Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion matchday programme 2223

saturday, february 11 2023 | 15:00

Crystal Palace √ brighton & hove albion

Directors

Chairman Steve Parish, David Blitzer, Joshua Harris, John Textor Chief Financial Officer

Sean O’Loughlin

Sporting Director

Dougie Freedman

Club Secretary

Christine Dowdeswell

Head of Sports Medicine

Dr. Zaf Iqbal

Academy Director

Gary Issott

Director of U21 Development

Mark Bright

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon Lacey

Chief Commercial Officer

Barry Webber

General Counsel

David Nichol

Head of Ticketing

Paul McGowan

Head of Retail

Foz Bowers

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

James Woodroof

Head of Safeguarding

Cassi Wright

Head Groundsman

Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson

Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Contributors Ian King, Robin Johnson, Ben Bailey Smith, Toby Jagmohan, Tommy Macarthur, Ade Adeniran, Ellie Noble

Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Tom Jenkins, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

We feel more pressure in this game, because it’s a game you cannot lose. You can do what you want, but you cannot lose. That is the pressure. I like this pressure

Represent Palace to save the planet!

Palace fans and families are being asked to play their part for both club and planet, as this year’s Planet Super League kicks-off! Palace for Life Foundation is linking up with clubs across the country for the football and sustainability project, which aims to inspire children and families to get involved in preventing climate change.

Using football-themed challenges, Planet Super League aims to encourage more sustainable behaviours amongst

On this day: February 11th

Gábor Király put on a worldclass display as he secured Palace a hard earned point at Hillsborough in 2006. As Andy Johnson, Dougie Freedman and Clinton Morrison struggled to find a way through the Owls’ resistance, the Hungarian goalkeeper’s clean sheet saw Palace rise to sixth in the league table.

people of all ages, both in school and at home, all in the goal of representing their favourite football team.

Supporters can rack up points for Palace by completing over 60 fun activities with an environmental impact. These are easy to complete wherever you are, and include creating a meat-free family meal, making items from recycled materials, and veggie keepie-uppies!

Participants will be representing their chosen club in a league table and will take part in weekly matches against other clubs, where each challenge

completed contributes to their team’s total score.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the most sustainable families, including various Palace goodies and a family stadium tour – so you’ll want to go all-out to increase your chances of winning!

It’s free to sign up: just visit app.planetleague.co.uk, select Crystal Palace as your team –and start scoring goals!

Fan update

Supporters are reminded to keep off the Selhurst Park pitch at all times. Perpetrators may be prosecuted.

What’s inside

Find out… about Ben Bailey Smith’s unspeakable dilemma (Page 40), how Bill Leslie spoke a goal into Palace folklore (Page 50) and how Tom Jenkins captured an iconic image for the ages (Page 64).

Welcome to Selhurst Park to everyone supporting us today, and welcome also to Roberto De Zerbi, the Brighton & Hove Albion coaching staff, directors, players and visiting fans.

We were disappointed we couldn’t claim a point against Manchester United last time out. We made it difficult for ourselves by conceding the early goal, but I was pleased with the character and personality we showed in the second-half. We played more passes going forwards and we were connecting much better with each other. We applied more pressure, moved the ball more confidently and if we had scored the second goal it would have been deserved.

It is always a challenge to come on at Old Trafford, but it was good for Naouirou and Sambi to make their debuts. They have shown their mobility, energy and quality with the ball at their feet in their first week at the club, and that is positive for us. Personality is also an important factor, and they are fitting in well inside the dressing room.

I want to congratulate David Ozoh on making his debut against Newcastle United. We have some young, quality players and to

see David coming on shows how important they are for our football club. We have good coaches in the Academy and first-team

man, so I know he will push on from here.

We know how important today is for the fans, and there is no better game than a rivalry game to get back to winning ways. Our preparations will focus on how we can turn performances into wins. I want to see how we can improve those details – to be better inside the opposition half, to defend more aggressively inside the box and connect better with our passes after winning the ball – to increase the consistency of our game. We have to be solid defensively and take our chances, because I believe we have created enough to score more goals than we have.

players that will look after him, and David is a hard-working, determined and respectful young

There is no better way to start doing that than at home in front of our fans, especially given the support we had in our last game here. I saw a real togetherness at Old Trafford, which is encouraging for the rest of the season. I liked the spirit and mental strength of the team, and this is something we have to keep until May.

Thank you for your support .

We know how important today is for the fans, and there is no better game than a rivalry game to get back to winning ways. Our preparations will focus on how we can turn performances into wins

There is always an extra sense of anticipation on the training ground before a game like today. We understand how important these fixtures are to the fans, but they are also important to us as players.

Emotions can run high in games like these, and they are some of the toughest to play in. We have to focus on getting the basic things right: winning our individual battles, working hard out of possession and leaving everything out there on the pitch.

Facing Brighton brings back some great memories for us: Christian’s late volley, Jordan’s winner or Wilf’s heroics. We want to create more special moments this afternoon. Last season we led twice, both home and away, and were only denied the victory late on; this season we want to go one step further and take all three points.

We came so close to claiming a point at Old Trafford last weekend, and in the secondhalf we demonstrated how we can cause real problems to even the most in-form sides in the league. One of the most important characteristics in this squad is that we never know when we are beaten, and we kept fighting even after going two goals down. Had the game gone on

longer, I am convinced we could have come back with a point.

It was great to see David Ozoh making his Premier League debut last time out at Selhurst Park. He has adapted well to training

through the Academy at the moment, and I know that David’s journey will only inspire them to keep working hard for their opportunity in the future.

Finally, you all know how important the atmosphere is on a day like today. Both sides will be doing absolutely everything to gain the upper hand, but we have to make use of home advantage and create a wall of noise from the first minute to the last.

So many times since I have been here you have provided us with that extra boost to go on and win difficult games, and that is exactly what you can do for us today. Selhurst Park has a reputation as one of the loudest grounds in the league for a reason, and today we must live up to that name once again.

with the first-team at just 17-years-old, and it shows that hard work is rewarded at this football club. We have so many talented youngsters coming

I can assure you that the entire squad is raring to go, and we cannot wait to step out into a sea of red and blue and take in the atmosphere that I am sure you are going to create. I hope we can put in a performance that will do you all proud.

Make some noise! .

I can assure you that the entire squad is raring to go, and we cannot wait to step out into a sea of red and blue and take in the atmosphere

captain

Welcome to the directors, staff, players and supporters of Brighton & Hove Albion to Selhurst Park today, and to each and every Palace supporter here to get behind Patrick’s side for this game of the utmost importance to us all.

On the fixture release day, this is the first one I’m sure most of you look for. Since Brighton joined the Premier League in 2017, there really has been very little between the sides – five draws, three Palace wins, and two Brighton wins – and in all but one of the games where a team landed the three points, it was decided by a single goal margin. And looking even further back, it’s 38 wins vs 40, and 29 draws in all competitions. So if history repeats itself, it’s highly likely to be another close encounter! Some of our most memorable matches have been against today’s visitors, and rest assured − Patrick and the players are all too aware of its importance. Having been in the training ground this week they are determined to secure a positive result for us all to celebrate tonight.

Talking of celebrations, congratulations to Michael for winning the Premier League’s Goal of the Month award for his

wonder-strike against Manchester United. It is judged by an esteemed panel, with supporters votes’ from all clubs contributing

moment visiting the grass area between the stand and the Arthur Wait where you will see a new mural paying tribute to Maxi Jazz, who passed away at Christmas. He was a great man, and a wonderful friend who loved Palace with all his heart.

I’d like to make you aware that we have a packed schedule of Selhurst Park tours available for all supporters to book, with dedicated slots for Academy Founder Members too. The feedback from the tour has been excellent since launching a few months ago, and I encourage you to book your spot.

Finally, it was great to welcome Naouirou and Sambi to the squad on Deadline Day, and pleasing to see them in a Palace shirt at United so soon after joining. I know you’ll join me in wishing them all the best for their time with us.

too, and is a wonderful personal moment for him.

