedewald tells Ben Mountain how life has changed both on- and off-pitch, and offers a little insight into Riedewald, the man, player… and stylist.

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J

aïro Riedewald has exciting news. “Hopefully, maybe, at the end of this season or in

the summer I will open my social media again,” he says earnestly.

“I really have to think about if I’m going to come back.

“I see what it can do to a football player with creating an image for yourself, so I’ve been thinking about it for the last year.

Maybe I’ll give it to a company to sort out for fans who want to know stuff about me, what I’m doing in my free time, what I like, my interests.”

The next logical step in a season of success: sustained run in the team, first Premier League goal, contract extension, returning to social media. Taking the plunge would be another sign of the permanence and comfort Palace’s adept midfielder feels at the club.

After all, Riedewald’s move to England was always destined to be long-term. He arrived as a cultivated young player in the mould of a manager with a recognised style and plan for the future. Riedewald had known Frank de Boer for almost half his life when putting pen to paper for Palace aged 20, and a five-year deal highlighted the club’s vision.

When De Boer departed just six weeks after Riedewald’s arrival, that security was thrown into jeopardy. But almost four years on and with at least another three

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years locked in, Riedewald has become the mainstay figure he was signed to be.

“I think everybody knows my story,” he says looking back.

“When Frank de Boer got sacked and a new manager came in, I really had to show myself as a football player, earn the trust of the manager, show the qualities I have, the things I have to work on.

It took a lot of time – almost two years – for the manager and me to understand what’s needed [for me] to play for Crystal Palace Football Club in the Premier League.

“When the offer came for a new contract, I didn’t hesitate

Especially in these times with the pandemic, I just want to sign it and focus on developing myself and helping the club as much as I can

because I know I’ve lost so much time… I told my agent and the club straight away: ‘Especially in these times with the pandemic, I just want to sign it and focus on developing myself and helping the club as much as I can.’”

Extending his time without delay, Riedewald getting to the table was far harder than the negotiations themselves.

“I came from a very traditional style of playing football in Holland and especially Ajax - they have a lot of possession, score nice goals and keep the ball on the ground.

I knew from the start when I was going to England that it was going to be a challenge for me because the game is much quicker with more challenges. It’s harder to score goals and you can’t concede that easily.

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“I had to work on the defensive

they give me an invitation in March or whenever,

part of my game, the ‘dirty game’,

I’m going to think about it. But for now, I’m

earning your points, your goals – it

thinking about Crystal Palace.”

doesn’t matter how scrappy it is

‘Not that deep’ may only be a niche clue

sometimes. It doesn’t have to be

to a localised ear, but clearly Riedewald has

beautiful, as long as you score

embraced south London off the pitch as well

goals and don’t concede. I knew

as on it. He describes Palace and south-east

it was going to be a challenge but

London as a “second home”.

that’s what I like.

“I’m very happy with the

The embrace works both ways: not only is Riedewald fond of his adopted home, but his fans

progress because it’s made me

are fond of their adopted south Londoner, too.

stronger, made me more mature

The Dutchman may no longer be on social media

and made me understand the game

after deciding ‘this isn’t for me’ five years ago,

of English football better. I’m very

but says he still receives the praise posted in

happy the manager and everybody

ever-lengthening comment feeds.

taught me that.”

Riedewald’s on-pitch

“My friends are on social media so sometimes they send me nice comments or nice

development is clear to see

reactions about my contract or when I scored or

every week – with thousands

received Man of the Match. I’m up to date and

watching his blend of Sportpark de

aware of the fans.

Toekomst’s silky play with the grit

“I want to thank them. I know when I came

and resolve required for Premier

to the club I didn’t have the chance to show

League success.

myself really, so I want to thank them for being

We ask if his recent

patient with me and for having an eye on me…

development has moved him one

I lost a lot of time when I came here and I’m

step closer to a second reunion

energetic, hungry and just want to give my all for

with Frank de Boer and a return to

this club.”

the Dutch national team. “It’s been

It’s missing an open goal not to raise one

through my mind a few times but, for

image of Riedewald when talking social media

me, it’s not that deep,” he replies in

with the Dutchman. Much like fans do when

truly south London vernacular.

discussing the midfielder online, we drop

“I came from far: playing at centre-back, not being in the

SpongeBob socks, rose sunglasses and bright pink shorts into conversation.

squad, not being involved, playing

Riedewald laughs: “My friend put that

a lot of games with the Under-23s.

online! On holiday I went to Spain with a few of

Now, I’m playing with the midfield, I

my friends – I think it was Marbella. It’s the only

really like the position and still have

photo you can see of me online – there’s not

so much to learn… I’m focused

much out there [of me] in my own time!

on Crystal Palace at the moment

“I wouldn’t say I’m a fashion model or

so whatever happens, happens. If

anything, but I like clothes. I’m always aware

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Jaïro’s fashion guide Coolest kit: Of all kits I’ve worn or seen, the black kit this season is one of my favourites.

Maybe it’s because they had a good model!

Favourite brand: Upcoming clothing lines in Holland, Belgium, Germany or England. Louis Vuitton and Gucci? Everyone’s buying Louis Vuitton and Gucci. That’s why I like to wear smaller merchandise.

Favourite clothes: Nice tracksuits and oversized hoodies.

Best-dressed teammates: Wilf Zaha, Patrick van Aanholt, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi.

They’re the fashion icons in our team!

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of the latest trends – nice jeans, different colours, different brands that are coming up. I’m always aware of it but most of the time I’m training, especially now with the pandemic.

“When I wake up, take a shower, I just put a tracksuit on – what I like to be comfortable in driving to the Training Ground.

When we used to go out for dinner or go to central, I can wear a nice outfit, but I’m not really ‘into’ fashion – I’ve got a few nice outfits.”

Having become the integrated, central figure he was signed to be,

I’ve been here for three years now, ask me anything. If you want to know something, you want a ride home, you need to know what time to arrive for training, just ask me and I will help you through the process

Riedewald can adopt a senior role in the squad. It will come as no surprise to those who’ve met him

“Tyrick or Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nya Kirby,

that the Dutchman is often cited by

whoever it is, I just have a chat with them to ease

Academy players as the man they

them into the team. [I say:] ‘Focus on showing

rely on when joining the first-team.

yourself – this is a big chance for your career. You

In particular, Tyrick Mitchell

can’t show yourself totally if you’re still worried or

recently said: “He [Riedewald] is

nervous about things in the team.’ That’s why I like to

a person that eases me into a lot

talk to the younger players who are coming up to the

of situations where, without him

first-team – we’re all normal human beings.

or some of the other first-team

“Look at Tyrick Mitchell – a talented player

lads, I would have been a bit

coming from the Academy. I just said to him: ‘Bro,

uncomfortable.”

focus on the training session. We’re just normal

Elaborating, Riedewald

human beings. If there’s anything you need or you’re

explains: “I think everybody in

not sure about, ask me – I’ve been here for three

the squad has been a young lad

years now, ask me anything. If you want to know

coming into the first-team. I’ve

something, you want a ride home, you need to know

been there myself at an early age –

what time to arrive for training, just ask me and I will

I was 17 when I met the first-team

help you through the process.’ Everybody’s been here

of Ajax. I know how it is – when

– it’s nice to have someone telling you a few ins and

you come to the first-team you see

outs about the first-team.”

all these big names, big players in

As warm off the pitch as he is talented on it,

the dressing room, on the pitch. It

Palace’s adopted south Londoner is here to stay.

has quite an impact.

