Crystal Palace v Wolves matchday programme 2425’

cover story

cover story#19 Welcome back to Selhurst Park – and for the final time, welcome back to this season’s matchday programme, where we have been celebrating 100 years of football at this very stadium, from 1924 to the present day. Every edition of the programme in 2024/25 has featured a special hand-illustrated cover by Dave Flanagan, featuring one of the many landmark dates that have made this such a unique place over the last century.

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here could be no better way to finish our ‘100 Years of Selhurst’ celebration than with a bumper FA Cup Winners Edition – including a special pull-out poster – in honour of arguably the greatest day in the history of Crystal Palace Football Club.

As the cover shows, Selhurst Park can now look forward to hosting its first-ever major piece of silverware, after Oliver Glasner’s Eagles defeated Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side 1-0 at Wembley Stadium in the 2024/25 FA Cup Final.

It was beneath the arch that our third-ever Cup Final proved the charm for Palace, for whom Ebere Eze’s firsthalf finish; Dean Henderson’s heroic penalty save, and one of the all-time great goalkeeping displays; and a defensive performance characterised by commitment, courage and belief,

all combined to see us lift the trophy in front of a sea of vociferous Red and Blue, roaring us on to victory.

That same belief has flowed throughout South London across a remarkable Cup run which has seen us defeat three Premier League sides, score 13 times and concede just once in six matches, picking up silverware and sealing a league phase place in the UEFA Europa League to boot.

Inside this issue, you’ll find plenty of exclusive stats, photos, features and reaction from the day that we made history.

Collect all 19 Premier League issues this season and place them side by side to create your own piece of Selhurst Park centenary memorabilia – and to backfill any missing issues, be sure to head to the official Crystal Palace shop.

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Dave Flanagan @daveflanagan

@daveflanagan77

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

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contents

Crystal Palace √ wolves tue 20 may 2025 | 8:00pm k.o.

Directors Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer Mitesh Velani Club Secretary Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad Academy Director Gary Issott Director of U21 Development Mark Bright Chief Operating Officer Jonty Castle Chief Commercial Officer Barry Webber General Counsel David Nichol Chief of Staff Noah Abrams Head of Ticketing Paul McGowan Head of Retail Foz Bowers Head of Marketing Matt Franks Head of Safeguarding Laura Baptiste Head Groundsman Bruce Elliott

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08 12 10 chairman 44 HALL OF FAME 46 EAGLE EYE 49 STATS

Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke,

54 academy section

Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough Front cover David Flanagan

58 PALACE women

Contributors Robin Johnson, Toby Jagmohan, Ed Dowling,

60 PALACE for life

Doc Brown, James McArthur, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Toby Jagmohan, Harry Bristow, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

63 100 years of selhurst park

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70 eagle arcade 72 WHAT’S ON?

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Manager

oliver glasner For the final time this season welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Vitor Pereira and his Wolves staff and players for tonight’s game.

I

would like to start by thanking you all for your phenomenal support on Saturday at Wembley, a day that will live long in the memory for all of us.

I was full of pride for both the team and the staff – congratulations to everyone associated with Crystal Palace, everyone deserves huge credit for this win and should cherish this moment.

It was our day – and a day for you, the supporters. Wembley is an incredible place to play football, particularly when the stadium is 50-50 with fans from both sides. The noise and the atmosphere was electric for the semi-final against Aston Villa, but you managed to raise the bar again on Saturday and did us proud.

This connection that we have now created stays forever – the connection between you, the players and with the club. I said after the game that we have written a big chapter in club history.

Next year we will be playing in the Europa League for the first time, which will be hugely exciting. There will be time to plan and think about this, but I also want us to enjoy it.

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This connection that we have now created stays forever – the connection between you, the players and with the club. I said after the game that we have written a big chapter in club history

Manager

I’m proud that we have done that this year.

By winning the FA Cup, this season was always going to be a great one, but I think we can also be pleased with our Premier League performance

So I hope all of you have been celebrating in the hours and days that have followed.

We still have two games to play and of course we will give everything tonight and on Sunday to achieve the most Premier League points possible.

Next year we will be playing in the Europa League for the first time, which will be hugely exciting.

There will be time to plan and think about this, but I also want us to enjoy it

It’s important to remember we were in a good position, in both the league and FA Cup, for this last month, because of all the work we have done over the course of the season.

I’ve mentioned it before but even when we had a difficult start in the league, we always stayed together – the whole club.

It’s a good lesson for life beyond football; that when you have tough times, difficult moments, the best way to solve the situation is to stick together and support one another.

I’m proud that we have done that this year.

By winning the FA Cup, this season was always going to be a great one, but I think we can also be pleased with our Premier League performance.

We managed to get 20 points after the first 19 games – and now we have 29 points from the second half of the season, with two games still to play.

That average across the full season would have seen us also competing for the European places through the league, as well as the Cup. It’s important for us to keep this good feeling across the club going by finishing the season as strongly as possible.

Once again thank you for your support throughout the season.

Together, let’s make this evening another great Selhurst Park night

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Captain

marc Guéhi

The feeling at full-time was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in football. It was a totally deserved moment for the journey we’ve been on as a club over the last few years

Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our final home game of a memorable season against Wolves.

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aturday is still only just starting to sink in for me and I’m sure it’s the same for you.

The feeling at full-time was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in football. It was a totally deserved moment for the journey we’ve been on as a club over the last few years.

In terms of the game, I was so proud to share the Wembley turf with every one of my teammates. They left everything out on the pitch; the effort and willingness to fight for the team and the badge was very special.

Defensively we were excellent, but as we’ve said all season it takes a whole team effort, not just the back five, to keep a clean sheet.

Everyone put a shift in. Against a team that keep the ball as well as Manchester City do, you’re going to need to do a lot of work out of possession, tracking players and knowing where to be at the right moment.

The gameplan was perfect and I thought we executed it really well.

Our goal summed up the quality we have in our team to play from one end of the pitch to the other and it was a fantastic finish from Ebs.

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Captain

I’m sure the celebrations will continue over the coming days and weeks – and rightly so, you’ve all earned this moment with your brilliant support and as a club we should soak it up

There were still some nervy moments and of course a special mention to Dean, who produced an outstanding display in goal.

Again, when you are taking on Manchester City, even when you play well they will still create chances, so your goalkeeper needs to be on top form – and his penalty save in the first-half was a huge moment in the game.

I’m so proud of the way we finished the job in the second-half and stuck to our task.

Everyone put their body on the line and deserved the clean sheet

When moments like that go your way, it gives everyone a feeling that it will be your day.

I’m so proud of the way we finished the job in the second-half and stuck to our task. Everyone put their body on the line and deserved the clean sheet. I had to go off after taking a blow to the head and although you never like going off in a big game, I was very confident the boys would be okay and see out the job.

Thanks to the medical staff who looked after me following the game. Obviously, you always want to

celebrate when you win a trophy, but nothing is worth risking your health for and I’m very grateful to them for making sure I was okay.

I’m sure the celebrations will continue over the coming days and weeks – and rightly so, you’ve all earned this moment with your brilliant support and as a club we should soak it up.

But we also are determined to put on a strong homecoming performance this evening against a Wolves side who have been in good form recently.

I can’t wait to experience the matchday atmospnhere at Selhurst Park one last time this season. It’s our final home game of 24/25, so let’s make sure we go out on a high!

Enjoy the game

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chairman

steve parish It was an extraordinary day in the history of Crystal Palace Football Club; I hope you enjoyed the celebrations after our FA Cup Final victory on Saturday as much as I did. As I said before the game, I felt like we owed you a trophy – and at Wembley, together, we delivered one.

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aturday felt like a coming of age, a day we announced ourselves on the world stage as a ‘proper football club’ – and we deserved it, a six-game run, conceding only one goal and scoring 13, beating three top Premier League teams along the way. We deserved it for how incredible this squad is, how incredible this manager is, and how incredible you – as supporters – have been to this Football Club over the years.

I wrote before the game that, when I look back on the club’s journey to this moment, it has sometimes felt like a miracle. With two administrations, the future of Crystal Palace has often been uncertain. In those moments, it was the fans’ refusal to let their club die which pulled us through – and ever since, whenever we have faced mountains, your support has helped us to conquer them.

You have shown patience and pride, and we have worked our way here together, staying true to our South London roots.

Saturday’s tifo display by the Holmesdale Fanatics was so poignant, and the entirety of the West side of Wembley did not stop singing from well before kick-off to well after the final whistle. It

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We deserved it for how incredible this squad is, how incredible this manager is, and how incredible you – as supporters – have been to this Football Club over the years

Chairman

is my honest belief that we have the most supportive, positive group of fans in the world, whose level of dedication and unwavering support is unmatched.

With a global audience watching us at Wembley, you did us proud.

Everybody who has come into the club has taken us somewhere new, and there are so many more people to congratulate and thank at this time – but I must start with Oliver and his coaching staff: Poga, Mike, Ronnie, Michael, Dean and Paddy. They have transformed this team into a major trophy-winning club.

Thank you to you all.

My utmost thanks, as well, to Dougie Freedman for all of the incredible work he has done over many, many years; to all the staff at the club, for their contributions along the way; and to this fantastic group of players, who have given everything to deliver memories which will last a lifetime.

A further public celebration is planned for Monday, 26th May – so save the date, and keep close to our club channels for more information on the event in the days to come.

It was wonderful to see Joel Ward, a loyal servant to this club and a great friend, lift the trophy with Marc Guéhi. A top professional – and an even better person – tonight marks Joel’s final home matchday for Crystal Palace after 13 years’ service, which includes 363 appearances, 98 clean sheets, six goals, 10 assists, and many more outstanding achievements. Please join me in showing Joel your appreciation this evening; he will always be welcome back at Selhurst Park.

It has been an exciting end to the 2024/25 season and with two matches left, we have the opportunity to break

It was wonderful to see Joel Ward, a loyal servant to this club and a great friend, lift the trophy with Marc Guéhi. A top professional – and an even better person – tonight marks Joel’s final home matchday for Crystal Palace after 13 years’ service

even more new ground: just one point against either Wolves tonight, or away at Liverpool on Sunday, would see us break the 50-point barrier for the first time in the Premier League.

As Joel himself said on Saturday: this moment should not be Crystal Palace’s ceiling, this moment should be our floor – and with the Europa League coming to South London next season, we will strive as a club to keep building upon this incredible platform.

For one final time at Selhurst Park this season, throw everything you have behind Oliver and the team.

Come on Palace

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On Saturday, 17th May 2025, Oliver Glasner and the Crystal Palace class of 2024/25 wrote themselves into the club’s history books by lifting the FA Cup after defeating Manchester City in the Final. While the celebrations are only just getting started, allow us to take you through a momentous day for all of South London...

Words: Jack Lacey-Hatton & Robin Johnson

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Match report

match report

1-0 palace √ man city Saturday 17th May / Wembley Stadium

It was a performance that summed up everything Glasner and his team have been about all season; brave, intense, with moments of high quality at both ends of the pitch Crystal Palace claimed a first ever major trophy by winning the 2025 FA Cup Final with Ebere Eze’s goal the difference against Manchester City at Wembley.

