Crystal Palace v Everton matchday programme 2223

saturday, APRIL 22 2023 | 15:00

Crystal Palace √ EVERTON

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, Darren Powell, Fliss Gibbons

Photography Neil Everitt, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Getty, Toby Jagmohan

Printer Bishops Printers

Of course I remember that day, because when you have been in the academy for 10 years and playing in the youth team and you get in the first-team, this is a day you cannot forget

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

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Today marks the 30th anniversary of Stephen Lawrence’s death and our goal is to ensure that the next 30 years look different from the last.

This year’s campaign

#ExtraordinaryOrdinary is inspired by Stephen – an ordinary boy who wanted to be an architect and had the potential to be extraordinary. That was taken away from him, but his extraordinary legacy lives on and continues help others.

We believe that meaningful change starts with tangible

On this day: april 22nd

Palace hosted Southampton in their final game at Selhurst Park of the 2005/06 season, as Iain Dowie oversaw a victory against future Eagles manager George Burley. Clinton Morrison wrapped up the three points late on, but it was Andy Johnson scoring his 85th and final goal for the club that stuck in the memory.

actions. If we each commit to taking one action that will positively impact the lives of young people from marginalised backgrounds on Stephen Lawrence Day and beyond, together we can honour Stephen’s life and legacy, and build a fairer, kinder and more equitable society in his name.

We’re calling on people from all over the UK to take action and create opportunities for young people in their classrooms, communities and careers.

Palace fans, it’s time to make your own personal #StephenLawrenceDayPledge

and tell us how you plan to make an impact in the next 30 years. Visit or donate at StephenLawrenceDay.org

Fan update

Palace Women play their final home league match of the season tomorrow (12:00 KO) –get down to Hayes Lane and show your support!

What’s inside

Find out… how Dr Zaf Iqbal helps players continue performing while fasting through Ramadan (Page 50) and get an insight into the mind of club photographer Seb Frej (Page 64).

Firstly, I would like to welcome Sean Dyche, the Everton coaching staff, directors, players and fans to the game here at Selhurst Park today. Sean has done an excellent job since his arrival and we need to be prepared for a stern test against today’s opponents.

Iwas pleased to come away with all three points from our game against Southampton last weekend, where, similar to the encounter with Leeds the week before, we played our best football after the break and were able to both score the goals needed to win the game and establish the control necessary to see us through to the final whistle.

Our forwards have received a lot of praise recently and Eberechi Eze and Jordan Ayew both showed that it has not been undeserved with strong performances once again. However, the back-four and the goalkeeper are also deserving of a lot of credit for the way they handled a potent Southampton attacking force and enabled us to leave St Mary’s having kept a clean sheet.

Today’s game marks the start of an intensive week with three games against teams around us in the Premier League table. These are the

weeks which really test the depth and strength of the playing squad as there is very little rest between games and no time to recover injured players. Luckily, I believe that we have that sort of strength in depth at the club now and there is certainly no shortage of players who are anxious to get their chance to show what they can do to help us preserve Premier League status.

Finally, another major tool we shall be depending on is the incredible support that we have been getting from our fans. The home game against Leicester and the two away games at Leeds and Southampton have made me realise how lucky we are as a club to be able to count on such enthusiastic and loyal support both at home and away, and I hope that our fans realise how much we appreciate their efforts to drive us on.

I am hoping that we shall be able to give them good reason to cheer us today!

Enjoy the game .

Today’s game marks the start of an intensive week with three games against teams around us in the Premier League table

manager

The last three weeks have demonstrated not only the quality that we have within this group, but also our collective team spirit to keep fighting for results.

Back-to-back away games in the Premier League are always tough, but our performance against Leeds United had given us confidence and we went into the game at St Mary’s with real belief that we could come away with three points – and we put in a performance to match.

The lads fulfilled their roles all over the pitch. We were solid at the back, kept concentration in important moments and won the individual battles, and that made it difficult for Southampton to cause us issues coming forward. A clean sheet in the Premier League is always an achievement, so congratulations to our defensive players.

We have always known how much quality we possess going forwards and this was on show once again last Saturday, adding to the five goals we scored at Elland Road. Ebs scored a couple of fantastic goals to round off a top team performance, and that will put us in a good place before welcoming Everton today.

To win consecutive games in this league is hard, but to win three on the bounce is a fantastic

accomplishment. Today we will aim to add a fourth, against an Everton side desperate for positive results on the road. Sean Dyche is such an experienced manager who has made Everton a difficult side to beat, and we will need to be at our absolute best to come away with three points. Every side has it all to play for at this stage of the season, and with just seven games left every point counts. We will fight for every ball this season, starting with this busy week playing three times in seven days.

The fans were amazing at Elland Road and that continued at St Mary’s – there is no better feeling than hearing you roaring us on up and down the country. Last time at Selhurst Park, against Leicester, you created an incredible atmosphere and it led to a special moment in the last minute of stoppage time. That is the effect you can have when we play in south London: you can give us that extra bit of inspiration to get us over the line. We know it will be bouncing again this afternoon, and we can’t wait to see you all behind us once again. Make some noise! .

We have always known how much quality we possess going forwards and this was on show once again last Saturday

captain

Welcome to the directors, staff, players and supporters of Everton to Selhurst Park for this important encounter, and to each and every Palace supporter here to get behind the players.

Where else to begin than with our recent results, which have been so positive both at home and on the road. Last time out at Selhurst Park we enjoyed one of the most memorable moments in recent years when Jean-Philippe slotted home in added time, and the atmosphere in the stadium after full-time was quite special – I know Roy would agree. Since then we have travelled to two difficult opponents and performed brilliantly, scoring five at Elland Road and two more at St Mary’s. Your support away from home was fantastic as always, and the players responded on the pitch.

Roy and Ray have been superb since their return to the club. Their knowledge and experience has shone through in winning three games on the spin. Picking up nine points from nine has been a huge boost in our efforts to secure Premier League status for another season and complete 10 full years in the league – but we take absolutely nothing for granted. It’s a season of fine margins and every point will be crucial. We are

determined to keep competing not just for safety but to finish as high up the table as possible.

Congratulations to our Academy sides, who have secured some remarkable results in the last month. Our Under-21s

freely, and with 19 goals in their last four games are playing some entertaining football.

The Under-21s will shortly be playing Valencia in the International Cup at Selhurst which will be a special evening. Details will be confirmed soon, so make sure you get down and support the stars of the future.

Another one not to miss is at Hayes Lane, Bromley, tomorrow where Palace Women look to finish their campaign on a high. Tickets for their final home game of the season against Lewes are available from just £5 for Season Ticket holders and Members, and Under16s go free.

demonstrated their team spirit to come back from two goals down against West Ham United, despite being down to 10 men; the result made it 10 games unbeaten in all competitions as they aim to finish the season strongly. Our Under-18s have continued to score

Finally, I want to reiterate how important your support has been in these past three matches. The game against Leicester showed how big a role the fans can play in changing the course of a game, and I know that today – just as for every match until the end of the season – you will throw everything behind Roy and the players and be with them from kick-off until the final whistle.

Up the Palace

nine points from nine has been a huge boost in our efforts to secure Premier League status for another season and complete 10 full years in the league

At just 23-years-old, Albert Sambi Lokonga has made his mark on the Premier League and back at home, showing his quality on the ball and his leadership off it. Here, he tells Will Robinson how competition has been with him from the very start, and how his development has been helped by some of the greatest players of their generation.

I gained a lot being coached by him

Who makes your greatest ever Premier League XI?

It’s a debate that is either a brilliant way to while away several hours at the pub or, depending on your point of view, a colossal waste of energy and time. Club loyalties and childhood prejudices weigh heavily on our judgements, and the inevitable ‘you can’t compare two players from different eras’ brigade are always out to spoil the fun.

