Crystal Palace v Nantes matchday programme 2425

Crystal Palace √ nantes sun 11 aug 2024 | 15:00 kick-off

£2.50

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palace √ nantes sun 11 aug | 15:00

06 05 rev nigel sands 18 nantes briefing 26 fan support team 29 round-up 30 pre-season so far 32 eagle arcade 34 what's on?

38 fixtures

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer Sean O’Loughlin Sporting Director Dougie Freedman Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Sharon Lacey Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Cassi Wright Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

09 Scan this QR code to quickly, safely and easily report worries, concerns or abuse. You can even do so anonymously.

Editor Will Robinson

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Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough Contributors Ian King, Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Toby Jagmohan, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

contents

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04

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REST IN PEACE rev NIGEL SANDS Everyone at Crystal Palace Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former club chaplain, Reverend Nigel Sands.

Born in 1939 in Sanderstead, Croydon, Rev Sands was a second generation Palace supporter who became a pillar of our community, serving as club chaplain for over 30 years.

A font of knowledge, collector of Palace memorabilia and eloquent author, Rev Sands was also – for many a year – a regular writer in the club’s official matchday programme and the club’s honorary historian.

After graduating from Durham University, Rev Sands was ordained a Deacon in 1967 and a Priest in 1968 before being informally invited by Palace, in the early 1970s, to become one of the first football club chaplains in the country, a role he fulfilled dutifully until 2007.

He would also author numerous fact-packed books about the club, including coauthoring the original Crystal Palace: A Complete Record publication with Mike Purkiss in 1989. He began writing for the club’s programme in 1974/75, and even enjoyed a stint as Editor in the late 1980s.

As club chaplain, Rev Sands’ sage advice, sharp insight and warm pastoral care marked him out as a beloved figure in

His knowledge of the club's history was excellent, and he had a great array of programmes, pictures and memorabilia to help put his memories into images.

Nigel was much loved in the church and Crystal Palace communities alike terry byfield the Crystal Palace community.

As he himself explained in a newspaper interview: “I am there to help everyone at the club. That includes the players, directors and stewards.

“I carry out the same pastoral duties as any other chaplain. I have taken funerals for people associated with the club, marriage blessings and have married fans. I have always been a Palace fan – and I always will be."

Production Manager Terry Byfield recalls: “Rev Sands, being a keen football supporter, was rev nigel sands

chaplain of both Crystal Palace and Swindon Town. I worked with him on the matchday programme at Palace from 1984 until the early 90s, and he was highly regarded in the football world.

“His knowledge of the club's history was excellent, and he had a great array of programmes, pictures and memorabilia to help put his memories into images. Nigel was much loved in the church and Crystal Palace communities alike.”

The club extends its deepest sympathy to Rev Sands’ family and friends at this sad time.

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Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our final pre-season match before the Premier League returns, for what I’m sure will be another entertaining season. I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Nantes.

A

t the time of writing, we have just returned from our pre-season tour of the United States.

What a pleasure it was to see the number of Crystal Palace supporters on show in Maryland and in Tampa, supporting the manager and the players at open training sessions and on matchday.

We’re so appreciative of our ever-growing fanbase in the United States. From our role in the production of Ted Lasso, to our presence at Premier League Mornings events – presented by Palace fan and NBC host Rebecca Lowe – we are always looking to give our American supporters a chance to get involved with the club, and these pre-season tours are as good a chance as ever.

Winning both of our games and lifting a trophy in the States was a fantastic way to continue our preparation for the new campaign, but I know that Oliver and his staff have been emphatic in their message to the players: the hard work is only just beginning. We were all so happy

we have just returned from our preseason tour of the United States. What a pleasure it was to see the number of Crystal Palace supporters on show in Maryland and in Tampa, supporting the manager and the players

chairman

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with the way last season finished, but this is a new campaign and the squad will be giving everything to produce the same kinds of performances.

I want to use this opportunity to welcome Daichi, Chadi and Ismaïla to the club. Every summer we are looking to strengthen the squad, and we feel we have added three exceptional talents, each a full international and each ready to contribute their all to the club.

I hope you will give them the warmest of welcomes today.

Congratulations to JeanPhilippe, and of course Michael, who have been inspirational for France at the Olympic Games, scoring regularly on their way to the final on the back of a fantastic season in South London. At the time of writing, we don’t know whether JP is coming home with a silver or gold medal – by the time you are reading this, we will know the result – but you can be sure that everyone at Palace will be roaring him on in the final

I know that Oliver and his staff have been emphatic in their message to the players: the hard work is only just beginning.

