CPFC vs Southampton

Crystal Palace v Southampton Saturday 12th September 2020 // 3pm

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

palace √ southampton

Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director

12.09.20

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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palace for life

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 Paul McGowan Head of Legal David Nichol Head of Content & Production

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

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step back

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1990/91 season

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shaun derry

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palace women

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fixtures & results

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premier league

63 contents

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official matchday programme

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F

irst and foremost, welcome to Ralph Hasenhüttl, his staff and players from Southampton. If all goes

accordingly, this will be the penultimate match before I can again welcome you, the Crystal Palace supporters.

The players and I eagerly await the day Selhurst Park begins to house a crowd again,

I eagerly await the day Selhurst Park begins to house a crowd again

even if it will not be the usual capacity support we are accustomed to receiving. With this in mind and with a successful pre-season

passed the ball and also by our movement

behind us, alongside the addition of some

off the ball to create the numerous goal

talented players, I am looking forward to the

chances that we did.

season ahead.

Nathan and Eberechi have added

Although their chances were limited in these pre-season games, I must give credit to

youthful energy and competition to the squad

the younger players who have spent recent

and we are eagerly awaiting the return of

weeks with us. We have relied upon many

recognised senior players such as Gary Cahill,

of our Academy prospects in the absence

Mamadou Sakho, James Tomkins, Christian

of many first-team regulars, and they have

Benteke, Connor Wickham, Patrick van

conducted themselves admirably.

Aanholt and Luka Milivojevic.

They are a credit to the club, and I was

We have enjoyed positive results and

confident in giving them some game time

encouraging performances from our pre-

when more experienced players needed

season schedule, with wins over Oxford

resting. I am certain that some of them will

United, Charlton Athletic and Millwall and a

continue to benefit from senior exposure in

draw with Brøndby IF, which hopefully have

the league and cup this season.

given the squad confidence and momentum

Today we return our focus to the

for their return to competitive football,

Premier League, and to ensuring this club

and I have been gratified by consistent

secures another season of top-flight football.

performances across the team.

I will always start a campaign with the

I felt that, although the Millwall

primary aim of avoiding relegation, but know

scoreline was close, we gave an impressive

that Crystal Palace can strive for greater

account of ourselves, as we had done in

success after this is achieved. That is not

previous matches. The players then played

to say that safety should be overlooked as

exceptionally well against Brøndby, and

an accomplishment, however, and today is

we were deeply unfortunate not to win. We

the first of 38 steps on that path to a ninth

need to be more clinical in front of goal,

consecutive top-flight season.

of course, but I was encouraged by our overall competence against such an adept opponent, and in particular by the way we

I hope this afternoon’s match is a successful start.

Enjoy the game.

The manager

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I

t was great to return after my period of self-isolation; I trained every single day at home during that time, but you cannot

replicate the enjoyment of being amongst this squad. I was pleased that I felt fine after my 45 minutes against Brøndby IF, with the season having not finished too long ago, it wasn’t the usual pre-season feeling.

potential for fans to start returning to our home of Selhurst

I watched the pre-season games that I could not take part in via Palace TV, and it was great to see Wilf scoring regularly.

celebrate our high moments is something we

It’s a great positive for us and him, and that

all desperately want. It will be special when

will bring him great confidence that all front

that time comes.

players need.

The 4-4-2 system we have used in

However, before that potential October reunion, we have a busy fixture list with the

pre-season has helped us in creating more

Carabao Cup draw having been made. We go

chances and scoring more, with players like

to Bournemouth three days after our season-

Wilf benefitting and Jeff being played further

opener against Southampton and four days

forward at times. However, we know we

before we travel to Manchester United.

must be careful not to lose our organisation

And if we are successful against

and structure that has seen us maintain our

Bournemouth, we will be back up there to

position in this league.

play against the holders in Manchester City a

Our first test is Southampton; a team that has remained quite similar in recent seasons, and a manager who has brought them

few days later. It is already a potentially tiring and intense period.

But overcoming Bournemouth will not

stability. We know them well, and where they

be easy – just a few weeks back they were

can hurt us, but likewise, where we can also

a Premier League rival and came close to

showcase our qualities.

avoiding relegation.

We are expecting a tough game but the

This season is unique, and we must

expectation, as we are at home, is for us to

be careful with how we manage the same

get the points, and I believe in the team to

number of games in a shorter time. But we

do that. However, as we still remain in this

have our aims as a club and as players and

situation without fans, I cannot say home

we will always strive to be optimistic. As

advantage is what it used to be.

captain of this club, I would love nothing more

I am excited to read that there is potential for fans to start returning to our home of

than to bring a successful cup run to you all.

Before that, though, we must perform

Selhurst in the not too distant future, even if

for you today. It does not matter that you are

it will be in largely reduced numbers. Having

not here; we know you cheer us on around

just a few of you back around us, to hear your

the world.

songs and encourage us when we need it or

Make some noise!

The captain

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herever you are in the world today, I hope you are well – and as excited as everyone here at the club as we

enter our eighth successive Premier League campaign today.

Today will be a season-opener like no other without you, and we are counting the days when we can welcome supporters safely

we are counting the days when we can welcome supporters safely

back to Selhurst Park. We are also hopeful that we could get back to an even greater level of normality soon, with the ultimate goal

one pitch already being used by the teams,

of course being a packed Selhurst as soon as

whilst the show pitch, base for 3G and indoor

possible. Season tickets are now on sale with

pitch and much of the internal fit out also in

the caveat that you will be refunded for games

progress. With the fixtures now released, I

that you cannot attend, and I am delighted to

can’t wait to see how our sides fare against

say the take up has been immense. Thank you

stronger opposition – we will be showing

to everyone for your support; it means a huge

every Under-23 home game live on Palace

amount in these difficult times.

TV to Members so you can follow the team’s

The mood in the camp is extremely

progress. It is another timely reminder to

positive after a really thorough and

thank our Academy Founder Members, who

well executed pre-season, under the

donated their ticket and season ticket refunds

circumstances. The competitiveness of each of

towards the project. We can’t wait to show

our four games got progressively stronger, with

you around when it’s all finished.

Oxford United, Charlton, Millwall and Brøndby

Finally, thank you for supporting your club

providing excellent preparation for the squad.

by purchasing this programme. Some clubs did

Whilst it’s not sensible to read too much in to

away with producing a matchday programme

pre-season results, winning games certainly

after the restart, but it’s something we take

gives everyone a boost and momentum going

a great deal of pride in producing in-house.

into the new campaign.

For me, it has always been an important part

It’s been fantastic to welcome Nathan

of the matchday experience as a fan – and

and Ebere into our squad, and we are working

hopefully it is an enjoyable read for you all. We

hard to make further additions. We will have

are delighted to welcome Darren Ambrose as

to be patient with Nathan as he builds up

a guest columnist, he was always a popular

his strength and fitness after his operation

figure here and I’m sure his contributions will

earlier this year, but hopefully Ebere will be in

be entertaining and insightful in equal measure.

contention sooner rather than later, following his withdrawal from England U21s last week.

Enjoy the game from wherever you are watching or following.

Our Academy build is ongoing as we enter our first season as a Category 1 setup.

Up the Palace.

The transformation is well underway, with

The chairman

10 James McArthur is 208 appearances up for Palace and very much counting. Here, with Dan Blazer, the midfielder talks about how close he came to joining Leicester City, his changing role under the five managers the Eagles have had during his time and much more.

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f Fixture Release Day is an excitable rush for footballers to see who they will be starting

and closing the season against – as well as scans for a few former teams, London derbies and a trip to the seaside – then Media Day is the dreaded equivalent of an away game against Aston Villa on, well, Boxing Day. Media Day represents broadcasters’ one chance to get all the headshots, goal celebrations and ‘Swipe up’ Instagram Story plugs their content calendars dictates. For all involved, it can be a long and somewhat repetitive day when you add in the kit changes.

Not for James McArthur, though, with the central midfielder clearly starting his seventh season with the Eagles as he started the previous six: laughing, joking and loud. Therefore, Macca was more than happy to be pulled out of line for the BT Sport headshots to speak to us.