Who would start at centreback? Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Tony Adams; there are so many choices. But you would be lying if you proclaimed that Vincent Kompany was not among your options. In midfield, Patrick Vieira rivals the Paul Scholes and Roy Keane pairing, the brilliance of De Bruyne or the goalscoring greatness of Frank Lampard.

Up front, it’s perhaps the hardest choice yet. Do you plump for the consistent quality of Alan Shearer, the street-fighting genius of Wayne Rooney or the powerful prowess of Didier Drogba? Either way, we surely all agree, they will be accompanied by Thierry Henry.

The Premier League itself has recently begun to formalise this conversation. The league’s Hall of Fame has since inducted 16 members, including Vincent Kompany, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry. At just 23-years-old, Albert Sambi Lokonga has been coached by all three – there can’t be much better experience to draw upon. Now, with Sir Alex Ferguson and

Arsène Wenger the first managers to be inducted, a fourth in Lokonga’s career might follow: Roy Hodgson’s near-400 games in the division will surely place him high on any list.

Coming through the academy at Anderlecht, he was immediately touted as a leader – he captained the youth sides on a regular basis – and was handed his debut aged just 18 under Manchester City legend Kompany.

“It was really good for me to be under him,” Lokonga says of the four-time Premier League winner. “He taught me about the high level and what you need to be there. I gained a lot being coached by him. He did a lot for Belgian football, so this was someone we want to do a lot for. We were always watching very carefully what he did and how he was behaving, because he was one of the best and he made his mark on the Premier League and on Belgian football as well.”

Kompany’s geniality off the pitch has made him a popular figure within the game, but to be a player and a manager at the elite level requires authority. Lokonga felt that

He did a lot for Belgian football, so this was someone we want to do a lot for. We were always watching very carefully what he did and how he was behaving, because he was one of the best and he made his mark on the Premier League and on Belgian football as well

Albert Sambi Lokonga

temper on more than one occasion – but was struck by his openness too. “When he doesn’t get what he wants, we can stay on the training pitch for hours until you do it well and you do it the way he wants you to do it,” he remembers. “He talked to me a lot in his office to teach the game: to speak with my teammates and to help them get better. He helped me a lot.”

Kompany may have given Lokonga that final push towards the achieving his dream of playing in the Premier League, but the talent and determination had been present in the midfielder from a very young age. Like Kompany, Lokonga was born in Belgium to Congolese parents in a close-knit community.

“[My parents] were born in Congo and came to Belgium when my brother was three-years-old,” Lokonga explains. “I know that I am Belgian, but I know that as well I am Congolese so that is why I try to go there when I can. My parents have always been proud to be Congolese and I know that I’m Congolese, so it is always good for me to go there and learn about the culture.

“I grew up in Verviers. We were very close to each other –everyone knew each other well because we lived in a small town. We used to play a lot of football, so football brought us together. My two brothers played football. The older one is still professional, and the middle one plays at amateur level.

“There was a lot of competition! We were always choosing opposite sides: if I was going for A they were going for B,

so there was a lot of confrontation. I had to fight. I have lovely brothers who were always pushing me to be better, so we always had a great relationship.” Kompany’s brother played professionally in the Belgian second tier; Lokonga’s for Standard Liege, Leyton Orient and – 22 times – for the national side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The similarities continue.

Like Kompany, Lokonga made his way through the academy setup at Anderlecht and turned heads along the way, making his debut in December, 2017. “Of course I remember that day, because when you have been in the academy for 10 years and playing in the youth team and you get in the first-team, this is a day you cannot forget,” Lokonga says.

“I didn’t know that I was starting, but when we did opposition work the day before I began to think I might have a chance. One or two hours before the game, when the manager did his team meeting, I knew I would start the game. It was a special feeling. I wanted to do well and show what I was capable of doing.”

I know that I am Belgian, but I know that as well I am Congolese so that is why I try to go there when I can. My parents have always been proud to be Congolese and I know that I’m Congolese, so it is always good for me to go there and learn about the culture

It was a special feeling. I wanted to do well

I never lie to myself, If I play badly, I will be honest with myself

It’s an attitude that belies a confidence even at such a young age. Learning from Kompany is likely to help, but Lokonga had captaincy potential of his own. “I never lie to myself,” he says of his leadership style. “If I play badly, I will be honest with myself. If my teammates come to me I will say the truth. That is why I have been a leader.

“[I look up to] people who try to get the best out of people, like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. They are an inspiration to me because their work ethic is so high.” Lokonga headed to London to join Arsenal, but they weren’t the only team interested in signing him.

“[Palace] came in when I was at Anderlecht, but Arsenal had come in and it was difficult for me to change my mind. But they have been following me for a long time, so that is why I am here today: because they know me.”

And so to the second of Lokonga’s legendary coaches. “I was too young [to watch him at Arsenal], but I watched clips of Vieira and I know what kind of player he was. What I like from him is his aggression. Without the ball – of

[Palace] came in when I was at Anderlecht, but Arsenal had come in and it was difficult for me to change my mind. But they have been following me for a long time, so that is why I am here today because they know me

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Today I gave everything and I enjoyed myself

course, with the ball he was good as well, but if I learned something from him I think it is his aggression off the ball.”

Vieira wasn’t the only player Lokonga tried to learn from. “I like to be on the ball, to connect with my strikers and attacking midfielders,” he explains.

“I like to run and expend energy. I like to think after the game: ‘Today I gave everything and I enjoyed myself.’ That is when you are going to get the best of Sambi. I liked to watch [Andrés] Iniesta and [Sergio] Busquets. The way they play on the ball, the moves without the ball, how they break lines. That is what I like to watch.”

And so to the final of Lokonga’s maestro-cum-mentors, who latched on to so many of those Iniesta passes during his time in Barcelona: Thierry Henry. As a first-team coach in the Belgian national set-up, he was able to guide the young midfielder. “When it’s work, it’s work, but off the pitch we had good laughs and good times speaking,” Lokonga says. “He likes to get involved, and we can still see his touch. He’s still got it, and you don’t lose it!”

With six months on loan at Palace, Lokonga is looking to display the skills instilled in him by three Premier League legends on the pitch at Selhurst Park. But his own innate leadership is clear to see, and individual achievements are secondary to his helping his new teammates.

It is an attitude that has come across to a man who has seen it

all: Roy Hodgson. “I have been impressed in this short period of time with the players I didn’t know, and it is obvious that they have improved the quality of the squad,” the manager said. “When I left two years ago we had an aging group, but now it is quite different: a young squad, keen to play for the club who will be of crucial importance to us getting the points we need to stay in the league.”

Lokonga is one of those players. His targets are simple. “My aim is to win as many games as I can, and to say that in six months Sambi has been here and has given us that. I want people to remember that I came here and did my job and helped the team. It’s not personal targets, but to bring something to the team.”

With an attitude like that, it is little wonder that Vincent Kompany, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry –three captains, three legends and three superlative professionals with the highest of standards and little time for weaker mentalities –saw the potential in him from the very start

My aim is to win as many games as I can, and to say that in six months Sambi has been here and has given us that. I want people to remember that I came here and did my job and helped the team

Albert Sambi Lokonga

Albert Sambi Lokonga has just arrived in south London but he has been at the very top of the game since making his debut at 18-yearsold – but has he learned enough to answer our hardest questions?

the follow the follow -up -up

#6 Who was your childhood idol?

I will say Andrés Iniesta. His way of playing, his way of behaving. Those last passes. This is the player – and the way he is: humble, not on show. That is what I like from him.

What is your favourite sport beside football?