We were all so happy with the way last season finished, but this is a new campaign and the squad will be giving everything to produce the same kinds of performances

chairman

against Spain. Either way, coming away from a home Olympic Games with a medal is an extraordinary achievement, and one which reflects brilliantly on JP and on the club.

Finally, I want to look ahead to the new campaign, which begins for us with a trip across London to take on Brentford on the opening weekend. Every Premier League game is a massive challenge, so the players will be preparing all week to get off to the best possible start. We will need your support every step of the way, and I’m looking forward to hearing you at every game up and down the country. It’s such a huge commitment following this football club home and away, so thank you for your continued support.

Up the Palace

.

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fc nantes A SECOND SPELL Manager Antoine Kombouaré is back in the dugout, after leading Nantes to a Coupe de France in his first spell back in 2022. He replaces Jocelyn Gourvennec at the end of a frenetic 2023/24 campaign for Nantes, the third manager to take charge during a season of change on the Loire.

ROOM TO IMPROVE There is plenty of scope for development for La Maison Jaune, who finished last season in 14th, winning just four games from early December until the end of the season. They survived relegation by just four points, and relied on those around them to suffer poor results, picking up just two points from a possible 15 in the final five games of the season.

BLUNT FORCE Nantes scored the fewest number of goals in Ligue 1 last season, netting just 30 times in 34 games and finishing the campaign with the second-worst goal difference as a result. They drew a blank on 14 occasions, but will hope that the permanent arrival of forward Matthis Abline, who spent last season at the club on loan, from Rennes for a club-record fee of almost €12 million can be the start of a rebuild up front.

CUP SPECIALISTS Last season’s Coupe de France was one to forget for Nantes, losing to secondtier side Laval in the Round of 32. They won the competition in Kombouaré’s first spell, however, beating Nice to earn their first major trophy since the league title in 2001. The following year, he took them to the final once again, but they were defeated by Toulouse. Now reunited, can Kombouaré and Nantes continue their cup heroics?

Manager Antoine Kombouaré After taking Valenciennes to the top-flight on the tightest of budgets, Kombouaré was hired by former club Paris Saint-Germain, where he won a Coupe de France, but a takeover by Qatari Sports Investments in 2011 saw him sacked – despite being top of the table – and replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. He is back for his second spell at Nantes, having previously left in 2023. fc nantes

last season pos

pts

14th

33 Top Scorer

Mostafa Mohamed (8) Most assists Moses Simon (6)

11

h/a res

oppo

Recent matches

0-1

4-2

2-1

1-2

3-3

N

N

N

A

H

record against English clubs

nantes √ lorient

11

08 12

31 06

14

03

01

UEFA Cup

1-0

25 Nov 1999

Highbury

UEFA Cup

3-0

09 Dec 1999

Stade de la Beaujoire

UEFA Cup

3-3

20 Feb 2002

Stade de la Beaujoire

Champions League

1-1

26 Feb 2002

Old Trafford

Champions League

5-1

subs

H. Barbet

1

A. Lafont

41

M. Acapandié

60

T. Mabon

98

K. Amian

5

P. chirivella

4

N. Pallois

10

T. Kadewere

11

M. Coco

18

F. Centonze

21

J-C. Castelletto

22

S. Thomas

39

M. Abline

44

N. Zeze

50

Wed 07 Aug / Stade Léo Lagrange

07

White Hart Lane

Starting xi

1-1

19

02 Nov 1971

04

2

J-K. Duverne

45

B. Meupiyou

67

M. Gomes

66

L. Leroux

59

D. Assoumani

62

B. Guirassy

31

M. Mohamed

fc nantes

goal cards

subs

12

winger

moses simon

midfielder

Pedro Chirivella Age

height

joined

26

5'9

2020

from

A dynamic Spanish midfielder known for his excellent ball distribution and midfield control, Chirivella graduated from Valencia's academy – where he captained a number of youth teams – before moving to Liverpool aged 16, combining a touch of Spanish flair with Premier League grit.

After two loan spells in the Eredivisie with Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II. Chirivella joined Nantes on a free transfer and quickly adapted to Ligue 1, becoming a pivotal player for the French side.

His ability to read the game and his precise passing and defensive capabilities made him a central figure in the team's 2022 Coupe de France success. Chirivella's leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in guiding younger players.