“It’s not something you really think about as a football player: I want to get to this number or that number,” McArthur begins to explain that becoming part of the Eagles’ prestigious 200 Club isn’t something, for now at least, that he reflects upon. “Even now, after reaching 200, I don’t think I now want to hit that [specific] number; I just want to play as many games as I can.

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“That’s always been my aim: to

Even off the field, I enjoy speaking to the younger lads, help keep team spirit high and it’s a place where I would honestly like to finish my career

keep playing, because we’ve got a strong squad so it’s tough to always keep playing – especially when you’re getting a wee bit older now.

“I am proud of it but I think I’ll be prouder of it when I stop playing and look back.”

The man from Glasgow arrived in 2014 from Wigan Athletic and now, with the most Premier League wins of any Crystal Palace player, reveals just why he, Palace and south London get on so well.

“I’ve never had the ambition to leave because this club is fantastic,” he says. “It’s what I would describe myself as a player: hardworking, down to earth and even when things don’t go as well, they stay with you.

“It’s ambitious, wants to kick on and be better every single day,” he adds.

“Even off the field, I enjoy speaking to the younger lads, help keep team spirit high and it’s a place where I would honestly like to finish my career.” Clearly, this is very much a mutual feeling when reviewing the club’s social media comments.

Alongside Martin Kelly, Stephen Henderson and Jeffrey Schlupp, McArthur made up a quartet of contract extensions back in August.

Again, though, like the 32-capped former Scotland international’s outlook on joining the 200 Club, there’s no suggestion it’s coming to an end.

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“With signing a deal, I don’t think to myself that’s where it is going to end,” he says. But Macca is now not just talking about his time as a footballer with Palace, he is referring to life in south London.

“Even after the first couple of days at Palace, the boys make you so welcome and the coaching staff have always been excellent throughout my time. “[Player Liaison Officer] Danny Young and [Head of Sport Science

I knew good things about Crystal Palace and thankfully it worked out and I’m now at this great club and have loved every minute of it

and Strength & Conditioning] Scotty Guyett typify it all: people who have been here for the same duration as me – they’ve made it so comfortable since I walked in

going to get that move back to the Premier

the door.

League. It’s mentally tough. But that’s football and

“You can still see it now when

I don’t think of Leicester in any other way now.

new guys walk in the door, these

“I knew Barry Bannan was here and he

guys are so important and people

made it easy for me to walk in the door. Even with

don’t see them.

that, though, if Barry had phoned me to say this

“Personally, I’d like to stay

was the worst club in the world, I still would’ve

here for the rest of my life but

joined because I played against Palace for Wigan

my wife, she’s from Glasgow, so

and the atmosphere that day was amazing.

we will probably head back to

“I knew good things about Crystal Palace

Scotland. Though that goes to

and thankfully it worked out and I’m now at this

show how comfortable I am here.”

great club and have loved every minute of it,”

But how comfortable would McArthur have been at Leicester

McArthur says with a smile.

If McArthur is a dream interviewee with

City? Because that’s where the

copious amounts of unprompted quotes and

now-32-year-old was heading

anecdotes, then he must be every managers’

in the summer of 2014. “I was

ideal footballer. Across Neil Warnock, Alan

meant to go to Leicester and a

Pardew, Sam Allardyce, Frank de Boer and

fee was agreed. But then Esteban

Roy Hodgson, McArthur has never made fewer

Cambiasso went there and it was

than 31 appearances in a season. A permanent

tough at the time,” he explains.

industrious cog.

“I was in the Championship with Wigan and you think you’re

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But if we know why Macca has been an ever-present, does he? He bashfully knocks back

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the question – we get that; no one likes talking about themselves – but we prompt him to have a go because a player who refers to himself as “not a star, not anything but maybe just a reliable player,” deserves their moment in the sun after such loyal and consistent service.

“Probably my hard work and I bring energy into the team; I try to help others,” he begrudgingly suggests. “But I don’t really know because if you asked each manager, it would be for different reasons.

“Under Pardew I was more of a goal threat, maybe he would say that,

I was lucky I won it with Wigan but to go from such a high to such a low, If I could change back any game to try and win it, it would be that one – that’s the one that we felt got away

because he played me a little further forward. Whereas the gaffer now has played me in different positions.”

Next up: the highlights. But it’s hard to forget Macca’s quote from earlier in the interview when he

“If I could change back any game to try and win it, it would be that one – that’s the one that we felt got away.”

Thankfully, it’s as if James Tomkins has

referred to the club and himself as

sensed both the Programme Editor and his

always wanting “to kick on and be

teammate, Macca, are about to spiral at the

better every single day,” because

thought of what might’ve been at Wembley in

the highlights he puts forward are,

2016 when he walks past with a light-hearted

well, lowlights.

quip about the midfielder’s new deal.

“There have been many good

Tomkins doesn’t break stride, turns his back

times. When you score two in a

to Macca and walks over to the Getty Images

game; that’s fantastic. I could say

stand, because he knows that if he allows the

I scored two in a game against

dressing room joker a second to reply, he will

Liverpool but we lost 4-2 so it’s not

be on the receiving end of Kent County Cricket

really an amazing moment.

Club’s training ground hall being engulfed by a

“Again, the FA Cup final was amazing to get there but that will

chorus of laughter.

Our time with McArthur has been

never be a nice memory. I was lucky I

bookended by light-hearted moments, with the

won it with Wigan but to go from such

bits in between showcasing a dedicated, happy

a high to such a low,” an obvious

and proud Palace man.

grimace pierces the almost permanent Macca smile for a brief second.

We couldn’t sum up Macca’s six seasons and counting in south London any better than that.

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Target Practice Andros Townsend

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Copers cope

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game that changed my career 2-0

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

Sunday 18th August, 2002, Premier League

impact on a player’s career.

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

This week it is former Palace ‘keeper Nico Vaesen’s turn to relive a truly daunting Premier League bow: facing Arsenal a season before they became invincible.

“Once you’re in the tunnel of Highbury and you see Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, David Seaman and Patrick Vieira, you know you’re there.”

“When I played in my first Premier League game, after we’d won promotion with Birmingham City, it was away at Arsenal.

“Once you’re in the tunnel of Highbury and you see Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, David Seaman and Patrick Vieira, you know you’re there.

“We lost the game 2-0. But I remember being amazed by the Arsenal players’ awareness. That game was a moment of joy and satisfaction, having reached the Premier League, but also a moment of: right, okay; this is what is required. You cannot rest now you’re here.

“That was a game with a certain meaning to me.”

game that changed my career

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I’ve been back involved with the club’s media for a couple of years now. There was no place I wanted to go and work more than Crystal Palace but, as a player coming to the end of their career, I didn’t want to admit I was retired, so it took me a while to get my head around that before committing to a media career.

I’m delighted to have been offered this column in the matchday programme.

What you’ll get from me is an honest opinion. You may not agree with it – but I hope it drives a healthy debate. And, of course, I’ll throw a few stories in along the way.

Pre-Season Neil Warnock is brutal; real old-school.

He used to set-up a 440m track and whenever he wanted he would shout: ‘On the line!’ and those three words still give me nightmares now.

You’d make your way to the line and he’d say: ‘Go’ and you’d be looking to make your way to the end in roughly 6570 seconds; it’s a good pace but not too tiring. Neil could have you doing it again one-minute later or midway through a seven-v-seven game - he’d call it, and all of a sudden ‘not too tiring’ became ‘absolutely knackering’!

One day we came in and the gaffer wasn’t there which we were pleased about. But then we’ve looked out onto the pitches and the track was set-up.

Keith Curle was the No.2 at the time and he said to us: ‘We are going to do one run; if you all finish in under one-minute you can go home. Don’t tell the gaffer, though.’

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I’ve never run so quick in my life

I remember when I went on loan

– even Julián Speroni came in at 55

to a Greek side, Apollon Smyrni, from

seconds. I’ve no idea if the gaffer knows

Birmingham City and I missed my

now or whether Keith had something to do that clashed with training, so his clock was always going to end under one-minute.

if we can get a minimum of seven points, it’s a good start second daughter’s third birthday – there were a few tears. And then there are those Christmases you spend in the team hotel - Aston Villa away will not have gone down well with the players with young children.

