Crystal Palace v Leicester City matchday programme

Crystal Palace v Leicester City Monday 28th December 2020 // 3pm

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

palace √ leicester

Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director

28.12.20

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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cardo siddik

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, Toby Jagmohan, Ian King, Daniel Storey, Darren Ambrose, Grace Cullen 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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paddy m©carthy

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lizzie waldie

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fixtures & results

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premier league

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official matchday programme

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we have the experience and unity as a group to bounce back from this and we know we can get points over the busy next few days

T

he benefit of the fixture schedule over

know how difficult they will be. They beat

Christmas in England is that you have

Tottenham Hotspur and deserve to be where

chances to put disappointing results

they are in the table.

behind you very quickly. That is what we now must do.

It is very hard to speak after a game like

Teams such as Leicester are inspiring for all clubs in this league. To come from League One, win the title and, maybe just as

the Liverpool one, though what I would say

importantly, continue to challenge for the top

is that we did not deserve to lose by such a

places, this is a very difficult thing to do.

scoreline, but this is the Premier League. You

But we prepare well every Christmas

are not allowed to make many mistakes in

and have experienced players and staff who

any game, but this time we were not allowed

know how to handle the toughest teams

to make one. They were so clinical that every

even when there is little time to build-up.

time they attacked they scored; eight shots on target, seven goals.

However, we have the experience and

On this, I would just like to say to all of our supporters that I hope you were able to have an enjoyable Christmas. The news

unity as a group to bounce back from this

of Tier 4 in London and elsewhere was

and we know we can get points over the

disappointing for so many of us and will have

busy next few days.

stopped so many plans. Having seen 2,000 of

Unfortunately, as I completed these

you back home at Selhurst just a few weeks

notes before Christmas, I cannot reflect on

ago, I have no words that you were unable to

our Aston Villa score. However, I know that,

spend Christmas with your loved ones.

whatever the result, we will have used the

Though we must remember that these

Liverpool game to fight with and that we have

are the sacrifices we must make, and these

further chances to pick up good results soon.

will have us back together sooner.

That starts today with Leicester City, a very good side. Jeffrey and Patrick have both played for Leicester before and we

In the meantime, please stay safe, have a wonderful New Year and, as always‌ Make some noise.

The captain

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Today is our last home match of the year; a year of course that has been like no other

I

sincerely hope each and every one of

especially the 1,000+ Academy Founder

you had an enjoyable Christmas Day, and

Members, to see it in person.

that you are reading today’s matchday

programme in good health.

I am penning these notes shortly after

I really have been extremely proud of the way the club has supported the community.

During the first lockdown, the Palace Kitchen

the loss to Liverpool. After a good run of

was created to help feed those who needed

results and performances starting at West

help. We opened it up again this month, and

Brom it was an even greater shock to lose

I’m delighted to learn that club chefs have

by such a margin. No one is hiding from the

created more than 20,000 meals this year.

scale of the defeat but it was a strange game

Our Foundation has helped so many

in that we got in several good positions in the

people too, more than 10,000 youngsters,

first-half, where had we been more clinical

through their multiple holiday activity

the game may have looked a lot different.

camps and various initiatives. It has been

Liverpool were also ruthlessly efficient in

a particularly challenging year for young

front of goal and showed what a world class

people, and I am sure that these camps and

team they are.

courses will have helped them through it.

The most important thing now is how

The support of the Palace fanbase has

we respond to it and I know the players

been truly phenomenal too, with £75,000

will want to do everything they can to put it

raised for the Marathon March, £10,000 for

behind us as quickly as possible.

the Palace Kitchen, not to mention the fan

Today is our last home match of the

group collective ‘We Are Palace’ which has

year; a year of course that has been like no

been coordinated by the HF, who recently

other. At times like this, it’s always important

raised £11,500 for local causes. You are a

to look at the year in the round.

credit to your club.

Roy led us to our eighth successive

I hope that you enjoy today’s game

season in the top-flight; a club record. We

against an in-form Leicester City side, and

achieved Category 1 status for our Academy,

that we sign the year off in style.

and the progress at the site is simply phenomenal. I cannot wait for supporters,

Stay safe, happy New Year, and up the Palace!

The chairman

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As one of football and the world’s toughest years comes to a close, Roy Hodgson addresses the Crystal Palace fanbase in his own words to reflect on 12 challenging months and brighter times ahead.

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D

eciding where to start one’s reflections on 2020 after such a traumatic

time is complicated. Many of us have lost loved ones, most of us have endured frustration and apprehension and each of us have seen life as we know it inverted.

But, at the top of this address, I shall start where I can speak with most confidence: on the pitch.

It is difficult to say how I felt when the league was suspended because we’ve become so accustomed to life in a pandemic where people talk not only about weeks and months but years.

I don’t think any of us had any inkling that would be the case when this started.

At first, I thought the suspension was a very temporary setback and a sensible precautionary measure. Of course, I had no idea it was going to lead to a complete shutdown of football, let alone a shutdown of our daily lives. It took three months before we even contemplated playing football again.

In the first few weeks back, our training sessions were held in very strange circumstances. We had small groups running up and down the field 20 metres apart; they had to bring their own ball, wipe it clean and avoid contact between balls, let alone one another. There was no group work and no contact.

It was a period I could never have

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envisaged and it was one nobody enjoyed.

But the players adapted well at each stage and, in my opinion, they have done so throughout the last nine months as a whole. Their patience, understanding and ability to withstand an environment which provided limited enjoyment was impressive; there was no petulance or suggestion of not putting their heart and soul into football because they weren’t enjoying it quite so much. Getting our sport back on the map required great discipline and determination and that speaks volumes about our players.

I must also commend the staff: Dr. Zafar Iqbal and his team were very diligent and careful that we didn’t break any rules and that people were kept safe.

I must also commend the staff: Dr. Zafar Iqbal and his team were very diligent and careful that we didn’t break any rules and that people were kept safe

As a result, our infection rate has been extremely low and we have avoided any training ground closure or disruption.

We returned to competitive fixtures in a strong position after a very good start to the year but lockdown was a disastrous period for us. We had to face nine games during the course of a tremendous injury crisis and that really ruined our year. When we beat Bournemouth on our return we took ourselves over 40 points.

Simply not adding enough to that left a very bitter taste in the mouth.

The period that followed Bournemouth was a strange one.

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Many of our matches were against

lockdown or call it good because, if we take that

top teams and we actually put in

spell out, it’s been a good year for us.

some reasonable performances;

But 2020 is never going to go down as the

sometimes better than we’d

most enjoyable footballing year of my life. It’s

managed when we were winning

been a year which has been completely and

before lockdown, but the result

utterly dominated by a pandemic which has

colours all judgement. You forget

brought about enormous changes to the way we

what happened in a match. You just

do things. In football terms, I will be very, very

lost. No points; another defeat.

happy to wave goodbye to 2020 if you can tell

Yet the fact is, if I look at the

me 2021 will be different. Tell me the vaccine will

players in the squad and the way

be here, people will return to normal life, shake

they performed and attempted to

hands and hug one another and spend time

do things, I can’t be critical of them.

before and after games talking about football

Quite the reverse - I’d say they

and their lives.

definitely gave their best but with no reward.

Returning to empty stadia in

I should be more than happy to say goodbye to empty stadia, changing in empty concourses and having no contact with the opposition, no

such circumstances was peculiar.

contact with fellow coaches after the game,

After so many years in the sport,

doing TV interviews with a microphone that’s

I never thought I’d see myself in

two metres long and later via Zoom, trying to find

that situation - but I suppose it’s

where people are on a screen and wondering if

one thing to add to those many

the sound’s going to work.

experiences which football has given me.