Basketball – and Michael Jordan. I like watching basketball. I have been to a game in New York; it was my first experience and I want to go back because I really liked it. I want to follow big players: when it is a big name, I will sit and watch. It’s from The Last Dance that I learned a bit more about Michael Jordan. It’s crazy – he’s crazy.

#23 What is your favourite stadium to play in?

The best stadium to play as an opposition player, I will say, is [Manchester] United – [Old Trafford]. I like the grass there. It’s a big club, so I like to play there.

#25 Would you rather win the Champions League or the World Cup?

World Cup. I think it brings more people together. It’s like your country is on fire if you win the World Cup.

#43 Spicy food, yes or no?

Yes. Not too much spice, but I like a little bit. I like African dishes: plantain, rice and chicken. You can make it spicy

Worth a try? Probably.

Did you know?

Everton were founded as St Domingo’s in 1878 as an extension of the St Domingo Methodist New Connexion Chapel, to allow the club’s cricketers to play sport all year round. After playing local church clubs, interest grew and the club was renamed Everton after the wider surrounding areas.

toffees toffees

Everton are firmly locked in a relegation battle as they aim to avoid a first season in the second tier since the 1950s.

match preview

Having brought in survival specialist Sean Dyche to replace Frank Lampard, they have added vital points including a victory over league leaders Arsenal, but have faltered as the run-in intensifies.

Their last visit to Selhurst Park was a memorable one for the Eagles as Palace ran out 4-0 victors and booked their place at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals, but Everton got their revenge in successive wins at Goodison Park.

After suffering defeat against Fulham last weekend, they will be desperate to get back to winning ways on the road - but starting in south London will be no mean feat.

story so far

Position 17th

Points

Homeawaythird

recent matches most recent = bottom

27

Top scorer Demarai Gray (4)

Most assists Alex Iwobi (6)

Most passes James Tarkowski (1,414)

ellis simms

Simms scored his first senior goal for Everton in March against Chelsea, and could become an important asset in their quest for survival as they aim to be more clinical going forwards.

last five √ palace

Boot in both camps

Andros Townsend

Townsend signed for Palace in 2016 and spent five years at Selhurst Park, earning a reputation for the spectacular: he won the Premier League Goal of the Month award three times and was nominated for the Puskas Award for his strike against Manchester City. He

Recent clash

241 apps

768 saves

clean sheets

Age 29

Height 1.85m

Joined June 15th 2017

Debut August 12th, 2017 v Stoke City

England’s No. 1 since 2017 and a hero of the 2018 run to the World Cup semi-finals, Pickford has now earned 50 caps for his country and continues to impress on the biggeset of stages. Now in his sixth season at Everton, he has made more than 200 appearances for the Merseyside club and has won the club’s Player of the Season on two occasions.

career history: Sunderland

MICHAEL KEANE

Vitaliy Mykolenko

JORDAN PICKFORD POS GOALKEEPER NAT ENGLAND

POS DEFENDER NAT ENGLAND

Mason Holgate

ben godfrey

POS DEFENDER

conor coady

POS DEFENDER

NAT ENGLAND

Age 30

player profile

Height 1.85m

Joined July 2nd, 2022

seamus coleman 30

POS DEFENDER NAT REP OF IRELAND

16

Abdoulaye Doucouré

POS MIDFIELDER NAT MALI

Debut August 6th, 2022 v Chelsea

29 opposition

james tarkowski

POS DEFENDER NAT ENGLAND

59

clean sheets

225 apps 8 goals

Reunited with former boss Sean Dyche at Goodison Park, Tarkowski made his name at Burnley where he made more than 200 appearances and earned a first England call-up. He moved to Everton upon Burnley’s relegation in 2022, and scored his first goal in Dyche’s first game for the club, as the Toffees beat league leaders Arsenal in February.

alex iwobi

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT NIGERIA

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT ENGLAND

tom davies 2737

POS MIDFIELDER

POS MIDFIELDER

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT SENEGAL

Age 21

Height 1.95m

Joined August 9th, 2022

NAT ENGLAND

NAT BELGIUM player profile

Debut August 13th, 2022 v Aston Villa tackles

career history:

1899 Hoffenheim, Hamburger SV, Lille

28 apps

859 passes 63

Born in Senegal but brought up in Belgium, Onana moved to Germany as a youngster and made his debut in the second tier as a teenager. A move to Lille followed, where he impressed in his solitary season and earned a call-up to the national side; he has subsequently earned four caps for the Red Devils. He scored his first Everton goal in January.

Amadou Onana

Idrissa Gueye james garner

POS FORWARD

NAT ENGLAND

175 apps

11 Assists

46

goals

Dwight

POS FORWARD NAT ENGLAND

POS FORWARD NAT ENGLAND

POS FORWARD

ellis

POS FORWARD NAT ENGLAND

Age 26

Height 1.85m

Joined August 3rd, 2017

Debut August 11th, 2017 v Arsenal

Coming through the youth system at boyhood club Sheffield United, Calvert-Lewin has made more than 200 appearances for Everton since signing for just £1.5 million, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2020/21. He has earned 14 caps for the national side, scoring on his debut against Wales at Wembley.

player profile

Demarai Gray

simms

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Neal Maupay

M©Neil

stat pack stat pack

Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 16 Premier League games against Everton (D7 L8), though it did come in this exact fixture last season (3-1).

Following their 3-0 win at Goodison Park in October, Everton are looking to complete their first league double over Crystal Palace since the 2004-05 campaign.

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 Everton pre-match below.

DIDN'T they...

Retain the title for five years straight. Well, sort of. Everton have had several interesting spells as champions, beginning in the early days of the English Football League. Their first title came in the 1890/91 season, becoming just the second team to lift the trophy after Preston North End.

Aston Villa and Sunderland established dual-dominance in the years that followed, but Everton fought back and claimed another tittle in 1915. However, with the outbreak of the First World War domestic football was cancelled and Everton remained the holders until West Bromwich Albion’s

In 1939 they suffered the same fate, pipping Wolverhampton Wanderers to the title before the beginning of World War Two. Everton were technically the holders until 1947 when cross-city rivals Liverpool took the crown. By this time, of course, much of the Toffees’ title-winning side had been broken up, and many had gone to fight in the conflict. They were forced to wait almost two decades for their next.

didn't they...

Once play in pink. Although there has long been an association with royal blue, Everton flirted with several colours during their early history. Initially playing in white and then in blue and white stripes, they moved to an allblack strip to present a more professional appearance – and to save on washing expenses. However, this was deemed too morbid and soon a bright red sash was added. After more complaints, the black was ditched in favour of salmon pink and navy blue striped shirts – yes, you

this design didn’t stick and plain red shirts with a blue lining were trialled, before the familiar royal blue shirts and white shorts were adopted in 1901.

pub talk tibdit

Ever wonder where the nickname ‘The Toffees’ comes from? There are several disputed stories, but the most widely accepted relates to a shop named Mother Noblett’s, which sold sweets and toffees including the black and white striped Everton Mint.

Mother Noblett’s was located opposite the lock up in Everton village, the cylindrical brick building the club badge is based on. A tradition ensured, as the ‘Toffee Lady’ would walk around the pitch at Goodison Park throwing bags of Everton Mints into the crowd.

Everton’s other nicknames have included ‘The Black Watch’ during their periods playing in all black, so named after the 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, and ‘The School of Science’, after their attractive and innovative style of play in the late 1920s.

Didn't he…

Once score 60 goals in a league season. Signed from Tranmere Rovers in 1925, William Ralph Dean – better known as ‘Dixie’ – would go on to become one of English football’s greatest goalscorers. It is appropriate that, during the 1933 FA Cup final against Manchester City where players wore numbers for the very first time, he became the first footballer to wear the No. 9.