He was duly awarded Nantes’ captaincy in August 2023 by former manager Pierre Aristouy, and his contributions continue to be vital to his team’s hopes of returning to the highest levels of French football.

Age

height

joined

29

5'6

2019

from

Simon is an electric winger renowned for his speed and dribbling. The 29-year-old came through Ajax’s academy but began his European career in earnest with Slovakian club AS Trencín, where he scored a Europa League debut hattrick, before moving to Gent in Belgium, netting another treble in just his third league game and winning the club’s first-ever Championship title in 2015.

After a solitary season in Spain with Levante UD, in 2019, he transferred to FC Nantes initially on loan, before making the move permanent.

Simon has been a standout performer for his side ever since, scoring 29 goals and providing 32 assists in 168 appearances from the flanks.

He has also been a regular starter for Nigeria, where his trickery and tenacity have won him 72 caps. Oliver Glasner and his players will be aware: Moses is the winger who can turn a game on its head.

fc nantes

13

defender

Nicolas Pallois

striker

Mostafa Mohamed Age

height

joined

26

6'1

2022

from

Mohamed is a powerful Egyptian striker known for his clinical finishing and physical presence inside the box. He began his professional career in Egypt with Zamalek SC, where his goal-scoring record caught the attention of European clubs.

In February 2021, he joined Galatasaray on loan, scoring in his first two games for the club and finishing his first half-season with nine goals in 17 games. Mohamed made the move permanent later that year before joining FC Nantes in 2022. He scored eight times in the league last season.

His performances have also made him a key player for the Egyptian national team, where he continues to be a prolific goalscorer – 13 goals in 41 caps – alongside Mohamed Salah, finishing as runner-up at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Age

height

joined

36

6'2

2017

from

A veteran French centre-back known for his rock-solid tackles and no-nonsense defending, Pallois’ professional career spans almost two decades. Born in Elbeuf, Northern France, he began his journey in the lower tiers of French football, initially playing amateur football, before breaking through in Ligue 1 in 2010 with Valenciennes.

After three further seasons in Ligue 2 with Stade Lavallois and Chamois Niortais, his consistency earned him a move, at the age of 27, to a Europe-chasing Bordeaux side, where he played 101 times in three seasons and helped his club reach the Europa League.

In 2017, Pallois joined Nantes, bringing his wealth of experience and a commanding presence to the backline. At 36, he remains a crucial figure in the Nantes defence, providing stability and leadership to the younger players around him.

fc nantes

14

01

50

Alban Lafont

Hugo Barbet

pos

Goalkeeper

pos

Goalkeeper

nat

france

nat

france

age

25

age

22

02 11 Jean-Kévin Duverne

Marcus Coco

pos

defender

pos

defender

nat

Haiti

nat

Guadeloupe

age

27

age

28

21 28 Jean-Charles Castelletto

Fabien Centonze

pos

DEFENDER

pos

defender

nat

Cameroon

nat

france

age

29

age

28

fc nantes

15

44 45 Nathan Zézé

Bastien Meupiyou

pos

defender

pos

defender

nat

france

nat

france

age

19

age

18

63 Junior Diaz pos

defender

nat

cote d'ivoire

age

21

98 06 22 Douglas Augusto

Kelvin Amian

Sorba Thomas

pos

defender

pos

midfielder

pos

midfielder

nat

france

nat

Brazil

nat

wales

age

26

age

27

age

25

fc nantes

16

25 07 Florent Mollet

Ignatius Ganago

pos

Midfielder

pos

Forward

nat

france

nat

Cameroon

age

32

age

25

10

23

Tino Kadewere

Stredair Appuah

pos

Forward

pos

forward

nat

Zimbabwe

nat

france

age

28

age

20

39 Matthis Abline pos

Forward

nat

france

age

21

fc nantes

17

fc nantes

18

timeline 1943 Nantes are founded in the midst of World War Two, playing their first match away in Paris and finishing fifth in their first campaign. After a change of manager, the club began to gather momentum, winning 16 games back-toback… before losing 9-0 at Sochaux. They became professional two years later.

1965 Having appointed revolutionary tactician Jose Arribas five years earlier, Nantes lift the French title just two years after being promoted, having transformed into an attacking unit playing an adventurous 4-2-4 formation. They defended their title a year later, but lost in the first round of the European Cup to Partizan Belgrade.

