Palace v Forest matchday programme 2526

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Crystal Palace √ nottingham forest sun 24 aug 2025 | 2:00pm k.o.

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

Editor Jack Lacey-Hatton Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

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25 10 chairman 34 Talking tactics 43 Kevin Phillips

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48 academy 52 palace women 54 palace for life

Contributors Robin Johnson,

62 ian king

Ed Dowling, Kevin Phillips, Ian King, Tommy Macarthur,

64 campaign capsule

Patrick Rosanio, Sebastian Frej Photography Neil Everitt, Peter Hurn, Sebastian Frej, Pinnacle Photo Agency, Kontent Haus, Getty Printer Bishops Printers

67 Behind the Lens

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72 Eagle Arcade 74 from the terraces

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briefing

weekly briefing

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Fredrikstad Stadion

A busy start to the season at Crystal Palace continues over the next seven days. After the visit of Nottingham Forest this afternoon, we then return to Conference League action on Thursday night, for the return leg against Fredrikstad.

Kick-off at Fredrikstad Stadion is 17:00 BST on Thursday afternoon (28th August), 18:00 local time.

We have been allocated 1718 tickets, and they are now on sale to qualifying supporters, following a phased selling order based on loyalty points.

For those travelling over, Fredrikstad lies south-east of Norway’s capital Oslo, situated in the Ostfold County. Founded in 1567, it is known as one of the

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best-preserved fortified towns in Northern Europe.

The nearest airport to Fredrikstad is Oslo Sandefjord (TRF) Airport, just over 24 miles away from the town. For those flying into Oslo’s main airport, trains run regularly from Oslo to Fredrikstad via Oslo Central Station, with journey time normally just short of two hours.

It’s a swift return to action following our European away day, heading to Villa Park next Sunday night for a 19:00 BST kick-off, against Aston Villa.

For those unable to travel to Villa Park, remember the match is live on UK television courtesy of Sky Sports Premier League.

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UEFA Conference League Phase Draw

Transfer Deadline Day

Start of September International break

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On this day 24th August 2019

Patrick van Aanholt nets a 93rd minute winner as Palace secure a memorable away day victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Jordan Ayew also scoring in a 2-1 win.

Manager

oliver glasner Welcome back to Selhurst Park, and welcome to Nuno Espírito Santo and his Nottingham Forest players and staff for this afternoon’s game.

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hese notes will go to print before our UEFA Conference League fixture against Fredrikstad, but regardless of the final score, I hope you all enjoyed our first major European fixture on home turf – and returning to Selhurst Park.

Obviously playing back-to-back games within the space of few days is a nice ‘problem’ to have. It is the sign of the club making progress and – if we can qualify for the league phase – something we will get used to between now and Christmas. I have already seen some other signs of pleasing progress this season.

Even when we are down, as we were at half-time in the Community Shield, we never stopped believing.

And I think if you had asked any of our supporters with us at Wembley that day, ‘can we still win?’ you would have all said yes. It’s hard to measure togetherness and support.

But you know when you feel trust, and I appreciate the trust you give to the team to always give their best.

It means there is a belief running throughout the club, which gives us real strength every time we step on the pitch.

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It’s hard to measure togetherness and support. But you know when you feel trust and I appreciate the trust you give to the team to always give their best.

It means there is a belief running throughout the club

Manager

The two matches last season were very close, and we’re expecting the same again this afternoon. They’ve made some changes to their squad this summer, but we can’t influence the approach of the opposition

It’s great to be back into the regular routine of playing competitive fixtures. I had the chance to rest over the summer which is important. The nature of football means it is always hard to completely switch off, whether it’s planning pre-season or Zoom calls with the staff. But I did also spend some quality time with friends and family, hopefully it was the same for you. There’s always a long build-up to the start of the season, but we’ve found the rhythm of matches quickly again, which hopefully will continue to show on the pitch.

There’s always a long build-up to the start of the season, but we’ve found the rhythm of matches quickly again, which hopefully will continue to show on the pitch

Before our first home Premier League game, I would like to say how much I hope each and every one of you enjoys this season. Once again, we will give our best in every competition and see where it takes us. The first time we have ever played European football makes it a special campaign. Our goal is to progress in

the play-off this week and reach the league phase. Then hopefully we can enjoy European nights at Selhurst and travelling across the continent. I know this will be a lifelong dream for so many of you and I’ve reminded the players of that in the build-up.

Today we welcome Nottingham Forest to South London. The two matches last season were very close, and we’re expecting the same again this afternoon. They’ve made some changes to their squad this summer, but we can’t influence the approach of the opposition. Whoever comes to Selhurst Park this season, I know we will be competitive, and it depends on us to demonstrate this consistently every time.

I know you will give us your fantastic support throughout the season and look forward to seeing you all again today. Let’s make it another year to remember

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Captain

marc Guéhi For the second time in four days, welcome back to Selhurst Park, for our first home Premier League game of the season.

T

hese notes are actually being written ahead of our game against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park on Thursday, but I’m looking forward to both games. Once again, it is an honour to captain this club in the best and most challenging league in the world. Leading the team out at Selhurst is always a proud moment for me and I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere when we step out this afternoon.

It’s always special when the Premier League returns and we’re enjoying getting back to doing what we love week in, week out. We’ve had a great summer, a tough but important pre-season training camp in Austria, which was really helpful in terms of getting everyone back up to speed.

Then of course we had the joy of the Community Shield win and another special day at Wembley with you, the supporters. Once again, you made that end of the stadium feel like a home game. Lifting another trophy in front of you all was a really special moment.

Now we turn our focus back towards the league campaign, where we want to build upon, and do better than, last season. Obviously, the FA Cup was the highlight, but there was a lot to

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it is an honour to captain this club in the best and most challenging league in the world.

Leading the team out at Selhurst is always a proud moment for me and I can’t wait to hear the atmosphere

Captain

nothing would mean more to me and the boys than to get our first league win of the season here at Selhurst Park this afternoon – and with you behind us, I’m confident we can get the job done

be proud about with our efforts in the Premier League as well. We achieved a record points total and only lost four games between the New Year and the end of the season. Even when we reached the latter stages of the cup, we didn’t lose focus in the league and maintained our high standards. That’s a good marker for us going into this

We achieved a record points total and only lost four games between the New Year and the end of the season.

Even when we reached the latter stages of the cup, we didn’t lose focus in the league and maintained our high standards year, showing that we can compete on multiple fronts. We know this will require everyone in the squad to play their part, but I’m confident we will be up for the challenge. Even though last season was great, we won’t be resting on our laurels. The lads are determined to make this another memorable season and to keep pushing ourselves further.

Today’s visitors Nottingham Forest are a top team who were in the fight for the Champions League places right up until the end of the

season. Like ourselves, few would have backed them to qualify for Europe at the start of the season, but they proved a lot of people wrong.

However, we also know that we can make it difficult for any team that comes to South London this year and hopefully that is the case today.

Finally, thank you for your fantastic support so far this season. The backing we had both at Wembley and then away at Chelsea last weekend was magnificent and I know you’ll be with us every step of the way today.

Of course, nothing would mean more to me and the boys than to get our first league win of the season here at Selhurst Park this afternoon – and with you behind us, I’m confident we can get the job done

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chairman

steve parish Welcome back to Selhurst Park for our first home match of the Premier League season – and welcome to the supporters, players, staff and directors of Nottingham Forest this afternoon.

i

’m writing these notes prior to our Conference League play-off first leg fixture with Fredrikstad on Thursday night. Regardless of the result, it will have been a landmark night for the club, and I hope you were all able to enjoy the occasion.

We now have our first major European away fixture to look forward to in the coming days, which is equally exciting. I know those of you travelling over to Norway will show exactly what Palace is all about, and do the Football Club proud.

I’d like to take this opportunity to formally welcome both Walter Benítez and Borna Sosa to Crystal Palace, after joining us in the summer.

Both have experience of representing their countries at the highest level, and I’m sure they will prove to be assets for Oliver’s squad over the forthcoming season and beyond.

Elsewhere in the transfer window, we are constantly looking at ways we can improve the squad and, of course, there may be opportunities to do so before the end of the month.

Well done to our Under-18s, who enjoyed an excellent start to their league season with an 8-0 win over

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we are constantly looking at ways we can improve the squad and, of course, there may be opportunities to do so before the end of the month

Chairman

Birmingham City last week. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Javier Alonso, who joined the Academy over the summer as our new Under-18s Head Coach. Our Under-21s also returned to action on Friday night against Tottenham. As ever, I look forward to watching their progress as the season develops. As a reminder, you can watch more Academy fixtures than ever before on Palace TV+ this season – head to the website for more information.

A warm welcome, as well, to Jo Potter who joined us as our new Women’s first-team Manager over the summer. She has an excellent record during her time in management so far with Glasgow Rangers, building on her vast experience as a player at the highest level. We firmly believe she is the right person to take the team forward and, with new signings already on board, her arrival marks an exciting new adventure for our Women’s team. I’m looking forward to our first WSL2 fixture away at Charlton next month, and do hope you will come along to support them at Sutton throughout the season.

As I wrote ahead of the Fredrikstad game, you might notice a number of changes around Selhurst Park following the off-season, and in the coming months. It’s worth noting that the club have invested in, and begun installing, a new state-ofthe-art PA system. This will require a phased approach, so thank you in advance for your patience whilst this work is underway.

Today our attention turns back to the Premier League and the first domestic visitors to Selhurst Park,

Nottingham Forest. Every game in this league is a real challenge and today will be no different. The team made history last year with our record Premier League points total and – in our 13th consecutive season in this division – we’ll be striving to better that this time. Forest also enjoyed an excellent season in 2024/25, and we will have to be at our very best to get

The team made history last year with our record Premier League points total and – in our 13th consecutive season in this division – we’ll be striving to better that this time

a result. That includes not only those on the pitch, but all of our supporters who make Selhurst Park one of the very best atmospheres in the country.

I know you will remind everyone today just what a special place this is to play football.

As ever, get right behind Oliver and the team from the first whistle this afternoon – and let’s create more incredible memories together this season.

Up the Palace.

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I know you will remind everyone today just what a special place this is to play football.

As ever, get right behind Oliver and the team from the first whistle this afternoon – and let’s create more incredible memories together this season

CHRIS Leadership can take on many forms. Hard work is a given – but at times, it also demands varying degrees of humility; of harshness; and of humour. At 25 years of age, Chris Richards is a growing influence on both club and – having worn the United States’ armband recently – country. And with a home World Cup tournament on the horizon next summer, the defender hopes his ‘whirlwind’ of a last three months will pave the way for him to fulfil even more of his dreams in the near future…

Interview: Robin Johnson Additional quotes: GOAL & BBC Radio London

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Chris Richards

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n the immediate aftermath of the FA Cup final at Wembley, it was impossible to know where to look – if indeed you could, and didn’t have tears in your eyes.