√ Southampton I remember playing for Newcastle United against Palace’s opponents today, and in the ‘03/04 season, on the final day, we

Fixture Release Day

were going for UEFA Cup qualification – we needed a point to secure the spot but

If you’re a young player, playing in

it also meant we would be in three weeks

the Premier League, you’re looking

earlier for pre-season.

at the Liverpools, the Manchester

There was an amusingly mixed

Uniteds, the Arsenals and the likes

reaction in the dressing room after I had

of Tottenham Hotspur with their new

scored in the 90th minute to make it 3-3

stadium and wanting to give it your all

against Southampton!

against those opponents.

You are also looking to see

I also scored a header against the Saints for Ipswich, and that goal

whether you can pick up points in the

ranks as one of my favourites. I’d been

first five games. Palace’s opening run

working a lot with Terry Connor, the

is a tough start, but as a player you’re

assistant manager at the time, on my

thinking that if we can get a minimum

heading and arriving in the box at the

of seven points, it’s a good start.

right time.

When you get a bit older, though,

When I managed to score that

you start looking at your partner’s

header, I was buzzing and I ended

and kids’ birthdays – I used to always

running over to Terry and celebrating

enjoy playing on my birthday, though,

with him – I got stick for weeks after

and the extra buzz that brought.

from the lads for going over to Terry.

darren ambrose

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Junior EAgles

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School In Focus With schools reopening this month, south Londoners will be excitedly returning to the classroom to show their friends and teachers the new hobbies and skills they’ve picked up during the Palace for Life Summer Extravaganza.

Throughout August, Palace for Life hosted FREE sessions across south London, including a holiday camp at Heavers Farm Primary School in South Norwood. From football to cheerleading, footgolf to DJ workshops – which included DJ Milktray letting the next generation of musicians in on a few of his secrets when on the decks.

Those that were lucky enough to attend the Summer Extravaganza also bagged themselves a Palace-themed activity pack, so be sure to ask around your classmates if you can share some of the goodies inside!

Guess who

Badge jumble

Can you guess the four players in this face

Can you guess the four clubs from these

mash-up?

mixed up badges?

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02

03

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01

03

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wordsearch

spot the difference

Can you find the seven hidden football-themed

Can you find the five differences in these

words below?

two Andros Townsend pictures?

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Seven words to find:

selhurst, holmesdale, palace, zaha, eagle, goal, schlupp Now make a sentence using all of the words you’ve found!

answers

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missing from Charlton sock 4. Townsend’s boot colour 5. ‘8’ missing from Townsend’s shirt 2. Number ‘5’ missing from Charlton shorts 3. White mark

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Villa 4. Sheffield United. Spot The Difference: 1. Puma logo mising from Andros Townsend. Badge Jumble: 1. Chelsea 2. Burnley 3. Aston Guess Who: 1. Martin Kelly 2. Scott Dann 3. Jeffrey Schlupp 4.

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Happy 80th Birthday Brian

Freddie Clyro is a fourth-

Welcome to the world Charles

Cochrane! Love from all your

generation Palace ticket holder.

Parker Francis Clarkson,

family! Enjoy your day!

Mum, Dad, nans and grandads

born 12 April, 2020.

wish him a very Happy 6th Birthday on the 21st September.

Colin Morbin celebrating his

Julie Grant at the 2004 play-off

Wherever I am Crystal Palace

80th birthday and looking

final, wonderfully and lovingly

are always with me. Cuba 2010.

forward to his 72nd season as

remembered by all her family. 17th

a Palace supporter. Seen here

September would have been her

reflecting on bygone days.

58th birthday. Happy Birthday.

Happy 18th Birthday to George

Happy Birthday Linda Grilli; a

Hoping we will all be back at

Long from all at CPFC.

super mum and super nonna. Love

Selhurst Park together soon.

Emilio, Dawn, Katy, Lucia, Michael and Shelley. Eagle since 1948.

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Happy 4th Birthday. Lots of

Good luck this season. I’ll be

Thanks for a great staycation,

love from Mummy, Daddy

shouting, screaming, stamping

guys. Can’t wait until we can all

and your big brother Riley.

my feet and biting my nails as

be together again in Selhurst.

I watch you guys go up, up and up. Maddie Anstee.

Cracking few days in Bristol. Never

Remember this, mate? Got

Happy Birthday, Jo-Marie! I

know what you are going to find.

to do it again when we can.

can’t wait to take you to your first

Love Paul and Sue xx

game at the home of the Eagles.

The face you pull when you

Hopefully it won’t be snowing

Have a good birthday,

aren’t at Palace’s season-opener.

by the time we get back

Chromedawg! Celebrate properly

Going for a 3-0 win today.

inside Selhurst. COYP!

soon. Love from all the boys x

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Say, for instance, an academy graduate gets a 20-minute debut at the end of a game. Most of the people in the stadium that day will walk home

A

having decided whether that player is worth t any given time, a player is viewed in one of

the manager’s time or not. For good or for bad,

three different ways: either he’s rated, he’s

because it works both ways. From that point, either

not or he’s unknown.

the player is waved off any time he comes up in

That third category has almost become

redundant. The trend now is to know everything. Or at least to pretend to. Football knowledge used to

conversation, or he becomes a little cause célèbre – the answer to every deficiency the team has.

It’s a natural habit, but it’s such an interesting

be more traditional. It used to mean being able to

one. It stands contrary to the game’s eternal

recite FA Cup winners or name teams that started

truths. Players change. They grow. They learn.

obscure games in long-forgotten seasons. Now,

They adapt. They get better. Sometimes they get

it’s about knowing how close to the first team a

worse. Sometimes they become lazy or entitled or

16-year-old Bulgarian full-back is.

blighted by personal adversity. Everyone knows

What hasn’t changed, however, is that once a player has made a first impression, that identity tends to calcify. It’s difficult to describe why that

this, because it’s always part of the conversation around football.

On the one hand, then, football is a fluid

is. One day a player is standing on the pitch for the

concept which changes week to week, with all

first time – his socks too high, his shirt too big - and

sorts of variables and unknown factors. On the

the next, you have this strangely fixed perception of

other, players retain the same shape first assigned

what he can go on to achieve.

to them, damned forever to have a set of strengths

Maybe there’s a pressure for fans to be that

and weaknesses that never change. It’s as if they

way? Vote this way, vote that. Phone in to this

aren’t highly pliable at all, or that they’re not being

number, like or retweet if you agree. Culturally,

influenced by small coaching armies every day of

football is very like that now and it helps to shuffle

their professional lives.

players into one of those two categories: good or

This column was brought to you by the writers

bad. Generally it’s forever, too, because how often

of FourFourTwo - if you want more like this to read,

does a player cross the boundary in between?

the next issue is on sale on September 23rd or

Rarely. Most of us are not only stubborn in how we

subscribe for only a £1 via the link below.

watch the game, but we also make our minds up ludicrously early and adopt oddly inflexible positions.

By Seb Stafford-Bloor - FourFourTwo

33

Est.

1885 opposition

34

southampt match preview Of teams to have played in at least 10 Premier League seasons, Southampton have the worst win percentage on matchday one, winning just two out of 21. But that doesn’t necessarily make the Eagles the favourites today, with Palace having won just three of their 22 Premier League matches against the south-coast side.

The Saints were perhaps one of the few teams pleased for an opening day fixture away from home, with Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side setting club-records last season. Only Liverpool and Manchester City bettered the Saints’ nine wins and 31 points on the road in 2019/20, each top-flight records for the club.

Both sides go in to today’s game with strikers coming off the back of season-best

Ralph Hasenhüttl

The good thing is we had the last season not so long ago so it is not so difficult I think and for everybody it’s the same.