Now it’s time to share those fashion tips on Twitter.

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christian benteke

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copers cope

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NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION ENERGY official matchday programme now available countrywide

for SPORT

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Club legend Darren Ambrose has gone from the squad list on the back page to guest columnist. The Eagles icon brings you his opinions, insight and untold stories throughout the 2020/21 season.

darren ambrose

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Back on the horse We need to put recent matches behind us and really hit the ground running against Fulham. Bad runs affect players in the same way they affect fans. No one wants to lose games, no one goes out and deliberately plays poorly. The good thing about football, especially this year in the Premier League, is that games come thick and fast.

Palace haven’t been in bad form once this season – we’d taken 10 points from six before Brighton. That’s not bad. It’s the nature of defeats that can bother supporters, Roy Hodgson and the players. How you shake a lack of momentum in football is a difficult question because a lot of it is mental. You’ve just got to do what you know best in training. Like many other managers, Roy Hodgson will put on a lot of team shape drills – I always found that when you’re out of form.

It’s a cliché but confidence is a big thing and if you’re more confident than not, you’re going to get results You need to accept you’re going through team shape, team shape, team shape every day.

You have to grind it out. That’s an awful term to use in football, especially if the stadium’s full with supporters, because the last thing they want to see is grinding out a performance - but when you’re in a rut you have to. If you grind out a 0-0, your confidence can change. It’s a cliché but confidence is a big thing and if you’re more confident than not, you’re going to get results.

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When I first arrived at Crystal Palace, I was informed by even the younger guys like Sean Scannell of the impact a Brighton game should have. In my team, we had Shaun Derry, Clint Hill, Paddy McCarthy – none of them were south London-based but they knew the meaning of a rivalry game. Win, lose or draw, that result will still have an effect today.

Last year, Palace played Brighton on 29th February, my birthday, and won. Crystal Palace v Fulham is on the 28th, which is when I celebrate this year. So let’s make this a tradition: keep winning on my birthday, lads.

Tackling abuse Something needs to be done about abuse in football. We need accountability. It’s outrageous to abuse someone for the colour of their skin or send death threats to a referee. Social media companies and big media outlets need to do something about it. They’re starting to act but it remains to be seen how long that will take.

Beyond the understandable recent headlines, some of the abuse aimed even my way online is vile. You air your opinion on the radio and it gets clipped up and shared. I now have my Twitter notifications turned off because of the abuse you get for having an opinion.

I struggled at times in my playing days and had to grow up mentally. I was never on social media, which had positives and negatives. The positives are you don’t get to see most abuse, but the negatives are you don’t get to evolve with it and become stronger. If I had the choice again I’d probably go on social media, to try and toughen myself up.

I used to get abuse at Charlton and hear ‘luxury player’ or ‘he doesn’t work hard enough’. So I’d check with the stats team and I’d always be in the top three for distance run.

I’d think: ‘What do I have to do?’ In the next

25 game, I’d try and run more than I should and so I found myself reading: ‘Ambrose was this and that, running around like a headless chicken.’ I’d think: ‘I’ve changed my game to try and impress these people; it’s had a detrimental effect.’

So early on it did affect me and mentally I had to grow – I did, thankfully, and it didn’t affect me at Palace or towards the end of my career. I’ve always found Palace in particular to have a fantastic fanbase in this sense. You can have an opinion and air it, but they never overstep the mark – not with me, anyway.

That shouldn’t be the exception, however, and players shouldn’t have to deal with abuse at all. Hopefully it changes in the very near future.

Best of luck, Jon

that’s all you want – someone that has your full interests at heart.

That’s what Jon has

My former Ipswich teammate Jonathan Walters recently declared his application to become CEO of the PFA. Jon has my 100% backing. He’s a strong character.

He’s been in the game for many, many years and has a lot of experience throughout the leagues – all the way up to the Premier League and international football. What he’s saying about the abuse, the racism, are all the right things. For me as an ex-player, a PFA member still and for players in the game, that’s all you want – someone that has your full interests at heart. That’s what Jon has.

Although Jon has my 100% backing, what we need now is the right person in charge – if that’s Jonathan Walters, brilliant. If it’s someone else, hopefully they can step-up and do what needs to be done.

The world has changed and the world of football has changed – we need the right person in charge.

darren ambrose

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Quizzes, Games & MORE! Junior EAgles

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Schools In Focus Palace for Life Foundation have been supporting The Federation of St Joseph’s Junior, Infant & Nursery Schools before and during lockdown, with Coach Jermaine building resilience in pupils through mentoring and sport. His mentoring sessions take place weekly and provide the children with a safe place to discuss and explore their feelings, while learning new strategies to support their

diversity and leading high-quality PE lessons

emotional wellbeing and learning.

across the school.

During these testing times, Coach

Deputy Headteacher Vicki-Louise Gallagher

Jermaine has supported children dealing with

said: “We have a great working relationship with

some of the difficulties faced during lockdown

Coach Jermaine as we know that he always keeps

such as social isolation, loss of motivation

the children at the heart of everything he does, to

for learning and feeling anxious, as well as

provide the very best for them and he supports our

delivering school assemblies on celebrating

school motto, ‘Together We Can’.”

Guess who

Badge jumble

Can you guess the four players from today’s

Can you work out four of Roy Hodgson’s

opponents in the below face mash-up?

previous clubs from the mixed-up badges?

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29 Check out the answers at the bottom of this page!

wordsearch

spot the difference

Can you find the six hidden football-themed

Can you find the five differences in these

words below?

two Palace pictures?

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Six words to find:

Cottagers, Parker, Hodgson, Hangeland, Dikgacoi, Lookman.

Now make a sentence that includes all of the words you’ve found!

answers

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missing on Clyne's shoulder wrong colour 4 Number on Kouyaté's shorts yellow 5 PUMA logo missing on Mitrović 2 Sponsor on Mitrović shirt red 3 Kouyaté boots Milan 4 West Bromwich Albion Spot The Difference: 1 Fulham badge 4 Josh Maja Badge Jumble: 1 Blackburn Rovers 2 Liverpool 3 Inter Guess Who: 1 Aleksandar Mitrović 2 Mario Lemina 3 Tim Ream

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last time out

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fulham match preview Fulham are fighting, and that’s a concern for whoever they face. After starting the season as the league’s apparent whipping boys – collecting one point from their opening six games – Scott Parker’s men have made themselves tough to beat. The Cottagers have drawn a whopping 10 of 25 matches so far in 20/21, including a spell of five consecutive league draws either side of the New Year. This has kept Fulham off the foot of the table, but unable to break away from the bottom three.

The south-west Londoners are therefore in a unique position: there is significant daylight between them and West Bromwich Albion in 19th (eight points) but a shortening gap to close between them and safety (three points).

