Crystal Palace v West Ham United matchday programme 2223

saturday, APRIL 29 2023 | 12:30

Crystal Palace √ WEST HAM UNITED

Directors

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

Sean O’Loughlin

Sporting Director

Dougie Freedman Club Secretary

Christine Dowdeswell Head of Sports Medicine

Dr. Zaf Iqbal

Gary Issott

Director of U21 Development

Mark Bright

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon Lacey

Chief Commercial Officer

Barry Webber

General Counsel

David Nichol

Head of Ticketing

Paul McGowan

Head of Retail

Foz Bowers

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

James Woodroof

Head of Safeguarding

Cassi Wright

Head Groundsman

Bruce Elliott

Editor Will Robinson

Design Billy Cooke, Stu Ellmer, Lucas Gough

Contributors Ian King, Robin Johnson, Ben Bailey Smith, Toby Jagmohan, Tommy Macarthur, Israel Haile, Mark Newson, Coral-Jade Haines

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

I like to have the ball at my feet. I want to have possession, make good passes and get clean sheets... but I don’t care if I have a good or bad game, as long as I win

A YEAR OF MADE IN SOUTH LONDON

Palace for Life’s ‘Made in South London’ campaign, which is, aiming to raise £1 million in three years to help transform the lives of thousands of young people, has turned 12 months-old and the Foundation’s supporters have raised an outstanding £395,371 towards that target – and with two more years still to go.

Those funds have helped Palace for Life scale up their renowned community projects. Not only have the Foundation already provided training and

On this day: april 29th

Palace secured the unlikeliest of survivals under Steve Coppell in 2000, as a young defender named Ashley Cole scored his first professional goal to help the Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers. Clinton Morrison scored the winner, sparking wild celebrations in south London and securing Division One football for another year.

career skills to an additional 22 young people through its employment programme, they have also mentored 71 more people through the Targeted Intervention team, delivered free sports sessions to an additional 1,004 young people through the Premier League Kicks programme, and worked with 386 more individuals through their Disability Sports programmes since September (numbers as of February 2023).

The Palace community have done brilliantly so far, and donations have far surpassed expectations, but

the Foundation is still looking for support to help scale up the projects it already runs.

A special thank you also goes to fans who purchased the Made in South London apparel range, fans who have given at matchdays, and anyone who has been kind enough to donate any amount of money, or their time, to help young south Londoners directly or spread the word of the Foundation’s work.

And, as ever, a huge thank you goes to Marathon March and Bike to Villa participants, who have contributed enormously to our fundraising.

Fan update

Tickets are on sale for Palace Under-21s’ semi-final clash with Spanish giants Valencia at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, 3rd May (19:00 BST). Back the boys by grabbing yours online now!

What’s inside

Find out… how Victor Akinwale has settled into Under-21s football (page 46) and how HLTCO was inspired by a moment of Palace history (page 50).

palace √ west ham united sat 29 apr | 12:30

Firstly, I would like to welcome my friend David Moyes, the West Ham coaching staff, directors, players and fans to Selhurst Park today – and I want to offer my congratulations on their qualification for the Europa Conference League semi-final. I wish them the very best of luck in the competition going forward.

The match against Everton tested us in a different way to our previous three games, but I am pleased with how we stood up to the challenge. We knew we would be in for a tough afternoon against a well-organised team under Sean Dyche and that is how it transpired, but we came away from the game with a valuable point. It is so important in the Premier League to be organised and disciplined defensively, and so I want to praise the back-four and goalkeeper in keeping a second consecutive clean sheet. If we are solid at the back we will always have a better chance of picking up more points between now and the end of the season.