A new, golden chapter was written into club history as Oliver Glasner’s team produced a heroic defensive effort, with Dean Henderson’s stunning penalty save another memorable highlight of the perfect afternoon.

It was a performance that summed up everything Glasner and his team have been about all season; brave, intense, with moments of high quality at both ends of the pitch.

City created the early chances.

Kevin De Bruyne’s dangerous cross found Erling Haaland at the back post, only for Dean Henderson to

block the ball from close-range.

Palace’s No. 1 also had to react quickly to keep out Josko Gvardiol’s header.

His defensive partner Manuel Akanji also flicked a header narrowly over, but the Eagles would soon pounce with their very first chance of the game.

As soon as Jean-Philippe Mateta released Daniel Muñoz down the right wing you could feel something special was happening.

The Colombian broke forward before his cross fell perfectly for Eze, who swept home a shot that sent the red and blue half of the stadium into a collective frenzy.

City were stunned while Eze celebrated his third magical moment at Wembley in as many months.

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match report

It was never going be straightforward and when Tyrick Mitchell brought down the charging Bernardo Silva, City had a penalty.

Omar Marmoush stepped up but Henderson made no mistake, diving superbly low to his right to make a brilliant save – once again leading to a sea of red and blue bedlam behind him.

Henderson was forced to make two more super saves from Jérémy Doku either side of half-time, before Muñoz thought he’d doubled Palace’s lead only for the VAR to intervene and show Ismaïla Sarr was offside in the build-up.

Pep Guardiola threw on Phil Foden and debutant Claudio Echeverri, while Glasner introduced Eddie Nketiah, Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes to proceedings.

Haaland then headed over, as City looked increasingly desperate, while the Palace end continued to bounce with noise and energy.

That’s not to say Henderson wasn’t tested in the closing stages,

making an excellent stop to deny Echeverri. The excellent Muñoz then went close again whipping a shot wide of Stefan Ortega.

Agonisingly ten minutes of added-on time were played – but the magnificent defence rearguard held on without incident. Stuart Attwell finally blew his whistle to end a game that will long in the memory of those lucky enough to witness it.

Crystal Palace are your 2025 FA Cup winners.

“This connection stays forever – the connection with the players and with Crystal Palace.”

Oliver Glasner

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Substitutes

10

30

M. Turner

eze

8

J. Lerma

9

E. Nketiah

19

W. Hughes

2

J. Ward

17

N. Clyne

21

R. Esse

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B. Chilwell

1

55

J. Devenny

henderson

goal cards

7

mateta

sarr

3

18

20

12

mitchell

kamada

wharton

Muñoz

6

5

26

Guéhi

lacroix

richards

subs

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Match reaction

match reaction TYRICK MITCHELL “I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know the feelings I’m feeling, but it’s amazing.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, because we’re still on the pitch. I don’t know. I’m tired. But I feel like when I get home, it’s really going to sink in.

“It’s an amazing feeling. Not a lot of people get to play first team. Not a lot of people get to win trophies.

I’m just blessed.”

CHRIS RICHARDS “Hopefully, we’re going to win a few more trophies here! I just wanted to win a trophy. I wasn’t even thinking about [qualifying for] Europe yet, so that’s even better!

“We had a tough start to the season, but I think we turned it around pretty quickly and I think we fully deserved it.”

MAXENCE LACROIX “It’s a proper team performance, but like I say always, it’s a team, but something was different. Everyone saw today the hand of God. Today, it was Jesus who was there and he gave us this trophy.

“I want to say thank you to all the fans also, because we won this because of them. It’s beautiful. I think we made ourselves legends, and we’ll be going to go to the Europa League with them! It’s going to be fire at home! Europe next year, yes sir!”

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match reaction

DANIEL MUÑOZ “I am very happy. Very happy because we were fighting for this. It was not won against just anyone, it was won against a great Manchester City team that has won everything. It gives us even more happiness, more pleasure.

“We wrote our names there in the golden history books and we have to keep working for the future.”

WILL HUGHES “It wasn’t nice watching it! It’s a lot more calm when you’re on the pitch because you can influence it. The defending in our box was incredible with the last-ditch tackling. We rode our luck at times but I think we deserved it in the end.

“I had a gut feeling it would be our day and thankfully that’s how it panned out. For me it’s hard to articulate the feeling – over the coming days, hopefully it sinks in.”

dean henderson “I lost my Dad at the start of the season, but he was with me today. He was with me in every kick of the game. I dedicate that win to him. We were incredible today. We had a feeling it would be our day. The manager had a gameplan and we executed it. We deserve this so much.

“Haaland might’ve stepped up [to take the penalty], I didn’t know which way he’d go, but Marmoush, I knew which way he was going. I knew I would save it!

“I’m so proud of everyone today. Obviously, we were massive underdogs coming into it, but we fully believed.

We believed in the plan. We executed it perfectly. And the fans were the 12th man here, unbelievable. You could hear them at the end.

“It felt like a lifetime down there trying to defend.

We got over the line. It was meant to be, and we’re delighted.”

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Match reaction

match reaction EBERE EZE “It’s special. I’m just grateful, thank god. We’ve come here as a club before, we were facing the team that team that has been the best in the world for how long?

“To show that type of spirit and that energy – they keep the ball so well and you have to work hard. But we knew we had to take the chance if we got it.”

JEAN PHILLIPE-MATETA “I’m feeling great, I almost don’t have the words to describe it. I just tried to concentrate on the game. We played against one of the best teams in the world and scored quite early.

“We will celebrate like crazy, trust me! It’s a big moment for us. We thank the gaffer, the staff who have done a great job, we worked very hard for this.”

MATT TURNER “I think if you told anybody that this was going to be the result of the season, we would have taken it at the beginning.

“Obviously being a loan player coming in, it was a little bit tricky, but this club is just unbelievably welcoming – and the people, I feel so loved here.

“It’s been such a great experience and we’ve brought this club to where it deserves and these fans deserve Europe.”

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match reaction

OLIVER GLASNER “The biggest success we could have was to give tens of thousands of our fans, of South London, a moment for their lifetimes.

“There’s no button for belief. These are things they are developing over months. And it’s just with a work ethic, with a mindset every day in training, every day, every game day. Then, of course, you need also the evidence.

“We had the evidence in many big games, away at the Emirates, against Aston Villa here and in many other games. Then it starts and I think also our fans got this belief because they could see they always played their way.”

steve parish “I always wanted to win the FA Cup, I was heartbroken when we lost in 1990. The Cup means so much to my generation. It’s amazing for the Cup. “For us it’s special. For every single team that start out on the journey – it’s an inspiration for them, not just this team, not just South London, but I hope for football as well.

“The fans are unbelievable. We’ve got the most happy, upbeat set of supporters anywhere in the world. I never imagined I would be able to be a part of this.

“It’s incredible what you can do if you put your mind to it and you are surrounded by amazing people.

It’s been brilliant so far, so let’s keep going.”

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by numbers

winners by numbers No, it wasn’t a dream, it really did happen – Crystal Palace have lifted the FA Cup for the first time in our illustrious history.

Your new holders wrote themselves into South London folklore after lifting a first ever major trophy when Ebere Eze’s wonderful finish proved to be enough to see Manchester City in a dramatic final.

It will take a long time for this to sink in. But while we start to digest it, here are the key numbers from a historic day at Wembley Stadium.

164 540 Number of minutes played by Chris Richards on this season’s FA Cup run – the only Palace player to play every minute of every tie.

Years between the club being founded and lifting the FA Cup for the very first time.

150 Jean-Philippe Mateta made his 150th appearance for Palace – what a day to knock off the milestone.

3rd Time lucky! Palace won the FA Cup Final for the first time in our third attempt – following defeats in 1990 and 2016.

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2 FA Cup winners’ medals on the shelf for Eddie Nketiah! Our forward also won the trophy with Arsenal back in 2020.

by numbers

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1921

Wins as Crystal Palace manager for Oliver Glasner – we think it’s safe to say this was the most important so far.

The year the last time Palace had beaten Manchester City in an FA Cup tie – before Saturday!

1st

1

Oliver Glasner became the first ever Austrian to manage in the FA Cup final – lifting the trophy at his very first attempt and in his first full season!

One goal conceded across our entire FA Cup run – a remarkable defensive effort from every player in red and blue. Five clean sheets out of six, three coming against Premier League opposition.

4373

15.9%

8 After seven consecutive games without a win against Manchester City, Palace have finally beaten the Citizens for the first time since a 2-0 Premier League win in October 2021.

Days between Joel Ward helping Palace win promotion in the 2013 Championship play-off final – and lifting the FA Cup today with the Eagles.

15.9% is the total possession Palace had over the 90+ minutes. The old classic, you don’t score by keeping the ball!

2010 By brilliantly saving Omar Marmoush’s penalty, Dean Henderson became the first goalkeeper to save a spotkick in normal time of an FA Cup Final since Petr Cech in the 2010 Final.

Frank Lampard also missed a penalty in that game, but it was off-target rather than saved by the goalkeeper.

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captain

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what it means

what it means...

FA CUP Winners

Crystal Palace have won the 2024/25 FA Cup – but what does it mean for the club going forward? Here’s four things to look out for…

Community Shield

Europa League

If you miss Wembley already, don’t worry. Palace are already booked in to return!

By winning the FA Cup, the Eagles have ensured qualification for the 2025 Community Shield.

The traditional curtain-raiser to the new season sees the cup winners face the newly crowned league champions.

The date for your diary for this one is Saturday, 9th August 2025.

Kick-off time, ticketing and broadcast details are expected in due course.

Palace’s first full venture into European football is assured off the back of Saturday’s triumph.

By lifting the trophy, the Eagles have guaranteed entry to the 2025/26 Europa League proper.

But by winning the FA Cup, Palace won’t need to face the prospect of qualifying rounds.

Instead, we will go straight into a 36-team league phase. This means a minimum of eight games between September and January – both home and away.

Make sure you dust off those passports!

Celebrations Although we still have the business of wrapping up the league campaign tonight, and away to Liverpool on Sunday, celebrations have and will continue long after the remarkable weekend just gone.

Keep the date of Monday, 26th May free in your diary, for a major celebration!

Stay close to our club channels for more information on the event in the days to come.

First ever trophy Palace now have a major trophy against our honours record. We loved winning the Full Members Cup in ’91 just as much as you, but nothing compares to this.

It will be the biggest and best game in Palace history for, we suspect, a long time to come…

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road to wembley

road to wembley

How Crystal Palace reached the 2025 FA Cup Final.

For only the third time in club history Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup Final.

After two defeats in 1990 and 2016, it was a case of third time lucky for the Eagles on Saturday at Wembley, with a glorious win over Manchester City that will live long in the memory.

Palace were the last team standing from the 745 sides that first entered, with the competition starting way back on Friday, 2nd August.

There was plenty of football to be played before that magical moment when Oliver Glasner and the team finally lifted the famous old trophy – here’s Palace’s road to glory relived.

Third Round When former Manchester United strikers Mark Hughes and Dion Dublin were drawing out the balls for the third round, they managed to leave Palace until the very last tie.

The Eagles were drawn first, meaning a home tie with Stockport County. Oliver Glasner’s team were never in real danger of a giant-killing on the day, although County did give a credible account of themselves.