Their issue is not a lack of competence - losing just three of their last 13 games, to Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City, no less - but being unable to find the necessary killer spark. Palace should be wary today: Fulham will be hungry to sustain momentum for a strong league finish.

Turn to page 44 for Daniel Storey’s in-depth tactical analysis and page 47 to test your Cottagers knowledge!

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Scott Parker:

It’s fair to say belief, confidence, is there.

You don’t perform like we’ve performed if confidence isn’t there - and there’s still a lot of football to be played

recent outings

1-1

d {a) 17.02.21

2-0

w {a) 14.02.21

0-0

d {h) 06.02.21

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the cottagers premier league wins

all-timers Brede Hangeland

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Aaron Hughes

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Steed Malbranque

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Clint Dempsey

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Steed Malbranque

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Brian McBride

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Luís Boa Morte

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premier league goals

Clint Dempsey

last time out 1 33 16 5 34 21 29 19 15 17 27

Areola Robinson Adarabioyo Andersen Aina Reed Anguissa Lookman Loftus-Cheek Cavaleiro Maja

1-0 1

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opposition

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player profile

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Age

28

Height

1.95m

Joined

9th September, 2020

Debut

16th September, 2020 v Ipswich Town

PREVIOUS LOANS: Lens, Bastia, Villarreal & Real Madrid

02

Alphonse Areola POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: FRANCE

03

France goalkeeper Areola has a distinguished career and has represented two of Europe’s largest clubs: Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid. The shot stopper joined Fulham on loan last September in his fifth stint away from parent club, PSG.

Kenny Tete

Michael Hector

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NETHERLANDS

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: JAMAICA

Since arriving, he has

05

become a mainstay of the Cottagers’ backline and kept their defence the tightest of the bottom four by far.

24 apps 7 clean sheets official matchday programme

Joachim Andersen

Tim Ream

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: USA

13

37

16

23

Tosin Adarabioyo

Joe Bryan

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

33

208 24 apps 6 clean sheets

34 10 Ola Aina

Antonee Robinson

Tom Cairney

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: USA

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SCOTLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NIGERIA

player profile

Nigeria international Aina was one of several loan players

Age

24

Height

1.84m

summer 2020 transfer window.

Joined

11th September, 2020

the defender representing

Debut

1st October, 2020 v Brentford

brought in by Fulham late in the It’s not hard to see why, with England at all levels up to Under-20s and later scooping Premier League Goal of the Month for November.

He has become a regular

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

and reliable part of Fulham's

Chelsea & Torino

defensive line.

opposition

38

18

21

Mario Lemina

Harrison Reed

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: GABON

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

25

243 97 apps 38 wins

15 29

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: CAMEROON

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

player profile

Josh Onomah

Age

25

Height

1.91m

Joined

5th October, 2020

Debut

18th October, 2020 v Sheffield United

A former Eagle himself, LoftusCheek earned his senior England debut after finding sparkling form on loan in south London.

He then competed more regularly for his parent club Chelsea the following season, 2018/19, but has since begun another loan spell to earn regular minutes again.

PARENT CLUB: Chelsea

official matchday programme

19

player profile

39

Age

23

Height

1.74m

Joined

30th September, 2020

Debut

1st October, 2020 v Brentford

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Charlton Athletic, Everton & RB Leipzig

09

Ademola Lookman POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

14

Another of Fulham’s impressive loan signings, Lookman shone early in his career with Charlton Athletic – netting 12 goals from 49 appearances before turning 20.

He then competed on-andoff for Everton and RB Leipzig,

Aleksandar MitroviC

Bobby Decordova-Reid

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: SERBIA

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: JAMAICA

from whom he has joined

17

Fulham on loan.

The young forward has England caps at Under-19,

27

20 and 21 level.

58 94 apps 5 goals

Ivan Cavaleiro

Josh Maja

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: NIGERIA

opposition

40

#27

#34

Mitchell

Aina

player comparison

Age 21

position Defender

nationality eng

Age 24

position Defender

nationality NGA

apps

Clean sheets

Tackles

apps

Clean sheets

Tackles

47

25

Interceptions

Clearances

Tackle success

Cross accuracy

Duels won

Interceptions

Clearances

6

Duels won

24

Cross accuracy

3

Tackle success

16

49%

29%

68

15

32

48%

17%

75

33

66

official matchday programme

41

#09

#09

ayew

Mitrovic

player comparison

Age 29

position Striker

nationality GHA

Age 26

position Striker

nationality SRB

apps

goals

shooting acc

apps

goals

shooting acc

Tackles

Assists

Big chances created

Passes per match

Crosses

36%

Crosses

23

Passes per match

95

Big chances created

34%

Assists

26

Tackles

157

236

11

12

21

159

50

10

10

22

16

opposition

42

officialLOCK matchday programme

EXPLODE

PLAY

43

Palace have won each of their last three Premier League games against Fulham; only versus Burnley, Leicester and Stoke have they ever won four consecutive meetings in the competition

31

Fulham have never previously lost four consecutive league meetings with Palace; they last avoided top-flight defeat to the Eagles in May 2014 (1-1)

46 2

3

season so far

29

21

GOALS

228 294 SHOTS

21

28

43

32

EXPECTED GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

40

12

48

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

37

35

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

7

4

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

2

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

4

7

CLEAN SHEETS

9

13

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

goal times time

SCORED

CONCEDED

time

SCORED

CONCEDED

0-15

7

9

0-15

3

7

16-30

6

7

16-30

4

5

31-45

3

3

31-45

3

3

46-60

4

7

46-60

2

8

61-75

4

5

61-75

6

4

76-90

5

12

76-90

3

5

opposition

44

what’s the storey

You wonder whether the Cottagers might have

within such a disparate group.

As a result, Fulham have

chosen to strike earlier if

improved markedly. They have

given their chance again.

only lost three of their last

When they completed the

12 Premier League matches,

final one of those eight deals,

although drawing eight of

Fulham had lost each of

them will be viewed within

their first four games of the

the club as repeatedly missed

Columnist Daniel Storey can be

season. By the time the new

opportunities. Fulham left it later

heard on The Totally Football Show

arrivals had settled (let’s

than they should, but now have

and seen in the Irish Examiner, the

say late-November), Fulham

a realistic shot at staying up.

i paper and many more.

had four points from their

@danielstorey85

first nine league games and

Fulham’s transfer regret...

were playing catch-up.

Fulham have improved markedly. They have only lost three of their last 12 Premier League matches

Fulham struggled in their

...or the great escape?

early season. They had flaws

The flipside to that negative

exposed by elite clubs just

spin is that Fulham’s late

as any promoted side might

business has given them a

find. They also lacked the

fighting chance of staying in

Wasteful finishing

tactical cheat code (Sheffield

the Premier League. Many of

In those eight draws, Fulham

United’s overlapping central

those arrivals have become

have often had more shots

defenders is a good example)

fixtures in the team. Despite

than their opponents - West

to unnerve opponents.

several of them joining

Ham United (20 v 8), West

after the beginning of the

Bromwich Albion (12 v 5),

unreasonably, was to embark

season and requiring time to

Southampton (10 v 3) and

on a transfer market spree

acclimatise to a new club with

Sheffield United (15 v 10). Even

in the final days of the

a new culture, Parker has not

when they have been out-shot

window. On October 5th and

been afraid to build his team

(the 1-1 draw against Liverpool

6th, Scott Parker recruited

around loan players.

is a fine example), Fulham

Fulham’s answer, not

Tosin Adarabioyo, Terence

Of the six players with the

have dominated matches for

Kongolo, Joachim Andersen

most league minutes for Fulham

extended periods and probably

and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

this season, only André-Frank

merited victory.