1995 Nantes had fallen into financial difficulties, and narrowly avoided relegation four years earlier. A reliance on academy youngsters is necessary, with Didier Deschamps and others breaking into the first-team and being sold on. A young side, including Claude Makélélé and Christian Karembeu, lift the title, and a year later reach the semi-finals of the European Cup, losing a tight tie to Juventus.

2007 Nantes are relegated after 44 years in the top-flight, triggering fan protests. After initially bouncing back, they were relegated again in 2009 and spent three years in Ligue 2.

2013 The club regain promotion to Ligue 1, where they have remained ever since – staying up on the final day in 2023.

fc nantes

19

MickaËl Landreau

GK

1996-2006 Academy goalkeepers can be hard to come by, with the position rarely trusted to a new graduate. Landreau bucked that trend, making his debut as a 17-year-old in 1996 and going on to make 397 appearances for the club, winning a league title in 2001.

Didier Deschamps

cm

1985-1989 A World Cup winner as manager and as a player, Deschamps was nicknamed ‘the water carrier’, and dominated in midfield without garnering the spotlight, allowing players like Zinedine Zidane to flourish. He spent four years at Nantes, before moving to Marseille, Juventus, Chelsea and Valencia.

Claude Makélélé

cm

1991-1997 A player who defined a midfield role to the extent it is still named after him. Makélélé perfected the art of defending in midfield, playing alongside Zidane and Luis Figo at Real Madrid before joining Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. He came through the Nantes academy, making 205 appearances.

fc nantes

Marcel Desailly

cb

1986-1992 Often deployed as a central midfielder but starting at centre-back in our team, Desailly played 116 times for France, winning the World Cup in 1998. He came through the academy at Nantes to make 179 appearances, before winning back-to-back Champions League titles at Marseille and AC Milan.

Bernard Blanchet

st

1963-1974 A defensively-oriented lineup finished off by a cold-blooded killer. Blanchet scored more than 100 goals for Nantes over a spell lasting more than a decade, earning 17 caps for France at the same time.

THROUGH THE LENS

STATESIDE CUP CHAMPIONS... YOU'LL NEVER SING THAT

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through the lens

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inside palace

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academy After a fantastic 2023/24 season at Academy level – which ended with silverware at Selhurst Park – it’s time to look ahead to what the next generation will be up to in the coming campaign.

under-18s

R

ob Quinn’s side had a rollercoaster campaign last season, managing to write some history and break a few long-standing records.

The young Eagles made it all the way to the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup, beating Liverpool 6-1 and recording a lastgasp winner to triumph 5-4 over Fulham. Palace had never made it beyond the competition’s group stage, and only fell short to eventual winners Manchester United in the last four.

The Under-18s also made it to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, a feat not matched since the Academy boasted Wilfried Zaha and Jonny Williams among the ranks back in 2010.

A sixth-place finish in the league meant a push for the title proved a bridge too far in the final weeks of the campaign, but the side will be aiming to better that and go even further in the cup competitions.

There are 13 new scholars in the mix, and a multitude of

academy

scholars who are approaching their second season, like Matteo Dashi and Sebastian Williams, all of whom are looking to earn a regular spot in the starting XI under Rob Quinn.

The hard work of pre-season is well underway, with the Under-18s recording a remarkable 6-0 win over Isthmian Premier League side Cray Wanderers, and winning three out of their four games at the Premier League Next Gen Cup. Jesse Derry, George King and co. will begin their campaign by heading north of the river to face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, before welcoming Southampton to Copers Cope. On the final day of the campaign, Saturday, 3rd May, the young Eagles will face rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in South London, with the away fixture pencilled in for Saturday, 30th November.

As was the case last season, you can watch the U18s in action LIVE on Palace TV+, with details of each live game to be confirmed on cpfc.co.uk.

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under-21s Darren Powell’s side were crowned champions of Europe last season, after winning the Premier League International Cup in front of the Selhurst Park faithful, with Franco Umeh the hero on the night.

You wait decades for a European final to take place at SE25, and then two come along… well, not quite at once, but in quick succession. It meant revenge for the Under-21s, who had lost to Jong PSV the season before but this time came out on top in a tense showpiece.

This season, they will be looking to retain their crown, while pushing on in the restructured Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.