I am writing these notes ahead of our trip to Wolves, but today we face another tough game against a team who are in good form and have enjoyed a successful period recently. This is what the Premier League demands of you every week, and our team always need to be prepared to do the hard work necessary to

confront opponents who will ask very different questions of us from those we faced last weekend against Everton.

to that rule and it is going to be important in these final games that everybody is ready to step up when required and maintain the level of football that we have achieved so far. I have no doubt this will be the case as we are very fortunate to have such committed professionals such as Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur, James Tomkins and Jaïro Riedewald in the squad, whose appearances recently may have been limited, but whose work on the training field is an inspiration to us all.

The introduction of five substitutes has made a huge difference in terms of managing a game and getting the most out of the quality that a manager has in the squad. We are no exception

Today marks the first of three London derbies in our final five games of the season. These matches add to the excitement of the occasion and, no doubt, we shall benefit from the incredible vocal support we rely upon from our fans, whose contribution in helping us play our best in games has been crucial both home and away which I have been lucky enough to witness since my return.

That said, I hope we can give you a performance to cheer about and wish you a very enjoyable afternoon at Selhurst Park .

we shall benefit from the incredible vocal support we rely upon from our fans, whose contribution in helping us play our best in games has been crucial both home and away

Our defeat at Molineux was a disappointing one, but we felt that we dominated large parts of the game and on another night we would have come away with a point – or more.

Conceding early on is always a setback but the sign of a strong team is how they respond, and I think we can be proud of our efforts to turn the game around. We pushed forwards and created opportunities to score, and in the closing stages we held possession in the Wolves half for long periods, but unfortunately we couldn’t find that important goal to draw the match level.

Despite the result, there are plenty of positives which we believe we can take into today. Playing a third game in seven days is never easy, but on Wednesday night we demonstrated that we have good quality throughout the squad and that the lads are ready to step up whenever they are needed in order to help the team.

With five games to go, we want to finish the season as strongly as possible. That means turning performances into results, as we have proven we can do in recent weeks. In West Ham we face a London rival and with trips

to Tottenham and Fulham to come we hope we can give you something to celebrate.

Just like Everton last weekend, West Ham will come with discipline and organisation, and we will have to be at our very best to break them down. Like us, they possess real quality in attack, but I know that we will be determined to defend as a unit in order to keep another clean sheet at home, and we can rely on our forwards to find us the breakthrough.

It is hard to believe that the season is drawing to a close, but that means we need you behind us now more than ever. We have been so lucky to be roared on every time we play at Selhurst Park, and with your backing we can go that extra mile to earn another crucial three points this afternoon.

I hope that we can put in a performance that will make you proud, and I know that you will create a special atmosphere when the team walks out. I can’t wait to see you all there. Make some noise! .

With five games to go, we want to finish the season as strongly as possible. That means turning performances into results, as we have proven we can do in recent weeks

captain

Welcome to the directors, staff, players and supporters of West Ham United to Selhurst Park for this crucial encounter, with just three points separating the sides. The warmest of welcomes to each and every Palace supporter here to get behind the players.

Today will be a particularly poignant occasion in the Boardroom today as it our first encounter with West Ham that David and Jacqueline will not be with us. David and Jacqueline were wonderful, kind-hearted people, and I will miss them very much today.

Saturday’s draw with Everton was another important notch on the board, taking us to 37 points. Since 2000, no side has been relegated with that amount – but equally, there has never been a bottom-half quite like it. Whatever that ‘magic number’ is, Roy and the players are focused on securing as many points as possible and climbing as high as we possibly can and continuing this fine run of performances and form.

The Under-21s host Valencia on Wednesday night here at Selhurst Park for a hugely important fixture in the Premier League International Cup. If you are free, please come down to support Darren Powell’s squad in this semi-final, especially

as we are not permitted to live broadcast the match on Palace TV+ due to Premier League regulations. It has been another remarkable season for that group, and to get to the knockouts of this tournament is yet another marker of progress.

We have a host of events coming up that supporters can attend in the coming weeks, including a dinner with Jeff Stelling on 10th May, a Business Club lunch with special guest Danny Young – the club’s Head of Player Care – on 11th May and of course the annual Beer Festival on 3rd June. For golf enthusiasts, a handful of former players are hosting our golf day on 18th May, which will be a great event.