Add in Ademola Lookman,

Zambo Anguissa joined the

Alphonse Areola, Ola Aina

club before the summer and

to work out that finishing has

and Kenny Tete, all of

he’d spent the entirety of the

therefore been an issue for

whom joined in September,

previous season on loan at

Parker’s team this season.

and Parker had more

Villarreal. Parker deserves

Fulham’s shot accuracy (43.2%

than half a new team.

credit for creating a team spirit

of all non-blocked shots have

official matchday programme

It doesn’t take an expert

45

been on target) ranks 19th in

Fulham have conceded

the Premier League with only Brighton & Hove Albion below them. Their conversion rate from shots to goals (7.01%) ranks joint-worst alongside Sheffield United.

Parker may have used the transfer market to find his answer

Perhaps that is no surprise. Promoted teams often register low shot they are unable to break down more adept defences and so resort to shooting from distance out of hope rather than expectation. Aleksandar Mitrović was the only Fulham player to score more than eight goals last season and he has only started 10 league matches in 20/21 due to issues with form and fitness.

Again, Parker may have used the transfer market to find his answer. Former Sunderland forward Josh Maja arrived from French side Bordeaux on the final day of the transfer window and scored both goals in Fulham’s 2-0 win at Everton.

Again the question rises: could they not have signed him earlier in the window?

Should Palace expect pragmatism?

Fulham kept one clean sheet in their first 12 league games of the season. That was probably to be expected: they signed Areola, Andersen, Aina and Tete and it was always likely to take time for them to settle into a defensive system. More than anywhere else on the pitch, defensive stability relies upon effective communication and established relationships between different players.

But Parker also decided to be a little more pragmatic and aimed to make Fulham more defensive. It worked.

Since losing to Manchester City on December 5th, Fulham have conceded 10 goals in 12 league matches; only leaders City have conceded fewer. That is almost unprecedented for a promoted club.

Now Parker may have to tweak his system again to find a better balance. Defensive resilience is obviously key to survival (only once in Premier League history has the worst or joint-worst defence in the league stayed up), but with Fulham needing wins rather than draws he may have to be a little more expansive. Parker’s success in doing that without leaving the defence exposed will be the key to their success in avoiding relegation.

daniel storey

Statistics correct as of February 16th, 2021.

conversion rates because

146 LIVE GAMES 46

47

Questions linking Palace and today’s opponents that will test even the biggest Eagles fan. Time to earn your ‘Palace Encyclopaedia’ nickname.

01

06 Former Fulham and Palace centre-back Chris

Former Cottager and Eagle, Johnny Byrne,

Coleman has managed today’s opponents and

is part of Palace’s 200+ appearances club.

six other teams. Can you name them?

But the striker also reached three figures for goals. Where does his 101 strikes place him in Palace’s top scorers?

02 Brede Hangeland scored 10 Premier League goals in his career. How many of those came

07 Which former Fulham player joined Palace

in the famous red and blue?

from Aston Villa and left the Eagles for Reading?

03 Tony Gale is synonymous with the Cottagers and West Ham United. But

08 Who was Fulham manager the last time

from which club did Palace secure the

Palace played them in the 2018/19 season?

defender's brief services?

09 Palace won both games in the 2018/19

04 I have played for both teams involved today as

campaign against the Cottagers 2-0. One Eagle

well as Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle

scored in both games. Who?

United. Who am I?

10 Roy Hodgson was put in charge of Fulham in

05 Which club did John Salako finish his

2007. Who did the current Palace manager

career at?

replace at Craven Cottage?

answers 9 Jeffrey Schlupp 10 Lawrie Sanchez 3 Blackburn Rovers 4 Wayne Routledge 5 Brentford 6 8th 7 Ray Houghton 8 Claudio Ranieri 1 Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry City, AEL, Wales, Sunderland and Hebei China Fortune 2 2 opposition quiz

48

49

fantasy dinner party

Floyd Mayweather Everybody sees the lifestyle but at the same time he’s 50-not-out so he must be a good athlete and a good professional. I’d invite him for dinner to see how he gets a nice balance between a flashy lifestyle, having a big mouth before the fight and still performing.

This week, Palace midfielder Jaïro Riedewald goes for a balanced

LeBron James

approach to the evening: blending

I would invite him as well for the same

sporting icons with great entertainment.

reasons as Floyd Mayweather – a big

iedewald

athlete. In America and all over the world, everybody knows LeBron James and what he’s done for basketball.

everybody knows LeBron James and what he’s done for basketball Drake You can see online or in video clips – these artists are living a different lifestyle. Drake is a big artist. It would be nice to have him over for dinner to ask a few questions. The things he’s done for the music industry and the lifestyle behind it, it’s interesting to me.

Travis Scott Another big artist – I’d like to get to know him.

Kevin Hart Just a funny guy to get things going – maybe he can crack a joke to the group so the evening and the dinner will be nice.

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51

Over the road at Copers Cope

Rob Street Copers Cope Road is home to Palace’s firstteam Training Ground and, just a few steps down on the other side of the road, you’ll find the Eagles’ Category 1 Academy complex.

over the road at copers cope

52

“T

he manager said he wants to send me back to Crystal Palace as a man,” Rob Street

says after a day training with Torquay United. “I’ve come young and he wants to send me back as a proper man.”

Aged 19, Street has been sent on loan to the high-flying Gulls, with whom he is competing at the top of the National League. After Street joined in early January, Torquay faced seven matches in 21 days – the sort of pressurised schedule endured by top-flight professionals maybe once a season.

Street joined Torquay with League at stake, and links-up with an immensely experienced manager, Gary Johnson, and seasoned teammates.

If anything can develop him ‘into a man’, this will.

“I won’t lie to you,” he says, “it’s been tough. It’s just so different to what I’m used to – a different style of play, different players, different manager. It’s the first time I’ve been away from home, so that’s also been tough. But I’ve enjoyed it. It’s a really good group that are all very hard working.”

Street makes his attitude clear: whatever hurdles he faces, overcoming them is part of the experience, and he will only grow with every challenge that comes his way. This mindset must be evident, too, with the forward already competing in six clashes at the time of writing.

“That’s been a very positive thing – I’ve come in and started playing. I don’t think I’ve done too well so far but I can definitely improve. I’m getting minutes off the manager which is good.

official matchday programme

randon ob ierrick treet

promotion back to the Football

53

“I’m just thinking about how I’m going to get chances, how I’m going to get goals.

There’s a lot more fight in this league than in the Academy, which is expected.

