Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers matchday programme

Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers Saturday 30th January 2021 // 3pm

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

palace √ Wolves

Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director

30.01.21

Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell

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Head of Sport Science, Strength & Conditioning

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luka milivojevic

Scott Guyett

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steve parish

Head of Medical Dr. Zaf Iqbal

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darren ambrose

Academy Director

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junior eagles

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Daniel storey

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david omilabu

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

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

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

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palace for life

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1990/91 season

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shaun derry

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leigh nicol

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fixtures & results

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premier league

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official matchday programme

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we are on a solid footing for the remaining 18 games and we will again be in a position to secure Premier League football next season

W

elcome to Nuno, his staff and

to us. We saw earlier this month that Wolves

players and hello again to each

can still secure the outcomes they require

of you reading this. I hope you

and we must be at our best today if we are to

are well.

It has not been long since I last wrote

improve on our FA Cup result.

Speaking more generally, we can be

in this column and no games have passed

satisfied with our season as a whole so far.

since, so I cannot comment on our match

We have ensured that we are on a solid

with West Ham United.

footing for the remaining 18 games and that

However, I can comment on our opposition today and the season so far, as we pass the halfway point in the 2020/21 campaign.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are an

we will again be in a position to secure Premier League football next season.

The sooner we can guarantee that, the sooner we can shift our attention to moving

example of a club where the structure is

further up the table and strive towards an

commendable throughout. Their manager,

improved league position.

staff and players have developed a

To do this, we have to continue working

formidable on-pitch setup that saw them

consistently and thoroughly to collect

deservedly reach laudable heights upon

points at every opportunity; so far, our

returning to this level.

highlights have been the victory away to

I must give credit to both their important approach and ethos but also to their recruitment. Many of Wolves’ regular players

Manchester United and the draws with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester.

We now have the chance to

were signed immediately after promotion to

accumulate a strong set of results over

the Premier League and they have proved to

the next five matches in particular, which

be wise, impactful investments

could support our position and help

They have not enjoyed the success of recent seasons at the start of this campaign, but that makes them no less of a challenge

to develop some momentum before a challenging run-in.

Enjoy the game.

The manager

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we have a real chance to get up the table, put pressure on the teams above us and improve our position very well

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e welcome a very difficult team to

It is not often that you face a team twice

Selhurst Park today after the recent

in one month, and we have an advantage

match with West Ham United.

because the gaffer made a lot of changes for

I am writing this to you before the West

that game and they did not make many. This

Ham game so do not know the score but I

gives us a slightly better idea of their setup,

do know that it will have been a challenge

but we must still remain sharp and remember

against such an in-form side.

what a good team we are playing today.

Wolves are less in-form than West Ham.

We are now past the halfway point of the

They did not start this season like in their last

season and I am pleased with how we have

two campaigns, but that is no reason for us to

done so far. Sure, some games we could have

relax or to think we will have it easy.

got more points from or performed better in,

When teams experience results they are not used to, like every side across football does, it means they are always looking for a

but overall we have had some pleasing results and played some good football.

The league is starting to space out now

game to get back to form or maybe to start

and teams are becoming more set in their

some momentum. Yes, Wolves are not getting

position but, if you look at the table, there

the points they were this time last year. But

is still just five or maybe six points between

they know how well they can play and where

Crystal Palace and the top 10. This gap does

they want to be in the table, so they will be

not take long to close. With the games coming

wanting to rediscover that ability in every

up in February, we have a real chance to get

game. This is dangerous; it means teams must

up the table, put pressure on the teams above

be very careful when playing them.

us and improve our position very well.

We are aware of this and the gaffer and

If we manage that, we are then near

coaches make sure we understand the opponent

teams like Chelsea and Arsenal, so we must

very well in each game. Of course, we have

remember how strong the Premier League is.

some knowledge on this already, after playing Wolves in the FA Cup just three weeks ago.

Today is another chance to collect more points and to make you proud.

Make some noise!

The captain

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W

elcome to the directors, staff and players of Wolves to Selhurst Park today for this important Premier

League clash.

Regrettably, due to print deadlines, I’m penning these notes prior to Tuesday night’s match with West Ham United – so I am unable to comment on any Palace action since my last update.

Several of our talented Academy prospects have been sent out on loan – we

Mark Bright is in regular contact with those players that do go on loan, as well as the clubs hosting them

recently announced that Nya Kirby will spend the rest of the season at Tranmere Rovers,

regulars but it presents a great opportunity for

whilst Rob Street will play for Torquay United,

others to step up.

Scott Banks has joined up with Dunfermline

Mark Bright is in regular contact with

Athletic and Ollie Webber has gone to Dover

those players that do go on loan, as well as the

Athletic. That is in addition to Rohan Luthra,

clubs hosting them, and we actively monitor

Jacob Russell, Lewis Hobbs and Jarosław

their progress on and off the field. It’s important

Jach spending time on loan too.

to remember that these guys are probably

The Category 1 league is definitely a step

living away from home for the first time too,

up, the games have more quality and are

and we always do our utmost to ensure they

more competitive, so balancing what is best

are getting the support and guidance they

for each individual is important. Aaron went

need. I’ve read Andros talk about how several

from the Under-23s directly into the first-team,

loan spells shaped his path as a footballer,

as has Tyrick, but it can be very important

accelerated his development and ultimately

for some players’ development to go to clubs

made him a better player, and I sincerely

in the Football League and gain valuable

hope that each of these young men grasp the

experience, where they are coming up

opportunity they have ahead of them.

against professionals in competitive matches every week.

The players will quickly appreciate the

Elsewhere, I thoroughly enjoyed a video chat with Palace fan Eddie Izzard on Monday, as she yet again pushes new boundaries for

intensity and physicality of league football,

charity. Eddie is running 31 marathons on a

which offers a different prospect to the

treadmill in 31 days to raise money to give to

structured world of Academy life they are

charities that ‘Make Humanity Great’. Eddie is

used to; adapting to different styles of play and

such an inspiration to us all, consistently doing

living away from home can all contribute to a

amazing things for good causes, as well as

great learning experience. Clearly the moves

being a vocal supporter of our Foundation.

also create opportunities for younger players

I hope you enjoy today’s match – and most

to fill the gaps in the U23s. We know the next

importantly are reading this programme in

few games might be tough having lost a few

good health and spirits.

The chairman

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During one of the country’s toughest times, Cheikhou KouyatÊ maintains a wide smile and infectious attitude. Here, he explains his mindset to Ben Mountain, discussing how religion, upheaval and family have shaped his life.

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rofessional footballers may not work in the arts or academia, but are routinely asked broad,

pretentious questions about their life and career regardless.

Such abstract angles (‘How does being a *insert position* affect your views on life?’) are typically met with a mystified sigh and, often, a footballing platitude.

Next question.

Cheikhou Kouyaté takes a different approach. When we fall into the very trap above (‘Where do you get your positivity from, Cheikhou?’), the Palace No.8 responds with a raucous laugh. “Aha!” he exclaims.

“I get this energy from when I was younger. My mum told me, whenever she’s angry and then looks at me, she sees my teeth [smiling].”

We have a whole page of broad, pretentious questions ahead of us, so there’s a sigh of relief at Kouyaté’s platitude-free answers.

There’s no ‘I’m just focused on football’ with him.

It’s the bleakest time of year – pandemic or not – and a second national lockdown only adds to the pressure and strain of the weeks ahead. How, then, does Palace’s most upbeat player sustain his trademark smile?

Another broad question.

Another raucous laugh. “Life is so short, you know, and you never know what will happen tomorrow.

Just enjoy the moment and every time, be positive.