The 90 minutes may not have seemed hugely significant at the time – but they kickstarted Palace’s historic journey and, as a result, it’s a game that will go down in the history books.

Ebere Eze’s sumptuous early strike proved to be the difference between

the teams. It wouldn’t be the last time he netted in this season’s Cup run…

Fourth Round By the time the Eagles kicked-off their fourth round tie up at Doncaster, a noisy away end were already filling the cold Yorkshire air with a loud rendition of ‘South London is ours.’

That might have had something to do with the draw taking place before the match, which set-up a potential fifth round meeting with Millwall.

But to get there, Palace still had to take care of the matter at hand, a tricky away tie at League Two Doncaster Rovers.

Strong defensively, two clinical moments ensured it was smooth progress for the Eagles. Daniel Muñoz tapped in from close range after a scramble in the box to give us the lead.

A real moment of quality from Justin Devenny and Will Hughes sealed the win and a place in the last 16. The latter played an inch-perfect ball over the top, with the onrushing Devenny producing a stunning finish to settle the tie in front of the travelling support.

Fifth Round A Championship club would provide the opposition for the Eagles for the first time in the run, when Millwall arrived for a fiery South London derby at Selhurst Park.

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Bathed in glorious March sunshine, the early minutes of the game were overshadowed when Jean-Phillipe Mateta suffered a head injury after a dangerous challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts.

Roberts was sent off, but it was the Eagles who took a while to get going following the early drama.

Eventually they found their groove, with defender Japhet Tanganga heading Will Hughes’ cross-goal effort beyond his own goalkeeper from close range.

A second FA Cup goal for Muñoz made it 2-0 and although Millwall hit back through Wes Harding, substitute Eddie Nketiah rounded off the scoring with a looping header.

The post-game celebrations were loud and boisterous, with the Eagles perhaps starting to dream of Wembley and going all the way for the first time.

Quarter-final The last eight is where Palace’s FA Cup campaign truly caught fire. Presented a tricky away tie to London-rivals Fulham, who had already knocked out holders Manchester United, progress would not be easy.

The Eagles also had to find their rhythm, having played just one game in the 28 days that separated this tie from the previous round against Millwall.

The first 20 minutes were difficult, Palace naturally looking a tad rusty, as Fulham pressed for an opener.

road to wembley

But in the space of four minutes, two moments of magic from Ebere Eze turned the tie.

First the Palace No. 10 cut in from the left and curled a beautiful low shot around Bernd Leno and in off the far post. He then provided an inch-perfect cross for Ismaïla Sarr to nod in from close range.

Another from Nketiah in the Cup completed a perfect day, when he raced onto Daichi Kamada’s pass and slotted home for a 3-0 win.

1-0 palace √ stockport Sunday 12th January / Selhurst Park

0-2 doncaster √ palace Monday 10th February / Eco-Power Stadium

3-1

Semi-finals The semi-final schedule meant Palace and Aston Villa had the chance to book the first place in the Final, the two meeting amidst an incredible Wembley backdrop, with an almost hysteria-like atmosphere.

It was a cagey opening 20 minutes, but after that the Eagles took total control. Eze would once again be the key to breaking the deadlock, rifling home a first-time drive after he was teed up by Sarr.

From that moment on, Palace’s progression was never truly under threat. Even when Mateta was denied from the penalty spot in the second-half, Palace continued to outplay a Villa side who had reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Sarr hit another stunning goal jus before the hour, advancing powerfully before drilling a low shot beyond Emi Martinez, the Villa keeper with no chance. He wrapped things up in stoppage time after charging away from the chasing Villa defence, to seal a place in the FA Cup Final - and we know what happened there...

palace √ millwall Saturday 1st March / Selhurst Park

0-3 fulham √ palace Saturday 29th March / Craven Cottage

3-0 palace √ Aston Villa Saturday 26th April / Wembley Stadium

1-0 palace √ man city Saturday 17th May / Wembley Stadium

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joel ward

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Joel ward

It was announced last week that Joel Ward will depart Crystal Palace after 13 years with the club, upon the expiration of his current contract.

Indeed, go back 13 years and, on 28th May, 2012, before the days of flashy announcements and viral videos, there was a simple Tweet from the Palace account, timed at 7.32pm.

“Defender Joel Ward has joined from Portsmouth £400,000 after he agreed a four year contract,” it read – before the soon-to-be long-associated hashtag: “#cpfc.” Little did any of us know, at that time, that such an understated arrival would in fact mark the arrival of a modern Palace legend.

His farewell interview – which can be watched now on Palace TV – is a special one.

The Hampshire-born defender joined Palace at the start of the club’s successful promotion-winning season from the Championship, 2012/13, and was an instant success, playing a huge role in the club’s rise to the Premier League – including a dramatic goal-line clearance in the play-off final against Watford at Wembley.

He has been a core member of the team ever since, excelling through promotion, two FA Cup Finals and Palace’s longest top-flight spell, as well as taking on the club captaincy in the 2023/24 season.

Ward’s achievements are innumerable, the milestones countless.

The word ‘legend’ is arguably overused in modern football – but simply not so here.

Crystal Palace F.C.

@CPFC

Defender Joel Ward has joined from Portsmouth for £400,000 after he agreed a four year contract. #cpfc

How do I want the fans to remember me? Hopefully, that I gave everything for the club… and that I’m one of their own, I guess.

For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club. From the outset all I’ve wanted to do is play football

29

How does Joel Ward wish to be remembered by Crystal Palace supporters? He smiles wryly, pausing for thought: “How do I want the fans to remember me? Hopefully, that I gave everything for the club… and that I’m one of their own, I guess.

“For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.

From the outset all I’ve wanted to do is play football – and I’ve achieved that.

I’ve achieved a dream of mine to play at the highest level and to play in the Premier League.

“It’s been an incredible journey, so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.”

Only one thing for it, then, upon the announcement that – after 13 years with the club – Ward would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his current contract: a trip down memory lane.

Joel ward

Dial back the clock and we’re in 2012/13 again – one of the most important seasons in the 164-year history of Crystal Palace Football Club.

“Jeez, that seems like a lifetime ago,” Ward chuckles, staring at the first photograph of many paving his wall of nostalgia in a South London studio.

“Not the best start to the season, but that season was remembered for one thing and one thing only – and that was the promotion.

“I don’t think we had the expectation that we were going to get promoted that season, but it was certainly in the plan to try and take this club to the next level… Thankfully, that’s kind of happened!”

The first set of Wembley photos are next: the aforementioned 1-0 win over Watford in extra-time, thanks to Wilfried Zaha’s driving run, Kevin Phillips’ penalty, Julián Speroni’s super saves, a fierce collective team effort – and Ward’s remarkable last-gasp intervention.

In short: a day beneath the arch to remember.

“It still gives me goosebumps now kind of looking back!” Ward laughs.

“Jeez, I couldn’t even grow a beard at that point, look…

“I think the moment that obviously changed the course for this club, and for me personally, was the play-off final. To win that and to take this club into the Premier League… now you look at it, it’s obviously thriving in the Premier League.

“They’re doing incredible things, the team is thriving, and we’re reaching new heights, so that’s an incredible moment to cherish.”

Ward’s trip down memory lane takes him to more landmarks: his first Crystal Palace goal – a calmly-taken

It still gives me goosebumps now kind of looking back! Jeez, I couldn’t even grow a beard at that point, look…

30

joel ward

curler against Queens Park Rangers in March 2015, and subsequent memorable celebration, and a run to his first FA Cup Final – against Manchester United – in 2015/16.

Ward played the full 120 minutes that day – extra-time again at Wembley – but this time finished on the losing side. It is fitting that a return to the venue on Saturday saw him win the first major trophy of his career.

“It’s been a whirlwind of a time, but a thoroughly enjoyable one,” Ward said after the Final. “To do what we did at the weekend was just incredible – it was written in the stars, and everyone at the club believed we could do it. This group of players are a special, special group – and they’re history makers.”

The photos taken on Saturday show it all.

In the Premier League Ward would become a model of consistency in South London’s famous red and blue – a stalwart of the side under multiple managers – and, during 23/24, club captain under Roy Hodgson, leading the way with his experience, professionalism and dedication to the highest standards.

“Week in, week out at Selhurst, there’s never a dull moment,” he smiles.

“The fans are always lifting the roof.

You go to many other clubs, and I don’t think they’ve got the same passion for the club that they support.

“When you step through the door and you come into a club like this, it’s infectious. The Chairman and the fans have created a culture and an atmosphere and an environment such that, when players play for this club, they always take a little slice of the club with them.”

To do what we did at the weekend was just incredible – it was written in the stars, and everyone at the club believed we could do it.

This group of players are a special, special group and they’re history makers Ward’s other great passion? His family – his emotions shining through when he talks about them: his wife, Jessica; their two young boys and a baby girl, born in the last few days; and their role, love and support in his life.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have, from day one, an incredibly supportive network around me, in my family, my parents, my siblings, my friends, and my extended family,” Ward says proudly.

“My wife has been someone who’s been on this journey from the moment it started, really. From back then, to up to this moment here, she’s supported me. She’s been a rock for me.

“It’s the biggest honour, by far, to be a father. To walk out with these boys is special.”

A family man for a family club. A man of dignity, pride, principles – and a

31

footballer of the most esteemed quality and character.

“Certainly this club has a piece of my heart, and red and blue runs through my veins,” Ward comes full circle.

“Every picture here tells a story.

It tells a moment – and there’ve been some incredible moments to cherish.

“It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.

“Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.

“This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a ‘see you later.’”

And all of that from a 102-character Tweet.

Joel Ward: thank you.

FOR THE CLUB captain

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PLAY NOW

The World’s Game

Wolverhampton Wanderers

33

Wolverhampton Wanderers

wolves

the Wanderers 1877

PEREIRA POWER The story of Wolves’ 2024/25 season is the ultimate tale of two halves.

Following on from the back of a strong 2023/24, which saw the Black Country side reach the FA Cup quarter-finals and finish comfortably in mid-table, hopes were high.

But a disastrous start for manager Gary O’Neil – with no win arriving until November – plunged Wolves firmly into the relegation mire. A 2-1 defeat at home to Ipswich proved a watershed moment in their season. With players brawling with the winning opposition post-match and the atmosphere toxic, O’Neil was sacked less than 24 hours later. It would mark a turning point.

Wolves turned to Vitor Pereira, with the Portuguese coach immediately leading them to backto-back wins over Leicester City and Manchester United.

THIS Season Position

14th

Points

41

Top Scorer Matheus Cunha

7

away

home

Rayan Aït-Nouri

only brought to an end by a narrow defeat at Manchester City.

56-year-old Pereira is a popular figure in the town, known to sink a post-match pint with supporters following a win. If he can take their current form into next season, the future will look very bright indeed for Wolverhampton.

34

third

old gold resurgence Pereira’s arrival has seen Wolves power away from the relegation zone and make any fears of dropping into the Championship a distant memory. An impressive away win in February at high-flying Bournemouth highlighted the rapid progress made.