Confetti cannons popping off, the West side of Wembley bouncing, ‘Winnners’ graphics everywhere, players dancing in disbelief, and the world’s most famous piece of domestic silverware being passed around somewhere in the middle of it all. It all amounted to some of the most exuberant, genuine celebrations you’re likely to see from a group of elite footballers.

This Palace team hadn’t just won the FA Cup by seeing off Manchester City – they had a won a place in South London folklore which will remain far longer in this corner of the world than any physical trophy. And the best thing about these players writing that history? The fact that what it meant was not lost on a single one of them.

At 25 years of age, Chris Richards has won a Bundesliga and multiple Supercups with Bayern Munich in the past, as well as scored in a Nations League final for his country. He has enjoyed many a high in the game already – but that day at Wembley “was one of the best days in my life so far – in fact, it has to be my number one career achievement.

“It wasn’t just because we won a trophy, but because we did it for Palace – the first title in the club’s history! It took some time to sink in, but eventually it did with all the videos I saw on social media, and the messages and videos afterwards…

“I have a good friend who works at the store that I love. He said he’d love to take his grandfather, who has

It wasn’t just because we won a trophy, but because we did it for Palace – the first title in the club’s history! It took some time to sink in, but eventually it did with all the videos I saw on social media, and the messages and videos afterwards

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been a Palace fan since he was a Season Ticket holder in the ‘60s. He asked me for tickets to the semi-final game because his granddad hadn’t been in 40 years. I surprised him with two tickets to the final and said, ‘Please bring your grandad – because we’re going to win this today.’

“Afterwards, he sent me a message, saying how happy he was that he was in the stands for the game – but also saying just how much it meant not just to him, but to his whole family, because generations of his family had never seen the club win a title.

“It meant a lot to me, but I think all of us, as a collective, understood how much it meant to South London. I think that’s what made the whole day so much better.

Chris richards

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I think it just showed Americans how big and epic the FA Cup is!

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Chris richards “Maybe if you’re at City or Liverpool, and this stuff goes under the radar. Not at Palace. When you do something for the first time… and in the way we did it? It was perfect.”

As for the reception back home?

“I think it just showed Americans how big and epic the FA Cup is!” he laughs. “With me and Matt [Turner] being the third and fourth Americans to win it, it wrote our names in the history books for the USA, too.

“My Mom and Dad were at Wembley that day, and the FA Cup was something that was on TV a lot for us growing up – but it was the first time they truly got to embrace the competition. They got to experience Wembley with almost 100,000 people in there. They said afterwards it was their favourite game of mine they’ve ever been to.”

After a well-earned celebration – or several – Richards could have been forgiven for looking forward to unwinding over the summer, having taken part in the Nations League finals two years ago, and then represented the Stars and Stripes at the Copa América last year.

But it was never on for Richards.

“It’s been kind of like a whirlwind, the last three months,” he laughs.

With the time off he did have, the defender spent a week in Mykonos, Greece; spent some quality time with family and friends; and even dabbled in punditry at the Club World Cup – “a little side quest,” he quips, before admitting “it was very hard – and very hot outside!”

For the future of his sport back home, it is a seminal moment. In the last three years alone, the US has hosted two Gold Cup finals, the Copa América and the inaugural Club World

My Mom and Dad were at Wembley that day, and the FA Cup was something that was on TV a lot for us growing up – but it was the first time they truly got to embrace the competition. They got to experience Wembley with almost 100,000 people in there. They said afterwards it was their favourite game of mine they’ve ever been to

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Cup, with next summer’s FIFA World Cup finals still to come.

“I knew going into the Gold Cup that it was going to be five or six weeks long, and I was going to have a lot less time for holiday this year,” Richards admits. “But it was all preparation for next year.

“It was a long summer in that respect. We started training on 1st June, and ended on the 7th July. But I always appreciate every time I get to wear the crest, and I get to hear the national anthem on the field. it means so much to me.

“Over the last few years, American social media around the game has been booming. When you see football jerseys everywhere around the US, it just brings more attention to the game. A lot of people are geared up for the World Cup – and I think everything that’s happened has just been increasing the love for the sport back home.”

chris richards The defender visited nine cities during his Gold Cup campaign, starting all six of his country’s matches. He scored twice: the winner against Saudi Arabia in the group stages, and the opening goal in the final, an eventual 2-1 loss to Mexico in Houston.

After a breakthrough season with Palace – Richards having played every minute in our FA Cup run, and cemented his place in a solid back three alongside Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix – the defender has exerted a similar level of influence over his national side of late.

“I think this summer was the first time I’d really taken on a leadership role with the US,” he reflected. “You know, I think when you first come to a new club, or when you first step into the national team, you kind of have this… I wouldn’t say ‘humbleness’ about you, but a need to try and learn your environment first.

“I’ve been here at Palace for a few years now, and also with the national team for a few years. I’m 25 now. I’m not a kid anymore – so it’s time for me to step up.

“It’s something I feel I did this summer with the national team, and I want to bring it even more with Palace. With the season that I had, it gave me confidence going into the summer. And then with the summer I’ve just had, it gives me confidence going into this season.

“We probably started off last season a bit slow because we came into it with a bit too much confidence after how we finished the previous year. We know that we had success in the end – but we also know that if we had done just one percent better

We probably started off last season a bit slow because we came into it with a bit too much confidence after how we finished the previous year.

We know that we had success in the end – but we also know that if we had done just one percent better at the beginning of the season, we could have finished in a different spot in the table

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at the beginning of the season, we could have finished in a different spot in the table.

“This season has come around very quickly, so it’s important we have both a little humbleness about us, but also confidence based on the end of last season too. We need to strike the right balance.”

It has indeed been a fine run.

Richards has started nine of Palace’s last 10 domestic matches in all competitions, and Palace are unbeaten in that time, boasting four clean sheets and Wembley wins over Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool.

How the club’s first major European match on Thursday night unfolded is unknown at the time of writing. But Richards, who has previously played in the Champions

I’m not a kid anymore – so it’s time for me to step up 19

I know we’re going to go in full force to try to win it

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chris richards League and Europa League for Bayern, is as excited as every Palace supporter by the prospect.

“Everybody’s just looking forward to it, you know. I don’t even know if I remember what European football feels like – I was 19 or 20, so it’s been a few years!

“But I remember hearing the anthem and having goosebumps, because it’s something you dream about as a kid – so regardless of what competition we’re in, I know we’re going to go in full force to try to win it.”

As for his domestic hopes for Palace? “We want to finish higher up the table, and maybe qualify for Europe through the league – but also, hopefully, we’d love to win another trophy.

“This season is also just about lifting the standards for the club going forward. I think, for every future team that comes into Palace, there’s now this kind of bar that we’ve set – and we just want to keep raising that.

“As a team, we all love each other, so it makes us want to work even harder for each other on the field. The coaching staff, when they first came in, told us they wanted us to make history with Palace. We all had that same desire, but at first, we struggled to find the avenue to explore it.

“But the gaffer kept telling us: ‘You’re going to win titles’ – and that’s exactly what we did.”

At the end of the campaign, Richards will surely hope for a third straight busy summer with the United States, when the World Cup finals come calling.

The coaching staff, when they first came in, told us they wanted us to make history with Palace.

We all had that same desire, but at first, we struggled to find the avenue to explore it.

But the gaffer kept telling us: ‘You’re going to win titles’ – and that’s exactly what we did

At the heart of that hope, a more personal motivation: “I think the biggest challenge of my career was when I missed out on the World Cup in 2022.

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play in it – but in ’22, I got injured right before it. I think that was probably the lowest point of my career. I was that close to playing in the ‘dream tournament’, the biggest games ever, but I missed out on it.

“It took some time to get out of that slump – but I’m here now. Two years later, I won the FA Cup! “There’s always another day – I think that’s the biggest thing. Today might be a tough day, but tomorrow, you have 24 hours to change that narrative.”

Spoken like a true leader

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captain

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Staff selection

staff selection

with chris richards

Everybody knows a footballer’s best position on the pitch – but what if they took on an alternative role? Chris Richards picks his ideal Palace backroom team – from his teammates…

manager

Analyst

Referee

Marc – he’s got great tactical understanding.

Adam Wharton – if you’re analysing a game, he’s the guy.

Hughesy. He’s always in tune with referees!

Fitness coach

Nutritionist

Social Media Manager

Dani Muñoz. I think that one’s self-explanatory!

I’d say myself, honestly – I feel like I can cook a little ‘something something’!

Eddie Nketiah – his socials always look great.

designer

Club Secretary

Commentator

Besides myself, I’d probably say Maxence – he’s got a little drip to him!

Deano – he’s got a bit of wit to him, but as a goalie, you also have to be a bit commanding.

JP, probably – maybe in the French league or something like that!

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NOTTINGHAM FOREST

NOTTINGHAM

FOREST

PATCHY PRE-SEASON Seven pre-season matches have brought no wins for Forest and just one solitary goal. That came in a 3-1 defeat to fellow Premier League side Fulham.

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7th

Points

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Top Scorer Chris Wood

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Most Assists Anthony Elanga

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away

In the off-season, the East Midlanders saw Anthony Elanga depart for Newcastle United, for a reported club record sale. Yet they moved swiftly to replace him with the arrival of Bologna’s Dan Ndoye.

Botafogo pair Igor Jesus – a centre forward – and Jair Cunha – a centre-back – have also signed, in a bid to boost the squad depth for the demands of continental football.

Chris Wood will be hoping to maintain his excellent form from 2024/25 and could once again be key. The New Zealand legend scored 20 league goals in 36 games, his best ever return in England’s top-flight.

A powerful defence of Serbia’s Nikola Milenkovíc and Murillo will once again be an asset at both defensive and attacking set-pieces.

Goalkeeper Matz Sels proved himself to be one of the best in the division, while Elliot Anderson added both energy and skill to the engine room. The young Geordie is also fresh from helping England to a

European title at Under-21 level, and will be hoping to take his game to new heights this term.

Yet perhaps the best bit of summer business was maintaining the services of star player, and often stand-in captain, Morgan Gibbs-White.

The near ever-present midfielder has proven an inspirational figure for Forest ever since their return to the Premier League in 2022.

The subject of transfer interest over the summer, Gibbs-White subsequently agreed to a new contract, a statement move from both player and club.

Gibbs-White has also now featured for England at senior level and is another who will be looking to take his game to new heights this season.

Position

home

SUMMERTIME SIGNINGS -

Last Season

retro

It has been a summer of intrigue on the banks of the river Trent.