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“Sometimes some people need that – some people are hungry, angry, they need something to smile about, to be a little bit positive.”

Kouyaté describes himself as a ‘loner’ in the Palace squad – there’s no one with a mindset like him – but admits James McArthur is similarly vivacious: “Macca is the funny guy in the dressing room. He makes me laugh every time he talks to me.

Jamesy is very, very special.”

Underpinning Kouyaté’s outlook is a combination of character-defining traits, namely religion, upheaval and a deeplyrooted family encouragement.

He explains the first of these,

Life is so short, you know, and you never know what will happen tomorrow.

Just enjoy the moment and every time, be positive

saying: “I was born to a Muslim family and my grandad, people knew him as a religious person.

Before he died, everyone knew him in the Muslim religion. My father put this discipline in me so this is why I pray five times a day – if I don’t pray one time, I’m no good.

“When it’s time to pray, I need to do that – it helps me. I need to pray before the game, I need to pray after the game. This is my life.

The most important thing in my life is prayer.

“I pray in general – to have a good end to my life for me and my friends, for everyone. Sometimes you pray for the coronavirus, for people who are unwell. You pray for people in hospital. You pray for your father, your mother, your son and wife. For good spirit.

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“Sometimes you pray to win

“[In Senegal], young people don’t have a

the game or have a good game, to

little bit of money to have things – it’s very, very

not get injured, because you never

hard. If you’re a footballer, sometimes you need

know. Sometimes you do that.

to come to Europe to play and help your family.

Everything for my friends, I just ask

It’s not easy.

for positive things.”

Kouyaté wakes up to pray at

“It’s not an easy life in Senegal – the easy life is here, you have money, your job… We have

6am each day. In fact, his routine is

too many players in Senegal who don’t get the

to rise, pray, sleep again and then

chance I had. They are much better, they have

drive to training.

much better players – I’m a very good player

It’s clear from talking to him that neither football, nor success in football, are taken for granted.

“This is why I say every time

but these guys don’t get the chance to come to Europe. It’s very, very tough for them. “[The RWDM Brussels scout] said: ‘I want you to come to Europe.’ I was so happy but I

Alhamdulillah for everything;

remember my mum did not want me to go. She

thanks to God for everything, for

said: ‘You’re too young to go to Europe.’ My

the good moments and for the

grandmother said to me: ‘You want to go?... I’m

bad moments. Sometimes you

going to ask her.’ After 48 hours, my mum said:

might have lost the game, have a

‘Okay, you can go.’ I was so, so, so happy for that.

bad game, have an injury – in life

“It’s not easy if you’re a footballer there

you never know what’s going to

[Senegal] because it’s not the same league to

happen tomorrow.

Europe – Africa doesn’t have the same mentality.

“It’s hard in the beginning

It’s very hard. The first time I came to Europe I

[when setbacks happen] but after,

said thanks to God because I knew I was going

the next day, I forget and I’m

to work hard to help my family. This has always

looking to the future. This is life -

been my dream.”

you never know.”

It may seem cliché, but

As it does for many young, emigrating footballers, the excitement of moving abroad

Kouyaté was forced to mould this

soon became reality for Kouyaté, however, and

attitude through his experiences

the teenager struggled to settle.

in football. The 31-year-old

Adapting to overseas, professional life

moved to Europe in January 2007

placed his infallible joie de vivre under pressure

when an RWDM Brussels scout

– and so the teenager’s third pillar of support

chanced upon him in a Senegal

came into play: his family.

youth match.

Aged just 17, Kouyaté today

“In the beginning,” he says, “it was very hard in Belgium. Very tough. After my first

says he “had luck that day,”

experience, I said: ‘I want to go back to Senegal.’

and explains why and how the

I called my agent in Senegal and said: ‘No,

upheaval of leaving home was

Europe is no good. They say Europe is very good

such a seminal choice.

but it’s so cold and nobody talks to me.’

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“I said: ‘In Africa, you talk with everybody. It’s like a family. But if you come here in the beginning it is not like a family, you need to do everything for yourself. No, no. I want to go back.’ My agent said: ‘You know, you need to stay there, you need to do everything to play professional football because you need to do everything for your family and your father.’ Okay. No problem.

This is my motivation: my family. I need to do everything to make them proud of me.”

Clearly, Kouyaté’s familial incentive has continued even into

'if I tell our son he’s playing good, he’ll go and do nothing!'. I like that he pushes me every day to work hard. Everything I do on the field, I want to do my best for my dad

parenthood himself and, though coronavirus restrictions prevent his

100% through bad moments and good moments. I’m

parents from visiting, he still maintains

not alone, I have my family.

a close, constructive contact: “My dad watches every game

“My family can say: ‘You’re the best player’ and if other people say ‘no, no, you’re not good’, I tell them: ‘I

I play,” he said in a 2018 interview.

don’t care.’ I know I have my family and they trust me

“Every time, if I play well, he’ll say:

and help me. That is why I’m here today.”

‘No, no, you played badly.’ Every

Behind the scenes, Kouyaté is very much himself

time I play badly, he’ll say: ‘Yeah, you

– his animated presence still energising the training

played bad.’”

ground and changing rooms. He’s sustained his impact

Characteristically, even this tongue-in-cheek feedback has a

on teammates, management and staff, but there’s one group still missing: the supporters.

positive spin in Kouyaté’s eyes:

Explaining how Kouyaté stays positive may take a

“This is good, he wants me

full six pages, but for him and thousands of others, the

every time to push myself. He

most immediate solution could be very short: get fans

tells my mother: ‘If I tell our son

back to stadia.

he’s playing good, he’ll go and do nothing!’. I like that he pushes me every day to work hard. Everything I

‘Has the pandemic impacted your enjoyment of football?’ we end our time by asking.

“You know me,” Kouyaté replies, “I like playing

do on the field, I want to do my best

with some people, the fans. They give you power, they

for my dad.

give you good energy and we need that. We need this

“Now, every time I’m playing, it doesn’t matter if some people say: ‘We love him’ [or not]. No, no, I know my family love me and support me

energy. Everything needs to go back to before because playing without fans is very, very boring.”

A unique response to another broad question.

Cheikhou Kouyaté: keeping positive without platitudes.

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snowpers cope

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

for SPORT

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

darren ambrose

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Play on Both in and out of football the world over, the pandemic is again at its most challenging. It’s difficult to say as a former player, but I think I would have wanted to play when possible.

Players are tested several times a week in the Premier League and they’re finding cases very quickly so whoever needs to can isolate.

That’s exactly how it should be.

I do feel people need something to hold on to and that many people need football for their mental health and happiness. Neil Warnock spoke about it the other day – he said it would be disastrous to take football away given the mental pressure people in this country are under.

I’ve heard arguments for a circuit-breaker and I’m all for player and staff safety. But two weeks won’t be enough – clubs have to train and, if they can’t train, they’ll need time to return to fitness. So, if there’s going to be a break, it’s got to be similar to last year, which will cause chaos.

Window-shopping Every time it opens, the transfer window will be in some players’ minds at all football clubs.

They’ll either want to leave or have an agent telling them they’ve got to move. But if you’re happy at a club - which most, if not all, Palace players seem to be - I don’t think it’s a concern.

You get the same thing every window: speculation. This year has been different to most others given the pandemic and financial situations. I’m calling this early in the month so could be completely wrong by the time

Now the window’s closing, clubs and players can fully focus on what matters most, and that’s playing.