“The physicality is a lot more. I expected it to be physical but it’s a lot more than I thought. Every week you’re just playing beasts – there are no small defenders at all. Every defender you play against, you know you’re going to be in for a battle, which is good. For someone at my age, it’s properly going to make me grow up.

The physicality is a lot more. I expected it to be physical but it’s a lot more than I thought. Every week you’re just playing beasts – there are no small defenders at all

“That’s something I’ve got to work on – the physical side of it. The more games I play at this level, the more used to it I’ll be.”

There, again, is Street’s approach

trains. He’s unfortunately injured at the moment so I haven’t seen him for a couple of weeks, but

to his loan spell laid bare. Thankfully, the

he’s a real good player and any questions I have,

19-year-old has plenty of experienced

I’d probably ask him because he’s got the most

heads around him to ensure his mentality

experience in the club.

pays off, including a figure familiar to most Palace fans: Dean Moxey.

“[The manager] has also been good. He’s very straightforward – he tells you how it is, which I like.

“[My teammates] are all really good.

He doesn’t beat around the bush, he gets straight

We’ve got a proper mix of young and old:

to the point and I prefer that. He’s got experience,

experienced players that have played

so I was really excited to work under him.”

in the leagues over the years and new

Living in a house with six teammates and

faces like me that are hopefully starting

a physio, Street is getting the full off-pitch

their career down here. There’s a real

experience as much as he is on it. While he

good mix and we come from all over the

can’t fully explore the ‘English Riviera’ amidst the

country – you’ve got boys from London,

pandemic, he explains that he and others enjoy

boys from Newcastle, Manchester.

walking along the coast and marina.

“I’ve spoken with Dean a few times.

But it’s life in the league where Street’s mind

Not so much about Palace but he’s

is most keenly focused. He ends by taking his new

said he played with my coaches, Paddy

manager’s words to heart: “I definitely want to

[McCarthy] and Shaun [Derry]. He’s

score some goals and get as many appearances

got a lot of time for Palace and he even

as I can. The more I have under my belt, the better

played the game that got Palace in the

for when I come back to Palace.

Premier League.

“You can tell he’s experienced just by the way he plays and the way he

“I just want to keep growing, get as many games as I can, hopefully a few goals – and come back to Palace, like the manager said, as a man.”

over the road at copers cope

Super draw Three amazing prizes to be won every match Help support Palace for Life Foundation

From £5 per month Search: Palace For Life Super Draw

55

From the club’s current or past employees to unsung heroes, people looking to make a difference to those who have found fame: south London is a special place to live, work and experience.

This week, Academy players Aidan Steele and Owen Goodman discuss the day they spent with the Norwood and Brixton Foodbank.

Voices of south london

56

I

n times of adversity, we can often measure

from their adopted home, they use

ourselves by how we look after those in most

experiences like these to forge a bond

desperate need.

with their new community.

The coronavirus pandemic’s disruptive

“I grew up in Canada,” says Goodman.

effect on football is a minor symptom of the

“I spent nine years in Toronto. This is my

broader devastation caused across the country,

first experience doing community work with

but the sporting community has rallied round in

the club.” Steele adds: “I’m from Belfast.

admirable fashion.

I’ve never experienced working within the

The Palace Kitchen project, funded jointly by the club and supporter donations, has fed more

community but it’s definitely something I’m a lot more open to.”

than 30,000 people since the pandemic began,

In an area like south London that

providing meals to those who need them most.

celebrates diversity and encourages

Its success has also given aspiring players the

difference, a sense of ownership grows

chance to do their bit.

in the young players the longer they stay;

Norwood and Brixton Foodbank sits just four

a pride in what the area has to offer, and

miles from Selhurst Park, and exists as an integral

a responsibility to do their bit whenever

part of the community, operating as a hub for

they can.

several food banks across south London.

After visits from first-teamers including Joel

“We’re all from different environments and backgrounds,” Steele says. “I don’t

Ward, Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke in

think there’s a specific reason [we visited]

recent seasons, several Academy players were

but we’re all very responsible. We’re open

keen to lend their support – a result of the example

to learning about the community.

set by their seniors off the pitch as well as on it.

“It was very eye-opening,” says Aidan Steele, a

“We’re in a bit of a bubble playing football and we’re very privileged. It

promising midfielder with the Under-18s, of his visit.

made me realise how lucky we are and

“Personally, I hadn’t been involved in anything

made me want to go back and help the

to do with the Palace Kitchen so far. I was very

food bank… I will encourage the rest of

open to going because I’d never experienced it.

the team to get involved.”

After we were given a tour, we were given the

It’s easy to forget that most young

opportunity to each pack a shopping bag full of

players have sacrificed a huge amount

groceries for a family that would later be delivered

to get where they are already and still

out to them.”

have a long road ahead of them. But

“Going was a massive eye-opener,” says Owen Goodman, an Under-18s goalkeeper. “I wasn’t aware of how much food goes out every

even so, the perspective the food bank offered is invaluable.

Goodman agrees: “It would be great to

day. It’s 60-70 families a day, sometimes up to 100.

do something like that again – go out and

I wasn’t aware of how important these food banks

help, because we’re really privileged with

really are to so many people.”

what we’ve got. Some people aren’t, so it

Neither Goodman nor Steele were born in south London, but rather than remain distant

official matchday programme

would be nice to go out and help as much as we can.

57

“Some families aren’t as privileged with the food they get to eat. That’s what was running through my head after: how privileged I really am.”

From trophy-winning captains to goalscoring geniuses, footballers have had idols and role models for generations. What lockdown has brought to the fore is the advent of the footballer as a social campaigner, someone to idolise for their influence off the pitch just as much as on it.

“I think what [Marcus] Rashford has done since the start of the first lockdown is incredible,” says Steele. “He really is a true hero because he’s inspired a lot more footballers to get involved in charity work, trying to organise different schemes

some families aren’t as privileged with the food they get to eat. That’s what was running through my head after: how privileged I really am to raise money for people less privileged than themselves. There’s been a lot of work that’s been inspired by him to raise money, which is really impressive.

“COVID has definitely given us an opportunity to talk as a team about different ways we can work together and help people less privileged than we are.”

Goodman and Steele have a long road ahead in their development as footballers, but their bond with the community will keep growing stronger the more they invest in causes such as these.

With the cloud of coronavirus hanging over us all, that is surely a silver lining.

voices of south london

58

palace for life Palace for Life Foundation’s National Citizen Service (NCS) graduates have spent their free time in January writing letters to elderly members of the community in an effort to limit loneliness in England’s third national lockdown.

A pen pal scheme saw young people connect with a local Barchester care home, which Palace for Life partnered with during the 2020 NCS programme, when participants volunteered to renovate communal gardens to create a welcoming and happier outdoor space for the residents to enjoy.

With the pandemic having a profound impact on so many people’s lives, reducing in-person contact and socialisation, the NCS graduates decided to reach out to those most isolated during this time. Unable to support residents in person, young people have overcome this barrier and

official matchday programme

A pen pal scheme saw young people connect with a local Barchester care home, which Palace for Life partnered with during the 2020 NCS programme

59

the pen pal scheme is to connect younger and older generations, creating links, exploring similarities and sharing advice exchanged emails instead. Each young person wrote a letter sharing their interests, future goals and coping strategies to get through lockdown.