If you’re located in the Holmesdale today, do spend a

I’m sure you won’t need motivating for this one – let’s get behind the team from the very start and help them get a result today.

Up the Palace .

Some of our most memorable matches have been against today’s visitors, and rest assured - Patrick and the players are all too aware of its importance

Having settled into south London life, Odsonne Edouard is beginning to feel at home in the capital. Here, he explains how his Parisian and Glaswegian experiences could be crucial in a fiery fixture against Brighton, and how Palace’s French-speaking contingent are determined to fire them to more success.

Interview: Robin Johnson

Words: Will Robinson

i know what this means for the fans

As footballing educations go, Odsonne Edouard’s was about as intense as it gets. For highly successful footballers, it can be only a matter of years between playing with friends at a local club and completing a multi-million pound move to a foreign club: new language, new home, new life – the lot.

A hattrick in the Under-17s European Championships final catapulted Edouard into French consciousness. Coming through the academy at Paris SaintGermain, he had the benefit of learning from some of the game’s very best. Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic would stop to offer him advice. It was eyeopening, of course, but demanding – the Swede in particular does not take kindly to anyone giving less than their absolute maximum.

Soon it was out of the frying pan and into the fire. Fancy levelling up the intensity from France’s best football club? Try the Old Firm on for size. Edouard arrived at Celtic and was thrust into Glaswegian life. There aren’t many 19-year-olds that need to grasp the basics of a centuries old religious conflict to understand their local rivalry – taught in an unfamiliar language, spoken with an even less familiar accent.

Even now, having settled in south London and become accustomed to life in the capital, Edouard looks back on those fiery Old Firm encounters with a sense of pride. “The derby is so big because

the rivalry is from a long time ago,” he says. “There is a different atmosphere around the derby.”

It’s why, when Palace face Brighton & Hove Albion – fear not, he knows it’s a ‘rivalry’ and not a ‘derby’ – the centre-forward is determined that he and his teammates will leave it all on the pitch; it will be blood, sweat and tears.

“We feel more pressure in this game, because it is a game you can’t lose,” Edouard explains.

“You can do what you want, but you cannot lose. That is the pressure. I like this pressure. I had to deal with this pressure at Celtic, but it is good because you give more.

“I know what this means for the fans. It is the most important game of the year. We have to give everything in this game – to be at 100%, or more like 200% or 300% to try to win this game. We have to try to win this game for the fans.”

Mathematical impossibilities aside, the message is clear. Like any elite-level athlete, Edouard

It is the most important game of the year. We have to give everything in this game – to be at 100%, or more like 200% or 300% to try to win this game. We have to try to win this game for the fans

Odsonne Edouard

hates to lose, and even more so against Brighton – not that he has experienced that feeling. Last season Palace twice led deep into the game, and twice they were pegged back late on.

“Those games were frustrating,” Edouard remembers. “It was a decent game. We managed to score first. We do what we do for most of the game and then we conceded those late goals. It is unlucky, but I think we have learned from last year and we will try not to make that same mistake this time.

“There is more motivation to win this one. We have to win. If we keep going like we have in the last few games, we have a good chance.” Playing in front of a raucous home crowd will only improve Palace’s chances, and Edouard is relying on the fans to provide that cauldron of noise.

“It is even louder – there is more chanting against Brighton, so it is good,” he says. “It will be important for us, because it is like the 12th man on the pitch. They have to give their voices from the first minute to the last minute, to push every player to be at 200% to win this game. We need the fans.”

It’s not a brave prediction to say that he will not be disappointed. But Edouard knows all about rivalries not just from his time in Scotland. In the Palace dressing room there is time for a gentle bit of ribbing between two teammates.

“Jordan [Ayew] has a lot of stories every day,” he reveals. “He talks about everything all day. He

is one of the ones I speak to most in the changing room. We speak about everything: football, about life, about the French league.

“We used to play in the French League. He is from Marseille and I am from Paris, so every weekend we speak about the French league and those teams too.” Marseille and Paris Saint-

Germain enjoy a fierce rivalry, so there is always tension for Ayew and Edouard when the two meet.

Joining the side this month are two more French-speakers: Belgian international Albert Sambi Lokonga and former Stuttgart man Naouirou Ahamada. Before they were signed, Edouard was aware of their considerable talents.

“I knew the two players before they came here,” he says. “Sambi played in the Premier League, and Naouirou played in Germany – he used to play with some of my friends in Germany so I watched some of his games.

“I think they are two great players, and can be very important for the team. It is easy for Sambi because he speaks English and French. For Ahamada, he doesn’t speak great English, only French,

It will be important for us, because it is like the 12th man on the pitch. They have to give their voices from the first minute to the last minute, to push every player to be at 200% to win this game. We need the fans

There is more motivation to win this one. We have to win

I try to do my best to help the team. If the manager says you have to play there, then I do

Edouard

but it is a good one because we can help him. We have a lot of French players in the team, so it is good that we can help him settle in.”

There certainly is a strong French-speaking contingent –none more prominent than the manager himself. “I enjoy working

with Patrick Vieira. It’s very good, especially for a French player to be coached by a legend. I enjoy it, I like the work we do every day.”

Vieira has relied on Edouard’s positional versatility, and while he has a preferred role he is still happy to fill in where required. “My favourite position and my original position is as a No. 9, but I have the chance and the quality to play a different position,” he explains. “I can play as an attacking midfielder, or sometimes left wing, or sometimes on the right.

“I try to do my best to help the team. If the manager says you have to play there, then I do and try to help the team and do my best. It’s very good [to have competition] because you have to

I enjoy working with Patrick Vieira. It’s very good, especially for a French player to be coached by a legend. I enjoy it, I like the work we do every day

Odsonne

The more clinical we are inside the box, the more goals we will score

stay at a high level. You have to be good day after day. There are some good players here and it is a good challenge to be at a high level.

“A nice goal for me, for example, is a quick combination and I am there for a finish. I like the team goals. But I’m a striker, and a goal is a goal for me! The one we scored against Southampton was a nice goal; a quick counter-attack, two passes if I remember and we scored. I like this type of goal.”

Palace are still building in their second season under Vieira, and several players are also adapting to the Premier League. Edouard believes that, with a bit of luck on their side, it is only a matter of time before results begin to come.

“It’s better because it is my second season, so now I know the league,” he says. “I know my teammates more than last year. It is more comfortable in the team, but every game is still hard and still challenging. We have to keep training to be at the level we expect.

“Sometimes you have a great result, sometimes you have a bad result. These first six months [of this season] we have some positivity to take, and we have to keep going in a positive way. A lot of players came in last year at the same time as me. It will take time to adapt to playing with each other, and to how the manager wants to play.

“Now you can see we are playing much better, and if we keep going like this, we will get the results we want time after time. Everywhere in the Premier

League it is tight, difficult and challenging. But we have to maintain that high level.

“The last few games we have been unlucky because the ‘keeper made a great save. The [David] De Gea one was amazing; even against Newcastle with [JeanPhilippe] Mateta and Chelsea with Cheick [Doucouré]. We just need to keep working, keep improving.

“The more clinical we are inside the box, the more goals we will score.” Like any good centre-forward, Edouard has his sights set on one thing: goals. It is a currency he has traded in for his entire career, lighting up the Academy ranks in Paris, averaging 25 per season in Glasgow and scoring twice on his debut in south London – the first inside 28 seconds.

The Premier League is the toughest league in the world, but just like everywhere else it takes goals to win games. Edouard is on the hunt for more – and against Brighton at Selhurst Park wouldn’t be a bad place to start

It’s better because it is my second season, so now I know the league, I know my teammates more than last year. It is more comfortable in the team, but every game is still hard and still challenging. We have to keep training to be at the level we expect

Odsonne Edouard

has settled into life in south London – but after more than a year in the capital, can he sit down and answer the very toughest questions?

the follow the follow -up -up

#50 What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

I received a lot from when I was young from experienced players like Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – great strikers. Advice from those kinds of guys are great for a young player and even now I still try and keep their advice on my mind.