But the window can throw up some unique and interesting moves, and I was involved in one myself when being loaned to Apollon Smyrnis in 2014. I went to Birmingham City from Palace and, for one reason or another, the manager Lee Clark and I didn’t see eye to eye on football. I didn't play much for Birmingham and I’d left my favourite team where I’d done well. In hindsight, it was a bad move.

By my second year in Birmingham, I was training with the kids, which I found a bit degrading. They were talented lads, but I was a senior pro and a supposed marquee signing.

Lee and I knew we didn’t get on, so he called me upstairs one day and said: ‘I’ve got a club for you: Oxford United. They’re in the play-offs at the moment, pushing for promotion. They want you until the end of the season with a contract agreed after that.’ Perfect.

I went downstairs and spoke to Hayden Mullins, a good friend of mine. I told him about it and he said: ‘Why would you do that?’ I told him: ‘They could get promoted back to the Championship. It’s perfect.’ He pointed out that they were in League Two. I’ve got nothing against that level, of course, but I was with one of the Championship’s top clubs and I assumed they were going places in League One! I had a move to Athens with Apollon set up on the side because I knew their manager, Lawrie Sanchez. I turned away from Hayden, went straight back to Lee’s office and said: ‘It’s not happening. I want to go to Athens instead.’

He agreed immediately and so I was on the first plane out.

I loved it. It was 30 degrees every day,

you read this, but I can’t see much movement

my apartment neighboured Lee Cook’s, my

taking place.

family came over and we stayed out there

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home-schooling the kids. It was brilliant.

We were rock-bottom when I arrived and on the last game of the season we just needed a point against Olympiacos to avoid relegation. That’s difficult at the best of times, so ultimately we did go down.

But it was successful for me individually – playing against historic European clubs, enjoying a new experience and having a fantastic time.

I had the opportunity to stay out and sign for Panathinaikos when their Director of Football, my former Newcastle teammate, Nikos Dabizas, offered me a contract. My wife didn’t like living out there, though, so I put my family first and turned Nikos down. I regret it now – they were in the Champions League qualifiers!

I came back to England in March, my agent rang Birmingham to say I was finished and ready to come back and they just said: ‘We don’t want him.’ So I had a fantastic six-month summer. Not bad.

The upper hand Palace have an advantage in this game – Wolves didn’t make many changes in the FA Cup and we did. We’re more than likely going to field a completely different

Palace have an advantage in this game – Wolves didn’t make many changes in the FA Cup and we did

side against them and they’ll likely use a similar one.

In that sense, Palace should have the advantage. Additionally, Wolves aren’t in the greatest form, so it’s a good time to play them, albeit after three massive games. Roy will get the tactics spot on today because we played them so recently, so hopefully we can go out and get a good result.

darren ambrose

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Quizzes, Games & MORE! Junior EAgles

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Schools In Focus Remote learning Girls’ Primary School Officer, Charlie Spencer, has been creating online football videos for children at home. These videos started in Lockdown 2.0 and are now continuing in Lockdown 3.0!

They include football challenges and skills, featuring appearances from Crystal Palace Women. The aim of these videos is to engage and encourage children at home to keep active and practise their football skills.

Charlie said: “I have had good feedback from the videos, especially from my cohort of girls, with some parents sending in videos of their daughters completing the challenges!”

Guess who

Badge jumble

Can you guess the four players from today’s

Can you work out four of Wayne Hennessey’s

opponents in the below face mash-up?

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:

Hennessey, Molineux, Neto, Freedman, Nuno, Wanderers.

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

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answers

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Junior EAgles

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different colour.

Schlupp's socks 4 W88 logo '8' different colour 5 Schlupp's boots 2 Schlupp's wristband different colour 3 PUMA logo missing on Manchester City. Spot The Difference: 1 Poppy missing on Wolves shirt

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Neves Badge Jumble: 1 Bristol City 2 Stockport County 3 Yeovil Town 4

N A W

Guess Who: 1 Adama Traoré 2 Fábio Silva 3 Conor Coady 4 Rúben

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146 LIVE GAMES

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When I Visit Selhurst Park I support Crystal Palace and always will, The atmosphere at Selhurst Park gives me a thrill, I miss going to watch them play, Come sunshine, snow or a rainy day!

I love to hear the other fans roar and sing, Especially when Zaha boots a goal in, Guaita always makes some awesome saves, And it does make me laugh when some players misbehave!

Thank you to every Crystal Palace player, Although sometimes you make my grandad’s hair go greyer, But every one of you always try your best, And because of that you are all better than the rest!

We sing, we cheer, we clap, we cry, Because we are Crystal Palace till we die.

I can’t wait for the day I can return to the ground, To watch Crystal Palace play and hear the Glad All Over sound!

Thanks to nine-year-old Season Ticket holder, Liam Hamilton-Patterson, for sending CEO Phil Alexander this fantastic poem. Great work, Liam!

fan message

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Est.

1877 opposition

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wolves match preview For two seasons now, Wolverhampton Wanderers have been the Premier League’s pin-up boys. Finishing seventh in consecutive campaigns since returning to the top-flight, Wolves became perhaps the most swiftly established competitor for Europe in the competition’s history.

This season, however, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men have hit a bump in the road during what many are describing as a ‘re-building season’.

They are in unfamiliar territory in the league’s lower end of mid-table and have taken just two points from their last five games.

Whether it’s the loss of key players such as Diogo Jota, Matt Doherty, and Raúl Jiménez to a head injury, or simply a prolonged dip in form, Wolves have lost their bite this season.

The Eagles should beware, however, having lost three of their last three games with today’s opponents.

Since their return to the top-flight, Palace have managed just one win and one draw from six games in all competitions against the Midlands outfit.

Turn to page 24 for Darren Ambrose’s view on why Palace’s FA Cup defeat may help them and page 44 for Daniel Storey’s in-depth tactical analysis!

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Nuno Espírito Santo

We are aware that it’s not a good moment for us, it’s a bad moment, and a lot of things are going wrong. We have to react to it and work very hard for the next one recent outings

2-3

l {h) 16.01.21

1-2

l {h) 12.01.21

1-0

w {h) 08.01.21

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the wanderers premier league wins

all-timers Conor Coady

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Rui Patrício

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Raúl Jiménez

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João Moutinho

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Steven Fletcher

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Kevin Doyle

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Diogo Jota

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premier league goals

Raúl Jiménez

last time out 21 49 16 15 3 28 32 2 20 23 17

Ruddy Kilman Coady Boly Aït-Nouri Moutinho Dendoncker Hoever Vitinha Cutrone Silva

0-1 21 15

2

16

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49

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player profile

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Age

32

Height

1.9m

Joined

18th June, 2018

Debut

11th August, 2018 v Everton

PREVIOUS CLUB: Sporting CP

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Rui Patrício POSITION: GOALKEEPER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

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Patrício made his name with Sporting CP having joined the Portuguese side in 2000. After making his debut in 2006, the 'keeper went on to appear 467 times for the Leões before handing in a transfer request after supporters attacked the side’s

Ki-Jana Hoever

Rayan Aït-Nouri

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: NETHERLANDS

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: FRANCE

players at their training ground.

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Since joining Wolves in 2018, Patrício has become one of the Premier League's most highly

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regarded ‘keepers.

94 apps 24 clean sheets official matchday programme

Marçal

Willy Boly

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: BRAZIL

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: COTE D’IVOIRE

37

19

22

16

Jonny

Nélson Semedo

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: SPAIN

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

42

95 apps 26 clean sheets

49 Conor Coady

Lewis Richards

Maximilian Kilman

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: IRELAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

POSITION: DEFENDER NATIONALITY: ENGLAND

player profile

Coady joined then-Championship outfit Wolves in 2015 and played in

Age

27

Height

1.85m

While he featured throughout

Joined

3rd July 2015

Espírito Santo’s arrival in 2017 that

Debut

8th August, 2015 v Blackburn Rovers

multiple positions across the team. his first season, it was Nuno cemented his place.