In the era of muddy pitches and rock-heavy balls, he was known for his ability in the air and scored numerous goals with

his head. He was capable of all kinds of finishing, however, and in 1927/28 he found the back of the net 60 times in just 39 league games, helping Everton to their third league title and setting a record that is unlikely ever to be beaten.

“He belongs to the company of the supremely great, like Beethoven, Shakespeare and Rembrandt,” said Liverpool legend Bill Shankley. In 2002, he was one of the first wave of players to be inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame

Pre-match pint

Entire – 5.2%

Dean scored 383 times for Everton in 433 games, and sits third on the all-time list of top-flight goalscorers behind only Steve Bloomer and Jimmy Greaves. Tragically, he died at Goodison Park 1980 after suffering a heart attack during a derby match against Liverpool.

Twice Regional & National award winning beer inspired by Croydon brewing heritage. Entire was a blend of ‘Three threads’ that were made by a Croydon brewery: ale, hopped beer & tuppenny, which were mixed together by a barman in Shoreditch, where it became so popular with manual workers, later becoming known as ‘Porter’. Hints of chocolate, coffee and dark fruits on the palate.

Do you #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms of bowel cancer?

Every 30 minutes, someone in the UK dies of bowel cancer. We want to change that – but we need your help.

When diagnosed early, bowel cancer is treatable and curable. Yet over a third of people in the UK can’t name any bowel cancer symptoms.

This April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and we’re asking everyone to take our symptoms quiz then share it with five people – this could be with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Let’s make sure more people know what to look for, and what to do if something doesn't feel right.

Be Bowel Smart. Take our quiz.

Test your knowledge by taking our quiz at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/quiz and enter our free prize draw where five lucky people will each win one year’s supply of Andrex® toilet roll. T&Cs apply.

Knowing the 5 key symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life

Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo

A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit

Unexplained weight loss

Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason

A pain or lump in your tummy

“In April 2016, I was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. The main symptom I experienced was persistent bleeding from my bottom.

My advice for anyone with symptoms, whatever your age, is to get yourself checked out. Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life.”

Ron, Crystal Palace supporter

30 YEARS OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Crystal Palace – February 23rd, 2021 Smash and grab, baby.

doc brown fliss gibbons hindolo mustapha

darren powell

Ben Bailey Smith praises the return of familiar comforts

Fliss Gibbons on how she was sold on Palace

Darren Powell on a group of remarkable young players

Hindolo Mustapha on an important learning experience

40-41

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 HODGFATHER

I won’t lie to you. A couple of weeks ago this season-long gig of mine was getting pretty damn tough. Not only was I tasked with putting a quirky, upbeat spin on our beloved Palace when our beloved Palace hadn’t had a shot on target since Roman times or whatever that annoying stat was, but I was also suddenly faced with the waking nightmare of potentially having to scribe a light-hearted little puff piece about us getting r… re... rel… r... I can’t even say it. And I won’t. Because it is not happening. What I will say is, in that moment, maybe even as late as Leicester’s opening goal, my blood ran cold. I would become an unforgettable columnist for the worst possible reason.

I felt alone with the burden, a frightened little boy in need of the type of calming arm around the shoulder you might get from, say… a jolly uncle. Lo and behold, like a sheriff riding back in to town, our very own collective uncle Roy himself returned to deliver us from harm. I won’t pretend I was confident at first – we all saw what

happened to Harry the Hornet and friends last season… Can anyone honestly say they foresaw the turnaround being as quick as it’s been? The way we came out of the gates against the Foxes was like a barely believable plot twist in an action movie. Stat-crunchers across the world were doing so many double takes there must have been a huge upsurge in reported cases of whiplash.

The most shots in a first-half for a decade? Sure. Equalling our biggest away win in Premier League history? Be rude not to. An Eze

masterclass at St Mary’s? Suits you, sir. In just 14 days we’d bagged nine goals and nine points against three of our closest rivals and my relentless optimism in this column

The Coming of Roy now feels almost biblical –the boyhood fan, back from the dead to save our souls

Ben Bailey Smith

suddenly flipped from being the blabbering of a deluded fantasist to being the astute positive foresight of a visionary football historian. The Coming of Roy now feels almost biblical – the boyhood fan, back from the dead to save our souls.

Aside from the eye-popping results, what also amazes me about this man is how he manages to motivate, communicate and connect with individuals who were watching CBBC when he was receiving his Freedom Pass for the Croydon Tramlink. The mind boggles when you think about it. Consider, if you will, how hard it was to communicate with your parents when you were 15; how out of touch those crusty folk in their thirties felt when you were 21. When I try and talk TikTokkers and YouTubers with my teenaged daughters I feel like a useless undercover cop with a skateboard under one arm and a baseball cap turned backwards, desperately trying to infiltrate youth culture, slipping in slang terms that died out in 2011.

So how in the name of all that is holy does he do it? The answer can only be that timeless four-letter word: love. The man loves his job –the smell of a freshly mown pitch, the sound of the Holmesdale, the knobble of Ray Lewington’s knees. It has to be love. No other emotion could invigorate you to the extent that your 75 years on the planet do nothing to slow your passion, nothing to create cultural barriers between you and some kids whose parents weren’t born when you won your first league title as a manager.

Imagine being at the top of your game at 75? I wake up in my forties with a crick in my neck and the whole day’s a write off.

We could all do with a sip from whatever fountain of eternal youth Roy discovered, maybe ironically hidden amongst the dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park or something. From the brink of despair, he’s brought me to a place wherein I don’t mind who today’s opponents are – the fact that it’s yet another basement-based rival in the shape of the Toffees just makes me more hopeful.

Proverbially dangerous thing, hope. But without love and hope, what else is there? And what kind of uncle wouldn’t deliver those on a Saturday afternoon? I can see it now: Jords to Ebs, bang – bottom corner. Bish, bash, bosh and Roy’s your mother’s brother. Wallop!

The answer can only be that timeless four-letter word: love. The man loves his job – the smell of a freshly mown pitch, the sound of the Holmesdale, the knobble of Ray Lewington’s knees. It has to be love

Ben Bailey Smith

cpfc women cpfc women

Crystal Palace Women play their final Women’s Championship home fixture of the 22/23 season this Sunday afternoon (kick-off 14:00 BST at Hayes Lane, Bromley). In each edition of the programme, we hear directly from one of the squad, with the versatile Felicity ‘Fliss’ Gibbons reflecting on her first season in the red and blue…

fliss gibbons

I grew up just outside of Maidstone, in a place called Ditton. I don’t know what it was that made me take such an interest in the game, but I didn’t join my first team for a while because I couldn’t find a girls’ team and I didn’t want to play with the boys.

I was 12 or 13 when I joined my first Centre of Excellence at Charlton. I played in the Under-14s, but I was a bit of a late bloomer in the game. I made my first senior appearance when I was 16, and it all went on from there really.

The biggest moment for me was making my debut as a professional player, which was in the WSL with Brighton. For girls now, it feels like a real possibility when you first start out playing, but when I was growing up, I just played for fun and that was it.

I never thought there would the chance to play professionally. I went to University and graduated – I studied PE and Sport at the University of Greenwich, and am now doing a Masters in Needs, Disability & Inclusive Education at Roehampton. I got a normal job, and to start with, I was just playing part-time, semi-professionally.

goals in just 19 games for Gillingham Women in 2016/17, winning the FA WPL Division One South East Top Goalscorer award – her sole season as a striker!

Take note of

Gibbons has excelled throughout a number of southern clubs, including Charlton, Millwall and Brighton – helping the latter win promotion from the Championship into the Women’s Super League for the first time in 2017/18.

Then, when I was 24, I signed professionally with Brighton. Playing professionally in the top league, for four years in the end, was an amazing experience, and something I never thought would be possible.

So many people get caught up in the psychological side of the game, which people on the outside don’t see as much. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important it is to manage that side of things. Just enjoy it for what it is. I know I have to step back at times.