#2 First game you went to?

It was at Parc des Princes. I was young, and it was when you take the ball and give to the players [a ball boy]. I was maybe 11 or 12, and I went with my football club in Paris.

#23 What is your favourite stadium to play at in the Premier League?

Selhurst Park. I like the atmosphere, the way the fans give it all. Otherwise I will say the Leicester stadium, the King Power. Blue is my favourite colour and its blue everywhere. I like it – it is nice.

#32 What’s your pre-match meal?

It depends. Sometimes it is pasta with salmon, or sometimes a cheese omelette with salmon too. I eat it for the flavours – I like eating what I like – but it is also good for pre-match food.

#54 Which superpower would you choose?

To fly would be good. I can go anywhere? I like to travel so I would go anywhere

Worth a try? Probably.

Did you know?

Brighton were known as ‘The Dolphins’ in the 1970s, before a clash with Palace fans at the Bo’sun pub on the south coast. As Palace fans chanted ‘Eagles’, Brighton fans responded with ‘Seagulls’, and club director Derek Chapman liked the nickname so much he ensured it stuck. In 1977, the club’s crest was changed to incorporate their new ‘Seagulls’ moniker.

seagulls seagulls

Brighton’s league form belies what a turbulent season 2022/23 has been, with Roberto de Zerbi adapting seamlessly to his new club

match preview -

When Graham Potter departed for Chelsea, taking much of the coaching and recruitment staff with him, many predicted Brighton would struggle but they have instead moved from strength to strength under the Italian.

An FA Cup victory over Liverpool – just weeks after a three-goal league success against Jürgen Klopp’s opposition – reaffirmed their ability to take on the biggest clubs in the league, with their careful recruitment strategy paying dividends.

Sitting in sixth place just six points behind Newcastle in the Champions League places –with a game in hand – European football is certainly a possibility next season.

evan ferguson

Signed from Bohemians – where he was a teammate of Crystal Palace’s own Sean Grehan –Ferguson has graduated to the first-team and made an instant impact, becoming Brighton’s youngest Premier League scorer after netting against Arsenal on New Years’ Eve.

hot prospect

Homeawaythird recent matches most recent = bottom

last five √ palace

Recent clash

Boot in both camps

GLENN MUrray

Who else? A hero to Palace fans for his prolific promotionhunting exploits in 2012/13, Murray also had two spells on the south coast either side of his time leading the line at Selhurst Park. He was named in the Football League Team of the Decade in 2015, after scoring 30 Championship goals as Palace reached the top-flight.

84 apps

213 saves

sheets

Born to an English father and a Spanish mother, Sánchez signed for Brighton as a 15-year-old in 2015, developing at the club’s Academy before honing his skills on loan in the Football League. Modelling himself on Spanish legends Iker Casillas and David de Gea, his range of passing is crucial to Brighton’s build-up play.

career history:

25 Height 1.75m Joined August 16th, 2022 Debut August 20th, 2022 v West Ham

career history: LDU Quito, Watford, Villarreal

02 clean sheets

17 apps 2 assists

After an unsuccessful spell at Watford which saw him loaned to Spain, Estupiñán’s second crack at English football has been an entirely different story. Signing from Villarreal last summer, he has become an increasingly important attacking force for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, and assisted both goals in the recent 2-2 draw at Leicester City.

adam lallana

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT ENGLAND

jeremy sarmiento

moisÉs caicedo billy gilmour

POS MIDFIELDER NAT ECUADOR

player profile

Age 24

Height 1.74m

POS MIDFIELDER NAT SCOTLAND

Joined January 24th, 2019

career history:

Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors (loan)

30 opposition

alexis mac allister

POS MIDFIELDER NAT ARGENTINA

33 apps

Debut March 7th, 2020 v Wolves goals

Mac Allister’s Brighton career started slowly, as he was loaned back to Argentina to continue his development. After returning to England, he earned himself a starting spot, and scored the winning goal at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 season. He started the World Cup final against France in December, providing an assist.

POS FORWARD

18

julio enciso

POS FORWARD

NAT PARAGUAY

21

kaoru mitoma

POS FORWARD

NAT JAPAN

15 apps

1 Assists

deniz undav

POS FORWARD NAT GERMANY

Age 25

Height 1.78m

Joined August 10th, 2021

evan ferguson goals

POS FORWARD NAT REP OF IRELAND

player profile

Debut August 13th, 2021 v Newcastle United

Mitoma’s route into top-level football is an unusual one, heading to university and writing a thesis on dribbling while representing Japan at youth level. He made his move to the south coast after just a year as a professional, spending a year on loan in Belgium before earning his place in the first-team at the Amex this season.

career history:

Kawasaki Frontale, Union Saint-Gilloise (loan)

stat pack stat pack

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Brighton (W2 D4) but are winless in their last four at home against the Seagulls (D3 L1).

Brighton haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their last nine Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace, though they’ve also failed to score in just one of those nine games.

88 81 54

05

Marc Guéhi

Lewis dunk

It’s Saturday afternoon, kick-off is ticking closer and you're first to the pub. Before long, hazy memories and almost-accurate stats will fill the air. Brush-up for your Brighton pre-match below.

don't they…

Owe a lot to a legendary John Jackson. Well, yes – but not that one. Palace bade goodbye to one of the club’s greatest servants over Christmas, as goalkeeper John Jackson passed away at the age of 80 having made 388 appearances for the club.

His namesake is one of the most important figures in Brighton’s history, serving as the first manager of the club from 1901-1905. Born in the Midlands – coincidentally in 1861, as Palace were founded in south London – he managed the first professional club in the town with Brighton United, who folded in 1900.

Jackson called a meeting in

establish a replacement, and so Brighton & Hove Albion were formed. After a series of falling outs with his own players – including one case which had to be settled in court – he left management and saw out his days running pubs on the south coast.

didn't they...

Play their home games at a zoo. In between their move from the Goldstone Ground to the Falmer Stadium, Brighton were forced to play at Withdean Stadium. Mainly used to host athletics tournaments, it had previously operated as a zoo and as a miniature railway attraction. With the rent on Withdean, their investment in a new stadium and other debts, the club needed to raise £2.5 million to stay afloat. Fundraising efforts were introduced, and ranged from players featuring on nude Christmas cards to a charity single ‘Tom Hark’, which reached No. 17 in the charts.

pub talk tibdit

If there is one thing Palace and Brighton have in common,

against the same opposition. In 1983 the Seagulls faced Manchester United in the Wembley showpiece, and had a glorious

chance to win the game before being denied by ‘keeper Gary Bailey. It led to the now famous commentary line from Peter Jones: “…and Smith must score!”

Instead, the game was drawn 2-2 and went to a replay, which Brighton lost 4-0. Four decades later, their wait for a first major trophy goes on.

weren't they…

Managed by Brian Clough. It may have been dramatically reimagined in the film The Damned United –where Michael Sheen’s ‘Cloughie’ dismissed the Seagulls as a ‘blue rinse retirement home by the sea’ –but in reality the legendary manager spent a year on the south coast before his disastrous 44 day tenure at Leeds United.

Old Big ‘Ead couldn’t replicate his Derby County heroics at Brighton, struggling in the Third Division and losing 8-2 at home to Bristol Rovers less than a year after facing Juventus at Pride Park.

After failing at Brighton and then at Leeds, was it time up for Clough? Well, not quite: he took second-tier Nottingham Forest to promotion, the First Division title and back-to-back European Cups between 1978-80.

As the great man put it: “I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business – but I was in the top one.”

aren't they...

Mastering the South American market. Much has been made of Brighton’s World Cup winner in

Alexis Mac Allister, but he is far from the only member of the squad hailing from the continent. There are three Ecuadorians within their ranks, all of whom represented their country at the 2022 tournament in Qatar: Pervis Estupiñán, Jeremy Sarmiento and Moisés Caicedo. The latter in particular has shone since his arrival, earning plenty of interest from Champions League sides over the January transfer window.