Becoming captain after Premier League promotion in 2018, Coady has since been ever-present in the Wolves squad and played a

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

staggering 57 times in 2019/20. His

Liverpool & Huddersfield Town

significance was recognised by an England debut in September 2020.

opposition

38

08

Rúben Neves

Daniel Podence

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

20

10

93 apps 36 wins

28 27

Romain Saïss

João Moutinho

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: MOROCCO

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

player profile

Vitinha

Moutinho brought a wealth of

Age

34

Height

1.7m

in 2018 having amassed over 700

Joined

24th July, 2018

He has sustained his ability aged

Debut

11th August, 2018 v Everton

experience when joining Wolves appearances before the move.

34 and is still one of Wolves’ most used players.

He was recognised for his role in Wolves’ first campaign back in the Premier League with

PREVIOUS CLUBS:

their 2018/19 Player of the Season

Sporting CP, Porto & Monaco

award and has collected 129 caps for Portugal.

official matchday programme

37

player profile

39

Age

25

Height

1.78m

Joined

8th August, 2018

Debut

18th August, 2018 v Leicester City

PREVIOUS CLUBS: Barcelona, Aston Villa & Middlesbrough

32

Adama Traoré POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: SPAIN

07

Traoré has come into his own since the start of 2019/20, when he played 54 games. The La Masia graduate started life with Wolves as an impact substitute before cementing his place in the team in his second season.

In 2020/21, his pace and

Leander Dendoncker

Pedro Neto

POSITION: MIDFIELDER NATIONALITY: BELGIUM

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

strength became mainstream

09

talking points across the league and, at just 25-years-old, Traoré is considered one of the competition’s

17

most eye-catching talents. His impressive recent form earned him a Spain debut in October 2020.

121 apps 5 goals

Raúl Jiménez

Fábio Silva

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: MEXICO

POSITION: FORWARD NATIONALITY: PORTUGAL

opposition

40

#31

#11

Guaita

PatrĂ­cio

player comparison

Age 34

position Goalkeeper

nationality esp

Age 32

position Goalkeeper

nationality prt

apps

Clean sheets

Saves

apps

Clean sheets

saves

223

223

Accurate long balls

Goals conceded

Punches

Catches

Passes per match

Accurate long balls

Goals conceded

24

Passes per match

92

Catches

19

Punches

72

44

20

24.8

443

94

14

17

19.6

635

110

official matchday programme

41

#11

#37

zaha

TraorĂŠ

player comparison

Age 28

position Forward

nationality CIV

Age 25

position Forward

nationality esp

apps

goals

Assists

apps

goals

Assists

0.19

35%

Big chances created

21.2

12

Interceptions

%

Shooting accuracy

5

Goals per match

120

Passes per match

Big chances created

26

Interceptions

Shooting accuracy

44

Goals per match

Passes per match

230

29

15

% 128

39

13.8

0.04

28%

opposition

42

officialLOCK matchday programme

EXPLODE

PLAY

43

Crystal Palace have lost their last three matches against Wolves in all competitions, failing to score in each defeat – the Eagles have never lost four in a row against Wolves

25

Wolves are looking to complete their first league double over Crystal Palace since 2008/09 in the Championship

29 2

1

season so far

22

21

GOALS

181 241 SHOTS

17

18

33

29

EXPECTED GOALS

GOALS CONCEDED

40

12

48

AVERAGE POSSESSION %

26

25

EXPECTED GOALS AGAINST

8

1

SHOT CONVERSION RATE %

6

POINTS GAINED AFTER TRAILING

3

4

CLEAN SHEETS

6

7

POINTS DROPPED AFTER LEADING

goal times time

SCORED

CONCEDED

time

SCORED

CONCEDED

0-15

6

4

0-15

3

5

16-30

3

6

16-30

4

4

31-45

3

3

31-45

5

2

46-60

3

4

46-60

1

8

61-75

4

4

61-75

3

3

76-90

3

12

76-90

5

7

opposition

44

what’s the storey

midfielders into play and then

Jiménez’s absence

getting into the box for the

doesn’t change that plan.

resulting cross. Without him,

Nuno Espírito Santo believes

Wolves have been forced to

the wingers are the most

adapt that style. With Silva

crucial aspect of it; there’s no

unable to hold up the ball

point ripping up the blueprints

in the same way, they must

following their injury

push more players forward

setback. Wolves rank 12th

Columnist, Daniel Storey, can be

to avoid becoming blunt in

for possession in the Premier

heard on The Totally Football Show

the offensive. In turn that can

League but no team has more

and seen in the Irish Examiner, the

leave them exposed to the

fast breaks or registered more

i paper and many more.

counter-attack. And that’s

shots from those fast breaks.

@danielstorey85

where Palace might flourish.

Wolves a different beast in Jiménez’s absence…

Jiménez’s other specialty

However that may suit Palace, who often try to do the

was his conversion rate of

same thing. If Roy Hodgson’s

shots to goals; again his

side can absorb Wolves’

absence has hampered

pressure - particularly if, as

Wolves. Last season they

discussed, it persuades them

There cannot be many more

converted 11.1% of their

to push more players forward

strikers in European football

shots, now reduced to 8.7% in

- Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi

who play such a vital role

2020/21. That might not seem

Eze can have some fun on the

in their team’s success as

a huge difference, but they

quick counter.

Raúl Jiménez. In 2018/19,

ranked ninth in the league by

One other tip: Don’t

after Wolves were promoted,

that measure last season and

play long balls against this

Jiménez scored or assisted

17th in the current campaign.

defence. No team in the

43% of their league goals. Last season, that increased to 45%.

But his horrific head injury has left Wolves in a difficult

…but counterattacking remains the strategy

Premier League faces fewer than Wolves, with opposition managers wary of the aerial ability of Conor Coady and Willy Boly in particular.

situation. Having sold Diogo Jota and only just re-signed

Wolves enjoyed significant

Patrick Cutrone, Fábio Silva

success during their first two

has been Wolves’ starting

seasons back in the top-flight

centre-forward. Silva clearly

through strong results against

has huge potential, but at 18 is

the ‘Big Six’ teams. That was

Nuno has not been afraid to

still raw and understandably

a deliberate strategy, sitting

switch the team’s shape in

lacks Jiménez’s physicality.

back to soak up pressure and

search of a magic formula

then using quick wingers to

to cure Wolves’ issues with

Mexican excels at holding up

break as a pair with Jiménez

conceding goals and creating

the ball, bringing attacking

getting into the penalty area.

chances. They started the

When playing, the

official matchday programme

How many defenders?

45

season with a three-man central defence, either using a 3-4-3, 3-4-1-2 or 5-3-2 formation. Nuno then changed that to a 4-2-3-1, which earned them a draw against Southampton and victory over Arsenal at the Emirates.

Since then, Nuno has again switched between threeand four-man defences with differing success. They beat Chelsea with a 3-4-1-2 but then lost to Burnley with the same formation. They drew with Tottenham Hotspur but then lost to Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion with their 4-2-3-1.

shots from dead-ball situations, third in the league by that measure

These results leave formation Nuno will pick at Selhurst Park. Does he stick with the flat back-four or go for a three-man defence that gives them greater solidity should they need to push players forward? If Nuno opts for the latter, does that mean one of the typical wingers - perhaps Adama Traoré playing as a wing-back?