Our ability to handle returning

Other than those temporary measures, nothing has changed my interest in and love of football. In fact, it’s been the training sessions and

in such a unique manner was

daily contact with players and staff that has made

supported to some extent by the

this year as bearable as it possibly could be.

fact football was actually taking

Football is the dominant force in my life,

place again. Most of us wanted to

however, and so Christmas came with no plans

finish the season; for teams to be

outside of it. December 25th is simply another

crowned champions, for promotion

date in the diary for me; it’s not an occasion per se

and relegation and for European

because everything is based around the Boxing

places to be decided. I’m still glad

Day game.

that happened, even though it wasn’t a good time for us.

The restart in September has

I’ve had lots of spells abroad where it’s been very different and I’ve had, like a lot of people, time to build up to the festivities and plan actual

been like it was before we shut

Christmas and New Year celebrations. But that’s

down. For me to judge 2020, I’ve

never happened during my time in English football.

either got to call it poor because of that nine-game run during

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After 12 years back in the country, my wife and I are more than happy with that. Our son can

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rarely join us as he lives abroad, and we don’t have living relatives close enough with whom we could spend some real time. So for many, many years Christmas has just been my wife and I. We’re happy with that, happy with our own company, happy with the celebrations we can put on and happy of course that football can give the focus to my life that I’ve always had.

Christmas Day itself was the usual matchday-minus-one training session. These sessions

we know there are lots of people watching us and wishing us well. You’ve been cheering us on in person for such a long period

are normally shorter; typically they don’t last more than an hour as you have to be very careful with the amount of work you do

well. You’ve been cheering us on in person for such

before the match.

a long period.

Speaking for myself, going to

We know who you are, we know where you are

training on Christmas morning is an

and we know where you are is not where you want to

enjoyable experience. Sometimes

be. You don’t want to be in front of a TV screen rather

we start a little bit earlier, there’s

than at the stadium itself because there’s nothing like

no traffic on the roads and then

live performances. The reason everybody accepts

you meet the people with whom

live performances are what counts is because of the

you work so closely all year. I

emotion you can generate in a crowd of people.

suppose in many ways we regard

If anyone just wanted to listen to a singer or

ourselves as a family. It’s nice

band, they would be better off listening to a record

to see one another on what is of

where the sound quality is better than standing in

course an extremely special day.

a concert amongst tens of thousands. But that’s

We were delighted to compete

what people like to do because they like to see live

in front of our supporters again

performances, they like to be there and to say: ‘When

earlier this month. I can only thank

this happened, I was actually at the ground – one

each of you for your patience and

of the participants.’ Unfortunately when you play in

your continued support in this

empty stadiums you take that away.

challenging year. Even though we

We’ve felt for ourselves how much of a

are playing in empty stadia - and

difference your presence makes and how much

Selhurst Park is, again, closed for

better football is for us and for you when you can

now - we know there are lots of

be here. We’d like to thank you for your continued

people watching us and wishing us

support and for your understanding.

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It’s easy to support teams who are winning every week, where your only concern is: ‘We’ve lost a couple of games and might finish third.

We’re not going to win it this year.’

It’s not difficult to support a big team when they’re not winning the league because, even when they’re having a wretched season, they’re rarely

we have made it this far as a club, with each and every one of you at the heart of that

out of the top six.

What’s more, when they’re having that wretched season and someone attacks you with ‘how

because of its spirit and its attachment to a

can you support them?’ you say:

region, produces enough results to keep the

‘Because we’ve won so many

football you want to see coming every year.

Champions Leagues and so many

I think proper supporters - and Crystal

titles and, yeah, we’re having a bad

Palace supporters are, to my eye, proper football

time at the moment but look at all

followers - know that well. But it’s easy to forget

we’ve done.’

sometimes. Maintaining a sense of perspective

It’s a lot harder when you can’t point to those historic experiences

is one of the hardest things that one can do.

Now, we have a big fight on our hands to

and where you know the main

have a good season. There will be lots of games

raison d’être for your team has got

where your support can lift us, because you’ve

to be securing yet another season

done that many times already. In my time at the

in this league.

club, there’s no doubt I’ve been indebted to the

Clubs spend £150m and still get

fans who’ve produced the emotion and lifeblood

relegated in the Premier League,

to pull us through on many occasions. I really

so to show the staying power,

hope you continue to do so.

resilience, fighting spirit and

Undoubtedly, this year has been a collective

knowhow we have, we’ve needed

challenge. It has taken lives, altered families

our fans’ understanding. We need

and friendships and recast our understanding of

your support and your awareness.

normality for the foreseeable future.

We don’t so much need fanatics per

But we have made it this far as a club, with

se, we need supporters; people who

each and every one of you at the heart of that.

are understanding of our situation

I greatly look forward to everything 2021 has

and realise what we need to do. That

to bring us all at Crystal Palace and hope that

asks a lot.

together we can look towards a brighter future.

As Crystal Palace supporters, you can be proud of having a team which hasn’t broken the bank but,

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For now, stay safe, and have an enjoyable New Year.

Roy Hodgson.

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Christian benteke

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

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

darren ambrose

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Before I start properly, I’d like to offer my

Sir Bobby was 71 when he was my manager and

condolences to the loved ones of Gérard

he’d still join training and show his class. He

Houllier. The world of football has paid its

was a very fit man. When the manager joins in

respects, with Roy putting a nice statement out

and they can’t play, you think: ‘Steady on.’ But

about him. He just sounds like a fantastic bloke

I’ve seen Roy do it in training, half-volleying to

and an incredible manager. It’s a very sad loss.

Nathaniel and it was like: ‘Wow, he’s got a bit.’

The merry-go-round

Keane at Ipswich. Garvs said sometimes he

In my eyes, it was a crazy decision from West

with the manager.

One day, Owen Garvan told me about Roy

Brom to get rid of Slaven Bilić. He deserved

wouldn’t be in the team and he’d be frustrated Then Keane would join the circle in

backing, especially after getting a draw against

training. Garvs would hit the ball as hard as he

Manchester City. That said, Sam Allardyce is

could at him, bobbling it to make it a challenge.

a great coach who may well keep them in the

Keane would just bring it out the air, touch it

division. If it works, fair play. But I’m not a fan

down and couldn’t be forced into a mistake.

of any club treating any manager like that.

Even though Garvs was angry at him, he’d just think: ‘Fair play. What a player.’

I’ve said it before and I’m happy to say it again, Sir Bobby was the best manager I played for bar none. I don’t think anyone felt his sacking was the right decision

Seeing yellow. Twice.

Christian Benteke’s sending off against West Ham United was outrageous. What is he actually supposed to do? Where’s his arm supposed to be? He’s jumping up in a natural position and Soućek puts his face into Christian’s arm. It was ridiculous.

No one appealed, not one of West Ham’s players. Palace argued, but it was more through shock.

Decisions like that remind me of Sir Bobby

It was such a shame because Christian

Robson’s end at Newcastle. Sir Bobby was the

was getting into good form. We all know what

sole reason I signed for them. I wasn’t bothered

he brings and I'm sure he could have made

about where they were or their stature, it was

an impact in the match against Liverpool. The

him. I’ve said it before and I’m happy to say it

fact it was only a one-game suspension helps,

again, Sir Bobby was the best manager I played

however, because Palace are at the heart of

for bar none.

a congested period at the moment and his

I don’t think anyone felt his sacking was the right decision. Very few people were calling for

presence will make all the difference.

I’m certain the decision to send Christian

his head to go and, on a personal note, I was one

off was wrong, but that’s not always the case

of his signings.

as a player.

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I received my marching orders on my Charlton debut in 2005. We’d had a meeting the day before and Alan Curbishley said: ‘Right, I’ve spoken to the PGMOL and if you leave the ground it’s going to be a red card.’ We were playing Sunderland away and I thought nothing of a challenge on Stephen Wright. Then I got sent off.