Forest finished seventh in 2024/25 to earn a return to European football for the first time since the mid-90s. With only five games to play Forest were third in the table – but a late dip in form meant they had to relinquish their Champions League ambitions.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

3-1 nottingham forest √ brentford Sunday 17th August / City Ground

“It was a good start to the game and a good start to the season. I’m really pleased, I think we played really well.

The boys were on fire in the way they started the game. We got the first goal to settle everything down then we had the energy from the fans and everything started to flow. It’s almost impossible to ask for a better start.”

Nuno Espírito Santo

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Substitutes 18

A. GUnn

4

Morato

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T. AWONIYI

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I. JESUS

WOOD

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NDOYE

GIBBS-WHITE

HUDSON-ODOI

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SANGARé

ANDERSON

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williams

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MURILLO

aina

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W. BOLY

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Z. ABBOTT

goal cards

26 SELS subs

match recap Nottingham Forest made a fast start to new Premier League season with a dominant 3-1 victory over Brentford at the City Ground. A first-half brace from Chris Wood and Dan Ndoye’s debut goal saw Forest race into a three-goal lead before the interval. It was stark contrast to a pre-season that had seen Nuno Espírito Santo’s team struggle for goals. Against the Bees they showed ruthless finishing with Wood’s second, a sign of a forward still very much at the top of his game. Brentford did manage to pull a goal back late on through Igor Thiago from the penalty spot. But even losing a clean sheet couldn’t dampen Forest’s delight following a near-perfect opening day display.

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NOTTINGHAM FOREST

a SEASON TO REMEMBER A look back at one of our opponents’ most iconic campaigns of all time. This week we look at when a provincial club became the kings of Europe, thanks to a legendary managerial partnership.

1978/79 Nottingham Forest These days it would be beyond fanciful to expect your team to win the trophy in their maiden European campaign – although hopefully Palace can do exactly that this season!

But that is precisely what Nottingham Forest did back during an extraordinary period in the late 1970s under the legendary manager Brian Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor.

The pair had already achieved miracles on the banks of the Trent the year before, when newly promoted Forest smashed through the glass

ceiling to win the First Division title, the first time they had ever been crowned Champions of England.

They also lifted the League Cup. But there was still more to come. What followed would prove even more remarkable. Forest went into the new season already unbeaten in the league since the previous November – a run of 26 games.

After they won 2-1 at Aston Villa in September, Forest broke the previous record for an unbeaten sequence in Football League history.

When they were finally beaten in the league for the first time that season, in December at Liverpool,

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Forest set the record at 42 consecutive league games. That would stay in the history books until Arsenal’s Invincibles bettered it in 2004.

Forest would eventually finish second to Liverpool in the title race, despite only losing three games all season, but their moment of glory would arrive in Europe.

Forest saw off reigning European champions Liverpool in the first round, with Clough’s side producing a defensive masterclass in the second leg at Anfield.

Further wins over AEK Athens, and Grasshoppers over two legs, ensured a semi-final meeting with German side FC Köln.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

A see-saw encounter at the City Ground saw Forest go two goals down, recover to lead 3-2 amid pandemonium in the stands, before conceding a late goal to draw.

With the away goals rule in play, many considered the Germans heavy favourites to go through, with a typically defiant Clough memorably telling a television audience, “I hope anybody isn’t stupid enough to write us off.”

Forest produced a remarkably mature performance in the second leg, with Ian Bowyer’s header enough to win the tie and book a place in the European Cup final.

Against the equally unfancied Malmo in the final Clough would have, what should perhaps be regarded as, his defining moment as a manager.

Having made forward Trevor Francis the first £1million player in the history of the game, earlier that season, this was the first time the England star would be eligible for a European tie.

Clough boldly decided to start Francis ahead of regular rightmidfielder Martin O’Neill who was nursing an injury.

In first-half injury time, Francis promptly nodded a perfect cross

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from John Robertson into the roof of the net.

It would prove the only goal of a cagey final. Just three years on from finishing eighth in the old Second Division, Forest had won the biggest prize in club football and become European Champions.

Even more remarkably – they would go on to retain the title a year later with a 1-0 win over Hamburg.

It completed a remarkable four-year spell of promotion, league title and back-to-back European Cups, a feat that feels unlikely to be repeated in the modern game.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

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gk angus

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33 2024

from

Despite initial scepticism following an indifferent spell at Newcastle United earlier in his career, Sels has proven an outstanding signing for Forest Along with Arsenal’s David Raya, Sels shared the Premier League Golden Glove last season – keeping 13 clean sheets across the campaign. In doing so, the Belgian stopper became the first goalkeeper from outside of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man United to win the award. If Forest are to have another push for Europe this season, Sels’ performances will be a vital factor.

from

03

williams age

joined

24 2022

def

from

05

murillo age

joined

23 2023 30

from

gk aaron

bott age

63 joined

24 2023

def

from

04

morato age

joined

24 2024

from

17

def eric da silva

moreira age

joined

19 2024

from

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

def jair

20

cunha age

joined

23 2025

from

def willy

boly age

30 joined

34 2022

from

mid

31

def nikola

milenkoviĆ age

joined

27 2024

def david

from

36

carmo age

joined

26 2024

from

def ola

aina age

34 joined

28 2023

def zach

from

44

abbott age

19

from

ACADEMY 31

elliot

08

anderson age

joined

22 2024

from

Fresh from winning the Under-21 European Championships with England in the summer, Anderson will be looking to take his career to new heights with Forest in 2025/26.

Signed from Newcastle United 12 months ago, the ‘Geordie Maradona’ has made himself a vital cog in Nuno Espírito Santo’s machine.

Capable of breaking up play and covering plenty of ground, Anderson is also a skilled operator under pressure with the ball at his feet. His battle with the Palace engine room today could be a decisive factor on the result.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

mid ibrahim

06

sangaré age

joined

27 2023

from

16

mid nicolás

domínguez age

joined

27 2023

fwd callum

from

07

hudson-odoi age

joined

24 2023

from

10

mid morgan

gibbs-white age

joined

25 2022

mid james

from

24

m©atee age

joined

22 2025

fwd taiwo

from

09

awoniyi age

joined

28 2022 32

from

mid ryan

yates age

22 from

27 academy A Forest academy graduate who – bar a handful of loan spells – has spent his entire career to date at the City Ground.

Yates is an energetic operator capable of playing anywhere across the midfield.

He has played the vast majority of Forest’s league games across the last two seasons.

A crucial part of the promotion side in 2021/22, Yates was also named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year that season.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

11

fwd chris

wood age

joined

33 2023

FWD IGOR

JESUS age

from

19

joined

24 2025

from

21

FWD OMARI

HUTCHINSON age

joined

21 2025

from

15

FWD ARNAUD

KALIMUENDO age

joined

23 2025

FWD JOTA

SILVA age

20

EMMANUEL

joined

from

25

DENNIS age

fwd dan

ndoye age

26 2024

FWD

from

joined

27 2022 33

from

joined

14

24 2022

from

The marquee signing at the City Ground this summer, Ndoye will be tasked with filling the void left by Anthony Elanga, who has joined Newcastle.

A key man at former club Bologna where he scored nine times in 41 appearances for the Serie A side last season, he is quick, skilful, with an ability to turn the game in an instant.

Ndoye scored the winner in the Coppa Italia final last year and has earned 22 caps for Switzerland to date, scoring three times.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

TALKING TACTICS

@CPFC_Tampa

Sports scientist-turned-hobbyist analyst Pat Rosanio – better known by fans as @CPFC_Tampa – has been breaking down Crystal Palace games on social media for a number of years, having previously worked in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays. In a new feature for 2025/26, Pat will present a scouting report on the opposition – starting with today’s visitors Nottingham Forest.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s Nottingham Forest will look to build on their performance in the 2024/25 Premier League season when they arrive at Selhurst Park. The Reds are bolstered by a number of summer signings and the possibility of more tactical flexibility ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson, and Arnaud Kalimuendo were all completed. While these signings may not necessarily improve their best XI, they provide Forest with valuable depth in attacking areas.

FORMATION & TACTICS Nottingham Forest experimented with multiple systems in pre-season, including a 4-4-2 Wide Diamond shape which ensured Nuno had five out-and-out attacking players on the pitch together.

While the Reds may utilise Igor Jesus alongside Chris Wood, it could prove risky against hardened Premier League opponents, but still a possible ploy for European games.

I’d expect to see a 4-2-3-1 formation today. This gives Forest an additional midfielder to prevent opposition transitions, and the Reds have excellent midfield balance between attacking (Gibbs-White), defensive (Sangaré), and box-to-box (Anderson).

Look for Forest to be organised in a low block defending – shown by the lowest average defensive line in the league last season & average

squad changes Forest have signed Bologna winger Dan Ndoye to alleviate the loss of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United. Elanga was key in Forest’s attack last term, ranking third in the league with 11 assists (26% of Forest’s total), while contributing to nearly one-fifth of his club’s expected assisted goals (xAG).

Ndoye served more as a finisher in Italy – providing less than 10% of club assists but scoring at a high rate in both expected (NPxG) & actual (NPG) metrics.

Nottingham Forest also added striker Igor Jesus and 6’6” central defender Jair Cunha – both from Botafogo. The attack was upgraded over the last week with deals for

34

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

7

PREDICTED LINE-UP

3

hudson-odoi

williams

31 1 sels

milenkovíc

5 murillo

34 aina

PPDA ranked 19th (i.e. second lowest pressing intensity).

Forest’s height and physicality are a key weapon to winning oneon-one battles, before countering at pace – evidenced by the fifth most counterattacking goals last season.

That height also proves valuable via set pieces, scoring the most in the entire Premier League across the 2024/25 season, while allowing the sixth fewest conceded.

8 anderson

10

11

gibbs-white

wood

6 sangarÉ

14 ndoye

ONE TO WATCH: CHRIS WOOD The Reds' fate could once again lie with New Zealand forward Chris Wood. With Wood in-form, Forest posed a constant threat and were clinical in front of goal last term.

However, it is no coincidence that

Forest’s poor end to the season coincided with Wood showing sharp drop-offs in Non-Penalty Goals per 90, Goals per shot, Shots on Target %, and Goals Scored over expected categories.

However, Wood’s two welltaken goals against Brentford in last weekend’s opening round would suggest a player still very much at the peak of his powers.

VERDICT -

WHAT'S THE WEAKNESS -

This match could very well be played by two sides less interested in dominating possession than some of their opponents in the Premier League this season.

Whoever can maintain discipline without the ball, win individual battles, and strike with clinicality will most likely leave Selhurst Park with three points.

In what should be a tight race, early results may prove to be the difference between a mid-table finish and a European qualification spot.