Either way, the lack of certainty means Hodgson and his coaching staff will be waiting keenly for the teamsheets to be published and watching Wolves closely in the warm-up. That may give them the best indication

Make use of set pieces Wolves’ matches see more reliance upon set pieces than any other team in the league. They have had 22 shots from dead-ball situations, third in the league by that measure, and no team has scored more set-piece goals. That’s just as well; only Burnley, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion have scored fewer times from open play.

But, unusually for a team that thrives at attacking set-piece situations, Wolves have also been punished from them. They have only conceded 11 open-play goals, fewer than every team bar Leicester City, Manchester City and Tottenham, but no team has conceded more from set pieces.

Interestingly, that includes a league-high six penalties conceded. With Zaha, Eze and potentially Jordan Ayew all happy dribbling inside the area, could that be a source of Palace joy?

of what they will face.

daniel storey

Statistics correct as of January 20th

us unsure which team and

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 True or false: Wayne Hennessey has a

Whose career went: Crystal Palace –

Premier League assist.

Bournemouth (loan) – Gillingham (loan) – Swindon Town – Wolverhampton Wanderers?

02 John Humphrey had six years with

07

Wolverhampton Wanderers and five with

Former Palace and Wolves attacking

Crystal Palace, but which club did he finish his

midfielder Bakary Sako represents which

Football League career with?

country at international level?

08

03 Eric Young, who played for both of today’s

Geoff Thomas earned all his England

teams, represented Wales at international level.

appearances while with Palace. How many

But what country was he born in?

did he make?

09

04

Peter Taylor brought me to Palace. I played for

An £800,000 signing from Barnet, how many

the Republic of Ireland 34 times. I joined the

goals did Dougie Freedman score in 1995/96,

Eagles from Wolves and I started my career

his debut Palace season?

with Millwall before ending it with Ipswich Town. Who am I?

05 Freedman scored the club’s then-fastest

10

hat-trick (11 minutes) in a 5-0 win over

Kevin Muscat was born in Crawley, but

which side?

represented which national team 46 times?

answers 6 George Ndah 7 Mali 8 9 9 Mark Kennedy 10 Australia 1 True 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 3 Singapore 4 20 5 Grimsby Town opposition quiz

48

49

fantasy dinner party

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Denzel Washington

This week, Academy graduate and Palace right-back, Nathaniel Clyne,

Beyoncé

brings a star-studded lineup of entertainers round.

The Rock

Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez can be the entertainment.

lyne

She can sing with Beyoncé!

Jennifer Lopez can be the entertainment.

She can sing with Beyoncé!

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51

Over the road at Copers Cope

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

over the road at copers cope

52

T

he story behind Crystal Palace Under-18s’ top goal scorer, David Omilabu, is one of perseverance

and ambition.

“I signed [for Palace] when I was eight-years-old and then I got released when playing for the Under-12s,” he says, discussing the unique way his talent was unearthed, and revealing how he bounced back from being released through hard work.

“A year later I went on trial at Fulham. We played Crystal Palace and I scored a hat-trick against them. Then my old coach said he wanted me back, Palace and got signed there.”

Omilabu notes how being released “hurt a lot” but says he knew he was good enough to come back stronger.

He was certainly proved right.

Such ability to bounce back shows a desire and hunger to succeed and after hearing his motivations to do well, you understand why. Family is important to an Academy footballer’s life and David Omilabu is no different: he wants to repay the sacrifices his family made for him.

“That is the one thing that motivates me a lot. If I don’t make it, what they did was a waste of time - for nothing - and I can’t let that happen.”

Omilabu wants to make sure that days missed off work to drop him at training ultimately amount to something.

Even more reason for parental praise is the decision which led to the discovery of Omilabu’s talent in the first place. “My mum told me the story the

official matchday programme

randon avid ierrick milabu

so the following week I went back to

53

other day,” he explains. “She said when I was younger, I was too energetic in the house, making noise. So she told my dad to go take me out to play football and that when I’d come back home, I’d be tired and just go to sleep.”

Palace are certainly benefitting from getting Omilabu out of the house at a young age, a pastime which eventually led to Sunday League football with Junior Reds, where he was scouted for Academy level. From an energetic youngster to a “quick” and “mobile” striker.

Academy football doesn’t come without its challenges, however. One

The opposition centre-back was weak in possession, so our coach told us to press him: ‘When we are pressing, make sure you press him hard,’ and then we got the ball back and scored from it

of the biggest competitions of the season is the FA Youth Cup. Palace fell to Fleetwood Town earlier this season and it was clear that the loss hurt.

He recalls one instance in particular: “The

But Omilabu reveals it was used as

opposition centre-back was weak in possession,

motivation for the rest of the season.

so our coach told us to press him: ‘When we are

“We had a good team and thought we could go far but we let ourselves down,” he says.

“Getting knocked out of the FA

pressing, make sure you press him hard,’ and then we got the ball back and scored from it.”

Omilabu says he enjoys tactical development, and it’s a focus evident in his play.

Youth Cup early hurt all of us, then

But it’s not the only off-pitch work he carries

after that game we said to ourselves

out, with the in-form striker setting short-term

that we are going to try our hardest to

targets and finding them helpful this season.

win the league.”

Top of the table at the time of

He elaborates: “If there are four games in the month, I’ll say I want to score a certain

writing, Palace are certainly making

amount of goals in that month. I don’t set it like a

strides in this direction. One factor

whole target, a whole season thing.”

aiding their success is attention

Six to seven goals in a four-game period

to detail off the pitch, something

is his usual monthly target and the eight goals

Omilabu says plays a major role for the

he’s scored so far show the teenager has an

developing players.

eye for goal.

“A lot of people don’t know this but

“Hard work pays off,” David Omilabu ends

at academies there is a lot of tactical

his time by saying. If he sustains his interest and

work, more than you think.”

resolve, that may just prove true.

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, the club’s longest-serving current member of staff, Terry Byfield, reveals how a chance meeting with Ron Noades today sees him work through his fourth decade at Selhurst Park.

Voices of south london

56

O

n 11th May, 1979, Terry Byfield arrived

today: approachable, honest and

at Selhurst Park at 5:30pm to ensure

looking to give people a chance.

he secured his spot in the stand for

“I left college and I wrote

Crystal Palace v Burnley, in anticipation of

letters to media companies, local

the south Londoners securing promotion to

radio and newspapers asking for an

the First Division as champions.

opportunity,” Terry reveals. “And I

That night Terry managed to squeeze to

also wrote to Crystal Palace’s then-

the front of the Arthur Wait, despite tens of

Chairman, Ron Noades, in August of

thousands all having the same idea as him:

’84. There was nothing advertised but I

arriving two hours before kick-off.

just tried my luck.”

Having “grown up just few miles from

After all: if you don’t ask, you don’t

Selhurst Park,” moments such as those, for

get. Seven days after asking, Terry

a young man who started watching his local

received a letter back from Noades: “I

club in 1973 with his father, meant – and

was invited to come and meet him and

still mean - the world. But as fans invaded

the staff the following week.

the pitch in ’79 at the full-time whistle, little

“He asked me: ‘What would

did Terry realise just how important a role

you like to do?’ I wasn’t too sure. I

Palace would play in his life.

knew I just wanted to work for my

2019 saw Terry mark 35 years as an

local club. I mentioned an interest

employee at his local side, but you’d be

in the administrational side, working

misplaced in any assumptions that being

alongside the Club Secretary. He said:

behind the scenes, and working through two

‘Leave it with me.’

administrations, would lessen his enjoyment.