2019/20 run-in

returns in the Premier League. Danny Ings’ 22 Premier League goals last season were the most by a Saints player since James Beattie in 2002/03 (23). Furthermore, Ings has

3-1

W {H) 26.07.20

0-2

W {a) 19.07.20

1-1

D {H) 16.07.20

been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 14 away Premier League starts (12 goals and two assists).

Roy Hodgson is able to turn to Jordan Ayew for the south Londoners’ firepower, with Palace’s No.9 scoring in 64% of Crystal Palace’s Premier League victories last season. Furthermore, the Eagles remained unbeaten in all nine games in which the Ghanaian scored, taking 23 points.

official matchday programme

35

ton f.c. premier league wins

all-timers Jason Dodd

105

Claus Lundekvam

95

Matthew Le Tissier

80

James Ward-Prowse

80

100

James Beattie

68

Marian Pahars

42

Danny Ings

29

premier league goals

Matthew Le Tissier

Likely lineup 1 2 5 4 3 17 8 6 11 10 9

MŠCarthy Walker-Peters Stephens Vestergaard Bertrand Armstrong Ward-Prowse Romeu Redmond Adams Ings

1

2

17

5

4

8

6

10

9

3

11

opposition

01

player profile

36

Age

30

Height

1.93m

Joined

1st August, 2016

Debut

21st September, 2016 v Crystal Palace

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Reading, Queens Park Rangers & Crystal Palace

28

Alex M©Carthy POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

02

A familiar face to Palace fans, Alex McCarthy is beginning his fifth season with the south-coast club having moved from south London in 2016.

The one-capped England international is beginning this campaign as No.1 having

Angus Gunn

Kyle Walker-Peters

POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

usurped Angus Gunn during the

03

2019/20 season – Gunn’s final league start was the 9-0 defeat to Leicester City back in October.

94 apps 17 clean sheets official matchday programme

Ryan Bertrand

Jack Stephens

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

05

37

18

22

Yan Valery

Mohammed Salisu

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: GHANA

35

42 apps 8 clean sheets

04 06 Jannik Vestergaard

Jan Bednarek

Oriol Romeu

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: POLAND

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SPAIN

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: DENMARK

player profile

Vestergaard came through the academy of Brøndby

Age

28

Height

1.99m

Bundesliga that the centre-back

Joined

13th July, 2018

with 1899 Hoffenheim.

Debut

12th August, 2018 v Burnley

IF. However, it was in the made his senior breakthrough, Stints then at fellow top-flight German sides, Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, saw the defender pick up a reputation as a goalscorer. That,

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

coupled with a spot in Denmark’s

1899 Hoffenheim II, 1899 Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen & Borussia

2018 World Cup squad, saw the

Mönchengladbach

Saints move for Vestergaard.

opposition

38

12

17

Moussa Djenepo

Stuart Armstrong

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: MALI

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: SCOTLAND

19

08

11

Sofiane Boufal

Nathan Redmond

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: MOROCCO

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

player profile

231 apps 22 assists

Age

25

Height

1.73m

Joined

Academy graduate

Debut

25th October, 2011 v Crystal Palace

James Ward-Prowse POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

Having been at the club since the age of eight, Ward-Prowse made his first-team debut in the League Cup against the Eagles.

Since then, the recentlycapped England international has risen to the role of club

PREVIOUS CLUB:

captain and, if played today, he

Southampton

will make his 271st appearance for the Saints.

official matchday programme

09

player profile

39

Age

28

Height

1.78m

Joined

9th August, 2018 (loan)

Debut

12th August, 2018 v Burnley

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Bournemouth, Burnley & Liverpool

20

Danny Ings POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

07

The former Liverpool striker is coming off his best top-flight season in front of goal, with Ings hitting the net 22 times in the league – a tally that sure him finish just one goal short of the frontrunner, Jamie Vardy.

Will Smallbone

Shane Long

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND

10 111 apps 43 goals

14

Ché Adams

Michael Obafemi

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: REP. OF IRELAND

opposition

40

#11

#11

zaha

remond

Age 27

position winger

nationality civ

Age 26

position winger

nationality eng

apps

goals

assists

apps

goals

assists

% 4,524

537

330

35

big chances created

18

Shot Accuracy

shots

25

Crosses

207

Passes

big chances created

24

Shot Accuracy

shots

36

Crosses

Passes

215

% 36

5,747

523

380

34

37

41

#18

#8

mŠarthur

Ward-Prowse

Age 32

position cm

nationality sco

Age 25

position cm

nationality eng

apps

goals

assists

apps

goals

assists

% 10,022

137

604

72

Fouls

22

Tackle Success

Tackles

22

Crosses

231

Passes

Fouls

18

Tackle Success

Tackles

23

Crosses

Passes

280

% 368

6,826

1,098

259

63

191

opposition

42

In our game There’s always room for passion.

There’s room for rivalry.

There’s room for emotion.

But there is no room for racism.

If you see it, report it.

Download the Kick It Out app, or tell a police officer or steward in the stadium.

official matchday programme

43

Crystal Palace have

Southampton have won

won just three of their

their last three away

62

22 Premier league

53

Premier League visits to

matches against

Crystal Palace without

Southampton (D6 L13)

2

conceding a single goal.

4

match facts

31

51

GOALS

376 499 SHOTS

36

57

50

EXPECTED GOALS

44

60

58

GOALS CONCEDED

49

8

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

54

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

10

12

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

13

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

10

9

CLEAN SHEETS

6

17

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

goal times time

SCORED

CONCEDED

time

SCORED

CONCEDED

0-15

1

7

0-15

5

7

16-30

3

6

16-30

9

12

31-45

6

7

31-45

8

9

46-60

6

13

46-60

11

8

61-75

5

5

61-75

7

12

76-90

10

12

76-90

11

12

opposition

44

what’s the storey @danielstorey85

play a 4-5-1 (as he did last season)

Deal with the high press

with three central midfielders

Another crucial element of

who can pick up Armstrong and

Southampton’s direct football

Redmond when they move into

is that it does not rely on them

their territory.

retaining possession. One

backs to follow that pair infield or

The alternative is to go

of the basic philosophies of

straight to the head of Long;

Hasenhüttl’s managerial style

there can be few better forwards

is his demand that his teams

in the air under six feet tall in

press high up the pitch to force

Europe. Last season, only seven

turnovers that then lead to high

It would be deeply unfair to

strikers won more headers than

chance creation.

describe Southampton as a long-

Long in the Premier League

ball team - Ralph Hasenhüttl’s

despite the Irishman only starting

played forward, the four

style has far more nuance than

15 league matches. His career

midfielders and two strikers are

that. But the presence of Danny

has been rejuvenated under

expected to push up the pitch

Ings as an aerial presence and

Hasenhüttl, culminating in a new

and close down defenders as

Shane Long as a second striker

contract this summer.

quickly as possible, blocking

Watch the direct balls to Ings

As soon as the ball is

with two advanced midfielders

passing lanes and either

tucking inside makes the direct

forcing their opponents to

ball from defender to the final third

attempt low-percentage balls

a useful weapon for beating the

up the pitch or regaining

opposition press. Those passes

possession and creating

are generally played into central

overlaps in the final third.

Palace were caught out

areas as Southampton look to feed off second balls. Only three

in exactly this way in the

teams in the Premier League

same fixture last season,

attempted more long balls last

when a long ball ended with

season: Sheffield United, Burnley

Palace possession but saw

and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond instructed to tuck in to create a 4-2-2-2 rather than a typical 4-4-2, Jack Stephens or Jannik Vestegaard are able to bypass the central midfield pair and land the ball at the feet or chest of Armstrong or Redmond. Roy Hodgson will have to decide whether to order his full-

official matchday programme

the direct ball from defender to the final third a useful weapon for beating the opposition press

them hounded 30 yards from goal. A quick regain led to Armstrong receiving the ball at his feet, and he scored from outside the box before Palace could regroup. Defenders must be ready to pass the ball quickly and accurately, with midfielders and forwards showing for the ball immediately when necessary.