Nottingham Forest showed vulnerability in transitions – last term they sat 19th in league for counter-attacking goals conceded.

When opponents played more passively and ceded Forest possession, weakness was exploited. In Forest’s poor eightmatch form ending the season, opponents decreased defensive intensity by 44%, which led to increased transitional goals.

35

36

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

forest flashback

HOME KIT - our verdict: While the current Forest shirt features a return of pinstripes, shaded stripes feature on this design from 1995. Umbro generally knew what they were doing with designs from this era – but in our view the sponsor doesn’t quite fit right. Also, the black stripes around the shoulders, looks out of place.

away kit - our verdict: It’s hard to find the words to articulate what is going on here. Forest have had some great away shirts down the years – but this wasn’t one. To give it some credit, it is at least memorable. Surprisingly, the Reds used this for two seasons in a row – but it should probably stay left in the nineties.

37

1995/96

STREETS WON’T FORGET: Pierre Van Hooijdonk In a summer where players going on strike has been a hot topic, many will remember the bizarre summer of 1998 when Van Hooijdonk refused to train for Forest. His goals the previous season had helped the Reds return to the Premier League, before he demanded a move away from the City Ground.

As expected, he was shunned by teammates, his manager and the fans. Bizarrely, Van Hooijdonk returned – and scored goals – only for his fellow players to shun him for the celebrations.

Fans of a certain age will still remember his ability to hit the net, as much as the off-field drama.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

BOTH SIDES of THE FENCE ian wright Plenty of Palace heroes have also pulled on the red shirt of Nottingham Forest in the past, from Dougie Freedman to Jonny Williams.

But we’ve plumped for Ian Wright as our player in focus.

Wrighty built his reputation as one of the most consistent goalscorers in the country, firstly at Palace – then later at Arsenal.

His spell at Nottingham Forest is less memorable, but certainly a statistical success. After leaving Arsenal following the Gunners’ double triumph in 1997/98, the England forward joined West Ham United.

Following a reasonably successful first season with the Hammers, Wright joined Forest onloan for a short (two-month) loan deal at the start of the 1999/00 season.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, Wright’s impact was instant, scoring a brilliant goal on his debut.

Forest, in the old First Division, but chasing a return to the top-flight, faced QPR in their fourth league fixture of the season.

Half-an-hour in, Forest’s new signing turned back the years with a vintage Ian Wright finish – sprinting behind the Rs defence and chipping goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko.

1985

1989

1990 1991 1991 His debut could have been even better, with Forest awarded a penalty just before the break.

Wright stepped up, sent Miklosko the wrong way, but unfortunately smashed his effort against the post.

QPR would later equalise and earn a point. But the loan spell would still prove a success.

Four more goals followed across nine appearances before Wright’s time on the Trent came to an end.

During his final season as a professional Wright would also have short spells at both Celtic and Burnley, helping the latter to promotion from the old Second Division under the management of his former Eagles’ coach Stan Ternent.

Despite hopes of a promotion push, Forest languished in mid-table for much of the season, eventually

38

1993

1997

1998 1999 2000

Wright signs professional contract with Palace after successful spell at non-league Greenwich Borough Scores 33 goals in all competitions as Palace are promoted to the top-flight Scores twice after dramatic return in the FA Cup Final against Manchester United Makes senior England debut Signs for Arsenal for club record fee First England goal against Poland at Wembley Helps England qualify with outstanding performance against Italy Ends glittering spell at Arsenal by winning the double Moves on-loan to Nottingham Forest from West Ham Retires from playing after final short spell at Burnley

finishing 14th – relying on Freedman to score the goals in Wright’s absence, the Scot finishing as jointtop scorer with 11.

Wright would retire after his time at Turf Moor, before starting a successful transition to the world of television, both as a presenter and football pundit.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

WHen we last met

1-1 crystal palace √ forest 5th May / Selhurst Park

In the first of Palace’s final two games before the FA Cup Final Selhurst Park was, as predicted, bouncing, and the Eagles made a fast start.

Oliver Glasner named an unchanged side from the one that destroyed Aston Villa in the Wembley semi-final nine days previously.

Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards both wasted early chances, before Daniel Muñoz was the first Palace player to work Forest keeper Matz Sels.

At the other end Gibbs-White found Anderson lurking at the Palace back post, but he could only fire at the side-netting from close range.

As the game progressed both sides began to open up with Glasner’s team drawing first blood.

Tyrick Mitchell arrived late at the back post and was taken out

by Sels. After referee Andy Madley was sent to the pitchside monitor for a review, he awarded the Eagles a penalty – with Ebere Eze making no mistake from the spot, coolly sending Sels the wrong way.

But Forest, also scrambling to make Europe, responded swiftly. First, a wonderful curling free-kick from Elanga required a strong left-hand from Henderson to keep it level.

But they were level seconds later, Williams' shot flicked on by Murillo, leaving Henderson stranded and unable to react in time.

Palace regained the initiative towards the end – Eze producing the shot of the match with only a few minutes left – only for his wonderful curling effort to rattle the crossbar with Sels beaten.

39

1 henderson

26

5

6

richards

LACROIX

guehi

12 MUñOZ

3

18

20

KAMADA

WHARTON

7

mitchell

10

SARR

EZE

14 MATETA

11 wood

10

21 elanga

16 dominguez

gibbs-white

6

8

sangaré

anderson

7 williams

5

31

murillo

milenkovÍc

34 aina

26 SELS

the scorers eze - 60’ pen

murillo - 64’

MATCH STATS 49.3%

Possession

50.7%

20

Shots

12

3

on Target

4

9

Fouls

15

3

Yellow Cards

8

7

Corners

4

west ham united

RedBull_UK3383_ZERO_Crystal Palace Match Day Programme_148x105mm_AW.indd 1

40

08/01/2025 09:51

NOTTINGHAM FOREST

HEAD TO HEAD

chris

richards age

25

joined

def

nat

25/26

0

Goals

3

0.66

Expected Goals

1.83

1

Clean Sheets

0

MURILLO age

23

joined

def

nat

Apps

60

7

Total Shots

9

Apps

69

Goals

2

226

Total Passes

417

Goals

2

Assists

1

24

Assists

2

Aerial Duels Won

128

Aerial Duels Won

85

Blocks

29

Blocks

69

Interceptions

55

Interceptions

74

Yellow Cards

5

Yellow Cards

11

41

Clearances

7

Premier League games unbeaten for the Eagles going into today’s game, a run that extends to April last season

14

Years since our last victory over Forest - which came in December 2011, Glenn Murray scoring the winner

202

Career league goals for Murray, who played for both clubs - with two of those coming for Nottingham Forest

Delivered by:

41

FOR THE CLUB west ham united

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PLAY NOW

The World’s Game

KEVIN PHILLIPS

43

KEVIN PHILLIPS

KEVIN PHILLIPS As Crystal Palace prepare to enter a club-record 13th season in the top-flight, we’re hearing from the man whose goal started it all off – super Kevin Phillips. Here, the former England international and Palace forward gives us his take on the Eagles' start and why pre-season is radically different, compared with days gone by...

STARTING STRONG It’s great to see the strong start Palace have made to the new season. After the glory of winning the FA Cup, it could have been hard following such a high, to maintain standards. But both games so far, the Community Shield win and then the draw at Chelsea, showed how the team have maintained their performance levels.

I think when the fixtures were released, ideally you’d like to have a home fixture first, let alone going away to a team that, in my opinion, will be close to the top four this season. They’ve just won the Club World Cup and have a good manager and a big squad. But I think Palace showed everyone they will be a difficult opponent for any side this year.

The confidence from the Community Shield win certainly will have helped. Not many teams will fight back from going down twice against Liverpool this season. The team not only managed to do that, but could have won it in normal time, even before the penalty shootout.

I think that achievement coupled with the Chelsea game means most fans will be pleased with how the season has begun.

The trip to Stamford Bridge also could have been even more. That was one the VAR got wrong if I’m honest, I don’t know why they got involved.

Yes, there’s the letter of the law, but you expect a bit of hustling and jostling with the opposition from a set-piece near the goal like that.

It didn’t look like a clear and obvious error to me. But that also shows the era we are now in. Even the incidents no-one would spot live are now under a microscope and you have to be smart with that. If I were a player for Palace in that game, I’d have felt hard done by. But they didn’t let that show on the pitch – and a clean sheet against a very good side sets them up nicely for the game today.

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL Obviously, this game comes inbetween the first two Conference

44

The confidence from the Community Shield win certainly will have helped. Not many teams will fight back from going down twice against Liverpool this season

KEVIN PHILLIPS League matches, and I know how much that’ll mean to the supporters.

They should enjoy it. European football is a magnificent achievement for Oliver Glasner, Steve Parish, the players, supporters and everyone associated with the club.

It’ll be an fantastic night. I was lucky enough to play in Europe once during my career - with Southampton - and I’m so glad I got to experience

European football is a magnificent achievement for Oliver Glasner, Steve Parish, the players, supporters and everyone associated with the club it. Hopefully Palace can have a really good run in the tournament.

I bumped into Steve for the first time since leaving earlier this year, when the team played Manchester City away. I hadn’t seen him since that play-off final!

We had a good conversation and I said to him that it was a huge achievement, to still be in the Premier League after all these years, not just staying there, but pushing for trophies and European football.

PRE-SEASON PAIN Back when I was playing, everyone was happy at this time of the year – just because pre-season was finally over.

The emphasis back then on hard running, was crazy looking. I remember when I went into Watford as a kid, under Graham Taylor, and preseason was a real slog. We wouldn’t see a football in the first 10 days.

That was as much a mental challenge as it was difficult from a physical perspective. It was horrible.

So, when the balls finally came out, you were buzzing.

I’m not sure the current players feel quite the same way. At most clubs towards the end of the season the players will be given a programme for the off-season. They’ll probably return at 75% in terms of conditioning so getting back up to speed won’t take quite as long.

45

Teams now can immediately be working with footballs from day one and everyone is raring to go from the off. It’s better for the manager as well, who doesn’t have to run them into the ground over the first few weeks!

TODAY’S TEST Forest have invested heavily over the summer, and they looked strong in the win over Brentford last week.

They are coming off the back of a good result, but so are Palace. I would fancy the boys to get a result today. If they do and can manage to safely advance in Europe, that would represent a really strong start to the new season

.