“Not for one second has that dampened my enthusiasm as a fan,” Terry passionately knocks back. “It does just mean that I have

“Two days later, I received a letter offering me a job as part of the Youth Training Scheme on £26-a-week.”

We probe Terry for his stories; he

to delay my disappointment or enjoyment

has countless that have entertained

at the result until I’m back at home after

staff around Selhurst Park throughout

finishing my day on a matchday.”

the years.

As the club’s Production Manager, you’ll

Laughing, he replies: “To me, after

find Terry in the gallery at the back of the

30+ years, I can assure you they aren’t

Main Stand on matchdays, coordinating the

interesting stories!”

Selhurst Park screen from birthday messages

We reject that suggestion, to which

to VAR reviews. But that’s not always been

he then admits: “Ok, when I relay them

the case; there’s hardly a job Terry hasn’t

to new colleagues, friends or fans I

tried during his decades in SE25.

bump into on a matchday, I realise

How he earned his Palace break in September 1984 is a story that typifies the

they’re still fascinating to others.”

For now, the stories will remain

core values forming the bedrock of the

for the book that Terry must one day

established Premier League outfit we know

write, because he has heard, seen

official matchday programme

57

and experienced it all. During his time with the club Terry has worked in the marketing department, on the reception switchboard, formed the publications department with Pete King, before then becoming Press Officer and Programme and Content Editor.

In fact, you can add grounds staff to the list, too: “During my time on reception, there was bad weather prior to a game on Saturday.

I reported for work on a Friday morning to help the groundsman get the pitch ready to make sure the game could go ahead!”

You won’t see Terry out forking the pitch anymore, the modern-day Crystal Palace no longer requires that of him. However, it’s clear that should the Eagles ever need him to do that again – or anything above and

Not for one second has that dampened my enthusiasm as a fan, It does just mean that I have to delay my disappointment or enjoyment at the result until I’m back at home after finishing my day on a matchday

beyond his duty as Production Manager – he’ll be there: pitchfork at the ready.

voices of south london

58

palace for life Palace for Life Foundation and Crystal Palace F.C. joined forces to launch Palace at Home, a virtual programme to support young Palace fans throughout the latest national lockdown.

With a focus on education, entertainment, physical activity and mental wellbeing, Palace for Life will be hosting various challenges, spotlight sessions, webinars and live online sessions to support Palace fans of all ages and backgrounds during this difficult time.

Our expert coaches will be running virtual sessions on a variety of topics from development to life skills and career advice. Palace at Home will also provide fitness and activity training opportunities, strength and conditioning workouts and mental health support resources to help tackle the impact COVID-19 has on our communities.

official matchday programme

Palace for Life Foundation and Crystal Palace joined forces to launch Palace at Home, a virtual programme to support young Palace fans throughout the latest national lockdown

59

there are various activities with an added Palace twist to support the learning of key subjects such as English, maths, art and PE. Not forgetting extra football training Additionally, schoolchildren across the country are having to take their learning home over the coming weeks with many youngsters being home-schooled, which poses a range of challenges.

From filling time to keeping topics as engaging as possible, it can be tough for youngsters to sustain their interests when learning from home – so bring Palace at Home

RACE THE EUROS

into the mix to support any junior Eagles’ home-learning.

Working with Crystal Palace, there are various activities with an added Palace twist to support the learning of key subjects such as English, maths, art and PE. Not forgetting extra football training, with weekly live football fitness sessions and skill video challenges from Palace

Race the Euros with us! Join our squad to take on the 13 other London United clubs in a virtual battle to race to each of the Euro 2021 host cities in the fastest time possible.

for Life coaches!

A weekly timetable made up of activities for all ages is available on the Palace for Life website.

To get involved, and see all Palace at Home resources, visit palaceforlife.org and search

To find out more, visit palaceforlife.org and search: Race the Euros.

‘Palace at Home’.

palace for life

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

61

game that changed my career 1-0

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

8th December, 2018 League One

However, that 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 has had the biggest bearing on their life.

This week it is Palace shot stopper, Stephen Henderson, who remembers a return to the pitch when Wycombe Wanderers faced

nderson

a crisis building up to Christmas.

that was my first competitive game back in the league when I didn’t think I’d end up playing again

I was on an emergency loan to Wycombe

Wanderers a couple of years ago, after being out for over two years, and that was my first competitive game back in the league when I didn’t think I’d end up playing again.

We ended up winning and keeping a

clean sheet. But I remember pre-match being extremely grateful that I was there and couldn’t believe that I was actually about to play again.

game that changed my career

62 @pnm1979

official matchday programme

63

2005/// The good, the bad and the ugly: Kit or Miss reviews those desirable gems, those best-forgotten strips and does a bit of market research for those of you looking to snap up some of the Eagles’ iconic shirts.

This week, Andros Townsend models the centenary kit from 2005.

kit or miss

64

1905 T o celebrate 100 years of

professional existence, Crystal

Palace launched this modern take

on a vintage look and, if there’s anything people universally enjoy, it’s modern takes on vintage looks.

This effort blended some of the best elements of Palace kit history: the formative years’ claret and blue, the early ‘70s swansong central bars and

What we like: In an era of bland designs, opting for something more noteworthy was a smart and stylish move. Little details such as light blue tapering on each sleeve and the altered badge (greyed out and with the number 100 formed using the crest’s ball) make this classy touch just a touch classier.

the noughties’ Churchill Insurance.

Worn in the summer of 2005, the shirt provided a well-received return to the old days but without producing those slightly-out-of-place replicas designed to look like a genuine relic.

Instead, it allowed fans who were

Even better if: The collar’s a little of-its-time. Perhaps a buttoned design would have been a nice nod to the past.

slightly too cool for the mainstream red and blue, though not quite bold enough to go retro before it became fashionable, the chance to strut their stuff in a perfectly different but notDad’s-hand-me-down jersey.

Wore it best: Andrew Johnson, beneath his magic hat.

Story of the season 2005/06 was one of the most frustrating seasons in Palace’s recent history. After being cruelly

2005

relegated from the Premier League in 04/05, the club retained Johnson and Iain Dowie’s services as it launched a bid to return at the first chance.

With a very strong squad, the

27 july 2005 Selhurst PArk

Eagles replicated their success in 2003/04 by finishing sixth but were defeated in the play-off semifinals by Watford, who would go on to earn promotion in Cardiff.

This campaign marked the end of Palace’s yo-yo Premier League spell and it would take another seven seasons to climb back to the top-flight.

The finest hour: Hosting Roberto Mancini’s Inter Milan in the ‘Centenary Challenge’ at Selhurst Park. The likes of Júlio César, Leonardo Bonucci and Esteban Cambiasso all made the journey from northern Italy to southern London to honour this fashionable kit.

In the end, Palace lost 2-0. But they looked great while it happened.

Where are they now?

Retro kits? Currently consigned to Club Shop replicas.

Buyers’ guide: Unsurprisingly, this one-off effort is tough to find. There was one on eBay recently for £120, but the £12 postage put us off.

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

Matters improved in the second-half as Forest ventured forward but could not find the vital finish and Wright could have won it at the end when his header, from a corner routine, was cleared off the line.

The replay was scheduled for the following Wednesday evening but 75 minutes before kick-off, with the team and supporters arriving, the game was called off following torrential rain, the first meteorological condition to intervene on this tie.

Palace were back on the road

J

again on Saturday with a visit to

anuary 1991 will be remembered

bottom-placed Sheffield United, who

by players and fans for the

were on a mini revival with three

number of trips to Nottingham

victories in their last four games.

Forest’s City Ground in order settle the

The Palace star that day was Eddie

outcome of the FA Cup Third Round.