The final third of the season has seen Wolves find ‘top five form’ with a run of six straight wins

15

Most Assists

wolverhampton wanderers

head2head head

4-2 √ tottenham Molineux Stadium

wolves

draw

palace

30

20

27

√ manchester united Old Trafford

3-0 √ leicester city Molineux Stadium

1-0 √ manchester city Etihad Stadium

0-2 √ brighton

lastfive

0-1

2-1

18th October 2022 Selhurst Park

2-0

25th April 2023 Molineux Stadium

3-2

3rd September 2023 Selhurst Park

1-3

11th May 2024 Molineux Stadium

2-2

2nd November 2024 Molineux Stadium

Molineux Stadium

0-2

“We tried to turnover the result. We missed some organisation - the game started to become unpredictable and very open - we spoiled ourselves to counter-attacks.”

Vitor Pereira

Wolves √ brighton Saturday 10th May / Molineux Stadium

29 guedes

10

Substitutes

5 munetsi

cunha

25

D. BENTLEY

4

S. BUENO

6

B. TRAORé

9

J. STRAND LARSEN

19

R. GOMES

24

12

2

21

P. SARABIA

gomes

agbadou

doherty

27

j-r bellegarde

34

n. djiga

59

m. bula dami mané

goal cards

21 aït-nouri

7

8

andre

gomes

1 sá

subs

35

22 semedo

wolverhampton wanderers

key players Wolves have produced an excellent second half to the season under Manager of the Season contender Vitor Pereira – here we look at their key players...

MR WOLVES -

02

def matt

doherty age

Height

33

6’1

joined

from

2023

After a recent resurgence of form, is Doherty now firmly cast into Wolves folklore? The versatile defender had already spent a decade at Molineux with great success between 2010 and 2020, along the way helping the side back into the Premier League and becoming an important player as Nuno Espirito Santo moulded the team into European challengers.

Now in his second spell, he has made well over 350 appearances for the club.

Doherty left the club to join Tottenham in 2020, but the lifelong Arsenal fan never truly found his best form in North London. After two-and-a-half seasons he joined Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, only featuring twice in La Liga before then moving back to England and rejoin Wolves.

Since his return, Doherty has been reshaped into a very competent right centre-half in a back three. Defensively strong but with the ability to bring the ball out from the back, the Irish international has become a regular in Vitor Pereira’s new team.

36

mid joáo

gomes age

08 Height

24

5’9

joined

from

2023

Signed as a youngster from Brazil, Gomes has quickly evolved into a key player in the heart of the Wolves side. Following meticulous work from the club’s recruitment department, Gomes joined Wolves in January 2023, quickly providing energy and commitment to the midfield.

The season before his arrival, the midfielder played 41 times for his hometown club, having debuted at the age of 19, originally progressing through the club’s youth system.

A stunning double in an away win at Tottenham in February 2024 catapulted Gomes into a fans’ favourite at Molineux.

He made his international debut for Brazil a month later against England at Wembley and will be targeting a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals squad. Gomes is also a long-time practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

wolverhampton wanderers

brazilian beast Ask anyone in the West Midlands who has been Wolves’ best player this season and the answer will invariably be Cunha. The forward has become integral to the club ever since first arriving, on-loan, back on New Year’s Day 2023. After scoring twice for Wolves in that half-season, Cunha netted against Palace in a 3-2 defeat at Selhurst Park, the first of 12 in his first full season at Molineux.

He later, following a memorable treble against Chelsea, became only the second Wolves player to score a Premier League hat-trick.

The Brazil international has had moments in the spotlight this season, not always for the right reasons. He was charged by the FA for misconduct following the postgame scuffle with Ipswich – and was fined and banned for an extra game following a red card in an FA Cup tie at Bournemouth.

But when he is on the pitch, he is a talismanic figure. If Wolves can take their recent form into next season, Cunha’s contribution will surely be vitally important.

fwd Matheus

Cunha age

10 Height

25

6’0

joined

from

2023

Following on from Erling Haaland, Strand Larsen is the latest Norwegian forward to take the Premier League by storm. His 16 goals scored for Celta Vigo last season convinced Wolves to bring him to England last summer, on an initial loan deal which should become permanent this summer.

The towering forward is physically imposing, yet mobile and

37

fwd jørgen

09

strand larsen age

Height

25

6’4

joined

from

2024

capable of dominating defenders in the air. He has been capped 14 times by his country and probably would have added more appearances to his record if not for Haaland.

In what has been, at times, a tough season for Wolves, Strand Larsen has been a model of consistency, scoring 13 Premier League goals with two games still to play.

wolverhampton wanderers

1

gk josé

sá age

joined

32 2021

def matt

doherty age

joined

33 2023

from

2 from

12

def emmanuel

agbadou age

joined

27 2025

from

gk dan

25

bentley age

from

joined

31 2023

3

def rayan

aït-nouri age

joined

23 2021

from

14

def yerson

mosquera age

joined

24 2021 38

from

31

gk sam

johnstone age

joined

32 2024

4

def santiago

bueno age

from

joined

26 2023

from

15

def craig

dawson age

joined

35 2023

from

wolverhampton wanderers

22

def nélson

semedo age

joined

31 2020

DEF nasser

djiga age

34

joined

22 2025

MID boubacar

traoré age

from

joined

23 2023

from

6 from

def toti

24

gomes age

joined

26 2020

DEF pedro

lima age

37 joined

18 2024

mid

andré age

from

joined

23 2024 39

from

7 from

def bastien

33

meupiyou age

joined

19 2024

MID marshall

munetsi age

joined

28 2025

mid joão

gomes age

joined

24 2023

from

5 from

8 from

wolverhampton wanderers

mid tommy

doyle age

20 from

joined

23 2024

fwd hwang

joined

29 2022

fwd carlo

forbs age

21 2024

age

joined

25 2024

from

age

from

9

fwd

from

age

strand larsen

11

26

joined

jorgen

fwd

hee-chan age

fwd

18

sasa

kaladjziĆ joined

27 2022

fwd jean-ricner

from

27

bellegarde age

joined

26 2023 40

from

matheus

cunha

10

joined

25 2023

fwd rodrigo

gomes age

19

joined

21 2024

fwd gonçalo

from

from

29

guedes age

joined

28 2022

from

wolverhampton wanderers

squaddepth st Matheus CUNHA Jørgen STRAND LARSEN Sasa KALAJDŽIC

lw Rodrigo GOMES Carlos FORBS Enso GONZÁLEZ

rw Goncalo GUEDES Pablo SARABIA Rodrigo MARTINS GOMES

am Jean-Ricner BELLEGARDE

cm ANDRÉ João GOMES Tommy DOYLE

Dm Marshall MUNETSI Boubacar TRAORÉ

lb Rayan AÏT-NOURI Bastien MEUPIYOU

Rb Nelson SEMEDO Pedro LIMA

CB

CB

Toto GOMES Craig DAWSON Yerson MOSQUERA Nasser DJIGA

Santiago BUENO Matt DOHERTY Emmanuel AGBADOU GK

José SÁ Sam JOHNSTONE Dan BENTLEY Tom KING

Loaned In

Academy Graduate

41

New Signing

wolverhampton wanderers

through time

1879

Renamed Wolvehampton Wanderers

1893

1957/58 -

FA Cup winners for the first time

1908

FA Cup winners as Second Division club

1939

Beaten by Portsmouth in the final pre-war FA Cup final

1954

Wolves win maiden league title

1959

Wolves become on the second English team to play in European Cup

1974

League Cup winners after beating Manchester City

1990

Club bought by lifelong supporter Jack Haywood

2004

Relegated from the Premier League after just one season

2018

Promoted to the topflight after earning 99 points in Championship

2019

Wolves finish 7th in first season back in Premier League

Legendary manager Stan Cullis leads Wolves to only their second ever league title, with Jimmy Murray scoring 29 league goals along the way. Cullis’ team lose only three games before the turn of the year, recovering superbly from an opening day loss at Everton. An away win at Preston sends them top of the table, a position they would not relinquish.

With legendary centre-back Billy Wright captaining from defence, Wolves are formidable at both ends of the pitch. The title win sees them qualify for the European Cup the following season – only the second English side to compete in the tournament.

2002/03 Second-tier Wolves sign just four players in the summer of 2002 – but two are huge recruits, with Denis Irwin and Paul Ince rocking up at Molineux. The season starts slow, with a run of five defeats in six games, between August and October. But the turning point proves a thrilling 3-2 victory over Premier League challengers Newcastle, in the FA Cup which, in turn, reinvigorates their league season. Dave Jones’ team only lose

two further Division One games all season and surge into the playoffs. Wolves then defeat Reading over two legs before dominating Sheffield United in the final, winning 3-0 to gain promotion to the top-flight.

2018/19 After a takeover by the Fosun International group in 2016 – and promotion from the Championship two years later – Wolves return to the Premier League with big

42

1877

Club is originally founded as St. Luke's F.C.

ambitions. Under the stewardship of Nuno Espiritio Santo, they finish seventh in their first season back in the top-flight and manage to reach the last four of the FA Cup. The goals of Raúl Jiménez help push Wolves up the table, while defender Conor Coady is an everpresent, featuring in all 46 games.

wolverhampton wanderers

dreamfive GK bert williams As well as his 420 appearances for Wolves, Williams also reached the international stage in the 1950s – with a man of the match performance for England against Italy seeing him christened ‘Il Gattone’ – ‘the cat’, by travelling journalists.

cb Billy Wright Simply one of England’s greatest ever footballers. Led Wolves to FA Cups and League Championships, as well as making 70 successive appearances for England and captaining them 90 times.

CB Stan Cullis Captained Wolves at 19 and played for England at the age of just 22, Cullis was a born leader. An outstanding player in his own right, he would later manage Wolves to FA Cup and League Championship glory.

mf Ron Flowers With 512 appearances for the Old Gold, Flowers was a lynchpin in the great Wolves team of the 1950s. He was also a squad member of the 1966 World Cup winning squad.

st Steve Bull Crucial to Wolves’ rise back up through the divisions in the 1980s, Bull was prolific at every level of football. In 1989 joined the rare group of England players capped whilst playing in the third tier – and went onto make four appearances at Italia ’90.

43

wolverhampton wanderers

kitstory

celebrity wolves

best

worst

Home: 2003/04

Home: 1992/93

Crisp shirt? Yes. Crisp sponsor? Most certainly. Wolves gold and Doritos make for the ultimate kit-sponsor match-up. It’s a beauty.

A lot of fans apparently like this one, but it’s more orange than gold.

Could also be mistaken for a pyjama top. Dreadful.

best

tessa sanderson Sanderson is a Team GB legend – the first black British woman to win an Olympic gold medal when claiming the Javelin title in ’84.

worst

robert plant cbe A Vice-President on the Wolves executive board, the Led Zepplin lead singer is a dedicated fan and first went to a match at the age of five.

beverley knight away: 2005/06

away: 2009/10

They may have missed out on the play-offs this season, but this black away number is rather fetching. Has aged really well.

An undercooked effort from Le Coq Sportif. Looks as if they realised the deadline was in two hours and threw together a basic shirt of nothingness.

44

One of the country’s greatest ever soul singers hails from Wolverhampton and is constantly following the results from her tour bus.

wolverhampton wanderers

greatestgames 4-2 Dougie at the double One of the most chaotic meetings between the two sides came in September 2002, a season which would eventually finish with Wolves promoted to the Premier League. But on this day, it was Palace celebrating. 17-year-old Wayne Routledge had the Eagles in front only seconds into his full Football League debut. Wolves levelled after half an hour, but within minutes Dougie Freedman restored the lead. He got another from the spot, before Wolves got a lifeline through Nathan Blake – but seconds later Steven Thomson finally settled a thrilling game.