This summer also saw the arrivals of Julio Enciso from Paraguay and Facundo Buonanotte from Argentina, who, at 19-years old and 18-years-old respectively, are sure to be prospects for the future. Enciso already has nine caps for his country, while Buonanotte has been capped at youth level

Pre-match pint

Koop Island

Summer tropical vibes packed into a pint. Koop Island is a generously hopped and dry hopped session pale, bursting with notes of passionfruit and pineapple. Best enjoyed in the sun on a tropical island, or, if that’s not possible, the streets of SE25 will do just as well too!

30 YEARS OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace – December 22nd, 2018

Captain Luka Milivojevic slotted home a penalty after one of the greatest goals in the club’s history set Palace on their way to a historic win.

doc brown ellie noble basilio socoliche

doc brown doc brown

Ben Bailey Smith, aka Doc Brown, does it all – acting, rapping, writing, directing, you name it. The multifaceted Palace fan is also a patron of Palace for Life Foundation. In each edition, he offers his unique take on the world in SE25.

the bright side

And so to the Big One. The grudge match. The reigniting of passions, resentments, rivalries. Venables and Mullery. Benteke’s Smash n’ Grab. 2013 and all that. It’s Us versus Them. Eagles v Seagulls. Yep, it’s the fierce face-to-face that no one I know has ever referred to as the M23 Derby (please stop it Sky Sports).

Every single one of us has at least one specific memory of this fixture, something we look back on with fondness or bitterness, perhaps something that makes a small section of us behind that goal go absolutely bananas. And yet, as much as I get sucked into the burning furnace of it all on the matchdays themselves, as much as I might sing that little bit louder, punch the air that little bit harder…

*Speaks in hushed tones*

I have to admit…

*Practically whispers*

Psst,Hey…comecloser…

*Into your ear only*

Idon’thateBrighton.

I know, I know and I’m sorry, okay? I know that, as die-hard Eagles, our position on this is sacrosanct, but I also have to be honest. I don’t just not hate them, I kinda like them and, worst of all, I’m a little bit jealous of them. Now, before you rip this page out and do something unspeakable with it, hear me out.

I was a foetus when Terry and Alan shot daggers at each other from opposing dugouts. I was drinking warm milk and watching Playschool when Henry Hughton broke Gerry Ryan’s leg in three places. I grew up thinking of

Ben Bailey Smith

Brighton strictly as a lovely, sunny place my Dad took me to collect skimming stones, eat chips and play the arcades. Watching Palace in the 70s, he knew about the ill-feeling between the clubs all too well, but I guess he didn’t want to

but i also have to be honest, i don't just not hate them, i kinda like them and, worst of all, i'm a little bit jealous of them

pass on any negativity to me and frankly, it worked.

I’ve spent most of my Palace supporting life really not thinking about them as a footballing entity – when I became a regular in the Upper Holmesdale in the 90s and properly started following, we were literally in a different league. So when we actually had a rare game against them in 2011, the fact that a guy called Glenn who we’d got on a free transfer from them scored in the win for us was basically more just funny to me than anything vitriolic.

De Zerbi – he looks like the kind of guy that would throw a really great house party, the type that has an impressive sound system and hot pizzas at midnight when you least expected and most needed them.

But suddenly, Little Old Brighton are a Big Young Powerhouse – flashy modern stadium, finding incredible players from all around the world who make a name for themselves (White, Cucurella et al), get sold on for huge profit, then get replaced with even better players (maybe a World Cup winner, why not) for even less money – I’m pretty sure Mitoma cost something in the region of three coat buttons and a packet of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Having left them in our wake on that feted journey back to the Premier League a couple of years later, the strongest I felt about them was a passing “wonder how you’re getting on” or even “hope all’s well with you” – a bit like an empty platitude in a friendly email to an old colleague. And when they joined us at the Big Table in 2017, I was very much in the “aw, bless your cotton socks, welcome aboard” category.

I thought Chris Hughton seemed like a lovely bloke. I thought Graham Potter was kind of a genius. And now I love Roberto

Up the Football League they go, and if you genuinely don’t look down the M23 a little enviously, well, you’re a bigger person than me. My jealousy is simple – that could be us. I don’t look at Arsenal, Spurs or Chelsea that way – some day we’ll be as big as them, but they’re not on our radar right now and that’s fine. But Brighton and Hove Albion? To me, they’re the meal that your friend gets in the restaurant that you could easily have ordered but didn’t. It looks delicious and now you’re sat there wanting to ask for a bite but just can’t quite bring yourself to do so.

So yeah, I’m sorry I don’t hate Brighton. I just breathe in their beguiling, spicy aroma while I’m eating my egg and chips. We’ll get ours soon enough, but for now it’s like When Harry Met Sally – I want what she's having

when I became a regular in the Upper Holmesdale in the 90s and properly started following, we were literally in a different league.

but suddenly, little old brighton are a big young powerhouse

Ben Bailey Smith

cpfc women cpfc women

I began my football career at Oxford United, coming through the Centre of Excellence from the age of eight and making my senior debut at just 16-years-old. I played there for three years before heading to Sussex University, where I played for Lewes until I joined Palace.

ellie noble

I was also a keen cricketer when I was younger. If you speak to my Dad – he loves football, but he loves cricket even more – he would rather I chose cricket over football! He wanted me to play for England. I played up to regional level, and went to a couple of camps, kind of like the England reserves.

I bowled seam and batted left-handed. I remember scoring a century against the Netherlands – 136 in fact, my highest score –playing for Oxfordshire. I don’t know what would have happened if I had kept playing, but I chose football.

My Dad was a Reading fan when I grew up, and so I spent a lot of time at the Madjeski with my family. When I was older, I had the chance to play there. I was at Lewes, and we played Reading in the Conti Cup. We went one goal down, and I scored the second as we came back to 2-1.

Crystal Palace Women broke club records in 2021/22, and are looking to do the same this season. In each edition, we hear directly from one of the squad, with Ellie Noble reflecting on a journey to Palace and a tough new challenge ahead…

Scoring at the Madejski against Reading in front of her father – a lifelong Reading fan.

A box-to-box midfielder, Noble has an eye for the spectacular and likes to try her luck from range.

In the second-half, Fara Williams – who was England’s most capped player – scored a hattrick and we went out. Despite the score, it was a great day out. That is probably my favourite football memory, because I had been there as a child and my Dad got to see me score there. That was special.

I play in central midfield for Palace. I’m a box-to-box player, playing in the No. 8 role but I can fill in anywhere in the centre really. I enjoy getting on the ball to begin the build-up, but I enjoy finishing it off as well. Most of the goals I score tend to be from outside the box.

Surprisingly, given how many new players we have got – we had 15 new signings at the start of the season – we have settled in quite quickly. On the pitch it has taken some time to gel. Socially we get on so well, but of course it takes time to have that same bond on the pitch.

We are disappointed with some results at the moment, but you can see glimpses of what we can produce. We really think we can push on in the league. We are working on something that can be really special, but it takes time to work that out on the pitch, especially in training. Things are heading in the right direction, even if results don’t reflect that.

For me personally this season, I was keen to get minutes and cement my place in the team, but last week I tore my ACL and now my objectives have to change. Even while I am out I want to help the team.

Everything we are doing is quite new and there are so many new personnel, so actually helping

the team with the analysis side is a target for me now. It means helping to improve the team off the pitch, even if, unfortunately, I can’t help them on the pitch for now.

The girls have been great –they are such a good bunch. They love a laugh and a joke. When you are training, if you are having a bad day, someone will be there to make you laugh.

Here at Palace we are incredibly lucky in the women’s game: there lots of people that will fix me and the facilities we have got here mean I have no worries whatsoever about returning from injury. The goal is to make a silver lining: there are lots of things I want to be better at in 12 months’ time.