While many participants spoke about their hobbies and interests, one spoke about how the NCS programme had inspired them to do more for their community, saying: “My connection to NCS and Palace for Life has been amazing to take me out of my comfort zone and meet people I never would have met otherwise. It has opened my eyes to many issues in our community and given me a passion to want to make a difference myself.”

The aim of the pen pal scheme is to connect younger and older generations, creating links, exploring similarities and sharing advice.

Hopefully this will help elderly members feel in

marathon march 2021

touch with the community outside the care home, and give a shared sense of emotion as we move forward this year.

One NCS graduate, Ella, has over 40 pen pals.

She said: “I love to pen pal because I love talking to people with different experiences and love learning about other cultures and their traditions.

It’s also an easy way to make new friends!”

The Palace for Life Marathon March returns for 2021 with a south London route followed by a Palace party at Selhurst Park. Join the 5th Anniversary

We hope these letters will bring joy to

Marathon March by visiting

residents, helping to spread a positive mindset.

palaceforlife.org and searching

We are extremely proud of our young people who

‘Marathon March 2021’.

put vulnerable groups at the focal point of their projects, and want to continue to support the community going forward in the toughest of times.

palace for life

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

61

game that changed my career 1-1

A footballer’s debut is, understandably, usually the game that means the most to them; hard work rewarded and a dream achieved.

However, that footballing bow doesn’t necessarily represent the 90 minutes that had the biggest impact on a player’s career.

Metz √ HJK Helsinki 26th August, 1998 Champions League qualification

Throughout this season, we will be talking to past and present Eagles to find out which match has had the biggest bearing on their life.

This week, Shefki Kuqi recalls the day he made history with HJK Helsinki as an in-form 21-year-old whose footballing perception changed in the Champions League.

HJK Helsinki was the first ever club to qualify, that had never happened before or after in Finland

We qualified for the Champions League group stage. I think that was so important,

hefki

because after that, the Champions League games basically changed my view of football. The Champions League was something special.

HJK Helsinki was the first ever club to qualify, that had never happened before or after in Finland. Playing the Champions League was like a dream. You think: ‘Wow, this is what I worked for. This is what I want to be. This is what I want to do. I want to have these kind of games more often.’

I used to feel a bit nervous before big games, but after that first Champions League game, I kind of got a different feeling and I just wanted to play.

Those nerves kind of went away.

game that changed my career

62 @pnm1979

official matchday programme

63

2007/08 The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss reviews those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and does a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts.

This week, Cheikhou Kouyaté models the home kit from 2007/08.

kit or miss

64

2007 T he only spell to have ‘missed’ in

What went wrong:

consecutive seasons, 2006-2008

2006/07 warned us: the diamond was taking

was not Palace’s smartest time.

over. In 2007/08, the diagonal cut-offs of

In their defence, few English football

05/06 and 06/07 dominated the shirt – with

clubs can reflect on 07/08 with any pride

a third of the strip left as an empty red

(look it up, it was a truly tepid time). But

expanse. This left the entire kit – with red

where most teams filed an inoffensive,

shorts, socks and shoulders – bordering on

monochrome effort with their heads

the Charlton Athletic.

below the dismal parapet, Palace went out on a limb.

Sadly, that limb quivered and snapped under the weight of an incomplete red and blue diamond.

This season, again, saw Palace try to achieve something unique and eye-catching, with the varied stripes and diamond cut-off their latest take on a ‘modern’ style. But, as with the grey swoop of 06/07, this didn’t quite work.

How to save it: There may be something in the stripes. The mix of thick and thin might work better with today’s technology. Other than that, the diamond has to be stretched down or faded out and the arms need more blue. At best, those changes would add this kit to the era’s forgettable ranks, but would at least stop it from standing out.

The rest of the world gave up on fashion and allowed boot-cut jeans and flame-covered t-shirts to enter the mainstream while Palace continued to strive for something better.

Again, in their defence, the experiment paid dividends the following season, with 2008/09 ushering in a smart sash and 09/10 preceding a decade of at least one stellar strip a year.

Reminds us of: Clinton Morrison.

Story of the season In 2007/08, Palace played better than they looked, with Neil Warnock’s arrival in October 2007 sparking

2008

an impressive promotion push.

Under Peter Taylor, Palace opened the season with 10 points from their first 10 games – a not entirely bad sum, but certainly not enough. This underperformance as the Eagles chased a top-flight return saw Warnock arrive to turn the tide.

After a rocky start, the seasoned manager enjoyed success and Palace went unbeaten for 15 matches between November and January. That newfound

Crystal Palace √ Watford 29th October, 2007

form hauled them up the table before collecting just two points from six games in early 2008 put promotion into question.

Palace again wrestled with their performances to lose just one of their final 12 clashes before a triumphant 5-0 win over Burnley on the final day of the season secured their

The lowest point: Palace were never truly thumped, but losing 2-0 at home to Watford just weeks after Warnock’s arrival was pretty bleak.

No new manager bounce and 11 points from 13 games left the Eagles flailing.

play-off place. Ultimately, however, five more Championship seasons loomed with Bristol City beating the Eagles on the road to Wembley.

Where are they now?

Neil Warnock stayed on at Palace until February 2010, shortly after the club entered administration. The Eagles finished 15th in 2008/09 and, of course, famously avoided collapse in 09/10.

Warnock returned to Palace in 2014 for a brief spell in the Premier League and currently manages Middlesbrough.

kit or miss

65

66

We’ve made the beer better.

Worth a try? Probably.

Carlsberg Danish Pilsner.

Rebrewed for a crisper taste.

67

Club Historian, Ian King, looks back at the 1990/91 campaign that saw a Wembley return and confirmed Palace, for one season at least, as the third-best club in the country.

1990/91 season

68

suspension and Phil Barber continued in place of Eddie McGoldrick, while Palace fans gave a warm welcome to Kenny Sansom in the Rangers team. A somewhat dreary goalless encounter ensued with the only glimmer of hope being the introduction of new signing, forward Stan Collymore, six minutes from the end. In that cameo Collymore executed a deft overhead kick, forced a corner and narrowly missed a lastgasp winner. One wonders what the outcome would have been with an

O

earlier introduction.

n the bitterly cold evening of Wednesday, February 6th, a number of Palace fans made

their way to Wembley to cheer on Ian Wright as he made his full England debut against Cameroon. Although Gary Lineker netted the Three Lions’ two goals, Wright had opportunities to score and was pleased with his display. The previous evening, Geoff

Palace’s England internationals before Ian Wright: •

Horace Colclough - 1914

•

Jack Alderson - 1923

•

Johnny Byrne - 1961

•

Peter Taylor - 1976

•

Kenny Sansom - 1979

Thomas featured for England B in Swansea while Eric Young added to his international caps for Wales at Wrexham.