The Under-21s will face 20 out of the 26 Category 1 Academy sides in the regular season,

which adopted a Swiss style format last season. The initial 20-game league phase will then be followed by a 16-team play-off to determine the winners, with first place facing 16th, second place facing 15th and so on. Palace finished ninth in the league phase in 2023/24 and fell to Liverpool in the round of 16 play-off.

The Eagles will provisionally kick-off their campaign on Friday, 16th August at Selhurst Park against Fulham, before travelling to Lancashire to take on Blackburn Rovers in their first away trip on Friday, 23rd August.

A return to the VBS Community Stadium is set to take place on Monday, 30th September as the Eagles face Nottingham Forest, but the following weekend is the big

academy

one: a clash against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast on Saturday, 5th October.

Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny, Mofe Jemide, Caleb Kporha, Roshaun Mathurin, Kaden Rodney and Franco Umeh all featured as part of the first-team while on tour in the United States and could prove to be vital cogs in Darren Powell’s side this season.

The likes of Derry, Joe Gibbard, Hindolo Mustapha and Rio Cardines among others will also be making the step up from the U18s to feature as part of the U21s side this season.

It’s set to be an exciting campaign for Powell and the Academy this season, and plenty of their games will also be LIVE on Palace TV+ – head to cpfc.co.uk to find a subscription that suits you. Tickets will also be available soon for the opening clash against Fulham on Friday, 16th August

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women Following their outstanding promotion in 2023/24, Crystal Palace are set to embark on their first-ever Women’s Super League season. Catch up on their preparations below…

eagles on tour

C

rystal Palace Women have travelled to the United States for their first-ever overseas pre-season tour!

Ahead of our inaugural Women's Super League campaign, which kicks off on Sunday, 22nd September, Laura Kaminski’s side are on their way to Salt Lake City, Utah, this weekend, for a week-long training camp at the Utah Royals’ state-of-the-art facilities.

The trip will culminate in an exciting match against the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team – Palace Women's first-ever overseas opponents – on Friday 16th

August, kicking off at 19:00 MDT (local time) at the 20,000-capacity America First Field.

Palace will benefit from Utah Royals’ brand new, 11,000-square feet training facility, which features a spacious players’ lounge and a weight and training room, as well as five natural-grass pitches and two full-size indoor fields.

Kaminski’s team will face Utah Royals at America First Field, which opened back in 2008 and has previously hosted CONCACAF Champions League Finals and MLS All-Star matches, as well as US National Team fixtures.

women

Head of Women’s Football, Grace Williams, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to head out on our first pre-season tour, ahead of what promises to be a huge season for the club, and I would like to thank to everybody at Utah Royals for making their facilities available to us and welcoming us so warmly.

“This is a big opportunity to ramp up our preparations for the WSL and introduce Palace Women to a growing fanbase, and we’re looking forward to meeting plenty of new and existing Palace supporters in Utah this summer.”

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First recruits At the time of printing, Crystal Palace Women have unveiled their first two signings of the summer: Denmark international defender Katrine Veje, and American goalkeeper Shae Yañez, with more to follow.

Veje brings vast experience of top-level competition to South London. The defender, who can also operate in midfield, has plied her trade in the United States with Seattle Reign, France with Montpellier HSC and Sweden with FC Rosengård, before lifting the Danish league and cup with Brøndby.

With over 160 international caps to her name, she has also tasted Women’s Super League stardom, lifting the trophy with Arsenal back in 2019, and most recently spent two seasons on Merseyside with Everton.

Yañez, meanwhile, has joined the club on a permanent deal

from Bristol City, where she spent the second half of last season competing in the WSL. Before her six-month stint with the Robins, Yañez represented National Women’s Soccer League outfit San Diego Wave. The Macon-born shot-stopper also previously spent three seasons with London City Lionesses, keeping a club-record 24 clean sheets in 72 appearances as they finished Championship runners-up in 2021/22.

In addition, Chloe Arthur, Fliss Gibbons, Elise Hughes and Molly Sharpe have all penned new contracts with the club.

Season Tickets on sale Palace Women Season Tickets for 2024/25 are on sale now, allowing fans to secure their seats for every home league fixture – regardless of stadium – throughout what promises to be an unforgettable campaign!

Women’s Season Ticket holders will also enjoy priority access to bookings for Cup fixtures and matches at Selhurst Park; loyalty points for purchasing; and priority windows for accessing away tickets.

This season, supporters have the option of purchasing either a

limited number of Seating Season Tickets – allowing them to reserve a specific seat within the VBS Community Stadium’s stands for the entire season – or a Standing Season Ticket.