I’d just signed from Newcastle so was getting a bit of grief at the Stadium of Light as I left the pitch. I walked past Alan Curbishley and he said: ‘What happened there?’ I was like: ‘Ah, it was a terrible decision. Never, ever a red card.’

Then I watched it back. My God, it was the worst foul ever. One-hundred percent a red. It was awful. There were four red cards that day across the league and that night I watched Alan Hansen on Match of the Day. They were going through each of the reds and I thought: ‘Where’s mine?’

Then Hansen went: ‘Now, this one, this one’s the worst of them all.’ They slowed it right down and it was horrible; I was suspended for three games in between two international breaks so I missed six weeks of football in my

Wilf scored his first goal, played fantastically well and I scored the second in that game

first weeks at Charlton. I never tackled again!

A fond foe

teams with a lot of fantastic players and Wilf is

I have some good memories against Leicester

up there in my top two or three. He really made

and I’ve enjoyed the odd festive goal against

his mark in that Leicester game as we won 3-2.

them, too.

One Palace game that stands out for me

Wilf scored his first goal, played fantastically well and I scored the second in

is Wilf’s first start on the opening match of

that game. It does stand out for me – it was the

2010/11. We all knew about Wilf because he’d

first day of the season, it was after the 2010

played a few minutes and joined us a bit in

takeover and it was after the rigmarole of me

2009/10. I came through the ranks under George

potentially leaving for QPR.

Burley aged 17, as did Darren Bent, Kieron Dyer

I’d finally put pen to paper with Palace and

and a lot of other people. He was always going

ended up scoring to a really nice reception. So

to play Wilf.

I always liked playing against Leicester. I hope

You could see what a fantastic talent he was in training. I’ve played for a lot of good

someone else in the Palace team alongside Wilf enjoys making a similar memory today.

darren ambrose

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Quizzes, Games & MORE! Junior EAgles

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Schools In Focus

Tweeddale Primary School Palace for Life Foundation’s Teammates programme has been running at Tweeddale Primary School for the last two years for pupils in Years 4-6.

The programme helps to build resilience and also addresses and improves children’s mental health and social skills.

Pupils who attend the programme are from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Some pupils may be socially excluded young carers or suffer from a lack of confidence and low self-esteem. The programme also caters for those with ASD and ADHD. Running over a 24-week period, Teammates covers a range of topics such as mentoring, happiness, setting personal goals, practising gratitude and thinking positively.

From March 2021 the Foundation will also be working with children who are due to start Secondary School, helping them prepare for this transition.

Guess who

Badge jumble

Can you guess the four players from today’s

Can you work out four of Patrick van Aanholt’s

opponents in the below face mash-up?

former 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:

Schlupp, Foxes, Vardy, Maddison, Rodgers, Lineker.

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

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Umbro logo 5 Palace crest missing on Zaha's shorts Premier League football 4 Ogbonna's glove is missing the football boot 2 Palace crest on Benteke's top missing 3 Different Leicester City 4 Sunderland. Spot The Difference: 1 Benteke's red 4 Youri Tielemans. Badge Jumble: 1 Chelsea 2 Newcastle United 3

Junior EAgles

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Guess Who: 1 Jamie Vardy 2 Kasper Schmeichel 3 Çağlar Söyüncü

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Happy 11th Birthday Daniel,

Happy birthday Dan. Have a

Happy 18th birthday Jay have

hope you had a wonderful day.

good one geez! Up the Palace!

a great day. Lots of love, Mum,

Lots of love Mum and Dad x

One of Crystal Palace’s most

Dad & Kieran. EAGLES

John Mulligan was a long time

Watching over breakfast every

ardent fans, Kevin Roberts, sadly

CPFC supporter and proud

week from Southern California, the

passed away in early December.

member of the Vice Presidents

fifth generation fan Hardt twins,

A long-term Season Ticket holder

Club. He was well loved by all

Alister and Jasper, 7, with mum,

at Selhurst Park, Kevin was also

and will be sadly missed.

Jacqueline, say “Up the Palace”!

a well-known sports journalist.

The club was never far from Kevin’s thoughts, and he regularly interjected it into the conversation as he interviewed leading figures from football, including Fifa president, Gianni Infantino.

Kevin’s son, Alex, said: “Dad’s support of Palace was a point of humour and reference to almost everybody who met him, and often, during lockdown, you would hear him talking to colleagues about the team on Zoom. In pride of place behind his laptop, he kept a picture of Selhurst Park, where he had some of his greatest memories.

“I’m sure watching me become as obsessed with Palace as himself was one of his proudest achievements.”

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IN MEMORY OF

Crystal Palace remembers all those players, supporters, staff and friends who lost their lives in 2020. Their memory lives on at the club.

messageboard

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Est.

1884 opposition

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leicecste match preview At times, Leicester City have been a team to provide Crystal Palace fans with some of their finest memories.

A string of four consecutive victories between 2017 and 2019 saw the Eagles net 13 goals against the Foxes, recording their largest Premier League victory with a 5-0 triumph in April 2018.

However, Leicester have proved victorious in the last two games between these sides, winning both clashes in 2019/20.

This season, they are showing

Brendan Rodgers

Right from the first whistle, we took the initiative in the game. We wanted to impose our way and show confidence

the ability that led them to a fifthplace finish in the last campaign with Brendan Rodgers recording

recent outings

victories over Arsenal, Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Palace face yet another challenging task if they are to secure points at

0-2

l {h) 16.12.20

3-0

W {H) 13.12.20

2-0

W {H) 10.12.20

Selhurst today.

A string of four consecutive victories between 2017 and 2019 saw the Eagles net 13 goals against the Foxes official matchday programme

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er city premier league wins

all-timers Kasper Schmeichel

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Jamie Vardy

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Marc Albrighton

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Wes Morgan

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Riyad Mahrez

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Emile Heskey

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Muzzy Izzet

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premier league goals

Jamie Vardy

last time out 1 27 6 3 2 8 25 15 10 11 9

Schmeichel Castagne Evans Fofana Justin Tielemans Ndidi Barnes Maddison Albrighton Vardy

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player profile

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Age

34

Height

1.89m

Joined

27th June, 2011

Debut

6th August, 2011 v Coventry City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Manchester City, Notts County & Leeds United

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Kasper Schmeichel POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

03

Now a veteran of Leicester City and the Premier League, Schmeichel began his career in 2005 before embarking on a series of loans in England, Scotland and Wales.

He has played the vast majority of his minutes with

James Justin

Wesley Fofana

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE

the Foxes, scooping Player

04

of the Season in both 2011/12 and 2015/16. FIFA ranked him the world’s third-best ‘keeper

06

in 2018.

223 apps 69 clean sheets official matchday programme

Çaglar Söyüncü

Jonny Evans

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: TURKEY

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NRN IRELAND

37

28

Christian Fuchs

Demarai Gray

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: AUSTRIA

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

08

07

7 apps 2 clean sheets

27 11 Timothy Castagne

Youri Tielemans

Marc Albrighton

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: BELGIUM

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: BELGIUM

player profile

Bagging a goal on his Leicester debut, Castagne set out his

Age

25

Height

1.85m

an accomplished attacking

Joined

3rd September, 2020

his next two matches further

Debut

13th September, 2020 v West Brom

stall early for the Foxes as defender. Three assists in enforced such a threat and supporters should watch for the Belgian working the channels as one of the game’s ‘modern’ full-backs.

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Genk & Atalanta

opposition

38

11

15

Marc Albrighton

Harvey Barnes

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

24

80 apps 38 wins

10 25

Wilfred Ndidi

James Maddison

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: FRANCE

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: NIGERIA

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

player profile

Nampalys Mendy

Maddison rose to prominence

Age

25

Height

1.75m

Player of the Season award in

Joined

20th June, 2018

caught on as one of England’s

Debut

10th August, 2018 v Manchester United

when he scooped Norwich City’s 2017/18, and his name swiftly sharpest prospects.