For me, playing football professionally was always a bonus, and not many people get to do what they love as a job, so keeping that perspective is really important.

I get asked all the time what my position is! When I started playing at a serious level, I was a traditional left-winger in a 4-3-3. When I first started playing professionally, I moved back to left-back and ever since then, I’ve flitted between leftback, left wing-back, left winger… I did have one season where I played as a striker, down in the fourth tier, but that was a lower level and a oneoff. Now, I would say I’m a left-back. Professional football on the outside looks glamorous, and everyone I’ve spoken to says: ‘Oh, you get to do your hobby for a job’ –and that is so true, we are so lucky. But being in an environment where you’re scrutinised for your performance every single day, and where you can’t really have a day where you’re not really feeling it, where you always have to be at the top of your game… it’s important not to allow that pressure to get on top of you.

When it came to joining Palace last summer, I was uhm-ing and ah-ing about whether I wanted to carry on playing, or step into a different line of work. I had a few conversations with the club, and I came down and spoke to some of the girls. Speaking to them and seeing the training facilities at the Academy made my mind up for me.

I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a learning experience for me, because we’re playing a formation and a style of football I’ve never played before. Our philosophy is a lot more forwardthinking and attacking-minded here – it’s been a lot more defensive at previous clubs. It’s been a different challenge, but that was part of the reason I wanted to do it.

Our form in general this season has been a bit up and down, but recently we have started to put our mark on games and show what we’ve been working towards since pre-season. We’re on a journey, playing a style of football a lot of us are new to. Every week we just focus on the next game and the targets for that game, rather than an ultimate goal

For me, playing football professionally was always a bonus, and not many people get to do what they love as a job, so keeping that perspective is really important

We’re on a journey, playing a style of football a lot of us are new to

academy academy

Darren Powell - Under-21s manager

I have said this before, but I need to reiterate it again: the spirit and the mentality in this group is remarkable. It never ceases to amaze me. When the going gets tough, they will dig in for each other and they see games out.

they have shown a strong, collective mentality. You can't buy that. The have shown that throughout the season in many games, especially recently away at Chelsea and Liverpool – and this week at home to West Ham United, coming back from two goals down having had a man sent off.

That mentality helps a lot with this run of games in the Premier League 2 and in the Premier League International Cup. We’re playing Friday-Monday, Friday-Monday almost every week during the run in.

Tiredness can be a problem, but if you think you’re tired you will be tired. You have got to put it to one side – that’s the psychological battle the players have when facing a fixture schedule like this. We have to win that psychological battle first and foremost before we get out onto the pitch.

The Premier League International Cup is a great experience – you want to test yourself against the best teams and against foreign opposition. This is what football is all about. The guys have fought tooth and nail to be in the semi-final and it will be a great occasion.

At Liverpool, during the quarterfinal, the boys were going down on the pitch due to the amount of work they’ve put in, but they turned up again against Chelsea three days later and still got a result.

They just want to win games. I was telling them to manage the game against West Ham, as they were a man down, but they have got a desire and mentality to win. They kept going right until the end trying to win. They are not satisfied with draws, and it’s a beautiful thing to work with.

The side has been doing so well and continued their strong form even though Paddy has now moved up to the first-team. I’m still dealing with the same group of lads now, as manager, and Dave Cooper has come up from the younger age group to help out as Assistant Manager.

I have worked with Coops before, but nothing’s really changed from our perspective. We’re still keeping the boys together and motivated to see out each and every game. The team is still the same; I still speak with Paddy every day as we did before. Nothing much has changed and we’re still going to compete in everything

The Premier League International Cup is a great experience –you want to test yourself against the best teams and against foreign opposition

over the over theroad road

Getting to know Hindolo Mustapha

-

It is often hard for young aspiring footballers to realise just how much hard work and commitment is needed at a young age to make it to the top level. For Hindolo Mustapha it all started to click at Under-11s.

Age 16

Joined Under-9s

Position Midfielder

Apps: 16

Goals: 2

Highlights so far

Getting sent off against Southampton U18s earlier in the season – which he says helped him learn to focus more on his game to avoid any disciplinary issues in the future. Take

“I joined Palace at Under-9s when I was first scouted at Dulwich Hamlet in Sunday League.” Mustapha explains. “The scouts came up to my coach, spoke to my mum and then I got brought in to Palace. I didn’t really take it seriously at first, it was all fun and games to me.

Since then he has been a near-constant presence in the side and his performances earned him a call-up to the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s side for the CONCACAF U17 Championship.

“I was messing around in training, but then I was told by Mark Newson that I need to take it seriously in this environment. Ever since then I started cracking down and taking it as seriously as possible.”

After Under-11s, Mustapha has consistently been playing up

hindolo mustapha

I’ve known Hindolo since he was nine or 10 years old, when he first joined the club. Even though he’s one of the youngest in the group, he has bags of potential and hopefully he keeps his head down and fulfils that potential

Newson

the age groups and has managed to establish himself in the Under18s squad in the latter half of the season in his first year as a scholar.

“I was a striker back then, playing up the age groups, down occasionally, but now I’m a central midfielder. Again, it was all fun and games back then, I was scoring for fun, but now I’m all about getting as many assists as I can and helping the team from midfield.

“I model my game off Yaya Touré and Paul Pogba – they’re not just talented, they’re smart. I watch their highlights whenever I can. They have a positive mindset, when they have the space or win the ball back they just want to find a forward pass or drive forward with it.”

Mustapha’s return to the squad in the second part of the season has coincided with an uptick in form, seeing the young

Eagles win three games in a row in the league in their pursuit of a top three finish for the third consecutive season.

“This season has been different. As a first year scholar, being in full-time is something I’ve had to get used to, but it’s all part of the process. I was out of the squad at the start of the season, but I had to put in the work in training to earn my place again and now we’re on a good run winning games by crazy scorelines like 5-1 or 7-1!

“When I wasn’t in the squad, it wasn’t because of ability. I got told to keep doing what I’m doing in training by the coaches and the staff, and my time will come. When my time does come, I don’t want to get complacent. I want to make an impact, secure a pro deal, move up into the Under-21s and beyond”

i was out of the squad at the start of the season, I had to put in the work in training to earn my place again and now we’re on a good run winning games by crazy scorelines like 5-1 or 7-1!

Mark

Under-18s Assistant Manager

Keeping you posted on all things south London. Over the page, hear how Palace supported players and the wider community during Ramadan…

loyle carner

Musician Loyle Carner was born in Lambeth and raised in Croydon, studying at the BRIT school and acting before focusing full-time on his music. His debut album was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2017, and he has since appeared at Glastonbury. He cites Benjamin Zephaniah as his inspiration.

New Cross and Deptford

21st – 30th April 2023

Back for another year, this communityled celebration of cinema is on for 10 days with over 30 screenings across the area. With blockbusters, classics and independent films all screening for free, bring your picnic blanket and your snacks and settle in for hours of entertainment.

ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which time many Muslims will abstain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset. This has an obvious impact on elite level footballers, who have to manage their fast with training and playing schedules.

The holiday of Eid marks the end of Ramadan, and was celebrated worldwide yesterday after 30 days of fasting. Dr Zafar Iqbal, who has been Palace’s Head of Sports Medicine since

2015, says many players feel advantaged during Ramadan, but that there are hurdles to overcome regardless.

[Strong performances while fasting] show the power of belief and motivation, which is key in performance dr zafar iqbal head of sports medicine

there has to be a good understanding between the medical, sports science and coaching staff to help support players and not have them hide the fact they are fasting

dr zafar iqbal head of sports medicine

“If you speak to athletes across sports, there appears a consistent message that fasting helps them mentally and spiritually which helps them overcome any negative effects they feel from fasting and not having food and drink,” he told PA news agency last year.