Back to domestic matters, the winter weather took hold again, with

Forty-eight hours later at a cold

heavy snowfall postponing Palace’s

and foggy Goldstone Ground the

next home game against Tottenham

Eagles faced Brighton & Hove Albion

Hotspur, and it was only the heroic

in the Zenith Data Systems Cup

juniors, ground staff and volunteering

quarter-final. Despite Palace having

supporters clearing the pitch and

most of the ball, there were no goals

terracing that enabled a home match

for 90 minutes. Then nine minutes

with Queens Park Rangers to take

into extra time John Salako produced

place the following Saturday.

a long-range cross that Mark Bright

Andy Thorn returned to the team for this clash after a two-match

official matchday programme

headed home. Two minutes later, Ian Wright notched his 100th Palace goal

69

by latching on to a Bright through-ball and

Worse was to follow around the hour mark as

drilling home a low shot.

a two-goal salvo from Alan Smith and Kevin

Shortly afterwards, Steve Coppell handed a

Campbell killed any hope Palace had of leap-

debut to former junior Simon Osborn who took

frogging the Gunners who, at the end of the game,

Salako’s place. Skipper Geoff Thomas returned

were top of the table following Liverpool’s surprise

to the centre of defence for an injured Thorn

defeat at Luton Town. The Eagles, meanwhile, sat

and the Seagull’s best effort came back off the

six points clear of fourth-placed Leeds.

crossbar.

During the week it was announced that Glyn Hodges would extend his loan with Sheffield United, at the end of which he would sign for the same fee Palace paid Watford the previous summer.

A vital game at a blustery Highbury took place on Saturday 23rd with the Eagles just two points behind second-placed Arsenal.

Coppell opted to keep the same system that was successful at Nottingham Forest earlier that year but Palace found themselves behind within the third minute when Paul Merson’s corner held up in the wind and David O’Leary got the decisive goal-bound touch.

The Eagles contained the Gunners from then on and the possibility of an equaliser was on the cards, but four minutes from half-time a slip by Eric Young let Merson in and the frontman made it 2-0.

Wright’s Palace ton: •

1985/86: 9

•

1986/87: 9

•

1987/88: 23

•

1988/89: 33

•

1989/90: 13

•

1990/91: 13

1990/91 season

70

official matchday programme

71

S

ince I last wrote this column, the transfer window closed and six Under-23s secured loan moves. I’ve

discussed each of them below and hope to have explained the different benefits and challenges of loan football a little in doing so.

Rob Street had a fantastic start to our season – he was leading the line superbly and was being recognised around the lower leagues. His minutes at Torquay United haven’t perhaps been as fruitful as he would have liked, but it doesn’t matter. It’s the all-

he’s been in and around the Under-23s for a number of years. The aim for him now is to become a firstteam player

round experience, leaving home for the first time, moving far down the country, settling

Sam Woods has experience with

in to a different football club and hearing a

Hamilton Academical and from being on the

different coach’s voice. The manager, Gary

edge of our first-team squad. That will help

Johnson, has been there, seen it and got the

him on loan with Portsmouth. It’s a huge

t-shirt two times over. His guidance will be

football club and, again, it’s one that’s fighting

invaluable for Rob.

for the top end of the table. This move has

It’s been two years since Nya Kirby

come at the perfect time for Sam because

had his first loan with Blackpool and since

he’s been in and around the Under-23s for a

then he’s been unfortunate with injuries

number of years. The aim for him now is to

at crucial times when the window’s

become a first-team player.

been open. So he’s missed a couple of

Scott Banks had his loan to Alloa Athletic

opportunities. But his Tranmere move

curtailed by the pandemic last season, so

is perfect – he’s gone in to the Football

we’re hoping his spell lasts the full length with

League and has been challenged to get

Dunfermline. He had a really, really good start

his shirt and, not only that, to keep it and

to the Under-23s season and was one of our

contribute to a team that’s pushing up the

best performers.

top end of League Two. Ollie Webber moved to Dover Athletic

Finally, Brandon Pierrick also has experience of spending time with a

in the Conference and unfortunately the club

professional squad. A sustained spell in and

has decided to furlough its players recently.

around Kilmarnock’s first-team can only

But being given the No.1 shirt and playing

develop him further.

three games would have given him a huge

As these lads compete elsewhere for the

lift. First-team football is where all the lads

rest of this season, I’m delighted to welcome

want to play and, for a goalkeeper, if you go

Jake O’Brien and Danny Imray from Cork City

into the top end of the league, the challenges

and Chelmsford City respectively. If they work

are slightly different to the bottom. Ollie had

hard, I’m sure they can have bright futures at

a lot to do in those three games.

this club.

shaun derry

Andri

72

official matchday programme

Georgio

73

the girls here are great and every player has a big character. When new girls come in we make sure they feel welcome

H

aving signed in summer 2018, I’m now one

I have had quite a tough season personally.

of the longest-serving players in the Palace

I suffered a nose break against Blackburn - I

squad. I knew the club had big ambitions

played on and then the pain hit me once the

when I joined and I can still see that today. In the

adrenaline went. It was quite a tough few

last few windows, we’ve made some very good

months and I had to have a small surgery. But

signings. The direction we’re going is forward and

I’m grateful during this pandemic that, as a

that’s nice to see in the women’s game.

footballer, I’ve been able to continue. I’m still

Our squad has changed a lot in my time

able to train, be in the environment of the girls

here but in football generally you never know

and staff and have something different to what

where you’re going to be the following season,

otherwise seems to be the same every day.

so it doesn’t affect our bond. The girls here are

My thoughts are with the majority that have

great and every player has a big character.

had to deal with normality being taken away

When new girls come in we make sure they feel

and hopefully soon everyone will be able to do

welcome. I always want to do that – I’m that kind

the things they love again. It’s tough but I hope

of person. I don’t feel I have to do it because I’ve

people remember tough times don’t last forever.

been here a long time but you should want to,

Make sure if you need help you’re not afraid to

and everyone here does a good job of that.

speak out - we are all in this together.

Off the pitch, I’m a PE teacher at a primary

Internationally, I received a call-up to

school. At the moment I’m still going in twice a

represent Cyprus in 2019 but couldn’t overcome

week to help the younger ones. I’ve also very

complications with my family’s passports so

recently got a new job mentoring older children

wasn’t able to play. That’s still the case! The

who have struggled in school and I’m helping

pandemic has stopped me being able to travel

them online with their lessons and building a

to Cyprus to finalise the paperwork and I have

relationship with trust and a good understanding.

to visit in person to get it sorted. The day I can

Having an influence on their future and helping

finally put on a Cyprus shirt and represent my

those in need is hugely rewarding.

country will be an incredibly proud one.