25 YEARS CHAMPIONING GRASSROOTS Shout it from the terraces, it’s our anniversary! Since 2000, we’ve been transforming lives, giving every community great places to play sport. We're not finished yet, so here's to more game-changing investment.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

46

INSIDE PALACE

47

academy

palace academy The Crystal Palace Academy is a place where young talent thrives – so we’re sitting down, every programme issue this season, to meet a star of the next generation. This week, it’s the turn of Zach Marsh, a prolific goalscorer for Palace throughout the youth levels…

ZACH MARSH age

Goalscorer Marsh netted an incredible six hat-tricks before February in the 2023/24 season, before injury cut short his campaign.

my story I first got into football just because I enjoyed playing it. I played with my dad from a young age, just kicking a ball around the house – he was definitely my biggest supporter growing up. He took me everywhere.

The first team I played for was called Harpenden Colts, in Hertfordshire. I joined them when I was about seven years old, and I was there until I was 13.

The first position I played was centre-midfield, because I liked to be as involved as possible. I moved up front when I was about 13.

The best moment of my career so far was scoring on my England Under-18 debut, while the biggest challenge young footballers face is “noise,” such as talk on social media about you or your teammates – it makes things seem bigger than they are.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to just keep going. There are plenty of ups and downs, so it’s about not getting too high with the highs, or too low with the lows.

My Inspirations My biggest inspiration in football is Jamie Vardy, mainly because I feel we are similar in stature and how we play.

I love to make runs in behind and I’m

48

nationality

19 position

FORWARD aggressive with my pressing, so I watch him to learn how he does it and I’ve seen how effective he can be.

my Teammates I wouldn’t say I have a best friend in the Academy because we are all close in our own ways, but I get on well with most people.

The player who works hardest in training is probably Joe Gibbard, and he’s also the funniest in the dressing room too.

I think Franco Umeh is probably more talented than he thinks he is, and Mofe Jemide definitely takes the longest to get ready after a game! In terms of who’s a future manager, I’d potentially put myself forwards for that one!

I like all kinds of music really, but either Joe or Luke Browne are the DJs on matchday

.

academy

fixtures&results Home Away Cup International Cup

u21s

u18s AUGUST

AUGUST

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

bha

1

1

0

0

4

3

2

lee

1

1

0

0

3

3

3

tot

1

1

0

0

2

3

4

lei

1

1

0

0

2

3

5

che

1

1

0

0

2

3

6

ips

1

1

0

0

1

3

Sat 16

Birmingham City

Sat 23

Chelsea

7

ful

1

1

0

0

1

3

Tue 26

Manchester City

8

sou

1

1

0

0

1

3

SEPTEMBER

Sat 30

Tottenham Hotspur

9

wol

1

1

0

0

1

3

Tue 2

SEPTEMBER

10

eve

1

1

0

0

1

3

Sat 13

Ipswich Town

11

mun

1

1

0

0

1

3

Sat 20

Reading

12

nfo

1

1

0

0

1

3

Sat 27

Aston Villa

13

bir

1

0

1

0

0

1

14

sto

1

0

1

0

0

1

15

nor

1

0

1

0

0

1

16

rea

1

0

1

0

0

1

17

cry

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

der

1

0

0

1

-1

0

19

ars

1

0

0

1

-1

0

20

bur

1

0

0

1

-1

0

21

new

1

0

0

1

-1

0

22

bla

1

0

0

1

-1

0

23

mid

1

0

0

1

-1

0

24

whu

1

0

0

1

-1

0

Fri 22 Fri 29

Tue 16

Tottenham Hotspur West Bromwich Albion

Bromley AFC Wimbledon

Mon 22 Leeds United Fri 26

Manchester United

OCTOBER

Sat 4

Sheffield United

Birmingham City

Sat 18

Fulham

Tue 21

Stevenage

Sat 25

Brighton & Hove Albion

NOVEMBER Sat 1

Leicester City

Sat 8

West Ham United

NOVEMBER

Sat 22

Chelsea

Tue 4

Valencia

Sat 29

Southampton

Fri 7

Stoke City

DECEMBER

Fri 31

Aston Villa

Wed 12 Juventus JANUARY

0-8

OCTOBER

Mon 6

Mon 27 Newcastle United

W

Sat 6

Arsenal

25

sun

1

0

0

1

-2

0

Sat 13

Norwich City

26

liv

1

0

0

1

-2

0

27

mci

1

0

0

1

-2

0

JANUARY

Sat 10

Chelsea

Sat 17

West Bromwich Albion

28

avl

1

0

0

1

-3

0

Sat 17

Nottingham Forest

Sat 24

Chelsea

29

wba

1

0

0

1

-4

0

Sat 31

Birmingham City

pos club

P

W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

cry

1

1

0

0

8

3

2

wba

1

1

0

0

5

3

3

avl

1

1

0

0

2

3

4

sou

1

1

0

0

2

3

Wed 21 Borussia M’gladbach Mon 26 Derby County

FEBRUARY Sat 7

Ipswich Town

Sat 14

Tottenham Hotspur

FEBRUARY

Sat 21

Leicester City

Mon 9

Sat 28

West Ham United

Fri 30

Ipswich Town

Middlesbrough

Mon 16 Fulham Mon 23 West Ham United MARCH

MARCH Sat 7

Aston Villa

5

ars

1

1

0

0

1

3

Sat 14

Reading

6

ful

1

1

0

0

1

3

Tue 17

Fulham

7

rea

1

0

1

0

0

1

Brighton & Hove Albion

8

tot

1

0

1

0

0

1

9

che

0

0

0

0

0

0

10

lei

1

0

0

1

-1

0

11

nor

1

0

0

1

-1

0

12

bha

1

0

0

1

-2

0

13

whu

1

0

0

1

-2

0

14

ips

1

0

0

1

-5

0

15

bir

1

0

0

1

-8

0

Mon 2

Sunderland

Sat 21

Fri 6

Blackburn Rovers

APRIL

Mon 16 Wolves Sun 22

Liverpool

Sat 11

Southampton

Sat 18

Arsenal

Sat 25

Norwich City

APRIL

MAY

Mon 13 Arsenal

Sat 9

West Bromwich Albion

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 21st August.

49

academy

palace academy As always in youth football, the summer has rung in plenty of new developments at the Crystal Palace Academy – with fresh faces, productive pre-seasons, a new Under-18s Head Coach, and plenty to look forward in 2025/26…

12 new scholars The Academy were recently delighted to welcome 12 promising talents into the Under-18s side ahead of the new season, who all enjoyed a day of celebrations with friends, family and loved ones.

All 12 young players – Raihaan Anderson, Makai Bernard-Ferguson, Remi Ahazie-Shittu, Joel DrakesThomas, Jacob Fasida, Ajean-Ray Greaves, Oladotun Lamidi, Donte Martin, Jayden McDonald, Aiden Morgan, Daniel Owoade and Thiago Speroni – have put pen to paper on scholarships at the Academy, and will spend the next two years developing with Palace and competing in U18 Premier League South.

Good luck, lads!

palace recruits Having impressed over the course of their own scholarships, four young starlets signed their first professional contracts with the club over the summer: congratulations to Seb Williams, Kai-Reece Adams-Collman, Dean Benamar and Tyler Whyte on their tremendous achievement.

The Academy were also delighted to welcome fresh faces in the form of

promising full-back Khyan FrazerWilliams, who has linked up with our U18s; and goalkeeper Harry Lee, who’s arrived to initially further himself with our Under-21s squad.

welcome, javier Our scholars this season will be led by new U18s Head Coach, Javier Alonso, who arrives with an impressive track record across multiple youth levels at Atlético Madrid.

During his nine-year stint in the Spanish capital, Alonso helped Atlético’s Under-15s win their league, while also claiming numerous youth titles. Last season, coaching the Under-17s side – Atlético de Madrid Juvenil B – he led his team to a club-record league points tally (85) and number of goals scored (106) at that level.

“I’m really happy to be joining the Crystal Palace Academy,” Alonso said. “My goal is to play good football,

50

compete in every game, and to improve the team. I want the players to establish a winning mentality; if we play well, we will have a greater chance of progressing.”

International starlets It wasn’t just Palace’s senior professionals who were in action for their countries over the summer: Rio Cardines, Dylan Reid (Scotland Under20s), Caleb Kporha (England Under-19s), Rylan Brownlie (Australia Under-18s) and Dean Benamar (England Under-17s) all won caps at various youth levels for their respective countries.

A special mention for full-back Cardines, who debuted for the Trinidad and Tobago senior side against Jamaica at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in June, before then being named in Dwight Yorke’s squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup in North America.

There, Cardines played in all three group-stage matches – even facing Palace teammate Chris Richards in Trinidad & Tobago’s opening game – starting twice.

Pre-season preparations Looking to build on their impressive 2024/25 campaigns, both our U21s and U18s have prepared thoroughly over the summer.

Darren Powell’s U21s defeated the likes of Barnet, Bournemouth U21s and Bromley in pre-season friendlies, while losing out to Sutton United.

They also took on Austrian opponents Admira Wacker Panthers and Qatari outfit Al-Gharafa during a pre-season training camp in Slovakia, and faced

academy

Southampton in a behind-closed doors fixture.

Alonso’s U18s, meanwhile, went toe-to-toe in pre-season matches against Cray Wanderers and QPR, amongst other opponents.

a brilliant start Those preparations certainly paid off, if Palace U18s’ first league match of the season were anything to go by: an 8-0 win away at Birmingham on the opening day of the U18 Premier League South season.

Benji Casey and Stuart Oduro both netted braces, and DrakesThomas, Martin, Chuks Okoli and Bernard-Ferguson all scored one each, as the young Eagles won out in an outstanding performance.

On Friday night, the Under-21s got their season underway against Tottenham Hotspur (away), whilst yesterday, the U18s faced Chelsea at home. You can find full match reports and highlights on cpfc.co.uk

.

Watch it all LIVE on Palace TV+!

In 2025/26, we’re making some exciting changes to our premium streaming service, Palace TV+.

This will include giving you early access to the very best Palace TV features throughout the season – and we are also planning to show more live Academy fixtures, across both our U21s and U18s sides, than ever before.