Your support has been absolutely extraordinary in recent weeks and it’s having such a positive impact on the players. Let’s go even bigger and better today for this crucial match, and get behind Roy and the team.

Up the Palace .

Your support has been absolutely extraordinary in recent weeks and it’s having such a positive impact on the players

One of the Premier League’s best passers; a shrewd investor; a multi-lingual, sartorial connoisseur – or all of the above? As broad as Joachim Andersen’s skillset on the pitch is his array of interests off it – as the defender revealed to Robin Johnson over an all-too-brief lunch…

I had more time on the ball and could see everything ahead of me

However vociferous you choose them to be, the sounds remain a product of a deeply ingrained reflex across supporters of all varieties. “Man on!” tends to be the loudest; “Boo!” the most common; “Shoot!” the most elongated. Others are better left to the mumbles.

Selhurst Park attendees over the last two seasons have come to utter one more than most other supporter subsets: the slack-jawed, wide-eyed, involuntary speaking of recognition which comes with the solitary word: “Ball.”

In the 0-0 draw with Everton at Selhurst Park last weekend, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and centre-backs Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen attempted a combined 47 long passes between them. The Dane led the way on completions – nine – as the aerial route to goal brought about many of Palace’s clearest chances.

It is not the first time Andersen has topped such a table. Last season, no Premier League player completed more long balls than the Dane – 253, over 50 more than second-placed Trent Alexander-Arnold. This season, just Wolves’ Ruben Neves stands between Andersen and the top spot for outfield players.

Against Arsenal on the opening day of the season, even in defeat, Andersen registered more completed passes (91), long passes (12) and final-third entries (20) than any other player, leading commentator Jamie Carragher to later reflect: “I thought I was getting a bit carried away when I called

Andersen ‘Ronald Koeman’ in the first-half – but I don’t think I was.”

Such skill has not come at a defensive cost, either, with Andersen winning more duels and completing more clearances in that game. He sits second in this season’s Premier League table for the latter (168, behind Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock’s 180). But ‘ball-playing centre-back’ was not always such a natural description of his talents.

“When I was four-years-old, I was a right winger and, sometimes, a striker,” Andersen recalls. “When I first moved to FC Copenhagen, I started playing more centrally – like a No. 8 – and it helped me develop a lot. I got used to being comfortable on the ball.

“I moved to Midtjylland when I was 15 and they saw me as a central defender, even though I’d never played there before. I had a coach – Svend Graversen – who’s now Director of Football there, and he helped me to understand the steps I should take.

“I played a lot of different positions but, by the time I moved to Twente and Holland, at 17, I almost only ever played as a centre-back. It’s just natural, sometimes, in how your body grows and how your game

When I was four-years-old, I was a right winger and, sometimes, a striker, When I first moved to FC Copenhagen, I started playing more centrally – like a No. 8 – and it helped me develop a lot. I got used to being comfortable on the ball

develops. I was good on the ball and growing a lot.

“It was a good experiment, at first, to see how it was back there. I enjoyed it: I had more time on the ball and could see everything ahead of me. I’m quite vocal on the pitch, so it helps a lot to organise situations.”

For some, like Andersen’s self-confessed model defender –Sergio Ramos – you sense the thrill of defending comes with the rush of blood behind a last-ditch tackle or clearance. But for the Palace man: “I like to have the ball at my feet. I want to have possession, make good passes and get clean sheets… but I don’t care if I have a good or bad game, in truth, as long as I win.

“I like to have the ball more than I like defending, but in my position, you need to do these kind of things to win. I learned a lot about it playing in Italy [with Sampdoria], which was one of the main reasons I wanted to play there – to improve.

“Defending has changed a lot nowadays. It’s not just about being aggressive, no-nonsense – you need to be able to play. You need to be clever in your tackles – you can’t just kill everyone, going into reckless tackles, because you might get a red card with VAR.