45

Beware shots from distance

Armstrong getting the ball into

The rise of expected goals into

and close them down before

the mainstream consciousness

they shoot. If that does happen,

as a measure of chance quality

Vicente Guaita must get himself

shouldn’t overshadow the fact

into a position to dive at full-

that clubs have been using the

stretch earlier than normal. As

data for years. Put simply, it

well as Armstrong, Redmond

measures the likely chance of a

scored from the edge of the box

shot ending in a goal according

in this fixture last season.

feet outside the penalty area

Only Manchester City scored more goals from outside the area than them last season, and no team scored a higher percentage of their goals from 20+ yards

to the location of the shot, using average data of thousands of players and shots. The general

Important to start quickly

advice: avoid shots from acute

If Southampton had one general strength last season, it was

angles or distance, instead

starting games quickly. They scored 19% of their goals in the first

focusing on more interplay to

20 minutes of matches, and their 10 goals in the first 20 minutes

create chances with better

was bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal,

hope of ending in goals.

Chelsea and Everton. No team outside last season’s top six

But every team is different, and Southampton have proven

scored the first goal more often in their matches.

That matters to Palace because it reflects their own

themselves adept under

weakness. Hodgson’s side were the only Premier League team

Hasenhüttl of scoring from

that failed to score in the first 10 minutes of a match last season,

distance. Only Manchester City

and only Watford conceded more goals over that period - no

scored more goals from outside

team had a worse goal difference in the first 20 minutes.

the area than them last season,

Similarly, no Premier League team conceded the first goal in

and no team scored a higher

the game more often than Palace (24 out of 38 matches). If their

percentage of their goals from

ability to gain points having done so was better than 11 teams,

20+ yards. Individually, Kevin

they do not want to be expending so much energy chasing the

de Bruyne was the only player

game during a relentless Premier League schedule.

who scored more goals from outside the box than Ings, who has a useful habit of taking his shots early and catching out goalkeepers before they are set.

The message to Palace defenders is obvious: as well as blocking off passing lanes into the penalty area, they must beware of Ings and Stuart

19% Goals 20 Mins

They scored 19% of their goals in the first 20 minutes of matches, and their 10 goals in the first 20 minutes was bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton.

daniel storey

46

47

Ten questions that link Palace and today’s opponents that will test even the biggest Eagles fan.

Time to earn your ‘Palace Encyclopaedia’ nickname.

01

06 Fitz Hall was managed by Iain Dowie at

A fan favourite for both the Eagles and the

Crystal Palace and which other club?

Saints, but for whom did Jason Puncheon play the most for?

02 Palace signed Fitz Hall from today’s

07 Mel Blyth left south London for the south

opposition but who did the centre-back

coast, but during his time with the Saints

leave south London for?

he had a loan spell back in London with which club?

03 John Burridge played for 30 clubs across his 28-year career but from the list, who

08 Danny Butterfield’s iconic hat-trick against

didn’t the former Palace and Saints

Wolverhampton Wanderers is the club’s

‘keeper represent: Aston Villa, Newcastle

fastest. But did the makeshift striker score

United, Sheffield United, Blackpool and

his trio of strikes in 06:48 or 11:01?

Birmingham City.

09

04

Iain Dowie had a brief spell with Palace

Nathaniel Clyne made his first-team debut

as a player after leaving Southampton but

for the Eagles in a Championship game in

which London club did Dowie finish his

2008 but who were the opponents that day?

05

playing career with?

10 Crystal Palace brought José Fonte to

Palace’s last win over Southampton came

English football before selling the defender

in January, 2018, in a 2-1 victory despite

to Southampton. But which other Premier

Shane Long’s first-half opener. Who scored

League club did Fonté play for?

Roy Hodgson’s side’s goals that day?

answers 1 Oldham Athletic 2 Wigan Athetic 3 Birmingham City 4 Barnsley 5 West Ham United 6 Crystal Palace 7 Crystal Palace 8 06:48 9 Queens Park Rangers 10 James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic

opposition quiz

48

49

fantasy dinner party

Keith Richards “Definitely Keith Richards; he’d be my number one dinner guest. The stories, man. I was a little bit obsessed with the Stones and still am to be honest.”

Joseph Stalin “I’m fascinated by Russian history.

Crystal Palace players past and present

Not because I’m a Stalinist, I’m not.

will be inviting guests to dinner each

I’m fascinated by Tsarist Russia, the

week, with no restrictions and no

changeover in 1917 and the Bolsheviks and

judgements on who they choose – after

all that side of it. Lenin and Stalin and then

all, Come Dine With Me is always

Stalin is in the cabinet with Lenin and rises

better viewing when personalities and

to power and rules with an iron fist. Maybe

ideologies clash.

not a great dinner guest to be honest…”

This week, Damien Delaney is in store for quite an explosive night but

Genghis Khan

hopefully the Rolling Stones influence

“A guy in a village at 15 rose from

won’t mean the guests will be leaving

literally nothing to become arguably

saying: I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

the most powerful warlord there was

(from the dinner party).

in an amazingly short span of time. His leadership and ferocity is probably unmatched.”

Chairman Mao “Imagine uniting a community of a billion or so people. The force of personality these people must have had is insane.”

Napoleon Bonaparte “Again, just fascinating. I don’t admire these people but I have an absolute fascination with historical leaders.”

I have an absolute fascination with historical leaders

fantasy dinner party

ready Career s. course ips. nticesh Appre es.

Degre

take control. stand out. apply for a course now.

LSEC.ac.uk 020 3954 4000

51

Copers Cope Road is home to Palace’s first-team 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

O

ff the back of signing for Crystal Palace, Jake Giddings talks to Dan Blazer about how he came

for a trial in March but after two days, the United Kingdom went into lockdown.

Palace’s Academy coaches had, however, already seen enough of the bright talent.

“I was gutted,” Jake Giddings says honestly. And why wouldn’t he be?

There’s no need to pretend that leaving the club he had been with since the age of five wasn’t difficult.

But West Ham United’s loss is the Eagles’ gain, with Giddings leaving one Category 1 Academy behind to join another.

“It’s a big change of scenery,” he reveals. “I was at West Ham for 13 years; I knew everything about the club and where everything was.”

But what the midfielder is quickly realising is that Crystal Palace Football Club always looks after its own, no matter how fresh in the door you are.

It’s a big change of scenery, I was at West Ham for 13 years; I knew everything about the club and where everything was

official matchday programme

53

“I was there [at Palace’s Academy] in March but I was only there for two days because the lockdown kicked in,” he says with an indication that those months of not knowing were testing for an 18-year-old who has only known football.

“It was one of the most uncertain and toughest times because I had left West Ham in the March and I shot

Having a coach who used to play similarly to me means they understand where you’re coming from

straight out to Palace, but obviously they couldn’t make a decision after two days – or so I thought.

“That was one thing that was

factor the former Hammer puts down to making the switch from east to south London: “Having a

brilliant about the club, they kept me

coach who used to play similarly to me means they

involved and had me involved in the

understand where you’re coming from and why you

squad team meetings over Zoom. I was

do the things you do on the pitch.

involved from minute one of the lockdown

“For example, in the season before last, Jack

which was a massive for me – I felt like I

Collison was manager of West Ham’s Under-18s

was worth something to them.”

and we got on well; he was still young, just finished

Despite the inclusion off the pitch, Giddings knew it was on the pitch that

the game and played in my position.

“I felt like I clicked with him really well and it

his true worth needed proving and

has been similar with Shaun – the knowledge that

concerns over having just two days

he has, that I might not yet have, is going to be

down Copers Cope Road with the

passed over.”

Palace coaches crept in.

“I was sitting in my house for three months straight, thinking: ‘What do I do? I haven’t played in a game since February;’ I just thought the worst.”

Those fears, although revealing

Like many of his red and blue teammates, Giddings arrives with first-team exposure during his time at West Ham: “The season before last I was over at Stratford for a couple of days training with the first-team,” he reveals. “I knew Declan [Rice] from when I was

a grounded attitude, were misplaced,

younger, and he obviously plays in my position, so

because in 48 hours Shaun Derry and

he was very good [at looking out for Giddings].

his coaching staff had seen enough.