To find out more about Palace TV+, please visit cpfc. co.uk/supporters/palace-tv-plus/

u21s Name

u18s apps goals

Name

apps goals

Kai-Reece ADAMS COLLMAN

Raihaan ANDERSON

Asher AGBINONE

David ANGIBEAUD

Luke BROWNE

Dean BENAMAR

Rylan BROWNLIE

Makai BERNARD-FERGUSON

1

1

Benji CASEY

1

2

Euan DANAHER

1

Joel DRAKES-THOMAS

1

Jacob FASIDA

1

Rio CARDINES Matteo DASHI Craig FARQUHAR Joe GIBBARD

1

1

Khyan FRAZER-WILLIAMS

Jake GRANTE Zack HENRY

Ajean-Ray GREAVES

1

Jasper JUDD

1

Oladotun LAMIDI

1

Donte MARTIN

1

1

Stuart ODURO

1

2

Chuks OKOLI

1

1

Marcus HILL (GK) Jackson IZQUIERDO (GK) Mofe JEMIDE Jack MASON (GK) George KING Jayden McDONALD Harry LEE (GK) Aiden MORGAN Zach MARSH

Joshua MUWANA

Hindolo MUSTAPHA Adler NASCIMENTO David OBOU

Jerome OSEI KYREMEH

Dylan REID

Daniel OWOADE

Kaden RODNEY

Oluwaremi SHITTU

Franco UMEH

Sean SOMADE

Jemiah UMOLU

Thiago SPERONI (GK)

Tyler WHYTE

Charlie WALKER-SMITH

1

Sebastian WILLIAMS

Harry WHITWORTH (GK)

1

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 21 August. st

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1

WOMEN

palace women With the 2025/26 Barclays Women’s Super League 2 season fast approaching, there is a renewed sense of excitement around Crystal Palace Women. This summer has been one of significant change, with a new Manager at the helm and a host of exciting signings joining up with the squad. Ahead of the new campaign, let’s meet the fresh faces who will be representing the Eagles this season, as we bid to make an immediate return to the top-flight...

It’s a massive place to be right now. We really want to make sure that we’ve got the network and the environment right, so that we’re able to make this season a successful one

new manager: jo potter Taking charge of the team is new Manager, Jo Potter. The former England international, who has 35 caps to her name, brings a wealth of experience to the role, both as a former player and a coach.

Potter’s senior career began at Birmingham City, and she went on to play for several top clubs, including Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Everton, and Reading.

A creative left-sided midfielder, Potter was a key part of the England squad that finished third at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, before she retired from playing in 2021.

After hanging up her boots, Potter moved into management and has quickly established an excellent reputation. She arrives in South London following a highly successful two-year spell with Scottish Women’s Premier League team Rangers, where she led the

club to an impressive four trophies, including a cup double in both seasons.

Known for her tactical acumen and winning mentality, Potter is the perfect person to lead the Eagles into a new era.

In her first interview, Potter spoke of her ambition and drive to push the side to new heights,

52

highlighting the importance of the women’s team to the wider club’s aspirations.

“It’s a massive place to be right now,” she said. “We really want to make sure that we’ve got the network and the environment right, so that we’re able to make this season a successful one.”

WOMEN

Jamie-Lee Napier

annabel blanchard

Jo Potter’s first signing was Scotland international Napier, who joins the club on a two-year deal from Bristol City. Napier is a versatile and dynamic 25-year-old full-back with 15 caps for her country since making her senior debut in 2023.

Her career began at Celtic before moving to Hibernian Ladies, where she was named the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 Player of the Year.

She later signed her first professional contract with Chelsea in 2019 and spent two years at London City Lionesses before joining Bristol City, where she made 42 appearances over two seasons and even captained the team last season.

Upon signing, Napier said: “I had a really good conversation with Jo, and I think both the club and I share similar values, goals and ambitions.”

Blanchard re-joined the club in August, after an initial three-year spell in South London.

She made Palace history last season, scoring both goals in the club’s first-ever win in the women’s top-flight, a 2-0 win at Leicester City last year.

Blanchard was also instrumental for Palace last time out in the Championship, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists during our 2023/24 titlewinning season.

Speaking about her return, Blanchard said: “Crystal Palace means a lot to me. I’ve got a lot of love and respect for the club, and I feel the love from the fans, so I’m excited to get going and play in front of them again.”

lola brown

Justine Vanhaevermaet

Brown arrives on a season-long loan from WSL champions Chelsea, and the young midfielder is a hugely exciting prospect.

The 17-year-old has already made her senior debut for Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and was named the Blues’ Academy Player of the Season last year.

Brown has represented England on the international stage at U19 level and helped the Young Lionesses achieve a fourth-place finish at the 2024 U17s World Cup. Speaking on her move to Palace, Brown said: “It feels amazing to be here. I can’t wait to get started, to get to know the girls and start working hard.”

33-year-old Belgium international Vanhaevermaet has joined the club on a two-year deal, bringing a wealth of experience to the Palace midfield.

Vanhaevermaet, has 77 caps for her country, featuring at this summer’s Euros and scoring against eventual finalists Spain.

Since beginning her career in Belgium, she has since played in Germany, Norway, and most recently in the WSL with both Reading and Everton. Speaking on her move to Palace, Vanhaevermaet said: “I’ve spoken to the manager and she explained her ambitions.

“I immediately had a good feeling with her and the style of football she wants to play.”

Home Away FA Cup League Cup SEPTEMBER Sun 7

Charlton Athletic

Sun 14

Southampton

Sun 21

Nottingham Forest

Wed 24 London City Lionesses Sun 28

Durham

october Sun 5

Newcastle United

Sun 12

Sunderland

Sun 19

Ipswich Town

november Sun 2

Portsmouth

Sun 9

Sheffield United

Sun 16

Ipswich Town

Sun 23

Leicester City

december Sun 7

Birmingham City

Sun 21

Bristol City

january

.

53

fixtures&results

Sun 11

Sheffield United

Sun 25

Durham

february Sun 1

Southampton

Sun 8

Bristol City

Sun 15

Birmingham City

march Sun 15

Nottingham Forest

Sun 22

Newcastle United

Sun 29

Charlton Athletic

april Sun 5

Ipswich Town

Sun 26

Sunderland

may Sun 3

Portsmouth

PALACE FOR LIFE

palace for life A new season means a new chance to introduce match-going fans to the Palace For Life Foundation’s community work across South London.

This week we’re looking ahead to the upcoming Marathon March…

NINE THINGS YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT THE MARATHON MARCH The Marathon March is now in its ninth year and has secured its place in the calendars of hundreds of Palace fans. It’s a marathon, but instead of running, we walk, talk, and make new friends and connections on the way.

This year, it’s taking place on Saturday, 11th October 2025, during the international break.

To pay homage to our ninth year, here are nine things we think you’ll love about the Marathon March.

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donate to palace for life below

PALACE FOR LIFE

football sessions, or paying for a young person’s interview clothes – the things that really matter.

04 You’ll feel great having completed a tough challenge We won’t lie, the Marathon March isn’t easy. But the sense of achievement afterwards is huge.

Plus, you’ll be able to brag about it on Strava.

08 Familiar faces

There’s something special about it, the sense of togetherness, the challenge, the laughs, the cause. By the end of the day, tired legs and all, you’ll understand why so many people come back year after year.

02 You’ll do a lap of the pitch at the end

Every penny you raise goes towards the areas that need it most. That could mean buying kit for our free

Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness or just need a reason to get out for a walk, the Marathon March is a great goal to aim for. Sometimes we all need that extra motivation.

09 It’s just a really, really good day

The Marathon March always lands during the October international break – perfect timing if you’re missing your Palace fix. You’ll spend the day with around 200 fellow fans, chatting all things Palace and finishing at Selhurst Park.

03 You’ll genuinely be making a difference to young people in South London

07 Something to train for

In previous years, we had some recognisable names join us for all or some of the walk, including Mark Bright and Andy Johnson!

01 Get your Palace fix when there’s no game

Your legs might be feeling it after 26.2 miles, but there’s always a bit of energy left for a lap of honour around the Selhurst pitch. It’s a brilliant photo op, and a rare chance to soak in the unique charm of our home from pitch level.

drink at the Palace party to round it all off.

If you have any questions about the Marathon March, please email fundraising@palaceforlife.org

.

To sign up for this year’s Marathon March, please scan the QR code.

05 You’ll meet likeminded people Everyone taking part shares one big thing: a love for Crystal Palace. So, whoever you meet, there will be something to talk about!

06 free food Do we need to say more? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and even a free

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KICK OFF YOUR INVESTMENT JOURNEY

For illustration purposes only.

Join a community of 40+ million users worldwide

Official Trading Partner of Crystal Palace FC

eToro is a multi-asset investment platform.

The value of your investments 56 may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

PALACE FOR ALL

palace for all Palace for All is the club’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) brand, and the umbrella beneath which all our campaigns, activations and initiatives sit. The message is simple: Crystal Palace Football Club is for everyone. We continually celebrate the diversity across our club, and take a proactive approach to tackling prejudice and promoting understanding.

how to report discrimination Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to identifying, confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, age, ethnic and national origin, pregnancy or maternity, disability or gender reassignment.

You can report discrimination and/or abuse on a matchday by using the Anti-Social Behaviour Text Alert Service – the number is 07507 477 669 – or by scanning the MyVoice QR code.

Please include as much relevant information as possible.

Please include the stand, block, row and seat number you are in, and identify the location of the anti-social behaviour, being as precise as possible. Please state if you wish to remain anonymous in your message. Security staff will make every effort to deal with the issue. If they are unable to resolve the issue, each text will be

edi strategy Our EDI Strategy sets out our aspirations as a club until 2034, as well as our objectives and commitments towards being an inclusive and diverse club.

followed up and investigated by a club staff member.

You can alternatively contact your nearest steward, who will do their best to help – and assist with your report.

We would also encourage supporters to contact customer. service@cpfc.co.uk or inclusion@cpfc.co.uk, or to make use of Kick It Out’s reporting form.

57

wellbeing strategy Our newly published Wellbeing Strategy highlights our approach to ensure Wellbeing is at the heart of the club’s culture.

Fans are also encouraged, following their visit to Selhurst Park, to complete the Fan Survey after the game, or to share any EDI-related feedback via email to inclusion@cpfc.co.uk

.

More information can be found at cpfc.co.uk/information/equalityand-diversity

international eagles

international eagles We’re now less than 12 months away from the biggest footballing spectacle on the planet, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the potential for plenty of Palace representation in USA, Mexico and Canada, we’re looking ahead to the tournament throughout 2025/26 with our International Eagles feature. In each issue we’ll be taking a look at one nation aiming for glory in North America and examining their Palace links.

This issue it’s the turn of co-hosts, USA...

eagle in focus

usa chris richards Current Palace defender Chris Richards will be hoping to represent his country at a home tournament, with the USA automatically qualifying as co-hosts.

If selected, it will be Richards third summer tournament appearance on the bounce for the USMNT. The centre-half played every minute of the 2024 Copa America campaign, where the Americans bowed out at the group stage.

Last summer proved more fruitful, with USA going all the way to final in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Richards again starting every match.

He even weighed in with goals, scoring against Saudi Arabia in the group stage, before memorably netting in the final against Mexico.

58

Sadly for Richards, the Mexicans came back to claim the trophy, but a string of impressive performances have cemented his role in Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

First capped at senior level in November 2020, Richards also competed with the US Under-20 side, winning the CONCACAF U20 Championship at the age of 18.