“You need to be cleverer with how you do certain things.” ‘Clever’ is the operative word, for while Andersen remains a shrewd performer on the pitch, he retains a wide array of diverse interests away from it.

For while the Denmark international – who at one point puts us to shame by listing the five different languages he speaks fluently – is in

the prime of his career, he has kept one eye on the future in the form of his diverse investment portfolio.

Investing in the stock market via different funds, largely into tech companies, it’s tough to recall many other footballers who have appeared in Forbes magazine.

“It comes from my Dad” –Jacob Andersen is a successful manufacturing entrepreneur in Denmark – “because he always said to me that I am my own little company.

“There will be a day when I’ll be done as a player, and I need to have a solid platform for my career afterwards. That’s what I’m trying to do, so that I can have a good life afterwards. I speak a lot with my Dad and different investors and financial workers, and it’s something I enjoy doing.

“It’s started to become more and more popular among footballers – but it’s so difficult to know who you can trust. I’m just in the luckiest position to have a Dad who can help me in that situation, when many players don’t.

“I love it, but sometimes, you can become tired of only talking about football. When I’m with my friends, sometimes I ask if we can speak

I like to have the ball more than I like defending, but in my position, you need to do these kind of things to win. I learned a lot about it playing in Italy [with Sampdoria], which was one of the main reasons I wanted to play there – to improve

You need to be cleverer with how you do certain things

I quite like having something to get my mind going on something else

about something else – I always get the same questions and it can get annoying, to be honest!” We laugh – nervously.

“I quite like having something to get my mind going on something else. It helps me relax.”

One such investment is based closer than you might think: a highend clothes shop in Soho, which reflects Andersen’s well-publicised passion for fashion. “It started when I was at boarding school in Midtjylland. I had a lot of spare time, so I would always look at what was around on the internet, and I bought a lot of clothes online.

“Since then, I’ve liked it a lot. It’s important for me to feel good in what I wear. It’s fun, and I like to have different styles – not just one.

“I have a lot of clothes, to be honest, and many, many styles. It’s really difficult to choose a favourite – it depends on what mood I’m in. Sometimes I like to dress nicely, sometimes I like to dress more relaxed – it’s difficult to say.”

Was Andersen’s spell at Sampdoria in north Italy a further influence? “People like clothes there,” he agrees. “Many of the players

Since then, I’ve liked it a lot. It’s important for me to feel good in what I wear. It’s fun, and I like to have different styles – not just one

It’s been really positive within the training ground

came into training in nice clothes, something I appreciated.

“There, it’s an aspect of manners, also. When you’re going to a meeting or a dinner, you’re expected to dress nicely. For me, that’s really important: to present yourself in a good way.”

Copenhagen too? “Copenhagen has many architects. It has many good designers, furniture designers, nice clothes brands… so it’s a city that many people admire in the design and art world. It’s quite famous for that.”

… and, dare we ask, Crystal Palace? He smiles, glancing around the canteen, before saying: “We speak about it when people come in wearing nice things and crazy stuff.

“There are some styles I quite like here. Wilf [Zaha] has some nice clothes – many things I wouldn’t wear myself, but on him they look nice. Chris [Richards], as well, has a few styles I quite like.

His voice raises a notch: “JP always comes in wearing ugly clothes…” The animated rebuttal from the neighbouring table is both prompt and inevitable: “Hey – do not speak about me!”

The brief interchange reflects the jovial mode around the training ground of late, off the back of a positive start to Roy Hodgson’s return to Palace – which Andersen hopes his side can build against West Ham United today.

“It’s been really good under the new manager and the coaches. It’s always interesting when you have a manager coming in who you’ve never met before. They’ve been really good

to us, making things simple so everyone knows their task.

“It’s been really positive within the training ground. There have been a lot of good laughs. When we train, we’re serious, but I feel like we have fun while we’re doing it. That’s really important for players, for the team and for everyone’s mindset: to enjoy playing football.