McGoldrick, restored to the team when

The saga began at Selhurst Park on Sunday, 6th January, at 3:05pm in front of the television cameras. Palace Chairman Ron Noades was hoping for an attendance of over 20,000 and dropped ticket prices in order to encourage spectators. But just a week after the 1-0 success over Liverpool the crowd numbered 10,000 fewer.

Historically, the Eagles seemed to struggle against Brian Clough’s Forest and this afternoon was no different.

Employing Des Walker to mark Ian Wright was the main reason the game ended in a goalless draw that produced few moments of excitement.

It could have been different if, in the first minute, Mark Bright had connected with an opportunity set up

by John Humphrey but the opening 45 minutes were somewhat sterile.

official matchday programme

Phil Barber cracked a rib, and with his transfer request now forgotten.

69

A somewhat feisty and bruising encounter

with 15 minutes remaining. Despite the setback,

ensued, with Vinnie Jones part of the Blades’

Palace still remained in third place, ahead of

lineup. The clash remained goalless for 75

Leeds and Manchester United.

minutes, although Wright hit the bar and Geoff Thomas saw an effort cleared off the line. McGoldrick then collected the ball and set off inside his own half to the edge of the penalty area, where his resulting cross was blocked but, latching on to the rebound, he cut the ball back for Bright to

ANDY GRAY

net the game’s only goal from 10 yards, securing Palace’s first ‘double’ of the season. Afterwards, the club announced that Glyn Hodges would join the Blades on a month-long loan.

Palace and Forest made a second attempt at the FA Cup replay on Wednesday, 16th January, but again another weather element intervened - only this time it was a frozen pitch that led to another fruitless journey to the East Midlands city.

There would be disappointment at the end of a game at Selhurst Park the following Saturday when Norwich City took advantage of a below-par Palace performance to return to East Anglia with all three points. The omens were not good from the start when it was noticed that the referee was Alan Gunn of Burgess Hill, who had officiated both cup final games in May. The Canaries loaded their midfield to wrestle the upper hand from Thomas and Andy Gray and took the lead in the 20th minute. The Eagles’ best spell came at the start of the second-half when Bright conjured up a scrappy equaliser, but minutes later Robert Fleck gave Norwich the advantage again when latching on to a defensive error, colliding with Nigel Martyn before lobbing the ball home.

The same player grabbed the Canaries’ third

Joined from: 1st) Dulwich Hamlet, November 1984 2nd) Queens Park Rangers, August 1989 Debut: 9th December 1984 v Cardiff City (H) Final Palace game: 1st February 1992 v Coventry City (H) Left for: 1st) Aston Villa, November 1987 2nd) Tottenham Hotspur, February 1992 Palace appearances: 242 Palace goals: 51

1990/91 season

70

official matchday programme

71

We gave the boys a bit of a break over Christmas and I’m delighted with how they returned

W

e ended 2020 with a comprehensive

concentration levels need to be high all the way

victory over Newcastle United with

through the 90 minutes. Having said that, I never

four first-team boys playing for us:

felt we were second best. We entered the final

Jaïro, James McCarthy, James Tomkins and Ty. When you have first-teamers playing Under-23s football, they raise everyone’s standards and as expected all four of them

third on a number of occasions and perhaps with a killer ball we could and should have got something out of the match.

The second half of the season is the one

approached the game in the right manner.

where players may leave on loan and so we

Having those four allowed us to control the

might have to bring some of the Under-18s into

game and there were many positives from our

the squad. From a coaching perspective, that’s

younger players, too.

exciting. It’s what you want to do: develop players.

We gave the boys a bit of a break over

One lad who has secured a loan move

Christmas and I’m delighted with how they

is Rob Street, who’s spending the rest of

returned. They hadn’t had any downtime

the season with Torquay United. That’s

because it’s been constant for months, so we

a wonderful move to a really good level

gave them two weeks off.

of football and a big team with a vastly

In the first week, we allowed them to rest,

experienced manager. They’re flying and

didn’t contact them and let them relax at home.

surging towards promotion; when you’re

But in the second week we really ramped it up

involved at the top end of the table, it brings a

with the performance coaches Nick and Joel

different element of excitement.

setting them a programme and keeping a close

Rob has to try to get himself in that team

eye on their physical levels. The lads all came

and that’s a really, really big challenge for him

back as if they never went away and the levels

because they’ve got some good players. The

we were immediately able to train to were

experiences he has over the next four or five

testament to the work of the support staff.

months are going to be so valuable for him.

Our first game of the year was a loss to

It also sets the standard for other players. It

Fulham and, obviously, we were disappointed

shows that sheer hard work, determination

with the result because you want to win at

and professionalism get you rewards. We want

every level. The game was an example where

all of the lads to understand that.

shaun derry

leig

72

official matchday programme

nico

73

I’ve never been in a better environment than Palace in terms of getting the job done. It’s amazing to be part of this journey

G

rowing up playing for Celtic at youth level,

career, but I’ve got his shirt at home, framed next

moving to London to play for Arsenal was

to my Scotland caps.

always a dream of mine after someone in

my neighbourhood made that same journey.

The opportunity came when I was 16-years-

A few years ago, I decided to shift my focus from professional football to my off-pitch career.

I wanted to build a long-term future that I woke

old; I begged my dad to apply for trials at Arsenal

up and loved every day. That required sacrifices,

and, sure enough, they wanted to sign me.

including international football, but I’m really

It was the best day of my life – my dreams became reality. But, after the news sunk in, I

grateful to have made that decision.

I’m a tutor and coach at a football

became petrified. Moving to London on my own

education company for aspiring female players.

as a teenager was terrifying – would I succeed

Recently, we became the best in the country

and make friends, or let people down? I didn’t

and have had over 18 female internationals

even know how to make toast, let alone leave

compete in the last six years. For me, that’s

home! After about six weeks, though, I was

my passion - I’m able to use my experiences

settled and I loved it. Since then, I’ve played for

to help and be there for the girls. There’s a

Reading, Millwall, Charlton and now, of course,

flipside, though; I play against a few of them on

Crystal Palace.

the weekend!

A few years before moving south, I earned

I’ve never been in a better environment

my first international cap with Scotland Under-

than Palace in terms of getting the job done.

16s and have represented them at every youth

It’s amazing to be part of this journey. We’re

level since.

absolutely moving in the right direction,

When I made that Scotland debut, my

especially after our Continental Cup success.

family decided to tell me about my grandfather,

There’s a massive buzz about the place after a

Jimmy, who was a professional footballer. I

few big weeks to start the year.

didn’t know he’d been professional until that

Unfortunately, I broke my ankle in the

point as, sadly, he passed away at a young

match against London City Lionesses, so I’m

age. When I’m playing today, I always wonder:

waiting for details on how soon it’ll be until I’m

‘What would he think?’.

back with the team. In the meantime, I’ve not

His passing was very hard for my family and so they don’t make a huge noise about his

yet met the fans, so I’m hoping to be able to do that shortly after returning!