“And Robert Snodgrass. I spoke to him for a

Giddings returned after lockdown to the

few minutes after the training sessions; he was

offer of his first professional contract – a

very complimentary but he knew I needed to do

chance he excitedly refers to as being

other things to get to that next level.”

“thrown in the deep end.”

Giddings plays a similar position to

That next level, Palace and Giddings both hope, will arrive in south London because, after

the one his now-coach, Derry, played

all, as our recent Academy recruit says himself:

during his professional career – a

“Sometimes the grass is greener elsewhere.”

over the road at copers cope

54

55

From current or past employees of the club 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.

Voices of south london

56

T

his week, Britain’s boxing

phone his attacker was

cruiserweight champion,

searching for.

Richard Riakporhe, talks

“I stepped outside of this

coming to my aide.

“Being stabbed at that young age sort of made me

through his upbringing on the

house party and this bloke is

cool; I had a story already at

Aylesbury Estate, being stabbed

stabbing people for their phones

15-years-old.”

at 15-years-old and how now he

left, right and centre,” Riakporhe

is helping schoolchildren avoid the

begins to detail the incident like

what Britain’s future boxing

path his own childhood followed.

it was happening all over again.

champion had gone through

“For a good four years,

“I didn’t even have a phone

Then, after the dust settled,

sunk in: “Later on, I explored the

my brother and I used to play

but when he asked for it I was

seriousness of the stabbing and

football every single day.

just mumbling.

I realised could’ve been dead –

Football was all that consumed our minds.”

For boxer Richard Riakporhe, although he would

“I can remember exactly how it felt now. It was like time slowed down.”

Riakporhe doesn’t recoil

a lot who had suffered that same stabbing had passed.

“I wanted to live better, do better, make my parents

see crime whenever looking

or take a moment to pause;

proud and help people in my

out the windows of his home

he continues to add further

community.”

located in the Chartridge block,

traumatic context to the night.

growing up on the infamous

“The blood just kept on

However, finding the balance between helping

Aylesbury Estate had its merits.

trickling down. I lifted up my

friends in the Aylesbury Estate

“I like having those moments to

top and that’s when everyone

without Richard himself being

remember,” he says.

panicked and called the

pulled back in was a tough

ambulance.”

balance to find.

“Looking back at it now, there were times where I kind

But the person who made

“I had to make a decision

of regretted growing up in

the frantic call to the emergency

to follow a different path and

that type of environment and

services still beggars belief a

it was really difficult because

getting involved with that type

decade and a half on.

I had friends who grew up in

of lifestyle,” Riakporhe reflects.

“The guy who stabbed me

that area that were pulling

“But at the same time it made

was actually the one who called

me back.” Riakporhe, again,

me who I am.”

the ambulance.”

doesn’t break stride but a

It would be easy to dismiss

The realisation that Richard

recollective sigh at friends

Riakporhe as pontificating for

might not have been here,

lost from a previous time feels

show, but the now-30-year-old

talking to the club he had long

audible. “It was a battle within

nearly didn’t – and statistics

dreamed of playing for as a

myself – it was really difficult.“

suggests, possibly shouldn’t

youngster, only really registered

– have made it past the age of

with him a few years later:

the 15.

“I went through a traumatic

Riakporhe did take that new path, though, with the aim of making his parents proud. 15

experience at a young age,

years on from nearly losing his

Riakporhe was stabbed after

so at first I had a lot of family

life, the south London-born boxer

failing to hand over the mobile

and friends focused on me and

goes into schools up and down

Attending a house party,

official matchday programme

57

The guy who stabbed me was actually the one who called the ambulance.

the country with his programme – raising awareness of knife crime amongst the younger generation.

But not every child that Riakporhe comes across will have grown up in the equivalents of the Chartridge block. Richard’s programme accounts for that, though: “It is tricky but at the same time they have different types of struggles.

“I tell them my story and the change in me and although they might not relate to my background, the core message is there and that’s something I hope they can take from it: it is never the end – you have to keep on pushing; everything is possible.”

The realisation occurs to us that we are yet to talk to Britain’s cruiserweight champion about boxing, such are the depths to Riakporhe’s journey into the ring.

We put the question to him: Do you view yourself more as a boxer or do you associate more with the programme in schools?

“It goes hand in hand,” he says. “What I realised is, for the kids to see me as a role model, I needed to have something to show them. I needed to win fights and that was – and is – my driving force in the ring.

“I have a deep love for boxing and I have my own goals. But that is driven by wanting to make a difference outside the ring; I want to leave a legacy.

“I’ve seen so many champions come and go but once upon a time they were kings walking down the street.

“I think it is more significant when you help other people and you stand up for what is right. That’s why we remember people like Muhammad Ali.” Richard Riakporhe’s legacy is already confirmed. However, with aims of becoming world champion in the next two years before moving up to the “iconic stage of heavyweight,” it’s safe to say there’s plenty more still to be added.

voices of south london

58

palace for life

T

his summer, Palace for Life Foundation worked with hundreds of local

youngsters, providing free activities such as football, cheerleading and tennis to get children active following months in lockdown. Our Summer Extravaganza Holiday Camp ran throughout August and one of those who attended was nine-year-old Alfie.

Alfie and his family were introduced to Palace for Life through our cooking workshops earlier this year, during which Alfie and his mum learned how to make a number of low-cost and nutritious meals.

It wasn’t just Alfie who took something away from the workshops, his family received a slow cooker and a cookbook packed with simple and healthy recipes to practice at home. According to

official matchday programme

Anything that’s healthy was a big enemy; he was a bit of a fussy eater but now he is more open to trying new foods. Even if it is just the tiniest bite, he’s willing to take that bite

59

he knows now what the food labels and colours mean and he’s beginning to preach to me about what’s going in the trolley!

Alfie’s mum, Kirsty, the newly-discovered foods produced a change in Alfie’s eating habits: “Anything that’s healthy was a big enemy; he was a bit of a fussy eater but now he is more open to trying new foods. Even if it is just the tiniest bite, he’s willing to take that bite.”

Alfie also began to attend our Healthy Eagles sessions in the community that taught him about food groups, portion sizes and vital skills like food label reading. Kirsty took notice of the effect the lessons were having on Alfie during their shopping trips: “Very rarely would he come out for a full week’s shopping but recently he’s begun to come out with me, he knows now what the food labels and colours mean and he’s beginning to preach to me about what’s going in the trolley!”

Although our community sessions ceased due to the COVID-19 lockdown, that didn’t deter Alfie and he completed our virtual Healthy Eagles programme. He was sent a special activity book in the post which was accompanied by

The Marathon March is back on Saturday 10th October 2020, but this time, there is a twist.

Come together with fellow fans to celebrate our club and raise money for the south London community as we recover from the pandemic. We will start and end our 26.2 mile walk at Selhurst Park, with a brand new route visiting sites around our home of south London.

Government guidelines will be followed at all times.

To sign-up visit palaceforlife.org and search: Marathon March

educational videos.

Once our Summer Extravaganza began, Alfie was back and we were delighted to see him trying out a number of new sports and activities alongside his new friends!

Find out more: www.palaceforlife.org / @PalaceForLife

After a challenging start to the year when many of our sessions and events were cancelled, we received an amazing boost of more than £50,000 in ticket refunds from Palace supporters! Thank you to everyone who donated to Palace for Life Foundation.

palace for life

60

official matchday programme

61

Crystal Palace v Southampton, 3/12/2016 Christian Benteke made Fraser Forster want the Selhurst Park turf to swallow him up, with the Eagles striker capitalising on a sliced clearance from the Saints ‘keeper.

Step back

62 @pnm1979

official matchday programme

63

The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss will review 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.

kit or miss

64

T

he last kit affected by Palace’s fleeting affair with having no official badge, this retro classic

from 50 years ago saw one of our final seasons in claret and blue before Malcolm Allison’s historic re-brand

What we like: No branding, no designers, no distractions.

This kit is as retro as they come while still catching the eye. We love the crimped collar and cuffs, too.

in 1973.