“West Ham are a difficult team to play against. They’re always compact, and good on the counter. They have good players and have been doing well in Europe, but have maybe been finding it more difficult in the league because they’re playing more games.

“We’re at home, so that’s an advantage for us. It’s always amazing with our home support – it helps us to play better and, in difficult periods, it helps us get our confidence back and to punish opponents.

“It would be nice if we could win many, many games here in the last weeks of the season.”

Keep that passing counter ticking up, and Palace’s Premier League position – much like Andersen’s range of stocks and shares – will surely be on the rise

It’s been really good under the new manager and the coaches. It’s always interesting when you have a manager coming in who you’ve never met before. They’ve been really good to us, making things simple so everyone knows their task

Joachim Andersen has lived in five countries, speaks six languages (if you also count the vernacular of football), and has played numerous different positions – but how will he adapt to the rigorous questioning of The Follow-up?

the follow the follow -up -up

#11 What’s the last song you listened to on Spotify?

Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor. I’m quite relaxed with my music – I can listen to everything. I like 80s music, I like 90s R&B, I like house… it depends on the vibe. I don’t like when JP [Mateta] puts his French rap on though…

#45 What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?

The last couple of years, I have been going to some different places, but always with two or three friends or with my girlfriend and some of our friends together. We’ll rent a villa, chill out… nothing too serious, just enjoying each other’s company, have a good party and eat good food, not too much planning.

What was the first football game you went to?

I was always a Brøndby fan when I was younger. They were the best team, but now, they’re struggling a little bit. I lived close to their stadium and they have some of the best fans in Denmark. I have pictures of me and my Dad wearing Brøndby shirts when I was very little – but I don’t remember who the game was against.

#19 Who’s your favourite tennis player?

I always loved Rafa Nadal, but now we have a new superstar in Denmark coming called Holger Rune, so I’ve been watching his games in the last couple of months. He’s 19 and doing really well – I’m supporting him.

#58 If you could have any animal as a pet, which would it be?

I’d like a dog. I’m a little bit allergic to dogs, actually, so it needs to be a short-hair. I actually had a chow chow when I was in Holland, but it was a little bit difficult for me. My girlfriend showed me a cockapoo and she wants one – so that’s fine with me

Worth a try? Probably.

Did you know?

Founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks F.C, West Ham were an incarnation of the Thames Ironworks Shipbuilding company, run by foreman Dave Taylor and owner Arnold Hills. They initially played in ‘Oxford blue’ – the dark blue colour worn by Oxford University –due to Hills’ background as a student, but soon moved to claret and blue in 1903.

the irons the irons

West Ham have enjoyed a season of contrasts on domestic and European fronts, with a potential trophy yet to ease fears of relegation to the second tier.

match preview

David Moyes’ side qualified for the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League with a clash against AZ Alkmaar to come, and the prospect of a European trophy makes for a tantalising final few weeks of the season.

There has been significant strife at home, however, and only a recent uptick in form has seen them move away from the relegation zone – a four-goal victory over Bournemouth last weekend has increased confidence of survival.

Another two tough tests this week could define the tone going into the run-in, with a trip to Selhurst Park on the back of their midweek clash with Liverpool an opportunity to move away from the relegation battle once and for all.

lucas paquetÁ

Since arriving from Lyon for a club record fee worth more than £50 million, the Brazilian has settled into the Premier League and continues to add to his 40 international caps.

last five √ palace

Recent clash

Boot in both camps

Ian Wright

‘Wrighty’ left Palace after a wonderful period at the club, scoring more than 100 goals and remaining the third in the club's all-time tally. After his record-breaking stint at Arsenal, he moved to East London and spent a season at West Ham, scoring nine times before moving on.