Prices for both types of ticket can be viewed at cpfc.co.uk, and start from just £50 for Standing Season Tickets, and £60 for Seating Season Tickets.

The Eagles’ primary home ground this season will continue to be Sutton United’s VBS Community women

Stadium, where we won 8 of our 10 matches last season, scoring 36 times.

Supporters should also be aware that there will be a dedicated away section at each match in next season’s WSL, with clubs responsible for selling seats to their own travelling supporters. More information on away tickets will be released in due course.

Book your 2024/25 Season Tickets now at cpfc.co.uk!

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fan team If you want to play your part in making Selhurst Park the very best place in the country to watch Premier League football, join our Fan Support Team for 2024/25 – find out more below…

f

ootball clubs comprise more than just the players on the pitch. They are living organisms with staff and supporters at the very core.

Introduced in 2012, the Fan Support Team (FST) are a group of Palace fans that volunteer their time on any given matchday to help make the matchday experience itself unforgettable for those visiting Selhurst Park.

FST members are dotted around the ground at various key locations, including, but not limited to, the Box Office, Information Centre, Fanzone, Holmesdale Road End and away section. They are often the first point of contact for fans visiting the ground in need of any help or information.

Some members have been involved since the very inception, while others are relatively new to the team, but all have been exceptional in their contributions and have also helped the club win various VisitFootball awards over the years.

Here’s what a collection of our FST members say about the role and their experiences: fan support team

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Founding member, Amanda:

iain:

"The FST idea came from the 2012 Olympic Gamesmaker role and in fact many of the original members were Gamesmakers!

"Over 10 years later the FST are an integral part of the CPFC matchday experiencehelping with enquiries and welcoming fans to Selhurst Park. It’s a role every volunteer who wears the FST uniform is proud to have.”

george: “I have been with the FST for over a decade and it’s been so much fun. Meeting and greeting the supporters each week is amazing, especially those who show so much dedication to travel miles to follow the team.”

"We are there to make sure they have a memorable experience and help them in any way. The whole FST is packed full of wonderful people that help the fans coming week in week out and I have found being a part of it priceless."

richard: “I have always found volunteering to be a very rewarding experience. The personal satisfaction I gain from assisting people and leaving them with a positive impression of the club is immense.”

alastair: “Volunteering for the FST is very rewarding, as you work within a team who strive for success in the role. It is a good way to meet other people, build relationships and share experiences.

"I have been a member since the end of 2014 and always look forward to home matches working as part of a supportive and valued team, which also has a buddy system for new members."

fan support team

“I joined the FST more than 10 years ago. It is a fantastic group that made me feel really part of a community. I used to watch Palace alone or sometimes with my dad at the games we could afford to go to.

"There are people from all walks of life that are part of the group that I have shared the volunteering experience with and have become good friends with over the years, all while following Palace’s ups and downs game by game.

"I love talking to fans, visitors and everyone who comes to Selhurst Park and I think that there's something really special with a group like this who are united with a love for volunteering and Palace. I couldn’t recommend it enough to any Palace fan.”

The club itself would like to thank the current and past members of the FST who have made it what it is today. We are also looking for new supporters to join the ranks this season!

Please contact customer. service@cpfc.co.uk with the subject line ‘Fan Support Team.’

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round-up

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pre-season Preparations for the start of the new season began long before today, with the Eagles in pre-season action across the pond – let’s have a look back at all the action so far…

19 July palace 1 charlton 1 Early pre-season games are all about giving players minutes, but that didn’t prevent a bit of magic lighting up an otherwise standard friendly affair. The Eagles were trailing at the Academy thanks to Chuks Aneke’s fine finish, and, having made wholesale changes, looked to be heading for defeat as the game ticked into the final minute.

Up stepped Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, however, who danced past two defenders and slotted home to equalise with virtually the final kick of the game, giving Oliver Glasner’s men a draw to go with an important early run out.

27 July crawley 3 palace 6 A barnstorming encounter. After racing into a four goal lead inside 23 minutes last season, Palace proved they could start even faster, scoring twice inside three minutes to blow away any early Crawley resistance. Sure enough, they were four goals to the good at the break once again, with Rak-Sakyi (two), Odsonne Edouard and Daichi Kamada on the scoresheet. pre-season

The League One side made things interesting, however, scoring twice shortly after half-time, only for Jeff Schlupp and Jordan Ayew to net a fifth and a sixth to settle a nine-goal thriller that set the tone for a successful tour to come.