“For footballers who are fasting while training and playing games, the main issues are hydration, replacing glycogen, replacing protein for muscle regeneration and healing, sleep and recovery.

“As a result there has to be a good understanding between the medical, sports science and coaching staff to help support the player and not have the player hiding the fact they are fasting, which would make it more difficult for the player.”

This understanding has developed significantly in recent years, with Iqbal involved in what is reported to be the first pause in a Premier League game for a player to open their fast. It happened at Leicester away in April 2021, with Cheikhou Kouyaté and Wesley Fofana having Iftar, their evening meal, at the side of the pitch.

“It’s been excellent to see that managers, coaches and staff are more understanding of others’ beliefs and are accommodating. It can only lead to better understanding, appreciation and harmony within a team.

“It was nice [at Leicester]. Before the game myself and the

Leicester doctor, Dr Bryan English, were discussing emergency routines and discussed that we had players fasting. We wondered if it would be sensible to ask the referee, Graham Scott, if at an opportune time at sunset we could have a break to allow those fasting to have a drink and some food to open their fast.

“Graham was fine with it, as were the managers [Brendan Rodgers and Roy Hodgson]... We kept it low-key so that people wouldn’t realise it happened and so we couldn’t be accused of disrupting the flow of the game. After the game Wesley tweeted about it and it went global on social media.

“Now the PGMOL and Premier League have allowed a break if requested to quickly open fast in any evening game where the fast needs to be opened.”

Kicking off at 3pm makes fasting tougher, as daytime

matches increase the amount of time a player must go without food or water while recovering.

“I don’t think any Muslim player would expect the UK to change schedules or fixtures to accommodate as they do in some Muslim countries,” Iqbal says. “I think Muslim players are just grateful

that they can fast without hiding it and their needs are being accommodated.

“[Strong performances while fasting] show the power of belief and motivation, which is key in performance.” .

it’s been excellent to see that managers, coaches and staff are more understanding of others’ beliefs and are accommodating. It can only lead to better understanding, appreciation and harmony within a team

dr zafar iqbal head of sports medicine

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.

V V volleys

why is it that volleys are so satisfying?

Perhaps it is because, as any Sunday league or local park-based player can testify, it is one of the hardest skills of all. So often the top corner presents itself, the ball dropping perfectly from the sky, the wild celebrations and congratulatory post-match pints seemingly within touching distance.

And then, invariably, the ball skews off in the wrong direction, or is sliced back into the air. Or, in the worst cases, is missed altogether. Is there an emptier feeling?

But when a professional strikes a volley, it is like an explosion off the boot. Some of Palace’s best afternoons have been lit up in this manner, be it Mark Bright’s iconic equaliser against Liverpool in the 1990 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park, or Ian

they couldn’t could they?

Wright’s (albeit) half-volley against Brighton & Hove Albion a year earlier. Think Kenny Brown against Charlton in 1996, or Marcus Bent at Anfield in two years later.

But this column is concerned with the past 10 years in the topflight. It is, admittedly, unfortunate that arguably the greatest volley in Premier League history was scored at Selhurst Park, but by an opposition player. Pajtim Kasami’s chest and volley for Fulham against Palace was a goal for the ages, a Marco Van Basten-esque finish from a similar angle.

The Eagles have registered a fair few contenders of their own however. We have waxed lyrical about Andros Townsend at the Etihad, or Christian Benteke at Brighton. But some efforts are overlooked.

Take Conor Wickham against West Bromwich Albion. Not content with one, he scored two volleys against the Baggies as Palace were unlucky to slip to defeat on the road. The first saw him capitalise on a defensive

mix-up, flicking the ball over Ben Foster’s head and caressing it home. The second was even more pleasing on the eye, as he lifted his leg to an improbable angle to smash into the top corner. Just watching it back will make your hamstrings twinge. Then, of course, there is Wilfried Zaha. This time it was at Selhurst, and what a piece of fortune for those in attendance that day. With the ball whipped towards the edge of the penalty area, travelling waist-height and at considerable speed, Zaha leapt into the air and produced a piece of scissor-kicking perfection to pick out the bottom corner.

Patrick van Aanholt

Van Aanholt can be added to the long list of players you may have forgotten had come through the youth system at Chelsea, joining as a 17-year-old in 2007 and earning two first-team appearances before a series of loan moves to kick-start his career. After spells with Newcastle United and Leicester City, among others, he joined Sunderland permanently and spent three years on Wearside, before signing for Palace in January, 2017.

He made an instant impact, scoring in a crucial victory over Middlesbrough as Palace survived once again. Perhaps his most iconic moment in a Palace shirt came at Old Trafford, as he forced an injurytime winner home to give Palace all three points, becoming the first away player to score a last minute winner at Old Trafford in the process.

After making 134 appearances for Palace and scoring 14 goals, he moved to Galatasaray in 2021 and has spent this season back in his native Netherlands on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

There is a reason that, despite all regular evidence to the contrary, we shout ‘SHOOOOT’ whenever a player stands on the edge of the box under a rapidly falling ball. We know that it will likely end up in the stands, but those rare moments where it seems to punch the back of the net are so sweet that we will keep on hoping.

Be it half-volleys, keepyuppies or full-throated humdingers, it is magical what the top players can do with the ball in the air. It’s why watching Diego Maradona warm up can be as exciting as some league games. We don’t know how they do it, but boy do we enjoy it. Live is life .

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

March 29th: Palace

0-4 Birmingham City -

Things started brightly as Kagisho Dikgacoi drilled wide, but midway through the first-half a deflection off an opponent’s hand allowed Nathan Redmond to break away and give the Blues the lead. Just 10 minutes later, Damien Delaney diverted Nikola Zigic’s header into the net. Stephen Dobbie came on after the break and the Eagles had opportunities to reduce the arrears but the killer goal came in the 64th minute when Ravel Morrison drove home; Shane Ferguson curled a free-kick past Julian Speroni for number four. Palace pushed for a consolation but Andre Moritz saw his set-piece tipped over the bar by Jack Butland before volleying narrowly wide of the far post. The final whistle meant Ian Holloway had suffered his first

home defeat – and Palace their first in 18 matches at Selhurst Park. Despite the drubbing, the Eagles were still in a good position in the play-off places, six points clear of Brighton in seventh.

April 1st: Blackpool

1-0 Palace -

It was an even contest between the teams for 35 minutes on a divot-ridden surface, but the pendulum seemed to swing Palace’s way when Barry Ferguson was dismissed for a second yellow card, this time for obstruction of Yannick Bolasie as he headed for goal. Palace began to dominate proceedings in the second-half without finding a breakthrough, as Wilfried Zaha sent in a tame effort and a free-kick by substitute Moritz caused havoc, before Bolasie’s goalbound shot was blocked and

march 22nd

Glenn Murray failed to direct a fine cross from Zaha onto the target.

The sucker punch arrived six minutes from time, as Tom Ince cut in from the right and Matt Phillips swept the ball home from 20 yards to spoil Ian Holloway’s return to his former club.

Palace remained in fourth place but the opportunity of gaining automatic promotion was ebbing away.

April 6th: Palace 0-0 Barnsley

The winless run stretched to five games following this goalless encounter with relegationthreatened Barnsley.

However, the main talking point came before the kick-off as referee Kevin Stroud ruled that both sets of the Tykes shirts clashed with those of Palace. The Yorkshire club then

Jonny Williams gains his first full Wales cap against Scotland

had to purchase the Eagles’ away yellow shirts – and all this just over an hour before the start. Luckily, the club shop was having a sale.

Aaron Wilbraham player in focus

BORN: 21 st October 1979 – Knutsford

APPEARANCES:

GOALS:

The experienced forward signed for the Eagles in the summer of 2012 on a free transfer from Norwich City, and was mainly used from the bench throughout the season with Glenn Murray in such goalscoring form.