Palace shirts dropped the club crest in favour of a red and blue shield - and then nothing - from 1964, but adorned kits with the words ‘Crystal

Even better if: A claret and blue sash would have been phenomenal. Just for one season.

Palace’ written on them in gold between 1967-72.

This class from ‘71/72 saw the club return to a bold white, claret and blue for the first time since the early ‘60s.

The two straight, uninterrupted bars of colour through the centre of the shirt was a dynamic new design from the club as well, and hasn’t been replicated on any other kit.

official matchday programme

Wore it best: Mel Blyth

65

The finest hour:

Story of the season

Trumping Sheffield United 5-1 to record just one of eight league wins that season.

‘71/72 saw Palace consolidate their top-flight status for the third season running, which was no mean feat for their first spell at such a tier. However, it proved to be a disappointing campaign in which the south Londoners only narrowly avoided relegation before falling through the trap door the following season.

The ‘71/72 season marked the beginning of the end for manager Bert Head who, after seven years in charge, departed in 1972/73. Of

Where are they now?

Claret and blue died a swift death when Malcolm Allison modernised the club to sport the colours of Barcelona. The printing of just ‘Crystal Palace’ on shirts came to an end in ‘71/72, making this shirt a true relic of Palace history.

course, under Head’s successor, Malcolm Allison, Palace suffered consecutive relegations.

Buyers’ guide: As is always the case, the older the kit, the harder it is to find. If you manage to track one down online, it’ll likely set you back to the tune of £100. Alternatively, you can buy replicas of the 1972 shirt via the Club Shop for far less. It’s not quite the same, but it may have to do. And, no, that’s not an intentional plug. Unless a shareholder’s reading, of course.

Honourable mention: ‘80s away sash A red sash on a light blue background designed by adidas and ridiculously hard to track down. Sumptuous; the shirt lover’s Holy Grail.

kit or miss

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

wasn’t rubbing the salt into the wounds of our relegated tenants, then the fact rumours surfaced that the transfer fee for Humphrey was in lieu of unpaid rent, certainly was.

Not only were changes taking place amongst the playing staff, Palace’s Selhurst Park had seats fitted in the Arthur Wait enclosure with the club continuing to act on the Taylor Report’s recommendation regarding all-seater stadiums.

Despite such measures, crowds

W

were still reluctant to return to football

hen the dust had settled on

grounds – Palace’s average attendance

Palace’s two FA Cup final

in 1989/90 of 17,105 was the 10th highest

ties against Manchester

in the league. As in previous pre-seasons,

United, the club could, despite the

Coppell took his squad on a six-game

disappointment of the replay, look back

10-day tour of Scandinavia – the Eagles

on a successful campaign back in the top-flight after relegation in 1981.

A 15th place finish, with London rivals Millwall and Charlton Athletic

Scorers from the Caribbean tour: Ian Wright 6, Geoff Thomas 1, Andy Gray 1

relegated, the Eagles could head off on a four-match end-of-season tour of the Caribbean with their heads held high – two victories, one draw and a defeat wasn’t a bad outcome after the Herculean effort given across the Division One season.

Results: Trinidad & Tobago national side 2-2 Caribbean XI 0-4 Jamaican XI 2-0 Cayman Islands XI 4-0

Palace saw their standing amongst the footballing world, as top-flight FA Cup

returned from Sweden with a goal

finalists, grow significantly and Steve

difference of +34 having conceded just

Coppell was well aware of two things:

two; the biggest margin of victory coming

he needed to strengthen the squad and

in the 8-1 over Hallstahammar.

he needed to do so whilst the south

Returning back home the big

Londoners were being talked about.

news was the capture of Wimbledon’s

In came midfielder Glyn Hodges from

central defender Eric Young for £850,000

Watford and Charlton Athletic’s captain

and former Don Wally Downes joined

and right-back John Humphrey – if that

Coppell’s coaching staff.

official matchday programme

69

competition involving three Italian clubs: Torino, Fiorentina and Sampdoria.

After losing to Fiorentina 2-1, it meant the Eagles would face European Cup Winners’ Cup holders, Sampdoria, to decide who would finish in third-place – Torino would play Fiorentina in the final.

Against Sampdoria, despite it being a pre-season, the south Londoners secured one of its most enjoyable results, with Perry Sucklinginspiried heroics culminating in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory.

Upon returning from the pre-season travels there was very little time left to prepare for the season’s opener at Luton Town on 25th August, 1990, where the players would have to contend with an artificial pitch and the fact there there would be no away fans in attendance.

Young was reacquainted with his former Dons

JOHN HUMPHREY

FA Cup-winning defensive partner Andy Thorn.

“The substantial investment we have made in these players [Hodges, Humphrey and Young] is a clear indication of our determination to make the current season a successful one,” Coppell commented upon securing his three main targets.

A couple of days later Palace were on their travels again to take part in the Baretti Cup - a

Full list of 1990/91 pre-season results: July 23rd: Hamränge GIF 0 Palace 6 July 24th: Väsby IKFK 0 Palace 5 July 26th: IF Sylvia 0 Palace 5 July 28th: Hallstahammars SK 1 Palace 8 July 30th: Nykvarns SK 0 Palace 6 July 31st: Alnö IF 1 Palace 6 August 11th: Colchester United 0 Palace 1 August 14th: Hull City 2 Palace 2 August 17th: Bristol City 1 Palace 1

JOINED FROM: Charlton Athletic, June, 1990 DEBUT: 25th August, 1990, v Luton Town (A) LEFT FOR: Charlton Athletic, July, 1995 PALACE APPEARANCES: 203 PALACE GOALS: 2

1990/91 seaon

70

official matchday programme

71

W

ith several months in lockdown, plus the new infrastructure developments at the club’s

Academy Training Complex for our Category 1 status, it has been a unique pre-season.

With the Academy plans still at stage one of development, we haven’t been able to get properly immersed in our new environment.

aim is to continue to develop players for the first-team coaching staff

However, this has allowed the team to have a varied pre-season - we’ve spent time at the first-team’s facilities, Sydenham School and the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre.

We thought long and hard about what sort

Going into a Category 1 games programme, we’ve made a few adjustments to the squad. The players that have arrived,

of pre-season schedule to put together for the

a large portion of them have experience

team. We exposed them to the Conference

playing at this level last season which will be

South’s Tonbridge Angels: a strong and athletic

invaluable to those players who have been

side plus we played League Two’s Crawley

with us longer.

Town – a narrow 2-1 defeat to Football League opposition was commendable.

On the flipside to those opponents, we

There’s a real excitement going into a new category of games, supported by the new Academy Training Ground. But we

then played two established Category 1

appreciate that those positives happening all

Academy outfits in Chelsea and Fulham. And in

at once will also be tough; it’s a substantial

that Chelsea game, Baba Rahman and Danny

and quick change.

Drinkwater played, a pair who joined Chelsea

We’ve got to find our feet at this level –

for a combined £57million – being able to

and I include Paddy McCarthy and myself in

expose the lads to that level of opposition was

that, too – so this will be a transitional season.

incredible for their development.

We lost 3-1 to Chelsea but we competed

But as always, the aim is to continue to develop players for the first-team coaching

and contributed to the game; we spent large

staff; a pathway that I'm proud to say was

parts of the game without possession but we

well-trodden last season.

showcased a defensive structure that could give us a chance against a team of that calibre.

It is brilliant to see the boys go up to those levels, and to be handed plenty of

We are as close to match fitness as we can

minutes in pre-season off the back of making

possibly get as we head into our season-opener

Premier League matchday squads at the end

against Fulham in two days, which is remarkable

of the last campaign.

when you consider the several months the staff

Equally, it has driven the lads that weren’t

and players spent away from the club during

presented with that opportunity. They all want

lockdown. To be approaching Monday in the

the same. And I always tell them: I don’t want

condition we are in is credit to the performance

them to be with me; I want them up there with

coaches and the players’ application.

the gaffer and Ray.

shaun derry

72

official matchday programme

73

I

t has been a tough period waiting for information to come out regarding how the women’s game was going to push forward

and continue. It was a drawn-out process but I’m glad the new season has begun.