Setting those goals, be they psychological or physical, or on the pitch like technical and tactical, they are things I can work on now. There are lots of people here, coaches and psychologists, who can put things in place. Even though it is still really hard, there are things I can do that can give me a sense of purpose, so I can come back better and stronger

Last week I tore my ACL and now my objectives have to change. Even while I am out I want to help the team

Setting those goals, be they psychological or physical, or on the pitch like technical and tactical, they are things I can work on now

academy academy

ade adeniran - head of under-12s to under-18s recruitment

I used to play Academy football myself when I was younger and I got into recruitment and scouting when I first started coaching a youth side at SC Thamesmead.

When I was 17, I took them for one game. They were bottom of the table having lost all of their games – I wasn’t meant to take them, but I took them for that one game and they ended up winning. After the next training session I got a call and I was asked to come and coach them.

One of the first things I realised when coaching is that the team needs better players and that’s where scouting came into it. When I spoke to some of these players, they said to me that they wanted to become professional footballers, so the questions then for me became: “How can I help them be professional footballers? How can I get them even further than they were?”

Certain things like scanning, checking your shoulders, hard work, first touches, leadership are good characteristics that make a model professional player and are what every recruitment department looks for. One thing that I look out for personally is potential. I would close my eyes and think to myself: “Would this player play for the first-team?”

Obviously not all of them are going to have that ability or potential to come out onto the pitch at Selhurst Park in front of almost 30,000 fans, but if they do have that potential then the next stages will follow.

We have got scouts all over the place who bring in players to our showcase games who were released from other Academies or grassroots. They all aim to impress in these games to secure trials and eventually a contract. It is a huge operation, but everyone’s opinion –from scouts to physios to coaches and more – are all taken on board when we make a decision to bring a player in.

Rob Street played a couple of showcase games, as did Caleb Kporha for example – they both did really well and progressed through the trials to make it into the Academy system. Street is now doing well on loan at Shrewsbury and Kporha is playing for the England Under-17s when just 12 months ago he was on a grassroots pitch.

What we have here at Palace to help to see them through these stages is a good filtering system. We’ve been doing well since becoming a Category 1 Academy and the players that we’ve signed over the last few seasons have really helped strengthen our squads.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was released from Chelsea and he’s one of the players I brought here in 2019 shortly after I joined the club. We had to move quickly. It’s not the easiest thing to do when a player has offers from everywhere else, but we did what we had to do and the rest is history

One thing that I look out for personally is potential. I would close my eyes and think to myself: 'Would this player play for the first-team?'

over the over theroad road

Getting to know Basilio Reino Socoliche

A promising forward, Socoliche joined the club at Under-16s level in January, 2021 from Watford. This wasn’t the first time he had arrived at Palace, however, as he explained: “At nine-years-old, I went on a few trials to different Academies.”

Age

Position Attacking Midfielder

Apps: 14

Goals: 5

Highlights so far

Receiving a first scholarship offer at Under-16s was both a joy and a relief for Basilio Reino Socoliche.

“I went to a number of places here and there, I was at West Ham, Reading and then I went on trials with Palace as an Under-11 and didn’t actually get signed. After that I went to Chelsea and then on to Watford, before joining Crystal Palace at Under-16s.”

His performances in the U16s after his arrival from Hertfordshire saw him earn a scholarship with the club a few months later and it looked like he was going from strength to strength before sustaining a lengthy injury.

Take note of

Socoliche is a creative attacking-minded player. He is a skilful dribbler and can confidently take on any defender in a one-onone situation.

Overcoming an injury is often part and parcel of a career in football. A long-term injury can set some players back, but for Socoliche it proved to be a tool of motivation. “Last season for me personally wasn’t one of my best

seasons,” he reveals. “At the back end of Under-16s I had an injury and that carried on to my Under-17s season.

“I didn’t actually get to start playing properly again until February last year and I didn’t really get many minutes last season. I got to know the second-years during that time, and being at the Academy fulltime as a scholar was still a great experience.”

With injury limiting his game time, Socoliche worked his way back to full fitness to feature as part of Rob Quinn’s Under-18s side this season. He made an instant impact in his first start of the season, scoring a brace in a 3-2 win against Southampton in August; he has netted three in his last two games against Fulham and Aston Villa.

“I have scored five goals so far, but I initially set myself a target of 15 goals at the start of the season. Now my target is

just to get more goals and more assists to help the team in the final third. Scoring those goals was a relief and a weight off my shoulders but now I’ve got to keep on scoring, adding assists and maintain this run of form throughout the remainder of the season”

I set myself a target of 15 goals at the start of the season. Now my target is just to get more goals and more assists to help the team in the final third

Bas shows a great attitude every day in training and is getting his rewards. He has made a big contribution in recent weeks with goals and assists rob quinn under-18s manager

Keeping you posted on all things south London. Over the page, we hear from commentator Bill Leslie on that most famous of Brighton successes…

Lianne La Havas

Born as Lianne Barnes and raised in Streatham, the British singersongwriter began her career singing backing vocals for artists like Paloma Faith. Since releasing her own albums, she has been nominated for a Grammy Award and two BRIT awards.

The Vaults Theatre

24th January – 19th March

London’s biggest annual arts festival is back for 2023 and feature almost two months of comedy, film, music and more. There is also a chance to join in the party with circus, performance art and cabaret at the brand new, purpose built Fair Ground venue.

zaha – OH YES!’ There can’t be many more iconic lines of commentary in Palace’s modern day history. The Eagles, a short time after emerging from administration, had been put on the brink of a place in the Premier League promised land by a precociously talented 21-year-old who grew up a stone’s throw from the Holmesdale Road End.

Bill Leslie was behind the mic on that occasion, and remembers the tie fondly. To understand the significance of that 2-0 play-offs victory, Leslie takes us back to the first-leg: “Thinking back to the semi-finals, Brighton were the overwhelming favourites going into it, particularly after the goalless draw at Selhurst Park in the first leg. Everyone expected a fairly routine Brighton win.

“I think it was just a couple months earlier they played in the league and Brighton had won pretty comfortably. I seem to remember the lie of the land was that getting that goalless draw in the first-leg Brighton almost had a free pass.”

The significance of manager Ian Holloway’s impact cannot be downplayed either, with Leslie saying certain events pre-match “served to fire [him] up and it actually had a big bearing on the game in the end, because Palace had even more of a siege mentality.”

In typical Palace fashion, coming into the game as underdogs simply spurred them on: “I seem to remember Brighton

hit the crossbar, they had a few good chances and then when Zaha got the first goal, you thought: ‘Here we go, this is actually going to happen – the underdog is going to have its day.’

“For all the good football [Brighton] played that season under Gus Poyet, I don’t think they were very good at coming from behind. So once the first goal went in you thought: ‘Oh it really is in Palace’s favour.’ The second goal – that’s sort of the moment with the timing of it, the nature of it, you just think that’s that.”

The first goal paved the way for Zaha to etch his way into the folklore of the club with the second goal – giving

us the ‘Zaha, oh yes!’ moment. “When he struck that second one, the feeling I had, which I’m sure every Palace fan had, was that that was the moment he’d taken care of business. So the ‘oh yes!’ just reflected: tick that box; ‘great goal,’ tick that box; ‘through to Wembley,’ tick that box; ‘main man standing up and doing the job.’”

The Eagles progressed through to the final to face Watford, which Leslie also

when Zaha got the first goal, you thought:

‘Here we go, this is actually going to happen – the underdog is going to have its day.’

commentated on: “After the semifinal, I did the final as well and although it wasn’t a great game, Palace did exactly what they had to do because Watford again were the favourites, the flair team.

“But the way that Palace played: they played the game not the occasion. Watford froze and it was a lovely moment when Kevin Phillips got that penalty and it was another turning point in Palace’s history.”

Reaching the play-off final was the culmination of Palace’s three-year resurgence. More recently, Leslie has been involved in further Palace matches that live long in the memory, such as the 2-1 smash-and-grab against Brighton in February, 2021.