Andria Georgiou

74

First-team sponsors

Roy Hodgson

Joel Ward

2020/21

Patrick van Aanholt

Luka Milivojevic

James Tomkins

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

PALACE DETECTIVES Proud supporters of CPSCC

01737 225 711 |

Sponsorship Available

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29/12/2017 09:17

Scott Dann

Cheikhou Kouyaté

Jordan Ayew

Andros Townsend

Wilfried Zaha

Mamadou Sakho

Wayne Hennessey

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Jeffrey Schlupp

James McArthur

James McCarthy

Michy Batshuayi

Gary Cahill

Eberechi Eze

Vicente Guaita

Martin Kelly

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Jaïro Riedewald

Sponsorship Available

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Sponsorship Available

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Sponsorship Available Contact liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk to discuss our player sponsorship packages.

official matchday programme

Sep

oct

nov

dec

jan

feb

mar

2-3

0-2 1-4 0-3 2-4 3-1

0-0 0-1 2-2 5-0

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Lewes

Durham

Leicester City

Sheffield United

Bristol City

Coventry United

London Bees

Liverpool

Lewes

London City Lionesses

Leicester City

Durham

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Leicester City

Liverpool

Charlton Athletic

Sheffield United

Coventry United

Sun 27

Sun 4

Wed 7

Sun 11

Sun 18

Sun 1

Thu 5

Sun 8

Thu 19

Sun 6

Sun 13

Sun 10

Thu 14

Sun 17

Sun 7

Sun 14

Sun 28

Sun 7

Thu 25

Sun 4

Sun 25

Lewes

1-1

London City Lionesses

Sat 12

0-1

2-0

0-4

6-1

2-1

4-1

2-2

Charlton Athletic

Sun 6

may Sun 2

apr

Sep oct nov JAN

dec FEB MAR APR

STATS

0-3 0-1 1-0 2-1 1-4 6-0

2-5 3-0 2-3 4-0 4-4 1-0

Norwich City Aston Villa Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City Fulham Newcastle United Fulham Norwich City Aston Villa Burnley

Fri 25 Fri 2 Mon 19 Mon 26 Sun 1 Mon 9 Mon 23 Mon 30 Fri 4 Mon 21 Mon 18 Mon 1 Fri 5 Mon 15

West Ham United Southampton

Sat 20 Sat 3

Fri 7

Middlesbrough

Sat 8

Sat 17 Sat 1

Chelsea Tue 16

Middlesbrough

Reading

Sat 13

Mon 3

West Bromwich Albion

Sat 6

West Bromwich Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotpsur

Aston Villa

Leicester City

Sat 27

Sat 24

Norwich City Sat 20

Newcastle United

Fulham

Sat 06

Mon 26

Arsenal Sat 30

Stoke City

3-5

Fulham Sat 16

Mon 12

2-0

Brighton & Hove Albion Sat 19

West Bromwich Albion

3-2

Fleetwood Town

Fri 11

Mon 29

4-1

Tottenham Hotpsur Sat 05

Sunderland

2-1

Aston Villa

Sat 28

Mon 22

1-2

West Ham United

Sat 7

Reading

1-5

Reading

Sat 31

Fri 12

2-1

Leicester City

Sat 24

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-0

Norwich City

Sat 17

Leeds United

1-0

Chelsea

Fri 2

Mon 22

3-2

Arsenal

Sat 26

2-1

1-0

2-3

2-1

Southampton

Sat 19

Result

Opposition

Date

Mon 1

0-2

1-0

3-4

3-3

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 21

Result

Opposition

Date

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

may

Sep oct Nov dec Jan feb MAR APR may

Result

Opposition

Date

75

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

September

Date

Opposition

Result

Position

Sat 12

Southampton

1-0

7th

Tue 15

Bournemouth

0-0

Sat 19

Manchester United

3-1

Sat 26

Everton

1-2

6th

Sat 3

Chelsea

0-4

12th

Sun 18

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1

14th

Sat 24

Fulham

2-1

8th

Fri 30

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2

13th

Mon 8

Leeds United

4-1

8th

Mon 23

Burnley

0-1

11th

Fri 27

Newcastle United

0-2

15th

Sun 6

West Bromwich Albion

5-1

11th

Sun 13

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1

11th

Wed 16

West Ham United

1-1

12th

Sat 19

Liverpool

0-7

13th

Sat 26

Aston Villa

0-3

13th

Mon 28

Leicester City

1-1

13th

Sat 2

Sheffield United

2-0

14th

Fri 8

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-1

R3

Thu 14

Arsenal

0-0

13th

Sun 17

Manchester City

0-4

13th

Tue 26

West Ham United

2-3

13th

Sat 30

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1-0

13th

Tue 2

Newcastle United

2-1

13th

Sat 6

Leeds United

0-2

13th

Sat 13

Burnley

0-3

14th

Mon 22

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-1

13th

Sun 28

Fulham

Wed 3

Manchester United

Sun 7

Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 13

West Bromwich Albion

Sat 3

Everton

Sat 10

Chelsea

Sat 17

Southampton

Sat 24

Leicester City

Sat 1

Manchester City

Sat 8

Sheffield United

Tue 11

Aston Villa

Sat 15

Arsenal

Sun 23

Liverpool

official matchday programme

(10-11)

R2 5th

Cheikhou Kouyaté

Card Red Card

Max Meyer

Yellow

Scott Dann

Goal(s)

James Tomkins

Unused Sub

Luka Milivojevic

Used Sub

Patrick van Aanholt

Started

Joel Ward

Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture - Palace score shown first.

Jack Butland

76

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Jordan Ayew Andros Townsend Wilfried Zaha Mamadou Sakho Wayne Hennessey Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke James McCarthy Michy Batshuayi Gary Cahill Eberechi Eze Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick Jaïro Riedewald

77

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 44

Fixtures & results

78

Club

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1

Manchester City

25

18

5

2

50

15

35

59

2

Manchester United

25

14

7

4

53

32

21

49

3

Leicester City

25

15

4

6

44

27

17

49

4

West Ham United

25

13

6

6

39

29

10

45

5

Chelsea

25

12

7

6

41

25

16

43

6

Liverpool

25

11

7

7

45

34

11

40

7

Everton

24

12

4

8

37

33

4

40

8

Aston Villa

23

11

3

9

37

26

11

36

9

Tottenham Hotspur

24

10

6

8

37

27

10

36

10

Arsenal

25

10

4

11

31

26

5

34

11

Wolverhampton Wanderers

25

9

6

10

26

32

-6

33

12

Leeds United

24

10

2

12

40

43

-3

32

13

Crystal Palace

25

9

5

11

29

43

-14 32

14

Southampton

24

8

6

10

31

40

-9

15

Burnley

25

7

7

11

18

30

-12 28

16

Brighton & Hove Albion

25

5

11

9

26

32

-6

26

17

Newcastle United

25

7

4

14

26

43

-17

25

18

Fulham

25

4

10

11

21

32

-11

22

19

West Bromwich Albion

25

2

8

15

19

55 -36 14

20

Sheffield United

25

3

2

20

15

41

Gameweek 26

30

-26

All statistics correct as of 5pm Tuesday 23rd February

Sat 27 Feb - Thu 4 Mar

SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU premier league

11

Crystal Palace and the rest of the Premier League will not tolerate racism, anywhere, and we are taking action to combat all forms of discrimination.

But we can all do more.

Challenge it, report it, change it, and together we can make a positive impact.

Visit premierleague.com/noroomforracism to find out more. #NoRoomForRacism

Challenge it.

Report it. Change it.

Crystal palace f.c.

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