3-1 Moritz magic Palace were in full flow on New Year’s Day 2013, as Ian Holloway’s charge to the Premier League gathered pace.

Andre Moritz took centre stage, firing in two free-kicks either side of a Yannick Bolasie goal. With Selhurst Park in full voice, the Eagles were on fire, the final 3-1 scoreline not a true reflection of their dominance, with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake getting a late consolation for Wolves. The win took Palace within two points of the automatic promotion spots.

3-2 Frantic finish Palace and Wolves produced five goals between them in a thriller back in September 2023, with three of them coming in the last 18 minutes. Remarkably, it was 0-0 at the break before both attacks burst into life. Odsonne Edouard opened the scoring after he got in between two Wolves defenders to finish from Tyrick Mitchell's excellent cross. But substitute Hwang Hee-chan levelled for Wolves.

Jean-Philippe Mateta helped swing the game back towards the hosts, setting up both Ebere Eze and Edouard, for his second, as the Eagles got a vital win.

Matheus Cunha headed home in added time but the points were already settled.

45

wolverhampton wanderers

eagle eye

@SteveMadeley78

Steve Madeley covers Wolves for The Athletic and has done so since 2019. Steve has been a journalist for almost 25 years, including nearly 20 years covering sport, mainly football. The majority of his career was spent with the Express & Star in the West Midlands.

At the start of the season what were your expectations for Wolves this season? And have performances matched how you thought it would go?

At the end of last season, I was hopeful that Wolves could aim to push on towards mid-table but by the start of this season I was less optimistic.

The fixtures gave them a brutal start and they hadn’t strengthened at centre-back as they should have. I feared it would be a season of struggle.

That is exactly how it turned out until December, when Gary O’Neil was sacked and Vitor Pereira came in, although I think the magnitude of the struggle was greater than anyone expected.

What have you made of the job done by Vitor Pereira since his arrival in December?

He has done an excellent job of turning around what looked like a terminal slide towards relegation. Essentially, he has done exactly what he had to do, which was to beat all of the other teams in the bottom third of the table, and that has been enough to get Wolves safely clear of the bottom three.

46

He has done an excellent job of turning around what looked like a terminal slide towards relegation.

Essentially, he has done exactly what he had to do

wolverhampton wanderers But he had also transformed the mood around the club and rebuilt some bridges between the team and the fans, which was no easy task.

What has been the highlight of Wolves’ season so far?

(Particular game, moment that made you smile etc) Manchester United have had a poor season in the Premier League but there is still a buzz whenever a club beats them, so for that to happen in Pereira’s first home game in charge, under floodlights on Boxing Day was huge. It felt like a significant moment and a clear sign that Wolves had a chance of survival.

The 2-1 win away at Ipswich, from 1-0 down, which effectively ended any lingering fears of relegation, was also a memorable afternoon.

Who is Wolves’ most important player and whose contribution flies under the radar?

Matheus Cunha is Wolves’ best player and without his goals and assists they would still be in real trouble, but they actually had their best spell of the season when he was suspended and Andre starred in those games.

He played a disciplined, intelligent role in a deep-lying midfield position and nobody else in the squad does the job nearly as well. For that reason I would say he is probably the answer to both questions — important, yet still an unsung hero.

What should be Wolves’ aims and ambitions for the 2025/26 season?

First and foremost, not to be in a relegation battle. They managed it in 2023/24 under Gary O’Neil, before it went badly wrong in the first half of this season. If they get recruitment

47

right this summer they should be looking to push into a safer, midtable position.

For that to happen, they will need some good additions to the squad but also for the fixtures computer to be kinder this summer than it was last time.

Give us a name for the future to keep an eye on…

Rodrigo Gomes has not played loads this season, but he is already a really popular player with fans and, at 21, has massive room for improvement.

His work-rate and attitude are infectious and, while he still has a lot of rough edges and his delivery from wide areas is a little inconsistent, he already has a great knack of getting goalscoring chances from wing-back positions.

Finally, let’s have your score prediction for today’s game…

I’ll go with a 2-2 draw!

.

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wolverhampton wanderers

HEAD TO HEAD

dean

henderson

jose

sa

22

Goals

48

3

Penalties won

1

2

Penalties scored

1

121

6

Clean sheets

15

Apps

Clean Sheets

38

55

Yellow cards

49

Clean Sheets

33

Saves

351

2

Saves

428

Goals Conceded

154

Goals Conceded

200

Penalties Saved

4

Penalties Saved

4

Save Success %

70%

Save Success %

68%

Mins Played

10,845

Mins Played

12,083

age

28

POSITION

gk

Apps

nat

2

Red cards

8

Palace have lost just one of our last eight meetings with Wolves (winning six).

12

A clean sheet today would take Dean Henderson onto 12 in the Premier League this season - one clear of Vicente Guaita's total for 2021/22.

52

Three points today would take Palace onto an overall haul of 52 for the season - while just one point would set a new PL record.

Delivered by:

49

age

32

POSITION

gk

nat

136

‘It’ is discrimination, in all its forms.

Racism. Homophobia, Misogyny. Disablism.

If you have seen it or heard it, follow the QR code to report it to Kick It Out. Together, we can put an end to it.

Take action today at kickitout.org 50

doc brown & james m©arthur

51

captain

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

52

08/01/2025 09:51

INSIDE PALACE

53

inside palace

palace academy A fifth season as a Category 1 Academy has seen Palace’s young Eagles gain valuable experience, play out vital fixtures and, most importantly, develop as footballers.

t

he campaign for the Under18s this season concluded with an end-to-end 3-3 draw against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, confirming a sixth-place finish for the young Eagles.

They were one point behind London rivals Fulham and one ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, though league position doesn’t tell the entire story of the campaign. A crop of 13 talented scholars joined the ranks and all contributed, including second-years and first-year professionals towards an incredible season of ups and downs.

“From when I’ve come in January to look after the U18s, I can’t praise them enough,” said Dave Cooper, current head coach of the U18s side.

“I’ve coached them at Under-13s, 14s and through the age groups, I know exactly what’s in that dressing room – and they never give up.

“They’re technically really good, they’ve got a great spirit, they’ve got a great togetherness and character.”

Indeed, the side has displayed this throughout the campaign on multiple occasions, recording results such as a 4-2 comeback victory from 0-2 down against Chelsea and a 5-0 thumping of West Ham United away from home.

“We’ve had a good half of the year. We fell short in the league, but we’ve had good performances and we’re trying to develop these young players. We’ve had players playing in the 21s.

“Our goal is to eventually make these younger players first-team players and to see them playing up is great. George King has stepped up to the Under-21s, as has Seb Williams, Mofe Jemide has been up there all season too.

“With that comes some Under16s stepping up to be with us in the U18s, such as Joel Drakes-Thomas, Jacob Fasida and Donte Martin, they’ve played with us for the second half of the season.

“And that’s got to be the goal for the club: producing young professionals. That’s what we’re all trying to do, and they’ve been outstanding in that regard.”

Following the conclusion of the U18 Premier League season, the next stop for the team was Morocco, to compete in the Mohammed VI Football Academy (AMF) Tournament, which saw 12 teams from all around the world battling for the trophy.

Palace overcame Udinese and AMF in the group stage and then managed

54

with people training up with 21S, even the first-team, and up with us from the younger age groups it’s invaluable victories against Aspire Academy (Qatar) and PSG in the quarter-finals and semifinals respectively.

They fell agonisingly short in the final, losing out to a very strong River Plate side. “That was an amazing tournament, considering the weather,” added Cooper.

“We went there with a couple of players that could only play a certain amount of minutes. We took two Under-15s in an Under-19s tournament, which again shows the progress within the Academy with players coming through.

“We played PSG in the semi-final after being 1-0 down. We displayed great character once again to come back and win 2-1.

“This is what the side are capable of, and for us to finish second in a massive tournament like that is credit to the players because they were outstanding.

“These things can only breed better players. So the more we can do it, with people training up with 21s, even the first-team, and up with us from the younger age groups it’s invaluable.”

.

inside palace

fixtures&results

pos Club

P

W

D

L

GD Pts

Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture International Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first)