345 apps

1,108 saves

clean sheets

Height 1.90m Joined June 20th, 2018

Age 37 player profile

August 12th, 2018 v Liverpool

Polish international Fabianski spent several years as Arsenal’s back-up goalkeeper behind Wojciech Szczesny, starting in the FA Cup victory over Hull City in 2014, before establishing himself as the No. 1 at Swansea City. He won the club’s Player of the Year award, before moving to West Ham where he has made more than 150 appearances.

career history: Lech Poznan, Legia Warsaw, Arsenal, Swansea City

Age 23

Height 1.84m Joined Academy

Debut February 27th, 2019 v Manchester City

career history:

West Ham United

73 tackles

51 apps

2 goals

Joining West Ham’s Academy at seven-years-old, Johnson progressed through the age groups towards the first-team, being converted from a winger to a full-back in the process. He made his debut as a 19-year-old and since then he has nailed down a regular position, winning the club’s Young Player of the Season in 2022.

POS DEFENDER NAT MOROCCO

nayef aguerd

POS DEFENDER NAT ITALY

emerson

POS MIDFIELDER NAT SPAIN

pablo fornals ben johnson

POS DEFENDER NAT ENGLAND player profile

manuel lanzini

POS MIDFIELDER NAT ARGENTINA

lucas paquetÁ

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT BRAZIL

POS MIDFIELDER NAT ENGLAND

flynn downes 2809

tomás soucek michail antonio

POS MIDFIELDER NAT CZECHIA

Age 24

POS FORWARD NAT JAMAICA

declan rice

POS MIDFIELDER NAT ENGLAND

player profile

Height 1.88m

Joined Academy

Debut May 21st, 2017 v Burnley assists

career history: West Ham United

198 apps

9 Goals 10

Rice has risen from a promising youngster to an all-action midfielder in a few short years, becoming the permanent captain of West Ham and a regular feature in the national team under Gareth Southgate. Having earned 41 caps and approaching 200 Premier League appearances, he is attracting the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe.

gianluca scamacca

POS FORWARD

NAT ITALY

16 apps

3 goals

maxwel cornet

POS FORWARD

NAT COTE D'IVOIRE

danny ings

POS FORWARD

NAT ENGLAND

22

jarrod bowen

POS FORWARD

NAT ENGLAND

Age 24

Height 1.95m

Joined July 26th, 2022

POS FORWARD

NAT ALGERIA

saÏd benrahma shots

Debut August 7th, 2022 v Manchester City

Scamacca scored 16 league goals for Sassuolo in his final season in Serie A, before joining West Ham for a deal worth around £35 million. A full Italy international, he has adapted to life in the Premier League and scored his first goal in English domestic football against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October.

player profile

career history:

PSV, Sassuolo, Cremonese (loan), Zwolle (loan), Ascoli (loan), Genoa (loan)

stat pack stat pack

Following their 2-1 win at the London Stadium in November, Palace are looking to complete a Premier League double over West Ham for the third time (also in 2013/14 & 2019/20).

West Ham have lost just one of their last eight away league games against Crystal Palace (W5 D2), with their last two visits to Selhurst Park both ending in 3-2 victories.

28 41 Cheick Doucouré DECLAN RICE

88 72 72

TACKLES

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

Weren't they...

Named by an Anglo-Saxon. Ever wondered where the name ‘West Ham’ comes from? Or, more specifically, the ‘Ham’ part? Who knew there were so many toponymy enthusiasts among us?

Initially spelled ‘Hamme’, the land was granted by the fantastically named King Edgar to the even more fantastically named Ealdorman Athelstan in 958. The Old English word ‘Hamm’ translates as ‘a dry area of land between rivers and marshland’; lying between the Thames, the Lea and the Roding, it was a perfect name.

In 1186 the area was referred to as ‘Westhamma’, and so

hundreds of years later it became one of the major manufacturing hubs for processed foods, earning it the 19th century nickname ‘London over the border’, and would, according to the Times, “make the once desolate parish of West Ham a manufacturing and commercial centre of the first importance and to bring upon it a teeming and an industrious population”.

didn't they...