“I think that would go right up there with the most extraordinary games that I’ve done recently, certainly involving Crystal Palace, because it was impossible that they didn’t lose that game. It was even more impossible that they actually won it, and it summed up in one night why we all love football, because the most extraordinary story unfolded that no one watching could have foreseen.”

Both the last-minute and play-off victory took place at the American Express Community Stadium, however Leslie is no stranger to Selhurst Park either: “Selhurst Park, like all the Premier League grounds, is a lot better than it was in terms of scrambling up ladders and getting up onto the gantry.

“There are stairs rather than ladders, because of the growth of the Premier League as an international brand you have more interest and you need to accommodate more broadcasters. It’s all pretty good, the view’s pretty good. When the fans are in, it’s still one of the most lively and most enjoyable atmospheres”

With matches happening on an almost daily basis, the intricacies and work that goes into commentary are often overlooked. It could even be considered an art form for commentators to go from one game to another and deliver a consistent performance.

“There are ways that people do it that are different so to that extent you can say that there’s creativity within it, but ultimately everyone’s after the same thing which is, on radio: find the right words to describe what you’re seeing, and television: to find the right words that make the picture better.

“Is it an art form? If you have a painting on the wall, some people are going to think it’s amazing, some people are going to hate it, some people are going to say it’s done really badly. Everyone will have a view on it, because of the very nature of art and I guess that it’s an art form in a respect that there is no perfect commentary.”

You can be sure that, after that night on the south coast, a number of Palace fans may disagree .

I think that would go right up there with the most extraordinary games that I’ve done recently, certainly involving Crystal Palace, because it was impossible that they didn’t lose that game. It was even more impossible that they actually won it bill leslie

THROUGH THE LENS

The Premier League celebrates its 30th anniversary this season, with Palace there at the start in 1992/93 and still there today – with a few detours along the way. Here, we break down the club’s Premier League spells, letter by letter.

o o Old Trafford

it was Sir Bobby Charlton who nicknamed Manchester United’s ground The Theatre of Dreams, but in reality it has long been a place of nightmares for any visiting opposition. Queens Park Rangers can recall the ignominy of conceding eight in M16; for Ipswich and Southampton, the Red Devils reached cloud nine.

Palace have their own share of uncherished memories, conceding five in 1924 and 2004, but since their promotion back to the top-flight it has been a different story altogether.

For three years, between 2018 and 2020, Crystal Palace came; they saw; they conquered. The first was a draw: a drab goalless affair on a dull and grey November afternoon as Roy Hodgson and Jose Mourinho saw their cautious approaches get the better of them.

It was a creditable point, but no Palace fan en route back to London could have suspected that it would be their worst on the red side of Manchester for some time.

In 2019, the drama was unrivalled. Palace held an early lead through Jordan Ayew and were close to holding on for all three points, but up stepped Daniel James in the final minute to curl into the top corner. Football can be such a cruel game – but only if you let it. The Eagles refused to lie down, and instead raced back up to the other end to win it in added time.

A year later Palace were back, this time in the more subdued ‘behind closed doors’ setting that defined the COVID era. The south Londoners took a two goal lead through Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha, before Donny van de Beek hit

back to set up a grandstand finish. Rather than surrender their advantage, however, they extended it, Zaha scoring his second and Palace’s third.

Three goals, three points, and a third straight game without defeat at Old Trafford. Theatre of Dreams indeed.

p p penalties

There is no one on the planet – not Zinedine Zidane, not Roberto Baggio, no one – that could have comprehended the pressure Kylian Mbappe was under as he nonchalantly strolled up to take the first penalty in the World Cup final shoot-out. He had already scored two, and now a third showdown with Emiliano Martinez awaited. He didn’t let it show though. Back of the net – take that.

Not all penalties carry that same enormous pressure, but there is still something chest-tighteningly, stomach-clenchingly tense about the wait before a spot-kick is taken. It’s not for the faint-hearted.

Perhaps the most famous penalty in Palace’s recent history came not in the Premier League,

Jason Puncheon

Born in Croydon, Puncheon worked his way up through the divisions in an early career that took in Lewes, Barnet and Fisher Athletic. He joined Crystal Palace in 2013 – initially on loan – and scored 15 times in 153 Premier League games at the club, as well as netting in the 2016 FA Cup final against Manchester United.

After leaving English football he moved to the Cypriot First Division, first with Pafos and later with Anorhtosis, where he currently plies his trade.

but in their final step towards the promised land. In the play-off final, nerves of steel were required, and who better to step up than Kevin Phillips? One kick of the football to complete a remarkable journey from administration to promotion. The result? Top corner. Bang.

In the top-flight, one man has dominated Palace’s penalty taking duties: Luka Milivojevic. From 25 spot-kicks, the Serbian has converted on 22 occasions.

A penalty might be much of a muchness when it comes to appearances: 12-yards out, taker against ‘keeper. But the memories they spark can vary in spectacular fashion. A winner at St James’ Park for an important three points; a powerful strike past Ederson in a famous five-goal thriller; a penalty double against Arsenal.

It may be the least aesthetically pleasing type of goal, but it sparks the same jubilation in the stands .

Having been on the brink of collapse in 2010, Crystal Palace earned promotion back to the Premier League 10 years ago this season. Here, Club Historian Ian King tells the story of a dramatic campaign – with a little help from the stars of When Eagles Dare

January

15th: Stoke City 4-1 Palace (AET)

It took 120 minutes for Premier League Stoke City to overcome the Eagles in their FA Cup replay. It was certainly not Wilfried Zaha’s evening as he was booked for diving after a fantastic piece of skill that led to what seemed a definite trip in the box; Yannick Bolasie replaced Palace’s talisman at half-time.

The Potters opened the scoring 20 minutes from time via a header from Kenwyne Jones – but with the clock ticking down, Jonny Williams was felled in the penalty area and substitute Glenn Murray made no mistake from the spot to take the tie into extra-time.

Stoke scored a second five minutes after the restart and added further goals in the final 10 minutes – the last of which came

from future Palace player Cameron Jerome – to give the score an unfairly comprehensive look.

to improve the balance in the Palace side, but he was unable to convert when an effort from Zaha rebounded off a post.

January 19th:

Palace 0-0 Bolton

It was a bitterly cold afternoon when former manager Dougie Freedman returned to Selhurst Park but the reception was not as frosty as he may have been expecting.

Holloway gave a debut to loanee Jacob Butterfield, who had arrived on a one month deal, while the Trotters had ChungYong Lee among their ranks. In wintry conditions, neither side was able to take control of a tight first-half but towards the break Murray saw what he thought was the opener ruled out for offside. It took the introduction of Andre Moritz early in the second-half

The best chance came late on, as Zaha laid on a perfect pass for Murray only for the top scorer to side-foot the ball wide.

january 15th

january 17th

Academy midfielder

Hiram Boateng makes his Palace debut

Jacob Butterfield joins on loan from Norwich City

The point gained kept Palace in fourth place on 48, still within two points of the automatic promotion places.

January 12th: Burnley 1-0 Palace

It proved to be a feisty encounter on a bumpy pitch in Yorkshire with the midtable Terriers, who were winless in 12, and the game lacked any real quality. Jazz Richards made his debut at right-back giving an assured performance and providing a teasing cross that was not turned home.

There were some familiar faces in the home team’s matchday squad in Sean Scannell, Alan Lee, James Vaughan and Neil Danns, with the former testing Julian Speroni early on. There were some firm challenges flying in around the hour, but after a Palace penalty appeal was turned down Vaughan netted the winner. Towards the final few moments, Mile Jedinak was floored by an elbow to his eye and full-time saw tensions boil over in the tunnel and dressing rooms Watford move above Palace but the Eagles are still six points clear inside the play-off positions. Cardiff have a 10 point advantage at the top of the table .

january 25th

glenn player in focus

BORN: 25th September, 1983 – Maryport, Cumbria

APPEARANCES: 126

GOALS: 47

Murray signed for Palace on a free transfer from Brighton in the summer of 2011 and exploded into action in this promotion season – at one point, only Lionel Messi had scored more league goals in Europe. A cruciate ligament injury kept him out of the climax to the season but his thirty league goals had not been seen by Palace fans since Johnny Byrne in 1960/61 – and who can forget him joining in the celebrations at Wembley on his crutches?