1

mci

20

15

2

3

38 47

2

ful

20

14

3

3

19

45

3

che

20

12

2

6

21

38

4

whu

20

12

2

6

6

38

5

mun

20

11

3

6

14

36

6

cry

20

10

5

5

9

35

7

sou

20

10

4

6

7

34

8

ars

20

10

3

7

6

33

9

new

20

10

2

8

2

32

10

lei

20

9

4

7

9

31

11

bha

20

8

6

6

17

30

12

eve

20

8

5

7

-2 29

13

sun

20

8

4

8

13

14

wol

20

8

4

8

-6 28

15

nfo

20

8

3

9

4

16

liv

20

7

6

7

-2 27

u21s

u18s

AUGUST

AUGUST

Tue 20

Stevenage

L

0-1

Sat 17

Tottenham Hotspur

L

4-6

Fri 23

Blackburn Rovers

W

7-2

Sat 24

Southampton

D

1-1

Wed 28 Birmingham City

W

3-0

Sat 31

W

3-0

Fri 30

Leeds United

D

1-1

SEPTEMBER Tue 17

Real Sociedad

D

2-2

Fri 20

Reading

D

1-1

Tue 24

Gillingham

W

3-1

Mon 30 Nottingham Forest

W

2-1

OCTOBER Sat 5

Brighton & Hove Albion

L

0-10

Fri 18

Sporting CP

L

1-2

Fri 25

Southampton

W

2-0

NOVEMBER Fri 1

Tottenham Hotspur

W

5-1

Tue 5

Peterborough United

L

1-4

Fri 29

Newcastle United

L

0-1

december Tue 10

RSC Anderlecht

Mon 16 Liverpool

Reading

SEPTEMBER Sat 14

Norwich City

W

4-2

Sat 21

Fulham

L

0-6

Sat 28

Aston Villa

L

1-3

OCTOBER Sat 5

Liverpool

L

2-5

Sat 26

Leicester City

D

1-1

NOVEMBER Sat 2

Arsenal

D

1-1

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

D

2-2

Sat 23

Arsenal

W

2-0

Sat 30

Brighton & Hove Albion W

2-0

W

3-1

DECEMBER

D

3-3

Fri 6

Manchester City

L

0-1

Tue 17

Chelsea

W

4-2

JANUARY Mon 6

Fulham

L

0-1

JANUARY

Fri 10

Leicester City

W

2-0

Tue 14

West Ham United

W

5-0

Fri 17

RB Leipzig

L

1-2

Sat 18

Leicester City

W

2-1

Mon 20 Wolves

L

0-1

Sat 25

Tottenham Hotspur

D

1-1

Mon 27 Norwich City

D

2-2

FEBRUARY

Mon 10 Stoke City

W

2-1

Mon 17 Aston Villa

W

3-0

Mon 24 West Bromwich Albion

W

2-0

FEBRUARY

MARCH Mon 3

Arsenal

D

2-2

Sun 16

Manchester City

W

3-2

APRIL Fri 4

West Ham United

W

5-2

L

2-4

Mon 28 Brighton & Hove Albion W

3-1

Mon 14 Chelsea may Fri 2

Chelsea

Mon 12 Southampton

28

27

17

lee

20

6

7

7

-5 25

18

wba

20

7

4

9

-9 25

19

mid

20

7

1

12 -16 22

20

rea

20

6

3

11

21

bla

20

6

2

12 -16 20

22

tot

20

6

1

13 -12 19

23

der

20

5

4

11

24

nor

20

5

3

12 -20 18

25

sto

20

4

3

13 -17 15

26

avl

20

2

6

12 -25 12

-19 21

-16 19

Sat 1

Southampton

D

1-1

pos Club

P

W

D

L

Sat 8

Reading

D

0-0

1

avl

24

15

2

7

10

2

sou

24

13

6

5

27 45

3

ars

24

13

5

6

15

44

4

che

24

13

3

8

12

42

5

ful

24

12

3

9

7

39

6

cry

24

10

8

6

9

38

7

tot

24

10

7

7

16

37

8

rea

24

9

5

10 -12 32

Sat 15

Norwich City

L

1-4

Sat 22

Aston Villa

W

4-1

MARCH

GD Pts 47

Sat 1

Fulham

W

2-0

Sat 8

West Ham United

W

3-1

Sat 15

Chelsea

L

0-1

9

whu

24

6

7

11

-13 25

Sat 5

West Bromwich Albion

W

2-0

10

bha

24

6

6

12

-9 24

Thu 17

Arsenal

L

1-2

11

nor

24

6

5

13 -16 23

12

lei

24

6

5

13 -19 23

Brighton & Hove Albion D

3-3

13

wba

24

3

6

15 -27 15

APRIL

W

6-0

MAY

L

1-2

Sat 3

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Friday, 16th May.

55

inside palace

palace academy Premier League 2 forms an essential part of our Academy players’ development and the team have produced another excellent campaign – competing against the best clubs in the country and performing admirably.

p

alace’s Under-21s played out an entertaining 2024/25 season, with many ups and downs, memorable moments and a semi-final under the lights in SE25.

This was the furthest that Darren Powell’s side had got to in the new format of the Premier League 2, which took inspiration from the Champions League’s Swiss style format – with an initial league phase and then a playoff to determine the overall winner.

In the initial league phase, Palace recorded a respectable sixth-place finish, a point behind Manchester United and five ahead of rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Along the way they had incredible

results such as a 3-1 win away from home against the first-team side of Gillingham in the EFL Trophy, and two incredible comebacks against West Ham United and Manchester City.

The play-off stage saw the side face Brighton in the round of 16 phase. By virtue of Palace’s higher league position, they were assured of a home tie and duly delivered in front of the faithful crowd at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium.

A 3-1 win, which included a wonder goal from Hindolo Mustapha, saw Palace book a place in the quarter-final where they faced London rivals Chelsea. An emphatic 6-0 thumping of the Blues, with two more audacious efforts from Mustapha,

56

It’s all positive trying to get the young ones up, giving them minutes as well, while also seeing players progress up to the first-team like Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny and Caleb Kporha saw the side earn their spot in the semi-final at Selhurst Park.

Powell and his men displayed great valour and spirit under the lights, taking the game to Southampton and clawing their way back after going a goal down, but it wasn’t to be in the end as they lost out in extra-time.

There were over 40 players utilised in the U21s squad over the course of the campaign, with a mixture of first-teamers gaining fitness, Under-18s stepping up and multiple players in between loan moves. Between them, they netted

inside palace

65 goals, of which Jemiah Umolu netted 13 in 16 games across all competitions, finishing as top scorer.

Runner up to Umolu was Ademola Ola-Adebomi, with 12 to his name in 14 appearances after returning on loan in January – while Mustapha was close in third place with 11 goals in 29 games.

All three were nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award throughout the season, with Mustapha also being amongst the top eight nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award for his exceptional campaign.

“At times it’s a challenge, with players constantly moving up and down, trying to keep the momentum of the team,” Powell explained.

“We’ve had players training and playing with the first-team and that’s a bonus for us and for the individuals. It’s no different to any other U21 side. It’s also good when we have some of the U18s coming up and getting a taste of the level.

“It’s not easy getting used to the speed of the game and in training as well. It’s all positive, trying to get the young ones up, giving them minutes as well, while also seeing players progress up to the first-team like Asher Agbinone, Justin Devenny and Caleb Kporha.

“All three of them made their debuts this season, and we want to keep doing well and working towards the goal of developing these players so they can press on into the first-team or out on loan.”

.

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Name

apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS-COLLMAN

27

1

Dean BENAMAR

20

1

Rylan BROWNLIE

4

0

0

Benji CASEY

28

12

2

Freddie COWIN

7

0

Euan DANAHER

19

2

Matteo DASHI

9

1

Asher AGBINONE

8

2

Victor AKINWALE

3

0

Cormac AUSTIN

11

0

Dean BENAMAR

1

0

Luke BROWNE

28

Rio CARDINES

20

Jesse DERRY

14

1

Justin DEVENNY

11

2

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

2

0

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

0

0

Jesse DERRY

12

12

Malcolm EBIOWEI

3

0

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

13

1

Chima EZE

0

0

0

0

0

Billy EASTWOOD (GK)

2

Craig FARQUHAR Chris FRANCIS

0

0

Jacob FASIDA

14

1

Joe GIBBARD

22

0

Zack HENRY

17

2

Jake GRANTE

18

0

Marcus HILL (GK)

19

0

Sean GREHAN

18

1

Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK)

5

0

Mofe JEMIDE

2

0

Mofe JEMIDE

18

1

Jasper JUDD

13

1

George KING

8

0

Joe KHOSHABA (GK)

0

0

Caleb KPORHA

16

3

George KING

19

2

Finley MARJORAM

8

0

Zach MARSH

25

5

Enrique LAMEIRAS

7

0

Roshaun MATHURIN

1

0

Jack MASON (GK)

7

0

Louie MOULDEN (GK)

25

0

David MONTJEN

9

0

Kurai MUSANHI

1

0

Joshua MUWANA

10

0

Hindolo MUSTAPHA

29

11

Adler NASCIMENTO

8

1

David OBOU

3

1

David OBOU

1

0

Stuart ODURO

2

0

Ademola OLA-ADEBOMI

14

12

Chuks OKOLI

13

2

Luke PLANGE

4

2

Jerome OSEI

24

5

Jadan RAYMOND

7

0 Caleb REDHEAD

1

0

Dylan REID

16

2

Kaden RODNEY

23

0

Sean SOMADE

24

0

Joe SHERIDAN

5

0

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

13

2

Franco UMEH

16

5

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

1

1

Jemiah UMOLU

16

13

Jack WELLS-MORRISON

7

0

Tyler WHYTE

24

2

Seb WILLIAMS

5

1

24

5

Seb WILLIAMS

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Friday, 16 May. th

57

inside palace

palace women Crystal Palace Women’s first-ever top-flight season has drawn to a close – and while results ultimately did not go the Eagles’ way, the campaign was not without its highlights.

w

hilst challenging, Palace’s historic inaugural campaign in the Women’s Super League also proved to be one of resilience, development – and groundbreaking moments for the club.

From firsts on the big stage, to unforgettable cup runs and emotional farewells, here are seven highlights which stood out from 2024/25…

The first WSL game at Selhurst Park History was made in South London back in September, when Palace Women hosted our first-ever Women’s Super League fixture at Selhurst Park.

The team walked out in front of over 5,000 fans, and although beating eventual champions Chelsea was always going to be a tall order, the moment marked a historic step forward for the club.

That first WSL win at Leicester Sealing your first win in the top-flight will always provide a special memory, and it duly arrived in style.

Palace travelled to Leicester full of belief and left with all three points after a superb team performance.

A wonderful brace from Annabel Blanchard earned the Eagles a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium back in October – and with it, our first-ever points in the WSL.

Special days at Sutton Palace’s WSL clash with Aston Villa at the VBS Community Stadium in March proved to be one of the most memorable – and dramatic – matches of the season.

Needing a win at the time, an aggressive yet disciplined performance saw Palace dominate the Villans in Sutton from the off – and with the Eagles 2-1 up heading into injury time, thanks to efforts from Aniek Nouwen and Ashleigh Weerden, a mistake at the back from Villa was seized upon by Katie Stengel, who rolled home the ball to send the Palace fans into delirium.

A special day in the South London sunshine.

History in the Women’s FA Cup Historic FA Cup runs have been a bit of a theme for Crystal Palace this season, and it was no different for the Women’s side, who reached the quarter-final stage for the first time in their history.

58

Memorable wins along the way against Newcastle and Sheffield United showcased the team’s character and resilience, and the run became a real highlight of the second half of 2024/25.

A trip to Chelsea in the quarterfinals was just about the toughest draw Palace could have asked for, but the Eagles held their own, only narrowly falling to a late 1-0 defeat at Kingsmeadow, bowing out with pride.

Fliss’ Farewell Celebrating a loyal servant to the club, Palace bade farewell to Fliss Gibbons at home to Leicester earlier this month, before the defender made her last appearance in professional football away to Manchester City on the final day of the season.

Off the pitch, Fliss has always gone the extra mile to make a difference within the wider Palace community, most notably through her inspiring work with the DS Eagles, the club’s disability team supported by the Palace for Life Foundation.

Before kick-off against the Foxes, captain Aimee Everett presented Gibbons with flowers, a signed shirt, and a framed copy of the DS Eagles’ cover of Palace anthem Glad All Over.

inside palace

A player who gave her all every time she stepped onto the pitch, Gibbons leaves behind a legacy of leadership and professionalism.

The Palace Women Academy The 2024/25 season saw another landmark moment, as three Academy players were named on the bench for the Aston Villa match.

This campaign marked Palace Women’s Academy’s first with a Category 1 PGA licence, building upon and develops the club’s previous existing structure and partners in women’s youth football in South London.

Chosen by the Football Association, PGA Licences are awarded to clubs who can provide a high-quality training environment for talented female players aged 14 and upwards, readying them to compete at the highest levels of the game.