To date, Richards has 31 senior caps for the USMNT and has scored three goals. By winning the FA Cup along with fellow Yank Matt Turner, Richards joined a small club of just four American FA Cup winners.

international eagles

factfile population

340,00,000 Capital

washington, dc

Who to watch Palace with?

Spoken Language

english

If you ever find yourself Stateside there are plenty of supporters’ groups to check out. Holmesdale USA covers the entire nation to connect Eagles far and wide.

They are on Instagram and X via the handle, @holmesdaleUSA.

Currency

us dollars Favourite Dish

hamburger

Road to the 2026 World Cup As co-hosts, the USA automatically qualify for the 2026 finals. FIFA made the decision back in 2023 that USA, Mexico and Canada would be granted three of 48 slots reserved for the finalists.

11 cities in the United States will host games, including Seattle, Houston, Boston, Miami and Atlanta. New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will host the final on 19th July, 2026 and every game from the quarter-final onwards will take place in America.

The USMNT have participated in 11 World Cup finals to date – with their best performance a third-place finish in the initial tournament back in 1930, with the American side featuring six British-born players.

Their best run since came in the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea.

USA reached the last eight after a string of memorable performances, before they were narrowly knocked out by Germany. It was here that defender Gregg Berhalter would become the first Palace player to feature in a finals match.

59

You can also find dedicated groups in 24 cities across the States, including New York, Chicago, Austin, San Diego and San Francisco.

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PALACE HISTORY

61

IAN KING

fa cup archives

palace

7

clapham

0

Saturday, 7th October 1905

Following on from last season’s glorious FA Cup Final triumph at Wembley, historian Ian King takes a look at Crystal Palace’s history through the lens of 19 classic cup ties. Where else to start but Palace’s maiden FA Cup tie in the club’s professional era...

starting 01

Bob Hewitson

02

George Walker

03

Matthew Edwards

04

Wilf Innerd

05

Ted Birnie

06

Horace Astley

07

Charles Wallace

08

Dick Harker

09

Walter Watkins

10

Archie Needham

11

Dickie Roberts

e

arly in May 1905, new Palace Manager John Robson and Secretary Edmund Goodman secured the services of players for the new professional club, mostly from the north-east of England, an area known to Robson as former Middlesbrough boss. A number were recruited in one day at the Metropole Hotel in Newcastle.

These players were to be of a standard to compete in the Southern League Division One, but at the end of that month, Palace found out they had lost the election to Norwich City and had to begin life in Division Two. This meant the campaign began at a lower level on 2nd September with a narrow 3-4 defeat

62

by Southampton Reserves – the only one across the entire 24-game season – and the inaugural fixture in the FA Cup would be on 7th October.

The draw for this First Qualifying Round was done on a regional basis, having taken place earlier in the summer, so Palace knew well in advance that the opponents would be amateur outfit Clapham FC. The Glaziers were drawn as the away team but Clapham, appear to have been a nomadic club and offered Palace £20 to switch the game to the original Crystal Palace which was accepted.

So, coincidentally, Palace’s first ever FA Cup tie took place at the then Cup Final venue!

IAN KING

A ONE-SIDED AFFAIR A final scoreline of 7-0 could have been much worse for the amateur side as the Palace half-backs and defenders had a stranglehold on them for most of the game.

The contest had barely started when Palace were awarded a penalty that Walter Watkins converted and before half-time Wilf Innerd and Watkins put Palace into an unassailable lead.

Very little was seen of the visitors in the second half, just a handful of attacks that ended in the tamest manner that Bob Hewitson, in goal, dealt with easily.

The fourth Palace goal was netted by Horace Astley which was followed by an outstanding effort from left winger Dickie Roberts. Watkins then converted a second spot kick and finally Dick Harker drove home the final goal.

This result certainly gave the team a boost, as a week later a league fixture witnessed Fulham Reserves being dispatched 5-0 and similar results came in the parallel United League.

The following round sent Palace to play the Second Grenadier Guards who offered slightly more resistant opposition, but were still put to the sword 3-0.

A home tie with Chelsea followed in the next round, formed like Palace in 1905, with the Glaziers running out 7-1 victors, before knocking out Luton Town in the final qualifying round with Harker getting the only goal.

This finally put Palace in the competition ‘proper’, only for the cup run to be ended by then Division Two Blackpool in a second replay in the First Round.

PLAYER IN FOCUS walter watkins Watkins, also known as ‘Mart’, was born in Caersws on the mid-Wales borders in 1880 and began playing for his local club but by the time he was 20 had joined Stoke City, with whom he made over a century of appearances, then Aston Villa and Sunderland, during which time he had gained nine full caps with Wales.

It must have been a transfer coup for Palace to gain the services of this international forward just six weeks after he had appeared for Wales against England and persuade him to come to South London on 7th May, 1905. In fact, manager John Robson considered Watkins to be the pivot of the team and a ‘goal getter’.

Watkins lined up with the other players for that opening Southern League game at The Crystal Palace on 2nd September but it was a quiet start for him failing to find the net in those opening games prior to this Cup tie. Then he wrote his name into the Palace history books as the first player to convert a penalty kick and also claim a hat-trick.

The club then went on an unprecedented 17-match winning run in the Southern

63

League and went unbeaten to the end of the season. It would be the arrival of a local footballer, George Woodger, that put Watkins’ position in the side under threat from December, as the player nicknamed ‘Lady’ would be the preferred option, although the pair did feature together for a couple of games.

At the end of the season, as Palace ended the campaign as champions, Watkins moved on to Northampton Town having made 15 Southern League appearances, with seven goals, six FA Cup appearances and six goals (2 hat-tricks), and a further 14 United League appearances with nine goals, in all a very respectable 22 strikes in 35 games.

Walter passed away in Stoke-on-Trent in 1942.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

campaign capsule Throughout the 2025/26 season we’ll be revisiting some iconic seasons during Crystal Palace’s history. To kick us off, we’re rewinding the clock to 2012/13 and the start of something special in South London...

12/ 13

seasonfacts

5th

league position

manager(s)

ian holloway/ dougie freedman top goalscorer

glenn murray

t

he story is now well told, but 2012/13 remains the one of the most remarkable in Crystal Palace history.

The launchpad to the modern era, the Eagles began the season with ambitions merely to improve on the previous season’s 17th place finish. This was a realistic aim, only two years on from the club surviving a threat to our very existence.

Even that modest target looked ambitious when Palace subsequently lost the first three fixtures of the season.

Though an exciting team featuring the pace and trickery of both Wilf Zaha and Yannick Bolasie put together a four-game unbeaten in response, the next setback arrived in October.

Dougie departs Manager Dougie Freedman departed for Bolton Wanderers only days after a thrilling all-South London derby against Millwall.

Caretaker Managers Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming steadied the ship with an unbeaten

64

31goals three-match run, before new manager Ian Holloway took charge for the visit of Ipswich.

Palace produced one of their best performances of the season to fly to the top of the table, Glenn Murray getting a hat-trick in a 5-0 romp.

When Kevin Phillips, a January loan arrival, struck a hat-trick in a 4-2 win over Hull City on 5th March, Palace were fourth in the table with a 10-point gap to seventh-place Nottingham Forest – a play-off place appeared certain.

CAMPAIGN CAPSULE

Yet a late collapse in form nearly cost Holloway’s exciting side. A nine-game winless run meant Palace still needed a result on the final day of the season against Peterborough to retain a play-off spot.

Mercifully, they obliged, with Phillips and Mile Jedinak both scoring in the final 10 minutes.

memorable match

0 2

Play-off Glory A fifth-place finish meant a showdown with old rivals Brighton & Hove Albion in the semi-final.

Despite an injury to top scorer Glenn Murray in the first leg, Palace would not be denied. In one of the most important moments in recent club history, as Zaha scored twice in front of a packed away end, sending Palace to the final.

40,000 Eagles packed into Wembley for the richest game on the planet. But the decider against Watford would prove a cagey affair.

Phillips would start on the bench, but Holloway eventually turned to the veteran forward in a

bid to turn the game. It would prove something of a masterstroke.

Goalless after 90 minutes, the first-half of the end of extra-time saw man of the match Zaha brought down in the area. Phillips stepped up and smashed the resulting spotkick into the Watford net.

One heroic Joel Ward clearance later and Palace had achieved a dream Premier League return, returning to the top-flight after an eight-year absence.

That win has proven the catalyst for our club recordextending thirteenth consecutive top-flight season as of 2025/26.

13th May 2013

leaguetable pos

club

p

w

d

l

gf

ga

gd

pts

3

watford

46

23

8

15

85

58

27

77

4

brighton & hove albion

46

19

18

9

69

43

26

75

5

crystal palace (p)

46

19

15

12

73

62

11

72

6

leicester city

46

19

11

16

71

48

23

68

7

bolton wanderers

46

18

14

14

69

61

8

68

65

66

BEHIND THE LENS

Taking us where many can only dream to tread, club Sebastien Frej enjoys a unique perspective on the world of Crystal Palace – one which he continues to share with the world.

You can follow Sebastien on Instagram: @sebastian_frej_

67

BEHIND THE LENS

01

“Whilst you see plenty of front on shots of trophy winners from the Royal Box at Wembley, this one of Oliver Glasner was taken from a more unique angle.”

68

BEHIND THE LENS

02

“This team photo has Daichi slightly higher than the bottom row – because the other players asked him to repeat what he did for the FA Cup Final team photo. I think it’s tradition now!”

“This just captures the spirit of the group. As soon as the on-pitch trophy lift was complete Marc and the rest were straight over to Joel Ward with the shield.”

69

03

COMMENTATOR’S CORNER

commentator’s corner 1-0 A moment captured in time – we look back on iconic commentary lines from some of Palace’s most memorable matches...

palace √ sheffield united 26th May 1997 / Wembley Stadium

rob hawthorne

HOPKIN, LOOKING TO CURL ONE! The moment Deep into the 1996/97 First Division play-off final, Palace and Sheffield United were locked in a 0-0 stalemate.

One goal either way would send one team to the Premier League and confine the other to another year in the second tier. It was tense.

Extra-time and potentially a penalty shootout loomed. Just as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, Palace wing-back Dean Gordon saw an effort deflected behind for a corner.

Played short, the cross was headed out but fell kindly for David Hopkin. He produced a moment that would live long in the memory, curling a shot into the far corner of the goal and sending Palace fans into delirium.

Commentator Rob Hawthorne delivered the now iconic line and

70

COMMENTATOR’S CORNER

the rest is history. Minutes later the full-time whistle sounded and Palace were promoted.

Reflecting on the moment years later, Hawthorne said: “As a commentator, instinct takes over and you just say the first thing that comes into your head as it’s happening.