His move to Leicester followed shortly after and the midfielder swiftly settled into top-flight life, scoring seven goals in his first

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

Premier League season. He

Coventry City & Norwich City

received international recognition with an England debut in 2019.

official matchday programme

09

player profile

39

Age

33

Height

1.79m

Joined

18th May, 2012

Debut

14th August, 2012 v Torquay United

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Stocksbridge Park Steels, F.C. Halifax Town & Fleetwood Town

26

Jamie Vardy POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

19

Consistently one of the league’s most reliable goalscorers, Jamie Vardy’s rise from nonleague semi-professional to Premier League Golden Boot winner is one of the game’s most remarkable stories.

The No.9 also scooped

Dennis Praet

Cengiz Ünder

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: BELGIUM

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: TURKEY

Premier League Player of the

13

Season when Leicester won the title in 2015/16. He has been in the competition’s top five

14

scorers in four of his past five campaigns.

224 apps 114 goals

Islam Slimani

Kelechi Iheanacho

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ALGERIA

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: NIGERIA

opposition

40

#24

#06

cahill

evans

player comparison

Age 35

position defender

nationality eng

Age 32

position defender

nationality nir

apps

goals

clean sheets

apps

goals

clean sheets

99

86

Interceptions

Duels won

Tackle success

Clearances

Blocked shots

Interceptions

Duels won

11

Blocked shots

307

Clearances

27

Tackle success

379

75%

2,871

64

452

1,968

71%

1,880

22

599

1,470

official matchday programme

41

#03

#28

van Aanholt

Fuchs

player comparison

Age 30

position Defender

nationality nld

Age 34

position Defender

nationality aut

apps

goals

clean sheets

apps

goals

assists

Assists

Cross accuracy

Blocked shots

Passes per match

Duels won

32

Duels won

02

Passes per match

116

Blocked shots

40

Cross accuracy

20

Assists

200

15

26%

54

36

697

9

23%

18

36

555

opposition

42

LIGHT

SPEED

FINISHING

official matchday programme

43

After winning four consecutive league games against Leicester by an aggregate score of 13-1, Crystal Palace have lost their last two against the Foxes without scoring

19

Leicester won this exact fixture 2-0 last season – they last won consecutive away league games against Crystal Palace in April 1998

30 2

0

match facts

19

26

GOALS

141

161

SHOTS

15

21

25

17

EXPECTED GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

40

13

53

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

19

17

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

16

1

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

6

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

1

5

CLEAN SHEETS

4

0

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

goal times time

SCORED

CONCEDED

time

SCORED

CONCEDED

0-15

5

3

0-15

2

3

16-30

3

5

16-30

4

4

31-45

2

3

31-45

4

3

46-60

2

3

46-60

5

1

61-75

4

2

61-75

2

2

76-90

3

9

76-90

9

4

opposition

44

what’s the storey @danielstorey85

Columnist, Daniel Storey, can be heard on The Totally Football Show

How is that explained? Firstly the relative absence of James

How many in defence?

Maddison has hampered Leicester in the final third.

Last season, Brendan

Maddison was their top

Rodgers almost exclusively

chance creator by some

operated with a back four;

distance last season and that is

Leicester played in a 4-1-

still true now despite him only

4-1 or variation of it in 30

starting seven league games.

of their 38 league games.

But it’s also a question

Most exceptions were

and seen in the Irish Examiner, the

of style. The Foxes look to

late in the season, when

i paper and many more.

attack in two distinct ways.

Rodgers tried to arrest a

When dominating possession

period of underwhelming

they play the ball slowly out

form that ultimately cost

of defence and midfield,

them a place in this season’s

looking to expose lapses in

Champions League.

Explaining Leicester’s chance creation

defensive positioning and

In 20/21 Rodgers has

thus create the opportunity to

rung the changes, utilising

The number of shots taken

play a through ball to Jamie

a back three in nine of their

per goal is an effective

Vardy. They are also happy

13 league games. That’s

measurement of a team’s

to play on the counter attack

noteworthy because with Ben

attacking calibre. Last season,

if the situation demands

Chilwell leaving for Chelsea

Liverpool led the way (19.9%)

it - Maddison, Vardy and

and Ricardo Pereira injured

and won the league; runners-

Ayoze Pérez darting forward

again, Leicester do not have

up Manchester City were

when possession is won.

natural wing-back options.

second. This season, Leicester

leicester have scored with 24.4% of their nonblocked shots, almost 2% higher than any other team

City have been the best in the Premier League. They have scored with 24.4% of their non-blocked shots, almost 2% higher than any other team.

The flipside to that is Leicester actually register

Both of those strategies

One interesting tactical move Rodgers has made on occasion this season most successfully against AEK Athens in the Europa League - is to use inverted full-backs within matches, with Luke Thomas and James

low for chance creation; it’s

are used with the intention of

Justin tucking infield when

been a problem all season.

creating high-quality chances

Leicester have the ball. The

Their 7.3 chances per game is

rather than a high volume of

aim is to create extra space

lower than every other top-half

low-quality chances. This low

in midfield, but it also allows

team, better than only Burnley,

chance creation does not

attacking midfielders - Harvey

Newcastle, Sheffield United

mean Leicester are blunt; it

Barnes and Maddison - to

and West Bromwich Albion.

means they try to be efficient.

push closer to Vardy.

official matchday programme

45

The importance of the first goal

held a lead in

There’s no team in the Premier League who are harder to play against when you concede first.

Since losing twice in January having scored first against Southampton and Burnley, Leicester have held a lead in 15 league games and taken 39 of 45 available points from those matches. As their opponents are forced to overload players in the

league games

final third in search of a route back into the match, Vardy stays exploit a one-on-one may come.

Leicester have held a lead in 15 league games and taken 39 of 45 available points from those matches But score first against Leicester and you can hope to use their own weapon against them, particularly if the two full-backs and Youri Tielemans are forced to push up the pitch to try and break down a deep defence from which Vardy is getting little change.

On the last five occasions that Leicester have conceded a Premier League game’s opening goal, they have lost all five matches by an aggregate scoreline of 11-1.

Make the most of set pieces Ask any Leicester City supporter for their side’s greatest defensive weakness and they will reflect on the number of set pieces from which they have conceded goals or clear chances. Eight of the 17 league goals Leicester have conceded this season came from dead-ball situations.

That’s particularly interesting because they conceded the joint-fewest in the division last season.

Rodgers prefers his team to defend corners with a zonal marking system, a bank of four players covering an area around six yards from goal, a further three players near the penalty spot and a defender guarding each post.

Leicester’s manager seems to believe this is an issue of personnel rather than system. The loss of Timothy Castagne and Çaćlar Söyüncü to injury sheared them of arguably their two best aerial players, while Jonny Evans has also missed three matches.

Finally, there’s an argument that zonal marking systems are harder to learn for players new to a club compared with man-marking. With Castagne, James Justin, Wesley Fofana and Nampalys Mendy all regular starters this season having shared only 15 league starts in 2019/20, it may just be that this is a question of patience.

daniel storey

Statistics correct as of December 18th

focused, knowing his chance to

46

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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 Jeffrey Schlupp represents Ghana at

Palace’s record Premier League victory over

international level but our versatile player

Leicester City came in the 5-0 win at Selhurst

wasn’t born there. Which country was

Park in 2018. Can you remember the two

Schlupp raised in?

players who opened and closed the scoring?

02

07 Name the three sides Schlupp scored against

Which former Palace and Leicester player's

in the league last season.

career started with Arsenal, ended with Oldham Athletic and included a loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion?