While it wasn’t quite time for the trio’s debuts, the occasion was a clear glimpse into the bright future of the women’s pathway.

fixtures&results Home fixture Away fixture Cup fixture (Crystal Palace score shown first) SEPTEMBER

Name

apps goals

Chloe ARTHUR

11

0

Izzy ATKINSON

8

0

Sun 22

Tottenham Hotspur

L

0-4

Annabel BLANCHARD

24

4

Fri 27

Chelsea

L

0-7

My CATO

27

3

Aimee EVERETT

15

0

Mille GEJL

21

5

Fliss GIBBONS

13

0

Josie GREEN

19

0

Shanade HOPCROFT

3

0

Elise HUGHES

8

0

Clarissa LARISEY

11

0

Abbie LARKIN

26

2

Milla-Maj MAJASAARI (GK)

7

0

Hayley NOLAN

12

0

Aniek NOUWEN

4

1

Ria ÖLING

6

0

october Wed 2 Sun 6 Sun 13 Sun 20

Aston Villa

L

Leicester City

W

Brighton & Hove Albion Liverpool

L D

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

november Sun 3

Manchester City

L

0-3

Sun 10

Everton

D

1-1

Sun 17

Aston Villa

L

2-3

Sun 24

Charlton Athletic

W

2-0

december Sun 8

West Ham United

L

2-5

Lexi POTTER

23

0

Wed 11 Tottenham Hotspur

L

0-2

Indiah-Paige RILEY

19

2

0-1

Molly-Mae SHARPE

20

1

Katie STENGEL

26

4

Allyson SWABY

10

0

Katrine VEJE

20

0

Ashleigh WEERDEN

28

7

Lily WOODHAM

24

0

Annis-Clara WRIGHT (GK)

0

0

Shae YAÑEZ (GK)

21

0

Sun 15

Manchester United

L

january Tue 14 Sun 19 Sun 26

Sheffield United Arsenal

W L

Tottenham Hotspur

L

6-1 0-5 2-3

february Sun 2

Brighton & Hove Albion

D

1-1

Sun 9

Newcastle United

W

2-0

Sun 16

Manchester United

L

1-3

march P

W

D

L

GD Pts

1

che

22

19

3

0

43 60

2

ars

22

15

3

4

36 48

3-1

3

mun

22

13

5

4

25 44

L

0-3

4

mci

22

13

4

5

21

L

0-4

5

bha

22

8

4

10

-6 28

6

avl

22

7

4

11

-12 25

7

liv

22

7

4

11

-15 25

8

eve

22

6

6

10

-8 24

9

whu

22

6

5

11

-5 23

10

lei

22

5

5

12 -16 20

your support

Sun 2

Liverpool

L

0-1

Through every high and low, one thing never wavered: your support.

From early kick-offs in the rain, to floodlit nights at Selhurst Park, the Palace faithful have stood by the team every step of the way. Home or away, the constant support has been felt by every player and member of staff.

The 2024/25 journey was made unforgettable because of you

Sun 9

Chelsea

L

0-1

Sun 16

Aston Villa

W

Sat 22

Everton

Sun 30

Arsenal

.

playerstats

april Wed 23 Chelsea Sun 27

L

West Ham United

L

0-4 1-7

may

pos Club

43

Sun 4

Leicester City

D

2-2

11

tot

22

5

5

12 -18 20

Sat 10

Manchester City

L

2-5

12

cry

22

2

4

16 -45 10

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Friday, 16th May.

59

inside palace

palace for life Train, learn and progress with the Palace for Life Post-16 Programme – an opportunity for young people to integrate education with highquality football coaching.

I

f your child is in Year 11 and has a passion for football, the Palace for Life Post16 Education and Football Programme could offer the ideal next step to help them develop, both on and off the pitch.

This opportunity is currently open to boys aged 16–19 who are enrolling to study A Levels at Shirley High Sixth Form. A dedicated girls’

programme is in development and will launch in summer 2026.

Run in partnership with Shirley High Sixth Form and Kent County Cricket Club, the programme gives young people the chance to combine top quality football training with a full-time education, setting them up with the skills and experience they need to plan for their future.

60

donate to palace for life below

inside palace

What is the Post-16 programme?

The Post-16 Programme is way more than just football. Students work towards A-Levels or vocational qualifications while training and playing in regular competitive fixtures. Whether your child is considering a career in sport or exploring a different path, the programme is designed to support their personal and professional development, using football as a key driver.

Alongside expert coaching, young people benefit from career workshops, employability training and work experience, supported by the wider programmes run

by Palace for Life. There is also structured support in place for their mental and physical well-being, as well as opportunities to develop leadership skills and give back to the community through volunteering.

Shirley High Sixth Form oversees the academic side, while the football programme is delivered by our coaches at Palace for Life.

Where can it lead?

Many players move on to higher education, apprenticeships or roles in coaching and football-related careers. Some secure scholarships at universities in the UK and abroad. Others find their route into semi-professional, or professional football. Whatever their goal, the programme offers the structure, guidance and opportunities to help them get there.

Entry requirements To enrol, your child will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Certain courses may have additional requirements, which are detailed in the Shirley High prospectus.

Please note, to join the Post-16 Programme, students must be enrolling to study A-Levels at Shirley High Sixth Form.

About Shirley High Sixth Form Shirley High provides a focused, student-centred environment where individual learning needs and aspirations are supported.

Around 10% of students achieve an A*, and over 20% receive A*–A or equivalent. In the most recent academic year, every student progressed to a university of their choice, with 25% earning places at prestigious Russell Group institutions.

61

The Sixth Form offers three specialist pathways: • Academic Scholarship • Performing Arts Scholarship • Football Academy – delivered in partnership with Palace for Life

next steps Trials for the Post-16 Programme will take place at the end of May and are available to book now, with additional dates likely to be added in the summer.

If you believe this could be the right next step for your child, we’d love to see them at a trial

.

Scan the QR code below to book your trial.

62

100 years of selhurst park

63

100 years of selhurst park

100 YEARS OF Selhurst Park

As Selhurst Park celebrates its 100 th year during the 2024/25 campaign, club historian Ian King is looking back at a century of history from 1924 to the current day. This week Ian delves into the ownership situation during the 2000s...

selhurst park under threat In 2000, Simon Jordan, aged 32 and a lifelong Palace fan, became the youngest chairman of a Football League club. He arrived saying that he was prepared to put his money into something he truly believed in, and told the supporters that the club would be promoted to the Premier League within five years.

Having survived relegation on the final day of his first season with a

victory at Stockport, his hopes came true as promotion came in just four years. A 1-0 win in the play-off final at Cardiff against West Ham saw the club return to the top-flight in the summer of 2004.

Despite owning the club, Jordan did not own the freehold of the stadium, but this was something he aquired from former owner Ron Noades six years into his tenure.

Palace, by this point back in the Championship after one

64

season in the top-flight, entered administration on 27th January 2010.

This placed the club under the control of administrators, who took over management and financial control.

The team were on their way to Newcastle for an evening game when the news broke, Victor Moses was not to play as he was the club’s most saleable asset and as a result of going into administration, the club was deducted 10 points in the Championship.

100 years of selhurst park

Brendan Guilfoyle was the named administrator and, as before, various possible purchasers were named. However, by the end of March the consortium headed by another lifelong supporter, Steve Parish, was named as the preferred buyer.

Following the administration, negotiations took place to save the club from liquidation. On the pitch the points deduction plunged the team into a relegation battle.

Crucially, under the stewardship

of Paul Hart, the Eagles managed to maintain Championship status after a nail-biting 2-2 draw with fellow relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the last game of the season, which later became known as ‘Survival Sunday.’

Despite surviving on the pitch, at this point the future was still far from secure off it, with the threat of extinction still a real possibility.

On 31st May, it was announced that if a deal wasn’t struck within 24

65

hours, the club would be liquidated.

Cue major protests from supporters, at both Selhurst and Lloyds Bank’s headquarters in London, who effectively owned the stadium.

Ultimately, a deal was eventually reached, and Crystal Palace was rescued on Tuesday, 1st June. The CPFC 2010 consortium led

by Parish, purchased the club and, crucially, Selhurst Park.

At this point the new era of Crystal Palace began

.

100 years of selhurst park

ian king’s Selhurst Squad

More than 900 players have graced the turf at Selhurst Park across a century of special memories, but who makes Ian King’s squad of the finest in each position?

b

orn in Tooting in 1979, Morrison joined Palace at an early age but left for trials with Chelsea, Spurs and Brentford before returning to the Eagles.

With the juniors he was involved in the Youth Cup teams that reached the semi-final against Liverpool in 1996 – and subsequently the final against Leeds United the following year.

Back to fitness following a shoulder injury, his initial involvement with the first team came in the final game of the season at home to Sheffield Wednesday in May 1998.

Only told the night before he was on the bench, after 80 minutes he was sent on in place of Neil Shipperley. As the final whistle approached, Morrison was on hand to take a pass from Attilio Lombardo and net a typical poacher’s strike to score the only goal of the game, and only the Eagles’ second league victory at Selhurst Park.

Back in Division One, Clinton became the leading goalscorer for the club in the next four seasons, forging useful partnerships with firstly the on-loan Mikael Forssell and then Dougie Freedman.

Unfortunately, that troublesome shoulder injury reared up again to keep Morrison on the sidelines for three months in the 1999/2000 season,

clinton

Morrison position

nationality

st

but his goalscoring prowess earned him international recognition with the Republic of Ireland – eventually winning 36 caps.

In 2000/01 his goals in the League Cup took the club to a semi-final against Liverpool and he scored a goal to give the Eagles a slim advantage, but the chirpy player, never one to miss a quote, was kept quiet by the Merseyside club in the second leg.

In the summer of 2002, Morrison joined Birmingham City for £4 million, with Andy Johnson being part of the

66

deal, but three years later Clinton was back in SE25, this time to form a striking partnership with Johnson for one season.

Across the next three campaigns Clinton reached double figures in goals, going past the century mark in the process, but following our elimination in the play-offs to Bristol City in May 2008, he departed for Coventry City.

In his time with the Eagles, Morrison accumulated 316 appearances with 113 goals, level with Mark Bright. It could – and perhaps should – have been 114 goals but his strike at Bradford City in October 1998 was rubbed off when the game was abandoned!

100 years of selhurst park

honourable

Mentions MATT JANSEN In February 1998, with the club lurching towards relegation from the Premiership, it came as a bit of a surprise that Matt Jansen signed for the Eagles over champions Manchester United.

However, his control, finishing, and goals could not prevent the drop and back in Division One. Jansen was a rare shining light in a difficult season, but with the club in financial difficulties he was sold to Blackburn for £4million, a year later.

It says much for Matt’s admiration for the club that he contributed to the Supporters Trust when the club fell into administration.

Stockport that staved off relegation soon following.

His second spell lasted eight years, including another stab at the top-flight, before leaving for Southend in September 2008 having totalled 108 goals in 368 appearances.

ANDY JOHNSON AJ came to Palace in the summer of 2002 as makeweight in the deal that took Morrison to Birmingham City.

After a quiet start, Johnson made his mark with fans by scoring a hat-trick against Brighton, and another in the next game, while in the following season his 27 League goals took the club back to the Premiership where he netted a further 21, but the hard working and honest player was unable to keep the club up.

Andy stayed a further season, but after failing in the play-offs he joined Everton in June 2006.

GLENN MURRAY

DOUGIE FREEDMAN Palace paid Barnet £800,000 in September 1995 for the striker who soon repaid the fee with many fine and classic goals, as the club returned to the Premiership in 1997, but was given few opportunities before he was transferred to Wolves.

In October 2000, Dougie returned to Selhurst, with the famous goal at

Murray arrived at Palace on a free transfer in the summer of 2011 and, after a quiet first season, would go onto become a fans’ favourite – despite having two spells at Brighton. Glenn’s expert craft, timing and knowhow shone through as he became the first Palace player to score 30 league goals in a season for over 50 years, despite missing the opening three games.

Suffering a cruciate knee injury in the play-off semi-final against Brighton that kept him sidelined for nearly a year, he returned to play his part in the 3-3 ‘Crystanbul’ against Liverpool in May 2014.