1 august palace 3 wolves 1 The Eagles had already taken over Baltimore – Glasner throwing the first pitch at the Orioles, Chris

31

Richards making his debut in the commentary box, more than a thousand fans attending open training – and visited Washington D.C. to meet Maryland Senator Chris van Hollen, but now it was time to do the business in Annapolis.

The opening Stateside Cup fixture against Wolves was a game of two halves, but both positive. The first saw an experienced Palace side lead in sensational fashion, with Schlupp curling into the top corner from 40 yards out, catching the ‘keeper off his line.

Then, in the second-half, Glasner gave minutes to youngsters Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny, Caleb Kporha, Mofe Jemide, Kaden Rodney, Roshaun Mathurin and Franco Umeh, who took their opportunity with both hands. After Ayew scored a second, bringing the ball down with Dennis Bergkampesque poise and slotting home, Agbinone made sure of the result, finishing off a fantastic team news with composure beyond his years.

One down, one to go.

After Michail Antonio had equalised, the Eagles created a flurry of chances but failed to get back in front before half-time.

After the break, however, Schlupp continued his fantastic form in the United States, producing a brilliant looping header to turn home Ayew’s cross, before Edouard added a third just two minutes later.

It could have been more, with the Irons on the ropes but managing to avoid further damage as the minutes ticked away. The full-time whistle meant a 100 percent record in the US for Palace, and a trophy lift to kick start the new campaign.

Joachim Andersen, captain on the night, lifted the cup, in front of Palace’s American supporters.

Stateside Cup champions, you’ll never sing that.

It's nice to win a trophy and winning is always better than losing, But it's just preseason, so we stay humble. we know we still have to work hard and we have many things to improve

4 august west ham 1 palace 3 The perfect way to round off a successful tour. The Eagles came into this one knowing that a win would secure them the Stateside Cup, and started in emphatic fashion. It took less than 30 seconds for Tyrick Mitchell to give Palace the lead, volleying into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

oliver glasner

pre-season

32

We've had all summer without Selhurst Park action, but now it's time to get your heads back in the game – can you tackle our tough teasers?

SPOT THE BALL Prove that you are eagle-eyed – which ball is the real one?

career ladder

guess who?

Can you tell who this former Palace player is based off their career path?

eagle arcade

Who's this current Palace EA Sports FC 24 player?

33

quiz-tal palace 1

How many French players are there in the current Crystal Palace squad?

2

Which famous French midfielder played for Palace, Arsenal and AC Milan?

3

Who was Palace’s most recent French signing?

4

Who were the last French side to face Palace in pre-season?

5

How many World Cups have France won?

6

England and France have faced one another 32 times – but who has the better record?

7

Who were the last French team to win the league other than PSG?

8

Who were the last French side to win the Champions League?

9

How many goals did Jean-Philippe Mateta score last season in all competitions?

10

Who has made the most appearances for the French national team?

Quiz: 1) 3 2) Mathieu Flamini 3) Naouirou Ahamada 4) Lyon 5) 2 6) England (17 wins, 5 draws, 10 defeats) 7) Lille (2020/21) 8) Marseille (1993) 9) 19 10) Hugo Lloris (145 caps) Spot the Ball: B Career Ladder: Yohan Cabaye Guess Who?: Remi Matthews eagle arcade

34

WHAT'S ON? Every day is a busy one at the Palace, from matchdays – men’s, women’s and Academy – to anniversaries, birthdays to events. Keep track of everything happening at the club right here…

11 aug

11 aug

15 aug

1992 palace √ nantes | 15:00 LIVE on

16 aug

palace u21s √ fulham | 19:00

Nigel Martyn turns 58 today.

17 aug

Palace and Blackburn share six goals in first Premier League game.

18 aug

spurs √ palace u18s | 11:00

brentford √ palace | 14:00

LIVE on

LIVE on

what's on

35

21 aug

24 aug

24 aug

palace √ west ham | 15:00 David Hopkin turns 54 today.

palace u18s √ southampton | 12:00

LIVE audio commentary on

tickets

All times BST. Head to cpfc.co.uk for more details and ticketing information.

Want to get closer to Palace than ever before? Palace TV+ gives subscribers access to LIVE broadcasts of selected Academy matches, live audio commentary of league and cup games – plus features, behind-the scenes access and more.