03 Former Leicester City and Eagles midfielder, Steve Kember, has managed Palace on

08

several occasions. Which year was he last at

Paddy McCarthy played for which club in

the helm in south London?

between leaving Leicester City and joining Crystal Palace?

04 What was the score in Roy Hodgson’s first

09 If you added Mark Bright and Ade Akinbiyi’s

game against Leicester City as Crystal Palace

Premier League goals together, what number

manager?

05

would you arrive at?

10 Palace and Leicester’s last game in the

Which one of these former Eagles didn’t

Championship in 2013 ended in a 2-2 draw.

represent Leicester: Patrick van Aanholt,

Three Foxes from the starting XI that day still

James Scowcroft, Matthew Upson, Kevin

played for Leicester. Do you know who?

Phillips and Danny Granville.

answers 6 Zaha and Benteke 7 Dickov 8 Charlton Athletic 9 61 (50 for Bright, 11 for Akinbiyi) 10 Granville 1 Germany 2 Burnley, Bournemouth & Tottenham 3 2003 4 Foxes 0-3 Eagles 5 Schmeichel, Morgan & James opposition quiz

48

49

fantasy dinner party

ed sheeran “He is local to me. I think his music is fantastic, so after we’ve had a nice meal and few drinks the guitar can come out. He’s a proper Ipswich fan, too, I met him last year at the League Cup game between Town and Gillingham – you don’t expect to see someone like him at a game like that!”

This week, programme

joe wicks

Darren Ambrose, will be hoping

“What he is doing with his campaign to

a bit of comedy gold from Lee

keep children active during lockdown is

Evans will ensure his dinner

phenomenal. And he can come and cook the

party has a happier ending than

dinner, too – one of his 15-minute meals, so we

the Red Wedding.

can eat quickly.”

mbrose

columnist and club legend,

his campaign to keep children active during lockdown is phenomenal emilia clarke “But she has to come as Daenerys Targaryen.

It blew my mind the first time I saw her outside of Game of Thrones and realised she wasn’t blonde. Seems like a really nice woman.”

mrs ambrose “Better invite my wife along to keep an eye on me now that I’ve got Daenerys coming!”

lee evans “He would light up the room. My favourite comedian and I’ve seen him live three times – including the same show twice, but even the second time round I was still crying with laughter.”

fantasy dinner party

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51

Over the road at Copers Cope

Cardo Siddik 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

Earlier in November, during the incessantly labelled ‘unprecedented times’, Cardo Siddik received an international call-up through unprecedented means.

“I go on my Instagram and see loads of huge Iraqi media outlets mentioning me,” the 18-year-old says, reflecting on his recent spell with Iraq Under-19s.

“The Iraqi Football Federation got in contact with my dad, and after that they sent an official letter to Crystal Palace asking for my release.”

It’s fitting the IFF got in touch with years in Hanwell, Ealing, where the defender’s parents saw his “footballing ability could be improved and get to a stage where [he] could potentially push on to do great things.”

Siddik progressed quickly from Hanwell to LNER where he stayed and captained the Wembley-based side for “seven years or so.” It was here that an array of trials and his path to Crystal Palace began.

“I did the trial with the academy and they didn’t want me there,” Siddik says as he describes his first trial with Watford. After Watford came QPR. “I wasn’t doing well, I was struggling for confidence… and funnily enough I was kicked out with a boy who is now my closest friend.”

Brentford followed shortly after, but their academy folded, and then came another unsuccessful trial at Barnet. Such a string of hurdles is tough for anyone, let alone a teenager.

official matchday programme

randon ardo ierrick iddik

Siddik’s dad, for it was in his early

53

“I owe a lot to my parents who sort of picked up the pieces after Barnet,” Siddik says. “I remember there [were] half terms and holidays and stuff and I would train every single day.

“One day we played Crystal Palace’s Development team. I did really well, kept a clean sheet and my coach at the end came up and said: ‘There’s a Palace scout here.’”

A few training sessions and an in-house match later and Siddik was

My parents fled and came to this country, built up a life. [They] were the lucky ones.

Hundreds of thousands weren’t as lucky as them. So it’s like I’m representing them as well as Iraq

finally offered a contract with Palace.

It’s a moment he describes as “a dream come true” after all the hard work.

Four years on from starting in

“My parents fled and came to this country, built up a life. [They] were the lucky ones.

south London, Siddik found himself at a

Hundreds of thousands weren’t as lucky as

new frontier entirely - Qatar, where he

them. So it’s like I’m representing them as well

captained Iraq U19s in two friendlies.

as Iraq.”

He says: “They had really nice

Being captain of the team came with a

stadiums, training pitches, floodlit

few unique challenges of its own, such as the

pitches. The facilities there were

language barrier between Siddik’s Kurdish

really good, I guess because they’re

tongue and the mostly Arabic-speaking team.

developing everything for the upcoming World Cup.” Siddik adapted and grew on his

“As a centre-back and a captain, sometimes it’s confusing. ‘What do I say, how do I say this?’ By the end of it I guess I picked up on

international debut, drawing great

certain words like ‘up’, ‘back’, ‘forward’, ‘quick’.

pride in captaining his country for

Stuff like that.”

both games: “It was definitely an

With this call-up, Siddik joins the ever-

honour to represent that many people

growing list of Crystal Palace Academy players

and captain the country [on] my

with international caps, including Fionn

international debut. I am a Kurd, I’m

Mooney and Scott Banks as mentioned in

Kurdish, I represent a lot more than

previous programmes.

just 40m [Iraqis]. Alongside the Kurds

“I’m surrounded by quite a lot of

in Iraq there are Kurds in Turkey, Syria,

internationals, even in the U18s,” Siddik says.

Iran who I believe I represented.”

He goes on to add: “This season’s been going

The defender’s parents, who are

really well for us so far. I have full confidence

also Kurdish, helped shape his path

and belief in the team and the boys that we can

towards professional football at an early

go on and win this league.” A clear statement of

age and for that he is very grateful.

intent, Cardo Siddik has his eyes on the prize.

over the road at copers cope

tio n

su

p

po

rt

ed

by p

fou alace for life

nd

a

Palace Kitchen to feed thousands in need this winter Crystal Palace Football Club and Palace for Life Foundation have reopened The Palace Kitchen – the pioneering project that provides healthy and nutritious food to thousands of local people in need.

Initially, club chefs will prepare around 350 meals a day, four days a week, throughout December with a commitment to cook more than 5,000 meals before Christmas.

The club will continue to work with Croydon Council to identify vulnerable individuals and families in the greatest need of support. This will include those in emergency housing, the elderly, families and homeless people.

Donate here: www.justgiving.com/palacekitchen

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, television producer and Eagles fan Alan Ryan discusses his work on Palace’s 100-year anniversary DVD, BT Sport’s Team of the Eighties documentary plus plenty more.

Voices of south london

56

M

y dad, Michael, came over from

imagine you had 10 minutes to bring

Ireland in the 1960s and his first

alive your childlike passion of your

digs were on Whitworth Road, just

heroes from south London. Becomes

around the corner from Selhurst Park,” Alan Ryan begins to detail just how far back his

easy, right?

“It’s such a great story and it kind

connection with Crystal Palace Football

of told itself off the page,” Ryan adds.

Club goes.

“The way Malcolm Allison had gone

“I went to my first game in the season the team went top of the league – that Team of the Eighties – and it was the 4-1 win over

about building this squad and coaching staff. Fascinating.”

BT Sport have aired the

Ipswich Town that put us top of the table for

documentary several times since and

the only time in our history.

the fascination with the story and the

“That day, I assumed that my team would be the best in the land and within 18 months we were fighting relegation to the third-tier.”