In training, Glenn would do nothing, it was ridiculous – but then in games, he was unbelievable! Once you whip that ball in, Glenn is always in the right place. His movement was a joke

Wilfried Zaha

january 25th

Zaha

moves to Manchester United and is loaned back for the rest of the season

Swansea defender ‘Jazz’ Richards signs on loan

from the

Times have changed over Crystal Palace’s rich and storied history. In each edition, we dust off the archive and reprint a story from one of the club’s historical programmes. This week, we republish abridged notes from an encounter with today’s opponents that will live long in the memory…

manager’s notes

-

Good evening and welcome to this evening’s play-off semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion. After a 46 game season the reality is that we are one of four teams who have earned their place in this end of season competition.

To be one of those teams is a magnificent achievement and even over the last few weeks where results have not been what we would have liked, we have learnt about ourselves and each other. Life doesn’t always give you what you deserve or could and should have had – you need to earn it.

These boys are in a great situation where in the last four games they have really knuckled down, worked hard and got us into this fantastic situation to be taking on Brighton. This is really massive for both sides because there is one team in the world that neither side want to lose against. When we get this kind of chance you have to learn how

to take it and looking at my squad at the moment I think they are in a much better fettle now than when I first came here because of what we have been through together.

has. But from my point of view, we have a fantastic opportunity to get the result and be the team out of the four that gets there. We have a 25% chance as it stands and I know my lads are really looking forward to the challenge. With your help we can reach the target together of where we want this club to be at the end of the season.

After a long season we have all worked really hard to reach this point and it is important that we enjoy this occasion tonight. Our home form has been excellent and, as I have said before, a major reason for that has been the atmosphere that you create here in this stadium. Tonight I am expecting more of the same – the game is a sell out and the way you have come out in big numbers to support the team shows what this match means to you all.

I would like to welcome Gus Poyet, his staff, players and supporters who have travelled up from the south coast for this game and, looking at their recent form, it is clear that they have had some good results and he has had time to produce this squad that he currently

It is a very special privilege to be in these play-offs so get behind the boys from the off, keep the faith and I want these lads to be total heroes because it would round off a brilliant season they have had as a squad representing our great club.

Ollie.

Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion – May 10th, 2013

After a long season we have all worked really hard to reach this point and it is important that we enjoy this occasion tonight

Captain’s notes -

I’m delighted at how far the football club has come over the last three years. I’ve been here when times were good and seen it go full circle to administration, not being paid and fighting a relegation battle. The last three years we’ve worked to where we are now.

I’m absolutely gutted that I won’t be playing, but I’ll be jumping around like a lunatic tonight. We’ve had two contrasting games this year against Brighton and both teams will fancy themselves going into the play-offs. Brighton have been in good form, but we’re coming off the back of a four-game unbeaten run ourselves so I’m confident – and why not?

Getting promoted would be a dream come true. We’ve worked our socks off at this club and I’ve seen the progression that we’ve made. This club, with its fan base and its potential, will, sooner or later, be a Premier League club again. This year is a massive opportunity to achieve that and the lads are ready to grab it with both hands.

Paddy McCarthy .

The above copy is printed verbatim.

This club, with its fan base and its potential, will, sooner or later, be a Premier League club again

palace for life

Palace for Life Soccer Schools return to south London this February half term

pfootballers to hone their skills and make new friends during the February half-term break. Designed by experienced coaches at Palace for Life Foundation and Crystal Palace, the courses cater to children aged seven to 13 and offer a fun and enjoyable environment to learn and improve.

there is something for everyone this half-term. Boys and girls can attend mixed or girls-only Soccer Schools where they will be coached by FA and UEFAlicensed coaches. For aspiring goalkeepers, our goalkeeperspecific Soccer Schools provide a tailored experience to help them reach their potential.

in our Player Development Centres can take part in the Player Pathway Week, focusing on fine-tuning their development and receiving feedback from coaches. For those looking to join a Palace for Life Development Centre or secure a trial for the

academy, the Trial Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills in front of coaches and scouts. In addition, all Player Development Centre teams, along with external clubs, will come together for tournament fixtures. The Palace for Life Girls Player Development Centres will also host fixtures during the half-term, offering a unique opportunity for girls to compete and impress coaches.

When are they taking place? Palace for Life Soccer Schools will take place from 9am to 4pm between 13th – 17th February 2023.

Where are they taking place? Caterham School, Kent County Cricket Club, and Bishop Justus School.

How do I book?

To see specific dates and times, or to book a place, please scan the QR code .

Support Palace for Life in our mission to raise £1 million to help us transform thousands of more young south Londoners’ lives. donate a pint from your pre-match routine below

Everything is snapped in 2022, football included. Here, we go back in time to speak to legendary photographer Tom Jenkins, who captured one of Palace’s greatest moments…

it’s a moment that will live long in the memories of all who were there. A bond between player and crowd; when every flushed, exhausted, beaming face felt as if the player adorned in red and blue, punching the air, was looking into their eyes and their eyes only.

Luckily, those who weren’t privileged enough to witness it in person can still experience the moment in all its glory. For that, they have Tom Jenkins to thank. When Andy Gray triumphantly raised his fist to the crowd after Palace’s phenomenal 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final, he was

hovering just behind him to capture the shot for all eternity.

than Jenkins’ first. “When I was very young I used to have as a babysitter – because my Mum was friends with her and she lived around the corner – Hy Money. She was Palace’s official club photographer, and when we went to Selhurst Park I would not only watch the football but watch out for Hy Money.

But it was a long journey to that moment – and as inspirational figures go, there are few better

“That got me interested in sports photography. I was a mad keen sportsman but not good enough to do anything professionally – but I wanted to be as close as I could. So I decided to combine my two loves of sport and photography into a job.”

when we went to Selhurst Park I would not only watch the football but watch out for Hy Money

Having just left college, Jenkins was assigned the dream role: covering Palace’s FA Cup semi-final against overwhelming favourites Liverpool. “In many ways I was trying to avoid doing

What transpired that afternoon has been enshrined in the memory of every Palace fan who was there that day – and thousands more watching on television. For Jenkins, Pardew’s winning goal and the final whistle sparked bedlam. “I was at the other end, looking on from afar, beaming behind my camera. The fluctuation in emotion was amazing.

“Back in those days we were allowed to run on the pitch. I picked up my bags and cameras and ran on. I was a bit delirious to be honest – I was like a headless chicken. I hadn’t been in that situation before. Part of me was thinking: ‘Oh my god, Palace are in the FA Cup final!’ But another part of me was thinking: ‘I have actually got to be professional and try to take some pictures here…’

were only interested in Pardew’s goal. I was split professionally because I was disappointed, but emotionally I didn’t care because Palace had just beaten Liverpool!”

From that moment, Jenkins never looked back. “I have worked for the Guardian ever since. I have done every World Cup since 1994, five Olympic Games, travelled the world photographing sport.

Palace games,” he remembers. “I still don’t particularly like doing them now, because I’m desperate for them to win and it means I can’t be a neutral photographer.

“I was excited but also terribly nervous, because I thought we would get hammered. I had not been to Villa Park before to shoot a game. It was full of colour – there were Palace fans with loads of red and blue balloons. It was a completely different atmosphere to a league game.”

“Wherever the Palace players ran, I just ran with them – partly in joy and partly to take pictures. It was crazy. Andy Gray was probably my favourite player in that team, he was just fantastic. He was going over to the Palace fans, standing right in front of them.

“He’s got his fist in the air, and there is just this sea of Palace faces – like my face – which are delirious with joy.” Jenkins clicked, and the moment was captured forever. “That is my favourite picture of the day that I took.”