Joel Ward returned at right-back after a three-month lay-off while Moritz started the game, with the latter forcing the goalkeeper to intervene as a free-kick looked destined for the top corner. That set the tone for the encounter, with the Eagles desperate to break the deadlock against the battling visitors, and Zaha and Bolasie making inroads down the flanks. In the secondhalf Moritz again came close from a free-kick but the Barnsley back-four managed to deal with the crosses that came their way. Nothing changed as all four clubs in the play-off places drew .

march 23rd

His first goal came in a League Cup game at Preston but he proved his importance to the team when Murray had to miss the play-off games at Brighton and Wembley.

march 29th

If a team is self-managing, it just means you have a really good group of players that have their beliefs and principles and they stick to them

Damien Delaney

Aruna Dindane signs for the Eagles until the end of the season

Julian Speroni makes his 300th Palace appearance

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 a look back at some of the legends you may not have heard of…

5. Dave “The Kid” Jensen

During the early eighties, only around 5,000 Palace fans still cared about the fortunes of Crystal Palace. Beset with dwindling crowds, hooliganism and tedious matches, football and Palace were at an all-time unfashionable low. Fair play, therefore, to DJ David “The Kid” Jensen who not only owned up to his new found obsession with Palace, having arrived from Canada, but also proudly proclaimed it non-stop over the airwaves on his evening shows. Jensen was one of the few celebrities who started watching Palace when we really were awful, and over the years seized any opportunity to yell “Eagles” down the microphone across London – even infiltrating news and travel bulletins. Now no longer looking like a kid and scarred by the trauma of 20 years following our fortunes, Dave

remains a season ticket holder and continues to use his celebrity status to support the Club.

4. The Palace Dollies

In 1968/69 season, the Palace Dollies was established following a suggestion that there should be a “ladies section” of the Supporters Club. Their main function was to sell “first goal” tickets and the programme exhorted “listen for the Hello Dolly record and buy your first

goal tickets NOW!” There were 30 dollies and a long waiting list as well and they walked round Selhurst with claret and blue skirts and mini-skirts, cajoling us to support the crowd as well as undertaking charity collections. They suffered a lot of stick from the then-sexist crowd, although it’s not inconceivable that they contributed to an altogether more vibrant matchday experience that helped us make it to the top flight for the first time ever by the end of the season.

Crystal Palace v Norwich City –February 26th, 2006

3. kate -

Charlie Catlett was Palace’s groundsman between 1924 and 1966. Charlie’s assistant was a horse called Kate who devoted her working career to pulling the heavy pitch roller, day-in, day-out uncomplainingly. The trusty mare also helped out with lawn mowing by eating the grass! On one occasion, Kate bolted so quickly with Charlie on her back, producing what is reputed to have been the fastest sprint down the flanks ever seen at Selhurst. During the severest of winters, Charlie and Kate rounded up and supervised some German prisoners of war to clear the Selhurst turf of a snow avalanche and dye the pitch markings blue, enabling our match with Watford to take place on 15 February 1947. Charlie and his beloved horse were a familiar sight at Palace and he was the first non-playing employee to receive a testimonial. Kate, meanwhile, just disappeared from the scene, and our trusty horse was left to be just one of those Selhurst memories.

2. Peter Morley CBE -

Long serving Palace director, Peter Morley took over as Chairman of Palace during our period in administration. Morley’s respected financial integrity and dignified approach as an ambassador for our beloved club was refreshing and pivotal during a period in which our reputation and decorum

had been sullied. Morley also kept supporters updated of events going on from inside the club to save Palace by posing on the fans internet site. He has now been named Club President under the current Board of Directors. (Editor’s note: Peter Morely sadly passed away in September 2015).

1. Mr J.H. Cozens

The 1901 FA Cup Final staged at the Crystal Palace attracted 110,802 and it was clear there was real potential to be made from football. In 1904, one of the most significant decisions in our lives was taken when the Crystal Palace Company proposed to create a new football club. The Football Association were unimpressed with the prospect of the owners of the FA Cup Final ground possessing a club and refused permission. The idea was scrapped but only for a year. Undeterred, Mr J.H.

Cozens, General Manager of the Crystal Palace Company and his predecessor Henry Gillman consulted William McGregor, the Aston Villa Chairman and founder of the Football League, as to the requirements for setting up a football club. McGregor offered the services of Villa’s assistant secretary Edmund Goodman who became Palace’s secretary and then team manager. Villa also bequeathed the claret and blue colours to Palace. Nonetheless, the ultimate hero is Cozens who had the initiative and conviction over 100 years ago to propose to establish the new club. Whilst it started as a commercial enterprise to revive dwindling visitor numbers at the Crystal Palace (even back then football was very much a business!), it developed into a love affair for many thousands supporters across generations .

The above copy is printed verbatim.

20th April 1901: FA Cup Final held between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United.

palace for life

DOUCOURÉ AND AHAMADA JOIN IN RAMADAN CELEBRATIONS AT SELHURST PARK

selhurst Park hosted a second Iftar celebration earlier this April as south London came together to honour the holy month of Ramadan. Many Muslims around the world observed this sacred month from March 22 nd to April 21 st, which involves daily fasting from dawn until sunset.

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset and many choose to break it with their community during the fasting period.

The second Iftar Selhurst Park was a chance for friends and families to come together and break fast amongst some special guest speakers, including Dr Zaf Iqbal, who is the Head of Sports Medicine at Crystal Palace. Dr Zaf was a key figure in working with the Premier League to allow a window for Muslim players to eat and drink on the touchline during Ramadan.

It was announced in March that match officials will now be issued with guidance ahead of Ramadan, and are encouraged to find a natural pause in play during evening matches to allow

Muslim players to break fast before resuming the match.

Dr Zaf spoke about the impact of fasting on elitelevel footballers and how they manage their fast with training and playing schedules, and the types of food and drinks that will help keep players’ performance, hydration, sleep, training, and recovery at an optimum level.

Also joining the hosts – previous Palace for Life participants and now coaches Abdullah and Akram – on stage for a Q&A, was QPR

midfielder and Pakistan international Harun Hamid and Player Inclusion Executive Lead at the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) Riz Rehman, who spoke about their experiences in sport.

The event was made even more special with the presence of two Palace midfielders, Cheick Doucouré and Naouirou Ahamada, who are practicing Muslims themselves, joining in the breaking of the fast with the community alongside former England cricketer Sajid Mahmood.

“It was a privilege to have such a great turnout from the local community and be able to build on from last year’s event,” said Hazmi Bahrin, Community Development Coordinator at Palace for Life. “It was also a great chance to see diversity and inclusion between club and foundation by having Chieck, Naouirou and Dr Zaf come down, which definitely had a lasting impact on both the young people and parents who came.”

Events such as Iftar are part of our Get Involved programme, which is designed to create more inclusive spaces for groups under-represented in football, such as the local Asian community. For more information, head to palaceforlife.org .

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

It was a great chance to see diversity and inclusion between club and foundation by having Chieck, Naouirou and Dr Zaf come down, which definitely had a lasting impact on those who came

HAZMI BAHRIN, PALACE FOR LIFE

Everything is snapped in 2022, football included. Here, club photographer Seb Frej picks four of his favourite snaps…

I wanted to get a goal celebration from a different angle than our usual pitchside shots. From slightly higher up, you can see the passion and emotion on Wilf’s face as he puts Palace in front – and this was only pre-season!