Ryan’s first year or so as a Palace fan

way Ryan depicted it continues to receive plaudits.

Although deemed a bigger story than just for the local SE25 community,

couldn’t have summed up the club better - and

the talent involved from Dave

he wouldn’t change it for the world. However,

Swindlehurst to Ian Walsh wouldn’t

little did the future-producer know just how

register on too many people’s radar

much of an impact the team that overcame

outside of south London.

that Tractor Boys by three clear goals on that

But for Ryan, someone whose work

September afternoon in 1979 would have on

has seen him work with some of the

his career.

biggest names in world sport, meeting

Forty years after standing on the terraces cheering on Vince Hilaire, Jim Cannon and Kenny Sansom, Alan Ryan’s Team of the

his boyhood superstars was as awestruck as he’s ever been on the job.

“Generally speaking, I don’t get

Eighties documentary would air as “the best

star-struck but meeting that Team

piece of work I’ve ever produced, without a

of the Eighties – my heroes: Dave

shadow of a doubt,” in his words.

Swindlehurst, Jim Cannon, Kenny

“The opportunity came when I had a meeting with BT Sport about a series of films I was looking to make and within that they asked whether I had any other ideas.

“I said I’ve got this idea but it’s not about

Sansom, Ian Walsh… Peter Nicholas – the access that I got was incredible.

“I think they appreciated I was a Palace fan who wanted to give them a chance to tell their untold story to a

one of the big sides – Manchester United

wider audience – a cultural event rather

or Liverpool. I had 10 minutes at the end of

than a footballing story,” he explains.

this meeting and come the end the Executive Producer, Sally Brown, wanted to do it.”

Ten minutes to sell your idea as an independent filmmaker can’t be easy, but

official matchday programme

“The day I spent with Vince Hilaire was one of the best days of my life; he was my first hero. When I first started going to Palace as a fan he was the

57

main player I wanted to go and see. I wanted to centre a lot of the film around Vince’s experiences because although he didn’t go on to the success he should’ve, he was one of the most famous of that bunch.”

Ryan won’t be stopped now, the fan in him passionately reliving that time filming with Hilaire: “He was such a gent and a pleasure to work with. He came up to south London for the day and we managed to get him an original Triumph Stag to drive around in – the same car he was allegedly told to buy off Kenny Sansom

by Terry Venables to help settle some of the England left-back’s financial issues.

“As a boy who grew up on the terraces, to meet my heroes, to enjoy their stories and get under the skin of your football club is a real privilege.”

Our chat with Ryan goes on to discuss his work from setting up Crystal Palace’s television arm that we now fondly know as Palace TV to being involved in football and cricket World Cups, to his recent series for UEFA on the history of the European Championships through the eyes of the countries that have won the tournament.

But nothing strikes a chord with Ryan like discussing the Team of the Eighties and that’s understandable when he goes on to reveal that his dad, Michael, was a matchday steward for 20 years in the Old Stand and that at the age of 14 Alan himself used to be a programme seller.

As Palace as they come – and will always be - Ryan closes by saying: “It is and always has been an absolute joy to be involved with the football club because it is a unique one.

From the moment you walk through the door as a child, it will always have that special feel as a south London football club.”

voices of south london

58

palace for life Celebrate the Fifth Anniversary Marathon March with Palace for Life Foundation and take part in the 26.2 mile walk around south London, with a brand-new route for 2021.

Taking place on Saturday, 9th October 2021 and starting and finishing at Selhurst Park, we will end with a lap of the pitch before a Palace party at the ground!

The Marathon March’s four previous years have seen the likes of Eddie Izzard, Steve Parish, Mark Bright and Andrew Johnson take part, walking alongside hundreds of fans of all ages.

The marathon-length walk will be running for its fifth year, and we want to make it our biggest and best yet. The social event is open to anyone, and is non-competitive, where the primary aim is to raise money for Palace for Life.

official matchday programme

The marathonlength walk will be running for its fifth year, and we want to make it our biggest and best yet

59

Palace fans, along with sponsor Utilita, have raised over £350,000 for the Foundation through the march over the past four years Patrick McNamara, who has taken part three times, said: “It’s a wonderful experience

All Marathon March participants are asked to pay a registration fee of £25

with brilliant people. I think we all know what we

(£20 for half route, £10 for

raise the money for, but the truth is, every walker

under-18s) and to commit

probably doesn’t realise the change they’re actually making to people’s lives and that is the

to raising a minimum of £300 each in sponsorship.

beauty of it.

“It’s set up very well, the staff and everyone included always make you feel part of something and that’s why I always end up coming back for more.”

Palace fans, along with sponsor Utilita, have

To sign-up to the 2021 Marathon March, visit palaceforlife.org and search ‘Marathon March 2021’

raised over £350,000 for the Foundation through the march over the past four years, directly

If you wish to fundraise as a

supporting our work with vulnerable young

family or a group we ask you to

people in south London.

Palace for Life Chief Executive, Mike Summers, said: “This year’s Marathon March, which took place with social distancing during the pandemic, was a testament to the commitment of Palace fans to their community.

commit to the below pledges: Group of four = £600 Group of five = £750 Group of six = £900

We raised over £75,000 which helped us run

Group of seven or

a week-long activity camp that provided an

more = £1,000

outlet for local children who have had a very difficult year.

“We know the effects of this pandemic will be far-reaching and will hit the most vulnerable hardest, which is why we will need the ongoing support of the fans. I hope to see as many of you

Contact the fundraising team on fundraising@palaceforlife.org with any queries.

as possible with us on the start line in 2021!”

palace for life

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

61

game that changed my career 0-1

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

24th January, 1976 FA Cup

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

Throughout this season, we will be talking to past and present Eagles to find out which match

Respect your opponents, but don’t respect them too much

has had the biggest bearing on their career.

This week it is former Palace star and manager, Peter Taylor, who reflects on a stand-out performance in the ’76 FA Cup. And, no, it’s not the one you’re thinking of.

People always talk about Chelsea away, but I actually think I played better against Leeds United. I look at the video every now and then and I was very confident on the day. You go to Elland Road when Leeds were still a really, really good team, show

aylor

confidence and say: ‘Well, I’m a good player and I’m going to take that full-back on.’

I say to people: ‘Respect your opponents, but

don’t respect them too much. Go there because you’re a good player, play well because you’re a good player.’ That’s the type of thing Malcolm Allison would say to me and that’s the type of thing I’d say to a young player today.

People talk to me about Chelsea in the FA

Cup because I scored two goals and made one, but I don’t think I touched the ball too many times.

Against Leeds, I had a lot of touches and did a lot better things. That’s just me being fussy about my performance, mind!

game that changed my career

62 @pnm1979

official matchday programme

63

1997/98 The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss reviews those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and do a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts.

This week, James McArthur models the away kit from the 1997/98 season.

kit or miss

64

1997 W hat a season. If points

were awarded for sartorial brilliance in ’98, Crystal

Palace could have finished at least

second bottom, if not third. Mirroring the iconic home strip between ’9698 (see last programme), the 97/98 away kit was a design for the ages

What we like: This has got to be the only Palace kit in history to get away with such obnoxious yellow and red. Well handled.

– the insanity of adidas’ late ‘90s design team blended with Palace’s inherently bold style and that oh so

Even better if:

handsome shield.

The predominantly blue shorts feel like a bit

On paper, it shouldn’t work. A yellow background with a blue band

of a cop-out. Could Palace have gone full yellow? Possibly.

and haphazard red touches screams headache like six pints of Stella at a Manowar concert.