leigh nicol

74

First-team sponsors

Roy Hodgson

Joel Ward

2020/21

Patrick van Aanholt

Luka Milivojevic

James Tomkins

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

PALACE DETECTIVES Proud supporters of CPSCC

01737 225 711 |

Sponsorship Available

W S PA . C O . U K

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29/12/2017 09:17

Scott Dann

Max Meyer

Cheikhou Kouyaté

Jordan Ayew

Andros Townsend

Wilfried Zaha

Mamadou Sakho

Wayne Hennessey

Jeffrey Schlupp

James McArthur

James McCarthy

Michy Batshuayi

Gary Cahill

Eberechi Eze

Vicente Guaita

Martin Kelly

Nathan Ferguson

Jaïro Riedewald

Sponsorship Available

Christian Benteke

Sponsorship Available

Tyrick Mitchell

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

official matchday programme

Sep

oct

nov

dec

jan

feb

mar

2-3

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

0-0 0-1

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Lewes

Durham

Leicester City

Sheffield United

Bristol City

Coventry United

London Bees

Liverpool

Lewes

London City Lionesses

Leicester City

Durham

Leicester City

Blackburn Rovers

London Bees

Liverpool

Charlton Athletic

Sheffield United

Coventry United

Sun 27

Sun 4

Wed 7

Sun 11

Sun 18

Sun 1

Thu 5

Sun 8

Thu 19

Sun 6

Sun 13

Sun 10

Thu 14

Sun 17

Sun 24

Sun 7

Sun 14

Sun 7

Thu 25

Sun 4

Sun 25

Lewes

1-1

London City Lionesses

Sat 12

PP

0-1

2-0

0-4

6-1

2-1

4-1

2-2

Charlton Athletic

Sun 6

may Sun 2

apr

Sep oct nov dec JAN FEB MAR APR

STATS

Middlesbrough

Sat 1

Middlesbrough Mon 3 Fri 7

Sat 24

Newcastle United

Sat 8

West Bromwich Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotpsur

Aston Villa

Southampton

Mon 26

PP

1-0

3-4

Sat 17

Stoke City

Mon 12

West Ham United Sat 3

Sunderland

Mon 22

Reading Sat 20

Reading

Fri 12

West Bromwich Albion Sat 13

Leeds United

Mon 1

Leicester City Sat 6

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sun 21

Norwich City Sat 27

Burnley

Mon 15

Chelsea Sat 20

Aston Villa

Fri 5

Fulham Sat 13

Norwich City

Mon 1

Sat 06

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 25

4-1 Arsenal Sat 30

2-3

Fulham

Mon 18

2-1 Fulham Sat 16

3-0

Newcastle United

Mon 21

1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion Sat 19

2-5

Fulham

Fri 4

1-5 Fleetwood Town

Fri 11

Stoke City

Tottenham Hotpsur Sat 05

Mon 30

2-1 Aston Villa

Sat 28

Sunderland

Mon 23

1-0 West Ham United

6-0

Reading

Sat 7

1-4

Leeds United

Mon 9

1-0 Reading

Sat 31

Sun 1

3-2 Leicester City

Sat 24

2-1

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Mon 26

Norwich City

Sat 17

1-0

Burnley

Mon 19

Chelsea

Fri 2

0-1

Aston Villa

Fri 2

2-1

1-0

2-3

2-1

Arsenal

Sat 26

0-3

Norwich City

Southampton

Sat 19

Result

Opposition

Date

Fri 25

3-3

West Bromwich Albion

Mon 21

Result

Opposition

Date

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

may

Sep oct Nov dec Jan feb MAR APR may

Result

Opposition

Date

75

May

April

March

February

January

December

November

October

September

Date

Opposition

Result

Position

Sat 12

Southampton

1-0

7th

Tue 15

Bournemouth

0-0

Sat 19

Manchester United

3-1

Sat 26

Everton

1-2

6th

Sat 3

Chelsea

0-4

12th

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

0-3

13th

Mon 28

Leicester City

1-1

13th

Sat 2

Sheffield United

2-0

14th

Fri 8

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-1

R3

Thu 14

Arsenal

0-0

13th

Sun 17

Manchester City

0-4

13th

Tue 26

West Ham United

Sat 30

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Tue 2

Newcastle United

Sat 6

Leeds United

Sat 13

Burnley

Mon 22

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 Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne James McArthur Stephen Henderson Christian Benteke James McCarthy Michy Batshuayi Gary Cahill Eberechi Eze Tyrick Mitchell Vicente Guaita Jaroslaw Jach Martin Kelly Sam Woods Nathan Ferguson Nya Kirby Brandon Pierrick JaĂŻro Riedewald

77

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

Fixtures & results

78

Club

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD Pts

1

Manchester United

19

12

4

3

36

25

11

40

2

Manchester City

18

11

5

2

31

13

18

38

3

Leicester City

19

12

2

5

35

21

14

38

4

Liverpool

19

9

7

3

37

22

15

34

5

Tottenham Hotspur

18

9

6

3

33

17

16

33

6

Everton

17

10

2

5

28

21

7

32

7

West Ham United

19

9

5

5

27

22

5

32

8

Aston Villa

17

9

2

6

31

18

13

29

9

Chelsea

19

8

5

6

33

23

10

29

10

Southampton

18

8

5

5

26

21

5

29

11

Arsenal

19

8

3

8

23

19

4

27

12

Leeds United

18

7

2

9

30

34

-4

23

13

Crystal Palace

19

6

5

8

22

33

-11

23

14

Wolverhampton Wanderers

19

6

4

9

21

29

-8

22

15

Burnley

18

5

4

9

10

22

-12

19

16

Newcastle United

19

5

4

10

18

32

-14

19

17

Brighton and Hove Albion

19

3

8

8

22

29

-7

17

18

Fulham

18

2

6

10

15

27

-12

12

19

West Bromwich Albion

19

2

5

12

15

43 -28

11

20

Sheffield United

19

1

2

16

10

32 -22

5

Gameweek 20

premier league

All statistics correct as of 5pm Monday 25th January

everton √ newcastle

southampton √ aston villa

30th January 12:30

30th January 20:00

crystal palace √ wolves

chelsea √ burnley

30th January 15:00

31st January 12:00

man city √ sheffield utd

leicester √ leeds

30th January 15:00

31st January 14:00

west brom √ fulham

west ham √ liverpool

30th January 15:00

31st January 16:30

arsenal √ man utd

brighton √ spurs

30th January 17:30

31st January 19:15

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

01

Joel WARD

02

Patrick VAN AANHOLT

03

Luka MILIVOJEVIC

04

James TOMKINS

05

Scott DANN

06

Cheikhou KOUYATÉ

08

Jordan AYEW

09

Andros TOWNSEND

10

Wilfried ZAHA

11

Mamadou SAKHO

12

Jean-Philippe MATETA

14

Jeffrey SCHLUPP

15

Nathaniel CLYNE

17

James MCARTHUR

18

(GK) Stephen HENDERSON

19

Christian BENTEKE

20

James MCCARTHY

22

Michy BATSHUAYI

23

Gary CAHILL

24

Eberechi EZE

25

Tyrick MITCHELL

27

(GK) Vicente GUAITA

31

Martin KELLY

34

Sam WOODS

35

Nathan FERGUSON

36

Jaïro RIEDEWALD

44

wolverhampton wanderers f.c.

02 03 05 07 08 09 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 30 32 37 38 42 49 54 59 60 62 68 75

Ki-Jana HOEVER Rayan AÏT-NOURI MARÇAL Pedro NETO Rúben NEVES Raúl JIMÉNEZ Daniel PODENCE Rui PATRÍCIO (GK) Willian JOSÉ Willy BOLY Conor COADY Fábio SILVA Morgan GIBBS-WHITE JONNY VITINHA John RUDDY (GK) Nélson SEMEDO Patrick CUTRONE Taylor PERRY Romain SAÏSS João MOUTINHO Leonardo CAMPANA Leander DENDONCKER Adama TRAORÉ Meritan SHABANI Lewis RICHARDS Maximilian KILMAN Owen OTASOWIE Oskar BUUR Theo CORBEANU Andreas SØNDERGAARD (GK) Luke CUNDLE Christian MARQUES