As a photographer you are privileged to see behind the scenes with the team. This photo is taken as we touched down in Perth on pre-season tour, with Joa standing next to two quokkas, an animal found only in that part of the world. They look like a pretty effective wall too – good luck scoring a free-kick from there…

I like this picture because it shows the passion of the fans at Selhurst Park. As you can see from the scoreboard in this shot, Palace are four goals down to Tottenham Hotspur with only a few minutes remaining, and yet the Holmesdale is as loud as ever and the flags are still waiving. There aren’t many grounds in the Premier League that could do that.

The connection between the fans and the players is so strong at Palace, and this picture captures a moment that sums it up. Having just beaten Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve, Joel Ward hands his shirt to a young fan and gives him an appreciative pat on the head. I just know it will have made that supporter’s day.

from the

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.

Happy 21st birthday to Palace fan and footy-mad son David Kelly! Lots of love from Palace supporting Grandma, Granny, Grandad, Dad, Alex and Erin xxx

Happy 13th Birthday to George Ashton, who became a teenager on 30th March 2023! Lots of Love from Mum, Dad and all the family. Xx

Remembering Derek Matthews (b.1931), who passed away over Easter, aged 91. He followed Palace home and away for 8 decades, from pre-WW2 Div 3 South days right through to the Premier League. Pictured at his last match, with his sons and also lifelong fans, Paul & Mick, who carry on his legacy.

Ryan Sketchley would like to announce the birth of his son Leo Harry Sketchley, born on 26th February. He becomes a 4th generation Eagle, after his father Kevin and grandad Dennis, who was a season ticket holder in the lower Holmesdale for 50+ years.

In memory of Colin Jordison. A Lifelong Palace fan who has sadly passed away, aged 77. A much loved Husband, Dad, Grandad, Brother and Uncle who will be sadly missed.

from the terraces

David Murch was the personification of “larger than life”; a fan always, his eternal pride in CPFC is shared by wife Claire and sons Will and Tom. Sadly Missed!

Happy 30th birthday Olly with love from all your family.

James Staniforth, Hope your favourite player Michael Olise scores for you on your first Palace Premier league match today! Stay Jolly from Dad, Uncle Pete and Jolly Uncle Alcho.

Happy 12th Birthday Stanley. Hope you have a great day. Lots of love Nan, Grandad, Mum, Dad, Iris and all the family.

Welcome to George Barnett who is attending his first Palace match today with his Dad Stuart and his Uncle Graeme. Eagles!!

Wishing Peter Gooch a happy 80th birthday. A lifelong Crystal Palace supporter who used to come to watch the games with his Dad back in the 50s.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE, 22/04/2023, LOVE YOU, MANDY, KIM, DAN & KEL. 50 YEARS A FAN, PALACE THROUGH AND THROUGH xxxxxxx

Ryan & Rebecca, Congratulations on the birth of your baby son, love From Mum, Dad & Jonathan x

Liam Foley recently tragically lost his life, a beloved son, brother and boyfriend and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. We love you and you will always be in our hearts, Liam. Rest in Peace.

Love

Happy 90th birthday to Andy Donovan from his family. A lifelong Palace supporter who also worked at the club in the box office and as a steward.

Happy 12th Birthday Ryan Foley. Love Dad, Mum and Emily

Happy 7th Birthday to Finlay!

from Mam, Dad and Jude! CPFC!

Meet today’s mascots, prepare for a trip to the Black Country, look back on Zaha-Mateta double and pit your wits against Brighty below.

Georgie Bottle 1-0

AGE: 10 SCORE PREDICTION:

Bobby Gauntlett 3-1

AGE: 8 SCORE PREDICTION:

Dexter Berriman Mills 3-0

AGE: 11 SCORE PREDICTION:

Freddie Russell 2-1

AGE: 10 SCORE PREDICTION:

Poppy Beard 3-1

AGE: 9 SCORE PREDICTION:

Elijah-Hans Antwi 1-0

AGE: 6 SCORE PREDICTION:

Charlie Dyer 1-2

AGE: 7 SCORE PREDICTION:

Want to feature as a mascot? -

Email: liam.connery@cpfc.co.uk

next up: wolves

It’s a trip to the Midlands for Palace as they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, 25th April (19:30 BST).

Travel:

Wolverhampton Railway Station is less than a mile from Molineux, and fans can walk to the ground in around 15 minutes.

Pre-match:

The Bluebrick is usually the designated away fans pub outside Molineux, while there are plenty of bars in town that will welcome travelling supporters.

Best memory:

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Wilfried Zaha scored before half-time as Palace secured a comfortable victory against Bruno Lage’s side in March, 2022, as the Eagles rose into the top-half of the Premier League.

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.

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

team stats: women / U21s / U18s

Molly-Mae Sharpe Sharpe scored her fourth of the season as Palace Women took on Birmingham City in south London.

Jack WellsMorrison scored his third goal in as many games as the Under-21s came from two down to draw with West Ham United.

Franco Umeh Umeh scored a brace against Norwich City in a six-goal thriller as he continued his excellent start.

AUGUST

Sun 21 London City Lionesses

Sat 27 Coventry United

SEPTEMBER

Sun 18 Southampton

Sun 25 Blackburn Rovers

OCTOBER Sun 2 Bristol City

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 W 2-1

MArch

Fri 31 Liverpool W 1-0

APRIL

Sun 23 Lewes

Sun 30 Charlton Athletic

FEBRUARY

Sat 18 Brighton & Hove Albion D 2-2

Sat 25 Arsenal W 1-3

MARCH

Sat 4 Tottenham Hotspur L 2-4

Sat 11 Arsenal W 4-3

Sat 18 Leicester City W 5-1

APRIL

Sat 1 Southampton W 7-1

Sat 15 Norwich City D 3-3

Sat 22 Chelsea

Sat 29 West Bromwich Albion

women

u18s u21s

posCLUB PWDLFA GDPts

1 bri2014 33 3510+2545

2 lon2012 35 3718+1939

3 bir1912 25 3421+1338

4 cha2011 45 3322+1137

5 sou20 866 1814+430

6 cry2010 0 102332-930

7 LEW19 757 1822-426

8 DUR19 748 2725+225

9 SHE20 63 112723+421

10 SUN20 53 122433-918

11 BLA19 388 1626-1017

12 cov20 21 171662-46

posCLUB PWDLFA GDPts

1 mci2315 53 7028+4250 2 che2412 75 5235+1743

3 cry2311 93 4533+1242

4

76 4632+1437

posCLUB PWDLFA GDPts

1 whu2017 03 6929+4051

2 cry2011 45 5839+1937

3 ful1811 34 5828+3036

4 tot2011 27 4639+735

5 che1910 36 4735+1233

6 bha20 758 2842-1426

7 LEI19 72 102840-1223

8 SOU19 63 103649-1321

9 ARS20 55 104045-520

10 AVL 19 53 113557-2218

11 WBA18 44 102133-1216

12 nor20 34 132656-3013

22/23 FIXTURES & RESULTS

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

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE 22/23

leicester wolves

Saturday, April 22nd - 15:00

12:30

brentford aston villa Saturday, April 22nd - 15:00

liverpool nottingham forest Saturday, April 22nd - 15:00

bournemouth west

Sunday, April 23rd - 14:00

newcastle spurs

Saturday, April 22nd - 15:00

Sunday, April 23rd - 14:00

Joel WARD

Tyrick MITCHELL

Luka MILIVOJEVIC

James TOMKINS

Marc

Michael

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

J. Brooks

M. Wilkes

N. Aspinall

T. Bramall

A. Madley

H. Lennard

James TARKOWSKI

Asmir BEGOVIC (GK)

Abdoulaye DOUCOURÉ

Alex IWOBI

Vitaliy MYKOLENKO

Neal MAUPAY

Ben GODFREY

Seamus COLEMAN

Tom DAVIES

Idrissa GUEYE

Andy LONERGAN (GK)

James GARNER

Ellis SIMMS