67

selhurst

Squad JOHN GK JACKSON

1964-1973

nigel gk martyn

1989-1996

RB

Paul HINSHELWOOD 1973-1983

rb

joel ward

2012-

kenny lb sansom

1975-1980

lb richard shaw

1987-1995

CB MEL BLYTH

1968–1974 1977-1978

cb jim cannon

1973-1988

cb eric young

1990-1995

rm peter taylor

1973-1976

rm attilio lombardo

1997-1999

cm steve kember

1963–1971 1978-1980

cm geoff thomas

1987-1993

cm james m©arthur

2014-2023

lm don rogers

1972-1974

lm wilfried zaha

2010-2013 2014-2023

peter st simpson

1929-1935

ian wright

1985-1991

clinton st morrison

1998-2002 2005-2008

st

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68

round-up

69

round-up

eagle arcade

9 letters johnstone 8 letters freedman

Another matchday is upon us at Selhurst Park, so it’s time to get your heads in the game – can you tackle all our tough teasers below?

wordfit Can you fit these 10 names to have played for both Palace and Wolves into the puzzle?

7 letters kennedy iversen 6 letters muscat thomas 5 letters doyle 4 letters ndah sako ward

career ladder s a k o

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

70

Guess the ex-Palace player based on their former clubs!

round-up

quiz-talpalace 1 2

today’s mascots

Where do Wolves play their home games?

louie brameld Who is the Wolves mascot? prediction:

3

Who is Wolves’ top goalscorer so far this season?

4

Which team do Wolves contest the Black Country derby with?

5

Who won the most recent meeting of those derbies?

age: 10

mia hapeshis prediction: age: 12

6

Which defender did Wolves sign from Barcelona in 2020?

7

How many times have Wolves won the FA Cup?

8

With 306 goals, who is Wolves’ record all-time goalscorer?

9 10

In that title-winning season, who was Wolves top goalscorer?

3-1

archie hartnup prediction: age: 12

Wolves last won promotion in 2018 – finishing top of the Championship with 99 points. Which other club were promoted automatically to the Premier League that season?

2-1

3-1

ronnie giles prediction: age: 7

3-1

8) Steve Bull 9) Cardiff City 10) Diogo Jota 4) West Bromwich Albion 5) Wolves 6) Nelson Semedo 7) Four

archie wainwright-bill

1) Molineux 2) Wolfie 3) Matheus Cunha Quiz:

prediction:

Spot the Ball: A Career Ladder: Sam Johnstone age: 10

71

0-2

round-up

what’son?

Every day is a busy one at the Palace, from matchdays – Men’s, Women’s and Academy – to anniversaries, birthdays and events. Keep track of everything happening at the club right here…

palace √ wolves

liverpool √ palace

tue 20 may | 20:00

sun 25 may | 16:00

premier league

premier league

LIVE audio commentary

LIVE audio commentary

scan to find out more

scan to find out more

72

round-up

Spring bank holiday.

Palace secure promotion from the First Division with play-off win over Sheffield United.

Yannick Bolasie turns 36.

Monday, 26 may

26 may, 1997

24 may

UEFA Champions League final.

Palace secure promotion to the Premier League with play-off win against Watford.

Daniel Muñoz turns 29.

saturday, 31 may

27 may, 2013

26 may

2025/26 Premier League fixtures released.

Andy Johnson makes England debut.

Eddie Nketiah turns 26.

wednesday, 18 june

28 may, 2005

30 may

73

round-up

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme.

Good Luck with your Retirement Rupert!

CPFC forever! Xxx

Happy 90th Birthday to Brian Emery on 11th May, lifelong Palace supporter from the third division south to the premier league and three FA cup finals, love family and friends.

Happy birthday Zeena hope you have a good day from all the family

Happy 15th Birthday Cameron McHardy hope you are feeling Glad All Over on your special day love Mum Dad Ciaran Millie Bonnie

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Happy 70th birthday to Mick! Lifelong Palace supporter and a wonderful husband, son, dad, grandad, and fatherin-law! We hope you have an amazing day! Love you

round-up

To our brilliant Max, wishing you the best 8th birthday, with a Palace win to celebrate! Love you so much Mummy, Daddy, Nanny, Grandad and Theo xxxx

Good luck at Uni in Australia Eadie.

Selhurst will not be the same without you. Lots of early alarms to watch down under. Love Dad xxx Wishing you a very happy 10th birthday Sophie have the best day love always Mum, Dad, Jessica, Liam and Ella xx

Keith, you’ve faced a tough battle and come out stronger! Your courage is inspiring. Wishing you health, happiness, and many victories—on and off the pitch! #CPFC

Happy 12th Birthday George. Lots of Love, Mum, Dad, Charlotte and Lily xx

75

To little Mark, who lost his battle with cancer at 19 years old, but will forever be glad all over. We will never forget you.

Love Dad, Karen and Kirsty.

round-up

24/25 fixtures & results

ALL-TIME

may

april

march

february

january

december

november

october

september

august

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

Opposition

Sun 18 Sat 24 Tue 27 Sun 1 Sat 14 Tue 17 Sat 21 Sat 28 Sat 5 Mon 21 Sun 27 Wed 30 Sat 2 Sat 9 Sat 23 Sat 30 Tue 3 Sat 7 Sun 15 Wed 18 Sat 21 Thu 26 Sun 29 Sat 4 Sun 12 Wed 15 Sat 18 Sun 26 Sun 2 Mon 10 Sat 15 Sat 22 Tue 25 Sat 1 Sat 8 Sat 29 Wed 2 Sat 5 Sat 12 Wed 16 Sat 19 Wed 23 Sat 26 Mon 5 Sun 11 Sat 17 Tue 20 Sun 25

Brentford West Ham United Norwich City Chelsea Leicester City Queens Park Rangers Manchester United Everton Liverpool Nottingham Forest Tottenham Hotspur Aston Villa Wolverhampton Wanderers Fulham Aston Villa Newcastle United Ipswich Town Manchester City Brighton & Hove Albion Arsenal Arsenal Bournemouth Southampton Chelsea Stockport County Leicester City West Ham United Brentford Manchester United Doncaster Rovers Everton Fulham Aston Villa Millwall Ipswich Town Fulham Southampton Brighton & Hove Albion Manchester City Newcastle United Bournemouth Arsenal Aston Villa Nottingham Forest Tottenham Hotspur Manchester City Wolverhampton Wanderers Liverpool

attendance/KICK-OFF 16,988 25,099 12,503 39,298 25,124 13,945 25,172 38,954 25,185 29,443 25,108 34,851 29,505 25,142 42,175 25,101 29,533 25,142 30,893 59,298 25,167 11,129 25,130 25,179 21,014 29,766 62,469 25,066 73,751 12,739 25,108 26,777 24,712 21,263 25,155 26,222 29,366 24,564 52,489 52,197 25,185 60,167 82,301 25,096 60,254 84,163 20:00 16:00

palace Career Appearances palace Career goals

76

Result L L W D D W D L L L W W D L D D W D W L L D W D W W W L W W L W W W W W D W L L D D W D W W

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

Position 13th 17th Second round 16th 16th Third round 16th 18th 18th 18th 17th Fourth round 17th 18th 19th 17th 17th 16th 15th Quarter-final 16th 16th 15th 15th Third round 12th 12th 12th 12th Fourth round 13th 13th 12th Fifth round 12th Quarter-final 12th 11th 12th 12th 12th 12th Semi-final 12th 12th Final

Joel Ward Tyrick Mitchell Rob Holding Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Eberechi Eze Matheus França Daniel Muñoz Jean-Philippe Mateta Jeffrey Schlupp Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 28 29 30 31 34 42 46 55 58 63 64

62 363 188

1

41 155 45 71 35 165 17 60 150 247 238 41 122 43

7 103 10 70 61

31

4

1

3

1

0

26

4

0

2

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

6

3

8

11

1

5

39

1

6

46 19

1

2

2

77

0

21

0

2

0

Asher Agbinone

Zach Marsh

Caleb Kporha

Justin Devenny

Franco Umeh

Kaden Rodney

Chadi Riad

Remi Matthews

Matt Turner

Naouirou Ahamada

Cheick Doucouré

Chris Richards

Ben Chilwell

Odsonne Edouard

Romain Esse

Adam Wharton

Dean Henderson

round-up

round-up

table pos

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Club liverpool

36

25

8

3

83

37

46

83

2

arsenal

37

19

14

4

67

33

34

71

3

newcastle untied

37

20

6

11

68

46

22

66

4

chelsea

37

19

9

9

63

43

20

66

5

aston villa

37

19

9

9

58

49

9

66

6

manchester city

36

19

8

9

67

43

24

65

7

nottingham forest

37

19

8

10

58

45

13

65

8

brentford

37

16

7

14

65

56

9

55

9

brighton & hove albion

36

14

13

9

59

56

3

55

10

fulham

37

15

9

13

54

52

2

54

11

bournemouth

36

14

11

11

55

43

12

53

12

crystal palace

36

12

13

11

46

48

-2

49

13

everton

37

10

15

12

41

44

-3

45

14

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

36

12

5

19

51

64

-13

41

15

west ham united

37

10

10

17

43

61

-18

40

16

manchester united

37

10

9

18

42

54

-12

39

17

tottenham hotspur

37

11

5

21

63

61

2

38

18

ipswich town

37

6

7

24

33

78

-45

25

19

leicester city

37

4

10

23

35

79

-44

22

20

southampton

37

2

6

29

25

84

-59

12

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Monday 19th May.

MATCHWeek37 fri 16 may 19:30

sun 18 may 15:00

villa park

king power stadium

fri 16 may 20:15

sun 18 may 16:30

stamford bridge

emirates stadium

sun 18 may 12:00

mon 19 may 20:00

goodison park

american express stadium

sun 18 may 14:15

tue 20 may 20:00

london stadium

selhurst park

sun 18 may 15:00

tue 20 may 20:00

gtech community stadium

etihad stadium

78

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 23 25 26 28 30 31 34 42 46 55 58 63

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Joel WARD Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Ebere EZE Matheus FRANÇA Daniel MUÑOZ Jean-Philippe MATETA Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Romain ESSE Malcolm EBIOWEI Ben CHILWELL Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Matt TURNER (GK) Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Kaden RODNEY Franco UMEH Justin DEVENNY Caleb KPORHA Zach MARSH

For Ticketing, reaction and highlights download the Official Palace App

wolverhampton wanderers f.c.

D. Webb M. Wilkes M. Perry D. Bond C. Kavanagh L. Betts

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 34 37 40

José SÁ (GK) Matt DOHERTY Rayan AÏT-NOURI Santiago BUENO Marshall MUNETSI Boubacar TRAORÉ ANDRÉ João GOMES Jørgen STRAND LARSEN Matheus CUNHA Hwang HEE-CHAN Emmanuel AGBADOU Yerson MOSQUERA Craig DAWSON Saša KALAJDŽIĆ Rodrigo GOMES Tommy DOYLE Pablo SARABIA Nélson SEMEDO Toti GOMES Dan BENTLEY (GK) Carlos FORBS Jean-Ricner BELLEGARDE Gonçalo GUEDES Enso GONZÁLEZ Sam JOHNSTONE (GK) Nasser DJIGA Pedro LIMA Tom KING (GK)