We can only imagine the planning meeting before this creation came to glorious life. But we’re glad it happened, and, perhaps barring the early ‘90s, it’s hard to pick out a home and away kit both so excellently designed and with such satisfying synergy.

official matchday programme

Wore it best: Bruce Dyer

Story of the season 97/98 saw Palace playing comfortably in mid-table until

1998

Christmas dawned. Then, with financial unrest behind the scenes, Steve Coppell’s star-studded squad lost their momentum and collected just three league wins from 24th November onwards.

Management changed from Coppell to talisman Attilio Lombardo, but the Italy international was unable to prevent relegation, and Ray Lewington was left to see out the season in the dugout.

Undoubtedly, this season’s kits provided fans with their highlights.

The finest hour: An away-day draw with FA Cup and league champions, Arsenal, in front of nearly 40,000 at Highbury. This 0-0 clash came at the heart of Palace’s bleakest period as the Eagles were winless in 11 games. Palace stunned the rampant north Londoners to threaten their eventual double-winning celebrations, but back in the home kit 10 days later, lost 2-1.

Where are they now?

The club’s desire to blend yellow with red took a back seat from this garish kit until recent years, when red became a subtle touch on away strips in 2012/13 and 16/17. In similar fashion, yellow complemented redder home kits in 12/13, 13/14 and 18/19.

Buyers’ guide: This shirt is easier to buy than you’d imagine, but it doesn’t come cheap. In fact, many of the standout, more unique products from the late ‘90s can be found online if you’re willing to splash out up to £100. Beware, though, this particular shirt is listed on a lot of sites without being in stock.

But don’t be disheartened, plenty of shorts from this era seem to be floating around on eBay, if that’s your thing.

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 seaon

68

permanent for a fee of around £100,000, half the fee Palace had paid for him two years earlier.

With Thorn’s swollen shin keeping him out of the next game at home to Coventry on 1st December, Richard Shaw moved across to partner Eric Young and Glyn Hodges returned to the team. Eddie McGoldrick was now getting a run in place of the injured Phil Barber as his transfer request began to fade.

The Eagles took control in the

T

18th-minute when Bright headed home

hree days after the team’s

McGoldrick’s free-kick but they were

success at The Dell they were

let off when an effort from Cyrille

back in Southampton for a

Regis rebounded off the post and into

League Cup Fourth Round tie. Following

Nigel Martyn’s arms. Ten minutes from

their earlier league defeat the Saints’

time the Sky Blues’ David Speedie

coaching team did their homework and

was dismissed for foul and abusive

changed tactics, bringing in Jimmy

language before Andy Gray added

Case to stiffen their midfield.

a second goal through a powerful

The home team took the lead three minutes before the break when Matt LeTissier reacted sharply to a ball

trademark shot from 15 yards four minutes from the final whistle.

A Regis goal led to Palace fans

across the penalty area and, soon after

baying for the game to end and when

the restart, the Eagles thought they had

the final whistle came it registered their

an opportunity to equalise. Mark Bright

first home league victory over Coventry

broke away only to be wrestled to the

in 15 attempts since 1957 – it would be

ground in the penalty area, but the

15 years until the next one!

referee waved play on and then booked Bright for his protests.

With Case running the midfield and Andy Thorn having being substituted the Eagles were a pale copy of the

Elsewhere, Tottenham’s defeat meant the Eagles leapfrogged them into third place as Glyn Hodges played his final Palace game.

On Monday 3rd a Palace group

victorious league side days before.

travelled north to take part in the

Alan Shearer then rose to head home a

Guinness Six Championships at

corner kick and Palace were out.

the G-Mex Centre that involved all

The club announced Alex Dyer’s loan move to Charlton would become

official matchday programme

Division One clubs. It was a shortlived affair for the south Londoners as

69

defeats against Derby County and Manchester City saw an early return the capital. On the

ANDY THORN

same day Jeff Hopkins made his comeback from a serious knee injury with a Reserve team outing against Queens Park Rangers.

During the same week the FA announced that Nigel Martyn, Geoff Thomas and Ian Wright would be in the England B squad to play Algeria the following week.

Returning to league action brought a short trip to west London to face Chelsea on a bitterly cold Saturday. Never a happy hunting ground, it seemed fortunes might have changed after 30 minutes as, against the run of play, Thorn grabbed the opening goal from a corner routine that allowed him to turn and fire home.

However the lead lasted less than 15 minutes when in similar fashion Graham Stuart headed past Martyn. Wright and Bright strove to get past the Blues' defence in the second-half but the home team landed the killer blow 12 minutes before the end. Gordon Durie fired in a fierce cross-shot that hit

Joined from: Newcastle United, November, 1989, ÂŁ650,000 Debut: 9th December, 1989 v Manchester Utd (A) Final Palace game: 2nd November, 1993 v Luton Town (H) Left for: Wimbledon, October 1994 Palace appearances:

Shaw who could only watch the ball loop up

168

over Martyn and Spurs regained third place

Palace goals:

in the table.

7

1990/91 season

70

official matchday programme

71

T

he boys have endured three frustrating results recently and, as we end the year, they will have

learned more from the past few weeks than they would have in the season’s first three months.

Defeats give them a real understanding of the nature of the full-time professional game. You have to continue to be positive, stick to the process, believe in yourself and work hard. Then things start to change.

We aren’t the first team to have a little dip in form and we certainly won’t be the last. We believe in what we’re doing

it’s important they get good rest, recharge their batteries, spend some time with their family over Christmas and enjoy being young men for a small period

and believe in the players we have at this football club.

Our momentum took a hit when we

We have a lot of first-years, Under17s, in our squad and I’m mindful of

went three weeks without football due

what a difficult challenge the full-time

to the international break and fixture

environment is. It’s not easy to adapt to the

complications. While that was frustrating,

schedule for anybody, let alone a kid who’s

it was great for some of our players to

just left school.

receive international recognition. It’s a

So it’s important they get good rest,

completely different challenge for them

recharge their batteries, spend some time

but it’s excellent for these young lads and

with their family over Christmas and enjoy

a testament to how well they’re doing at

being young men for a small period. We’ll

Crystal Palace.

obviously be in the background to support

When the players came back, we spoke to them about their experiences and all of them were positive. Countries from far and

them if they need anything, but I think it’s important they switch off.

We’ve seen in recent years that these

wide are looking at our boys and trying to

boys benefit massively from a proper rest

get them involved in their squads. That can

over Christmas – when they come back,

only be a positive thing.

they’re fresher, they’ve adapted to the

Now, we have an opportunity to give the lads a much-needed break. The programme for an Under-18s player is pretty hectic

demands and normally have an upturn in performances.

They’ll come back to a gradual, planned

and takes up six-days-a-week. It’s full-on

increase, however. The break is long

physically, it’s full-on mentally and the levels

enough for them to rest but not long enough

of commitment, effort and sacrifice these

for them to lose any fitness.

young men have to put in are massive. It isn’t easy for a young person.

I very much look forward to seeing them again.

paddy m©carthy

Lizzi

72

official matchday programme

Waldi

73

We are definitely a stronger team than last season and our results are proving that. It’s more than a team, it’s like a family now

L

ooking back on 2020/21 so far, I feel

I worked on my basic skills and fitness -

we’ve had some really good and

exercising three times a day every day to get to

strong performances. Our recent 2-0

the fittest I’ve ever been.

win against Lewes was especially pleasing

There’s a lot of hard work outside of football,

because we kept our first clean sheet.

too. In my job distributing parcels to their various

That was massive for us because in the

destinations for Amazon, I get up at 3:15am. I

weeks building up to it we spoke about the

then work for eight hours and come home for

importance of clean sheets. To get that and

12:30. When I get back, I do an hour or two

two goals was amazing.

studying to be a personal trainer, go to sleep for

We are definitely a stronger team than last season and our results are proving that.

It’s more than a team, it’s like a family now or a completed puzzle – the new girls have just

a while, get up and head down to training.