Subscriptions are available wherever you are in the world, in a range of packages. To explore a Palace TV+ subscription that is right for you, scan the QR code.

The best way to get your hands on Palace tickets is to join the club as an Official Member – get exclusive ticket access, special discounts, unique club events with special guests and live broadcasts, with many more incredible benefits to discover!

To find out more about five different Memberships to fit your needs, or to buy to tickets to see Palace at Selhurst Park and beyond, scan below.

what's on

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aug

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14:00

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13:30

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15:00

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17:30

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15:00

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12:30

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15:00

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19:45

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Brentford

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Sat 1

Manchester United

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Sat 15

Everton

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Fulham

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Tue 25

Aston Villa

20:00

Sat 8

Ipswich Town

15:00

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Newcastle United

15:00

Wed 2

Southampton

19:45

Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

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Bournemouth

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Arsenal

15:00

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Nottingham Forest

15:00

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

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Sun 25

Liverpool

16:00

Result

Position

Marc Guéhi

attendance/ KICK-OFF

Joachim Andersen

Opposition

Rob Holding

Date

Tyrick Mitchell

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card

Joel Ward

24/25 fixtures & results

Sam Johnstone

36

1

2

3

4

5

6

palace Career Appearances

34 361 144

1

112

111

palace Career goals

0

0

3

5

fixtures & results

6

3

Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Jordan Ayew Eberechi Eze Matheus França Daniel Muñoz Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes Adam Wharton Odsonne Edouard Chris Richards Cheick Doucouré Naouirou Ahamada

7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 26 28 29

0

31

211 124

12

16

106 231 219

0

83

16

101

40

47

31

0

1

23

0

0

29

0

2

0

21

1

0

0

26

19

fixtures & results

Justin Devenny Caleb Kporha Asher Agbinone Mofe Jemide

0

Roshaun Mathurin

1

0

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

20

Franco Umeh

31

Kaden Rodney

30

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

1

Dean Henderson

37

34 42 46 49 51 55 58 64 70

0

1

0

10

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

38

opening weekend man utd fulham

nott'm forest bournemouth

ipswich liverpool

west ham aston villa

arsenal wolves

brentford crystal palace

everton brighton

chelsea man city

newcastle southampton

leicester spurs

20:00 – Friday, 16th August

15:00 – Saturday, 17th August

12:30 – Saturday, 17th August

17:30 – Saturday, 17th August

15:00 – Saturday, 17th August

14:00 – Sunday, 18th August

15:00 – Saturday, 17th August

16:30 – Sunday, 18th August

15:00 – Saturday, 17th August

20:00 – Monday, 19st August

first three

sun 18 aug | 14:00

sat 24 aug | 15:00

sun 1 sep | 13:30

gtech community stadium

selhurst park

stamford bridge

premier league

Crystal palace f.c.

Sam JOHNSTONE (GK) Joel WARD Tyrick MITCHELL Rob HOLDING Joachim ANDERSEN Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Jordan AYEW Ebere EZE Matheus FRANÇA Daniel MUÑOZ Jean-Philippe MATETA Jeffrey SCHLUPP Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Odsonne EDOUARD Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Naouirou AHAMADA Dean HENDERSON (GK) Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Kaden RODNEY Franco UMEH Jesurun RAK-SAKYI Roshaun MATHURIN Justin DEVENNY Caleb KPORHA Asher AGBINONE Mofe JEMIDE

F.C. nantes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 26 28 29 30 31 34 42 46 49 51 55 58 64 70

Final squad numbers for 2024/25 are yet to be confirmed and are still subject to change.

S. Attwell

1

Alban LAFONT (GK)

2

Jean-Kévin DUVERNE

4

Nicolas PALLOIS

5

Pedro CHIRIVELLA

6

Douglas AUGUSTO

7

Ignatius GANAGO

T. Wood C. Taylor

10

Tino KADEWERE

11

Marcus COCO

S. Parkinson

21

Jean-Charles CASTELLETTO

22

Sorba THOMAS

23

Stredair APPUAH

25

Florent MOLLET

27

Moses SIMON

28

Fabien CENTONZE

31

Mostafa MOHAMED

39

Matthis ABLINE

44

Nathan ZÉZÉ

45

Bastien MEUPIYOU

50

Hugo BARBET (GK)

63

Junior DIAZ

98

Kelvin AMIAN