“To be fair to Simon Tracey in the Sheffield United goal there was

nothing that he could’ve done about it – it was just a wonderful, wonderful goal and it was great to be able to commentate on it.”

In truth, as Hawthorne also stated, the majority of the match preceding Hopkin’s moment of inspiration was fairly forgettable.

But it just goes to show that as a commentator you always have to

be on your guard. Within the space of a few seconds, Hawthorne had coined an iconic line that would be remembered for decades to come.

THE Commentator A Dudley native, Hawthorne’s big commentary breakthrough arrived when he became part of a group of commentators working for BBC Radio 5, following the stations launch in the early nineties.

Hawthorne moved to Sky Sports ahead of the 1995/96 season and has remained with the broadcaster ever since, with the “Hopkin looking to curl one” one of his most memorable moments during those early seasons.

He also commentated on Liverpool’s incredible Champions League win over AC Milan in Istanbul back in 2005. As of the start of the 2025/26 season, Hawthorne has commentated on Palace 39 times

.

71

EAGLE ARCADE

eagle arcade

9 letters Henderson

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

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

h

e

n

d

e

r

s

o

8 letters freedman Williams 7 letters Bamford Grabban KouyatÉ

n

6 letters Murray Thomas Turner Watson

who plays here?

Can you name the current Premier League team who play their home games at this ground?

72

EAGLE ARCADE

today’s mascots

spottheball

un-scramble theeagle

Un-scramble these three Palace players!

1

arno bossa

2025-

2

muadlin zeno

2024-

3

banes town

2003-2009

age: 10

age: 11

Jack Fisher

Bobby Simmons

prediction:

prediction:

2-0

2-1

age: 12

age: 12

Sasha Beck

Olivia Sweeney

prediction:

prediction:

3-1

2-1

age: 9

age: 7

Esme Heales

ronan Heales

prediction:

prediction:

2-1

1-0

age: 10

age: 7

Freya Bradford

dylan Bradford

prediction:

prediction:

2-0

2-1

age: 11

theo cook

Who Plays Here?: Leeds United – Elland Road Spot the Ball: B Un-scramble the Eagle: 1) Borna Sosa 2) Daniel Muñoz 3) Ben Watson

prediction:

1-2 73

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FROM THE TERRACES

from the terraces The page for supporters: taking your comments from the terraces into the programme. Want to get in touch? Use the details below.

Happy 18th birthday to Mollie Lock. Love from all your family.

Happy 13th birthday Jude-James we love you. Up the Palace

Happy 66th Birthday Dad. We hope you enjoy your special day watching Palace at Aston Villa next week. Thank you for being the best Danna & Dad, love from Gem & all xx

Wishing Martin Frankham a happy 60th birthday love from Mel and all your family & friends xx

Happy Birthday to Richard Newman who celebrated his 70th birthday Monday.

From all of the family.

Welcome my wife and stepson to Selhurst Park for there 1st ever football match hope you enjoy every minute all my love rob xx

Congratulations to season-ticket holders of 30+ years and Speroni’s regulars Mark and Melissa who went on their own European Tour this summer and tied the knot in Sicily…

74

FROM THE TERRACES

Vince Wyatt, devoted Palace fan, proudly shared match days with son Christian.

Remembered with love by wife Rachel and children, Christian, Marianne and Cecelia. Taken too soon.

Happy 18th Birthday Bubs! You make us ‘glad all over’ everyday! All our love, Mum, Nan Eagle, Auntie Hannah and all your friends in the Arthur Wait Z block

For Jennifer Smith, 14.04.194903.09.2024. A lifelong Palace fan! In our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day from Brian, Lesley, David, William, Vicky and of course David Barker.

Happy 80th birthday John Lyons! For eight decades, John has cheered on the Eagles from the stands and at home, and he’s passed on his passion for Palace to his friends and family.

From all at Crystal Palace, we wish John a very happy 80th birthday! May his day be filled with joy and, of course, a Palace victory.

RIP Steve Wellbelove. Passed away on his 83rd Birthday. He had been a Palace supporter since 1957 and managed to get to Wembley to see them win the FA cup!

We love and will miss you always.

75

Rest in peace Pat White. She had been a season ticket holder in the Whitehorse Lane stand for over 20 years, coming with her two daughters and two grandchildren.

Football was one of her passions and she hardly ever missed a match; she was Palace through and through.

On the 4th June 2025, Crystal Palace lost their DSA Chair, Bruce Muirhead, at the age of 55. Bruce loved his role on the DSA, helping people to experience football on matchdays, whatever their ability. Bruce loved fundraising for the DSA. He appeared on Red & Blue Review a few time & always tuned in to watch, and was also on the Fan Advisory Board.

He adored his wife & son Paula & Ethan, and will always be remembered for his positivity, his laughter and his words of advice to family & friends.

Email programme@cpfc.co.uk with a message of 30 words or fewer and an image to feature on our messageboard.

fixtures & results

25/26 fixtures & results

may

april

march

february

january

december

november

oct

SEP

august

Home Away FA Cup Carabao Cup Conference League Community Shield Started Used sub Unused sub Goal(s) Yellow card Red card Date

Opposition

attendance/KICK-OFF

Sun 10

Liverpool

82,645

W

2-2 (3-2)

Final

Sun 17

Chelsea

39,678

D

0-0

12th

Thu 21

Fredrikstad

20:00

Sun 24

Nottingham Forest

14:00

Thu 28

Fredrikstad

17:00

Sun 31

Aston Villa

19:00

Sat 13

Sunderland

15:00

Sat 20

West Ham United

15:00

Sat 27

Liverpool

15:00

Sat 4

Everton

15:00

Sat 18

Bournemouth

15:00

Sat 25

Arsenal

15:00

Sat 1

Brentford

15:00

Sat 8

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Sat 22

Wolverhampton Wanderers

15:00

Sat 29

Manchester United

15:00

Wed 3

Burnley

20:00

Sat 6

Fulham

15:00

Sat 13

Manchester City

15:00

Sat 20

Leeds United

15:00

Sat 27

Tottenham Hotspur

15:00

Tue 30

Fulham

20:00

Sat 3

Newcastle United

15:00

Wed 7

Aston Villa

20:00

Sat 17

Sunderland

15:00

Sat 24

Chelsea

15:00

Sat 31

Nottingham Forest

15:00

Sat 7

Brighton & Hove Albion

15:00

Wed 11

Burnley

20:00

Sat 21

Wolverhampton Wanderers

15:00

Sat 28

Manchester United

15:00

Wed 4

Tottenham Hotspur

20:00

Sat 14

Leeds United

15:00

Sat 21

Manchester City

15:00

Sat 11

Newcastle United

15:00

Sat 18

West Ham United

15:00

Sat 25

Liverpool

15:00

Sat 2

Bournemouth

15:00

Sat 9

Everton

15:00

Sun 17

Brentford

15:00

Sun 24

Arsenal

16:00

76

Result

Position

Dean Henderson Daniel Muñoz Tyrick Mitchell Maxence Lacroix Marc Guéhi Ismaïla Sarr Jefferson Lerma Eddie Nketiah Eberechi Eze Matheus França Jean-Philippe Mateta Nathaniel Clyne Daichi Kamada Will Hughes Adam Wharton Romain Esse Odsonne Édouard Borna Sosa Chris Richards Cheick Doucouré Naouirou Ahamada Remi Matthews Chadi Riad Caleb Kporha Walter Benítez Jesurun Rak-Sakyi Justin Devenny Rio Cardines

fixtures & results

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 44 49 55 59

77

premier league

leaguetable pos

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Club manchester city

1

1

0

0

4

0

4

3

2

sunderland

1

1

0

0

3

0

3

3

3

tottenham hotspur

1

1

0

0

3

0

3

3

4

liverpool

1

1

0

0

4

2

2

3

5

nottingham forest

1

1

0

0

3

1

2

3

6

arsenal

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

3

7

leeds united

1

1

0

0

1

0

1

3

8

brighton & hove albion

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

9

fulham

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

10

aston villa

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

11

chelsea

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

12

crystal palace

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

13

newcastle united

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

14

everton

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

15

manchester united

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

16

bournemouth

1

0

0

1

2

4

-2

0

17

brentford

1

0

0

1

1

3

-2

0

18

burnley

1

0

0

1

0

3

-3

0

19

west ham united

1

0

0

1

0

3

-3

0

20

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

1

0

0

1

0

4

-4

0

All statistics correct as of 17:00 Thursday, 21st August.

MATCHWeek02 fri 22 aug 20:00

sat 23 aug 17:30

london stadium

emirates stadium

sat 23 aug 12:30

sun 24 aug 14:00

etihad stadium

selhurst park

sat 23 aug 15:00

sun 24 aug 14:00

vitality stadium

Hill Dickinson Stadium

sat 23 aug 15:00

sun 24 aug 16:30

gtech community stadium

craven cottage

sat 23 aug 15:00

mon 25 aug 20:00

turf moor

st. james’ park

78

‘It’ is discrimination, in all its forms.

Racism. Homophobia, Misogyny. Disablism.

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

Take action today at kickitout.org

Crystal palace f.c.

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 28 29 31 34 38 44 49 55 59

Dean HENDERSON (GK) Daniel MUÑOZ Tyrick MITCHELL Maxence LACROIX Marc GUÉHI Ismaïla SARR Jefferson LERMA Eddie NKETIAH Eberechi EZE Matheus FRANÇA Jean-Philippe MATETA Nathaniel CLYNE Daichi KAMADA Will HUGHES Adam WHARTON Romain ESSE Odsonne ÉDOUARD Borna SOSA Chris RICHARDS Cheick DOUCOURÉ Naouirou AHAMADA Remi MATTHEWS (GK) Chadi RIAD Caleb KPORHA Walter BENÍTEZ (GK) Jesurun RAK-SAKYI Justin DEVENNY Rio CARDINES

For Ticketing, reaction and highlights download the Official Palace App

nottingham forest f.c.

A. Taylor G. Beswick A. Nunn S. Barrott P. Tierney P. Howard

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 36 44

Neco WILLIAMS MORATO MURILLO Ibrahim SANGARÉ Callum HUDSON-ODOI Elliot ANDERSON Taiwo AWONIYI Morgan GIBBS-WHITE Chris WOOD Dan NDOYE Arnaud KALIMUENDO Nicolás DOMÍNGUEZ Eric da Silva MOREIRA Angus GUNN (GK) Igor JESUS Jota SILVA Omari HUTCHINSON Ryan YATES Jair CUNHA James McATEE Matz SELS (GK) Omar RICHARDS Willy BOLY Nikola MILENKOVIĆ Marko STAMENIĆ Carlos MIGUEL (GK) Ola AINA David CARMO Zach ABBOTT