Despite the long process, it gave us plenty of time to prepare. Therefore, we made sure we got our recruitment sorted quickly and

strange having our first home game of the season without fans

got to work as soon as we knew the 2019/20 season wasn’t continuing.

In Chloe Morgan we’ve brought in an

league so it isn’t an easy task. However, I’m

experienced ‘keeper that we needed after

comfortable in saying that the side we’ve put

we let Lucy Gillet go. Chloe has plenty of

together, including the backroom staff, is the

experience, has won the Championship with

best in my time as manager.

Tottenham and was looking for a place to come where she would feel comfortable again.

Another major incoming was Coral-Jade

We started our league campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Charlton. Although it was tough to concede a late equaliser, I was

Haines; she came in a bit later than the others

delighted with the team's character to respond

but was worth the wait. I had extensive

to going a goal down in the manner we did.

conversations with Coral-Jade, and bringing in

Tonight we play London City Lionesses,

someone with Champions League experience

and although not much has changed for them

is a major coup for the club.

player-wise, they have brought in a new

Kat Natkiel, too, was another one I wasn’t

manager and backroom staff. They are one of

quite sure if we would get over the line after

the full-time teams in the league, so there won’t

four high-profile seasons with Brighton,

be any issues with a lack of match fitness.

and leaving a Women’s Super League side.

It will be strange having our first home

However, we were able to convince her that

game of the season without fans – we had

our project was the right one for her.

a couple of pre-season games, including an

It feels strange to have started a season

excellent away game against Women’s Super

without Freya Holdaway – my long-term captain

League side Bristol City, plus Charlton in the

but also my eyes and ears on the pitch. We had

league last week, so the team are now used to

extensive and difficult conversations but we are

the no-fans experience.

all hoping that Freya will return, one day, and take up the offer of a coaching position with the club.

Our fans are the loudest in the league, home and away, so naturally not having them

Annabel Johnson has been named our

there will be a big miss for us. But across

new captain and she is excelling already in the

social media, players’ personal sponsors

role; I can already see the decision in awarding

and responses to things such as this column,

her the armband is paying off.

we know the supporters will still be with us

The aim for the season is a top-five finish

throughout the 90 minutes tonight and hopefully

but there are a handful of full-time clubs in our

we can deliver what will be a huge three points.

dean davenport

74

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official matchday programme

Sep

oct

nov

dec

jan

London City Lionesses

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Durham

Leicester City

Sheffield United

Coventry United

Liverpool

Lewes

Charlton Athletic

London City Lionesses

Durham

Leicester City

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Sat 12

Sun 27

Sun 4

Sun 11

Sun 18

Sun 1

Sun 8

Sun 6

Sun 13

Sun 20

Sun 10

Sun 17

Sun 24

Sun 7

Sun 14

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

Mon 21 Fri 25 Fri 2 Mon 19 Mon 26 Mon 2 Mon 9 Mon 23 Mon 30

Burnley Wolverhampton Wanderers Leeds United Reading Sunderland Stoke City

Mon 15 Sun 21 Mon 1 Fri 12 Mon 22 Mon 12

may Sun 2

STATS

Middlesbrough

Result

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

Mon 26

may Mon 3

Aston Villa

Fri 5

Lewes

Norwich City

Mon 1

Newcastle United

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 25

Coventry United

Fulham

Mon 18

Sun 25

Middlesbrough

Sun 10

Newcastle United

Fulham

Mon 14

dec Mon 21

Opposition

Date

Sheffield United

2-2

Result

Sun 4

Liverpool

Opposition

Charlton Athletic

Sun 6

mar Sun 7

feb

apr

Sep oct nov JAN FEB MAR APR

Sep oct Nov dec jan feb MAR APR may

Date Southampton Arsenal Chelsea Norwich City Leicester City Reading West Ham United Aston Villa

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

Sat 19 Sat 26 Fri 2 Sat 17 Sat 24 Sat 31 Sat 7 Sat 28 Sat 12 Sat 19 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sat 23 Sat 30 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 27 Sat 13 Sat 20 Sat 17

Sat 8

Sat 1

West Bromwich Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham

Sat 12

Sat 24

Opposition

Date

Result

75

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

September

Southampton

Tue 15

Bournemouth

Sat 19

Manchester United

Sat 26

Everton

Sat 3

Chelsea

Sat 17

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 24

Fulham

Sat 31

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sat 7

Leeds United

Sat 21

Burnley

Sat 28

Newcastle United

Sat 5

West Bromwich Albion

Sat 12

Tottenham Hotspur

Tue 15

West Ham United

Sat 19

Liverpool

Sat 26

Aston Villa

Mon 28

Leicester City

Sat 2

Sheffield United

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

Result Attendance

Position

Jordan Ayew

Opposition

Sat 12

Card Red Card

Cheikhou KouyatĂŠ

Date

Yellow

Max Meyer

Goal(s)

Scott Dann

Unused Sub

James Tomkins

Used Sub

Luka Milivojevic

Started

Patrick van Aanholt

Home Fixture Away Fixture Cup Fixture

Joel Ward

76

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Andros Townsend Wilfried Zaha Mamadou Sakho Wayne Hennessey Jeffrey Schlupp James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke Connor Wickham James McCarthy Gary Cahill Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick John-Kymani Gordon Malachi Boateng JaĂŻro Riedewald Ryan Inniss Eberechi Eze

77

10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45 -

Fixtures & results

78

Club

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1

Arsenal

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Aston Villa

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

3

Brighton & Hove Albion

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4

Burnley

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5

Chelsea

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

Crystal Palace

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

7

Everton

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

8

Fulham

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9

Leeds United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

Leicester City

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

11

Liverpool

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

12

Manchester City

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

13

Manchester United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

14

Newcastle United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

15

Sheffield United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

16

Southampton

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

17

Tottenham Hotspur

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

West Bromwich Albion

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

19

West Ham United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

20

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Gameweek 01

premier league

FULHAM √ wolves

West brom √ leicester

12th September 12:30

13th September 14:00

palace √ southampton

spurs √ everton

12th September 15:00

13th September 16:30

West Ham √ newcastle

brighton √ chelsea

12th September 15:00

14th September 20:00

liverpool √ leeds

sheffield utd √ wolves

12th September 17:30

14th September 20:00

ADAPT

ACCELERATE

TOUCH

LIGHT

SPEED

FINISHING

Crystal palace f.c.

Joel WARD Patrick VAN AANHOLT Luka MILIVOJEVIC James TOMKINS Scott DANN Max MEYER Cheikhou KOUYATÉ Jordan AYEW Andros TOWNSEND Wilfried ZAHA Mamadou SAKHO (GK) Wayne HENNESSEY Jeffrey SCHLUPP James McARTHUR (GK) Stephen HENDERSON Christian BENTEKE Connor WICKHAM James McCARTHY Gary CAHILL Tyrick MITCHELL (GK) Vicente GUAITA Jaroslaw JACH Martin KELLY Sam WOODS Nathan FERGUSON Nya KIRBY Brandon PIERRICK John-Kymani GORDON Malachi BOATENG Jaïro RIEDEWALD Ryan INNISS Eberechi EZE

02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15 18 19 20 21 22 24 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45

southampton F.c.

Jonathan Moss Marc Perry Dan Robathan Simon Hooper Craig Pawson Nick Hopton

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 22 23 28 29 35 41 44

Alex McCARTHY (GK) Kyle WALKER-PETERS Ryan BERTRAND Jannik VESTERGAARD Jack STEPHENS Oriol ROMEU Shane LONG James WARD-PROWSE Danny INGS Ché ADAMS Nathan REDMOND Moussa DJENEPO Michael OBAFEMI Stuart ARMSTRONG Yan VALERY Sofiane BOUFAL Will SMALLBONE Mohammed SALISU Nathan TELLA Angus GUNN (GK) Jake VOKINS Jan BEDNAREK Harry LEWIS (GK) Fraser FORSTER (GK)

*Squad numbers correct as of 7th September