Professionally, the picture did not pull up any trees. Indeed, his editors were not taken in by it’s hypnotic depiction of pure, breathless joy. “I thought it was a really nice photo, but they

“Looking back at that game, it was completely off the scale. I had done minor matches compared to that semi-final. I just look back at it now and think: ‘What an amazing game, what a privilege to be there.’ I have done some amazing games, but that game at Villa Park is right up there at the top.” .

In many ways I was trying to avoid doing Palace games, I still don’t particularly like doing them now, because I’m desperate for them to win and it means I can’t be a neutral photographer

He’s got his fist in the air, and there is just this sea of Palace faces – like my face – which are delirious with joy. That is my favourite picture of the day that I took

The page for Palace supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. This week, we print your messages. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

I would like to wish my amazing son Alfie Nickells a happy 18th birthday hope you have a great day love from mum xxx

Happy 50th birthday dad, have the best time today COYP! lots of love Liz and Becky x

Happy birthday to our dad James Howard, a lifelong Palace supporter! Hope you have the best day at Selhurst. Lots of love from Anna, Lisa and Teddy x

Geoff is 96 and a Palace supporter for 90 years, seeing his first game with his father in 1932 at home. Geoff went on to become a Level 1 referee for 55 years.

the terraces

Wishing Nigel and Sue a happy 21st wedding anniversary. Lots of love, Anna

Happy Birthday Paul, Love from Bill, Sally, Roscoe, Rocco, Kate, Alan and Pam x

Wishing My Daughter Lilly a Happy 6th Birthday Love Daddy xxx

Remembering Elsa Sweeney, a lifelong Palace fan, with love from her family and friends

Happy 16th Birthday Stanley Argent. Love you so much, Mum, Dad & Alice.

Welcome back to Selhurst Park again Ben best bro I could ask for and your first rivalry game enjoy

Big Happy Birthday to Josh Breese! Love from your Sistas, Phil and Alex x Happy 60th Birthday to Ian Wand our Tactical Commander for St. John Ambulance today. Ian has been volunteering with St. John at Selhurst Park for almost 30 years! With thanks and best wishes from the Club and his St. John colleagues.

Wishing our Zac a very Happy 10th Birthday. With lots of love. Mum, Dad, Ben, Grandad Barry & Grandad Reg

Clive Axford sadly passed away 31st December. A true gentleman and loyal Palace fan who loved his music. Clive will be greatly missed by everyone - Fly high with the Eagles.

Happy 11th Birthday to Joshua Mansell at his first CPFC match. Palace to win!

Happy 9th Birthday to Hannah, we’ll be at the match today and hoping for a Palace win. Love, Mum, Dad and Toby x x

With much love and best wishes to a top hubby, dad, brother and uncle who celebrates his big 7-0 this weekend! He’ll be cheering the boys on from his regular seat in the Whitehorse Lane end!

Welcome to Selhurst Park Darcy and enjoy watching your team Crystal Palace love uncle Rob

Email

Prepare for what’s coming up next, meet the mascots, look back on some new beginnings and pit your wits against Brighty below.

7

8

next up: brentford

It’s a short trip across London for the Eagles as they head to west London to take on Brentford on Saturday, 18th February (15:00 GMT).

Travel:

The nearest tube station is Gunnersbury, with connections to both the District Line and London Overground. Via train, fans can alight at Kew Bridge just outside the stadium itself.

Pre-match:

There are plenty of pubs welcoming away fans outside the ground, but The Pilot or The Gunnersbury are closest to Gunnersbury tube. The Cricketers, The Greyound, The Coach & Horses and The Botanist all welcome travelling supporters and are walking distance from Kew Green station.

BEAT BRIGHTY BEAT BRIGHTY

In each edition, club icon Mark Bright calls it how he sees it and predicts events from the weekend’s football. See how you fare and try to Beat Brighty!

Scoring:

One point for every correct result, three for a correct scoreline.

Best memory:

Palace welcomed in a new era against the Bees at Selhurst Park in August, 2021, as Patrick Vieira strode out onto the touchline for the first time.

Manage to Beat Brighty? Keep track of your total score above!

team stats: women / U21s / U18s

Hollie Olding

Olding scored her first goal for Palace against Watford in early January, after she joined Palace last summer.

Caleb Kporha

Kporha started his third straight match for the Under-21s as they took on European opposition in Dinamo Zagreb.

Zach Marsh Marsh scored and assisted against Aston Villa as the Under-18s recorded another important home victory.

AUGUST

Sun 21 London City Lionesses

Sat 27 Coventry United

SEPTEMBER Sun 18 Southampton

Sun 25 Blackburn Rovers

OCTOBER

Sun 2 Bristol City

Sun 16 Sunderland

Sun 23 Bristol City

Sun 30 Durham

NOVEMBER

Sun 20 Charlton Athletic

Sun 27 Lewes

DECEMBER Sun 4 Lewes

JANUARY Sun 8 Watford

Wed 11 Charlton Athletic

Sun 15 London City Lionesses

Sun 22 Coventry United

Sun 29 Durham

FEBRUARY

Sun 5 Southampton

Sun 12 Durham

Sun 26 Sheffield United

MARCH

Sun 5 Bristol City

Sun 12 Sheffield United

Sun 19 Birmingham City

Sun 26 Blackburn Rovers

APRIL

Sun 2 Sunderland

Sun 16 Birmingham City

Sun 23 Lewes

Sun 30 Charlton Athletic

SEPTEMBER

Tue 6 Hertha Berlin W 1-0

Wed 28 Paris Saint-Germain W 7-3

FEBRUARY

Sat 4 Dinamo ZagrebL 1-2

Wed 8 SC Braga

DECEMBER

Sun 11 Manchester UnitedL

JANUARY

Sat 7 West Ham United

Sat 14 Fulham

Sat 28 Aston Villa

FEBRUARY

Sat 18 Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 25 Arsenal

MARCH

Sat 4 Tottenham Hotspur

Sat 11 Arsenal

Sat 18 Leicester City

APRIL

Sat 1 Southampton

Sat 15 Norwich City

Sat 22 Chelsea

Sat 29 West Bromwich Albion

22/23 FIXTURES & RESULTS

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

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE 22/23

Saturday, February 11th - 15:00

bournemouth newcastle

Saturday, February 11th - 17:30 leeds man utd

Sunday, February 12th - 14:00

Sunday, February 12th - 16:30

Monday, February 13th - 20:00

Joel WARD

Tyrick MITCHELL

Luka MILIVOJEVIC

James TOMKINS

Marc GUÉHI

Michael OLISE

Albert SAMBI LOKONGA

Jordan AYEW

Eberechi EZE

Wilfried ZAHA

Vicente GUAITA (GK)

Jean-Philippe MATETA

Jeffrey SCHLUPP

Joachim ANDERSEN

Nathaniel CLYNE

James McARTHUR

Will HUGHES

Sam JOHNSTONE (GK)

Odsonne EDOUARD

Chris RICHARDS

Cheick DOUCOURÉ

Naouirou AHAMADA

Nathan FERGUSON

Jaïro RIEDEWALD

David OZOH

Kaden RODNEY

brighton & hove albion f.c.

Robert SÁNCHEZ (GK)

Tariq LAMPTEY

Adam WEBSTER

Lewis DUNK

Levi COLWILL

Solly MARCH

Alexis MAC ALLISTER

Pascal GROß

Adam LALLANA

Jakub MODER

Danny WELBECK

Jeremy SARMIENTO

Julio ENCISO

Deniz UNDAV

Kaoru MITOMA

Jason STEELE (GK)

Moisés CAICEDO

Billy GILMOUR

Evan FERGUSON

Jan PAUL VAN HECKE

Pervis ESTUPIÑÁN

Joël VELTMAN

Facundo BUONANOTTE

Odel OFFIAH

James FURLONG

Andy MORAN

Cameron PEUPION

Jack