Training ends and I get home for 11pm.

Then it’s straight to bed and back up for work.

It’s knackering and very hectic, especially

slotted into place. Chloe Morgan obviously

at the moment after Black Friday and with

has lots of experience and gives great

Christmas – I’ve never seen so many parcels!

advice and Leigh Nicol is a coach outside of

I don’t know how I balance it all. I just get

Palace and brings that to her game – she’s

through it and make sure I’m at training.

so supportive, she encourages everyone and gets the team going.

I personally feel much more confident in

It would be easy for me to stop playing football, but it’s nice on a Sunday when it all pays off. When we win on Sundays, knowing

my own ability because I’m playing with better

I’ve done everything I have in the week and can

players – they, in turn, have helped me become

still then take three points just feels brilliant.

a better footballer. But some of that has come

Football isn’t a chore at all. It’s my passion

from within; last season I didn’t play much so

and what I want to do full-time eventually. It’s

during lockdown I worked hard to prove to

never a chore. I wake up every Sunday buzzing

Dean that I’m capable of playing in this league

for gameday. It will be the same in 2021 and

and in this team.

long beyond that.

lizzie waldie

74

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2020/21

Patrick van Aanholt

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UNLOCKING POTENTIAL 01737 225 711 |

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29/12/2017 09:17

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Jordan Ayew

Andros Townsend

Wilfried Zaha

Mamadou Sakho

Wayne Hennessey

Jeffrey Schlupp

James McArthur

James McCarthy

Michy Batshuayi

Gary Cahill

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official matchday programme

Sep

oct

nov

dec

jan

2-3

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

2-0 P-P

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Lewes

Durham

Leicester City

Sheffield United

Bristol City

Coventry United

London Bees

Liverpool

Lewes

Charlton Athletic

London City Lionesses

Durham

Leicester City

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Sun 27

Sun 4

Wed 7

Sun 11

Sun 18

Sun 1

Thu 5

Sun 8

Thu 19

Sun 6

Sun 13

Sun 20

Sun 10

Sun 17

Sun 24

Sun 7

Sun 14

Lewes

Coventry United

Sun 25

may Sun 2

Sheffield United

Sun 4

Liverpool

1-1

London City Lionesses

Sat 12

0-4

6-1

2-1

4-1

2-2

Charlton Athletic

Result

Opposition

Sun 6

mar Sun 7

feb

apr

Sep oct nov dec JAN FEB MAR

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

2-5 3-0

Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City Fulham Newcastle United Middlesbrough Fulham West Bromwich Albion Norwich City Aston Villa Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City

Mon 19 Mon 26 Sun 1 Mon 9 Mon 23 Mon 30 Fri 04 Mon 21 Sun 10 Mon 18 Mon 25 Mon 1 Fri 5 Mon 15 Sun 21 Mon 1 Fri 12 Mon 22 Mon 12

STATS

0-1

4-3

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

Middlesbrough

Newcastle United

0-1

Aston Villa

Fri 2

Mon 26

0-3

Norwich City

Fri 25

3-3

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 21

Result

Opposition

Date

may Mon 3

APR

Sep oct Nov dec Jan feb MAR APR may

Date

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

Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa Tottenham Hotpsur Fleetwood Town Brighton & Hove Albion West Bromwich Albion Fulham Southampton Arsenal Fulham Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa

Sat 17 Sat 24 Sat 31 Sat 7 Sat 28 Sat 5 Fri 11 Sat 19 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30 Sat 06 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 17

Sat 8

Sat 1

West Bromwich Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotpsur

1-0

Chelsea

Fri 2

Sat 24

3-2

Arsenal

Sat 26

2-1

1-0

2-3

2-1

Southampton

Sat 19

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

Sat 17

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1

14th

Sat 24

Fulham

2-1

8th

Sat 31

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2

13th

Sat 7

Leeds United

4-1

8th

Mon 23

Burnley

0-1

11th

Fri 27

Newcastle United

0-2

15th

Sun 6

West Bromwich Albion

1-5

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

Mon 28

Leicester City

Sat 2

Sheffield United

Fri 8

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Tue 12

Arsenal

Sat 16

Manchester City

Wed 27

West Ham United

Sat 30

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wed 3

Newcastle United

Sat 6

Leeds United

Sat 13

Burnley

Sat 20

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 27

Fulham

Sat 6

Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 13

West Bromwich Albion

Sat 20

Manchester United

Sat 3

Everton

Sat 10

Chelsea

Sat 17

Southampton

Sat 24

Leicester City

Sat 1

Manchester City

Sat 8

Sheffield United

Wed 12

Aston Villa

Sat 15

Arsenal

Sun 23

Liverpool

official matchday programme

(10-11)

R2 5th

Cheikhou KouyatĂŠ

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 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 JaĂŻro Riedewald

77

9 10 11 12 13 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

Liverpool

14

9

4

1

36

19

17

31

2

Leicester City

14

9

0

5

26

17

9

27

3

Manchester United

13

8

2

3

28

21

7

26

4

Everton

14

8

2

4

25

19

6

26

5

Chelsea

14

7

4

3

29

14

15

25

6

Tottenham Hotspur

14

7

4

3

25

14

11

25

7

Southampton

14

7

3

4

25

19

6

24

8

Manchester City

13

6

5

2

19

12

7

23

9

Aston Villa

12

7

1

4

24

13

11

22

10

West Ham United

14

6

3

5

21

19

2

21

11

Wolverhampton Wanderers

14

6

2

6

14

19

-5

20

12

Newcastle United

13

5

3

5

17

22

-5

18

13

Crystal Palace

14

5

3

6

19

25

-6

18

14

Leeds United

14

5

2

7

24

30

-6

17

15

Arsenal

14

4

2

8

12

18

-6

14

16

Burnley

13

3

4

6

8

19

-11

13

17

Brighton and Hove Albion

14

2

6

6

16

22

-6

12

18

Fulham

14

2

4

8

13

23

-10

10

19

West Bromwich Albion

14

1

4

9

10

29

-19

7

20

Sheffield United

14

0

2

12

8

25

-17

2

Gameweek 16

premier league

All statistics correct as of 5pm Tuesdsay 22nd December

crystal palace √ leicester

southampton √ west ham

28th December 15:00

29th December 18:00

chelsea √ aston villa

west brom √ leeds

28th December 17:30

29th December 18:00

everton √ man city

man utd √ wolves

28th December 20:00

29th December 20:00

brighton √ arsenal

spurs √ fulham

29th December 18:00

30th December 18:00

burnley √ sheffield utd

newcastle √ liverpool

29th December 18:00

30th December 20:00

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.

(GK) Jack BUTLAND Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO Jeffrey SCHLUPP Nathaniel CLYNE James MCARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Christian BENTEKE James MCCARTHY Michy BATSHUAYI Gary CAHILL Eberechi EZE Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nathan FERGUSON Jaïro RIEDEWALD

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 27 31 34 35 36 44

leicester city f.c.

Graham Scott Peter Kirkup Timothy Wood Dean Whitestone Robert Jones Marc Perry

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 33 35 59

Kasper SCHMEICHEL (GK) James JUSTIN Wesley FOFANA Çaglar SÖYÜNCÜ Wes MORGAN Jonny EVANS Demarai GRAY Youri TIELEMANS Jamie VARDY James MADDISON Marc ALBRIGHTON Danny WARD (GK) Islam SLIMANI Kelechi IHEANACHO Harvey BARNES Ayoze PÉREZ Daniel AMARTEY Cengiz ÜNDER Hamza CHOUDHURY Ricardo PEREIRA Nampalys MENDY Wilfred NDIDI Dennis PRAET Timothy CASTAGNE Christian FUCHS Luke THOMAS Eldin JAKUPOVIC (GK) Thakgalo LESHABELA