Play in front of a record crowd at Wembley. In 1923, West Ham reached their first FA Cup final, where the mighty Bolton Wanderers awaited. As the first match to be played at Wembley Stadium – referred to on the matchday programme as ‘The Empire Stadium, Wembley’ –it warranted a special guest list, and accordingly King George V was in attendance to present the trophy. However, he was not the only one. The officials in charge of the day prepared a large crowd of 125,000, but boy were

appetite for the final. With crowds of nearly 300,000 pouring towards the stadium, the terraces overflowed and fans spilled down towards pitchside – with many ending up on the field itself.

Mounted policemen were forced to intervene as the match was delayed by almost an hour.

“Tens of thousands of boots and shoes, many holed and worn, trudged towards the Empire Stadium,” wrote West Ham supporter Jim Belton in his vivid account of the day. “Veterans from the great war on crutches, small boys pulling and pushing each other on every species of cart...a sea of claret and blue was rising toward Wembley.

“A cacophony of singing, hooters, horns, klaxons and rattles filled the air. Everywhere there were hammers being waved about, some purloined from fireplaces, others six-foot creations of wood, papier mache and cardboard; white, silver and gold. The Irons were on the march!”

West Ham were a goal down by the break, and with the crowds preventing the players from reaching the dressing rooms the game restarted after a five minute pause.

The second and decisive goal was controversial – the West Ham defenders claimed the ball had come off the post, but the referee decided it had gone in and then come back out off a Bolton fan behind the goal. Who needs VAR, eh?

pub talk tibdit

Four promising youngsters made their West Ham debuts between 1996 and 1999. They went on to play 1,972 times in the Premier League, winning 17 league titles, three Champions Leagues and seven FA Cups, as well as earning

a cumulative 277 England caps. Not a bad generation. Their names? Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick.

Didn't they…

Get their claret and blue colours from Aston Villa. Possibly – this story is disputed but it’s a belter so we’ll let you make your own minds up. When still involved with the then-named Thames Ironworks, later to become West Ham, William Belton met four Villa

players at a fair in Birmingham. Challenged to a race, he crossed the finish line first and took some kits in payment. The kits were later reported by the Villa players as ‘missing’. Hmmm

Pre-match pint

Cronx Larger – 4.2% 2021 Regional Gold SIBA award winner. First brewed during the lockdown at the end of 2020 to make use of idle tanks, our first ever lager is brewed with Saphir hops which give the beer a refreshing, slightly citrus twist, followed by a classic clean and malty pilsner finish.

An unmissable line up on BT Sport

30 YEARS OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur – September 11th, 2021

Odsonne Edouard scored the fastest goal of any substitute in Premier League history when he netted after 28 seconds at Selhurst Park.

doc brown CORAL HAINES VICTOR AKINWALE

doc brown doc brown

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

A MYSTERIOUS GAME

As I stood and clapped off a slightly underwhelming yet fourth consecutive unbeaten performance against Everton, I was taken by two little mysteries. One being that no matter whether we draw an inordinate amount of games, go 10 without a win, let in loads of goals or score loads of goals, lose five on the trot or win three in a row, we’ll remain 12th. The other was a long, friendly exchange between unused Everton substitute Tom Davies and Eberechi Eze as they chatted all the way to the tunnel and maybe beyond – who knows? Also who knows what they were talking about because, as is de rigueur these days, if you work in professional football you have to cover your mouth with one hand when you talk, as if you’re some kind of controversial government whistle-blower or a deep throat leak merchant, trading information of international espionage, when really you’re probably just saying: “Well played, bro”. The fact is, we don’t have the facts.

It’s hard to think of anything in life that we feel we know so

much and yet so little about as football. On the surface, we get it – absolutely. There are 11 players on each side, two nets, one ball. Kick it in one of those nets more times than the other guys. And as we know these facts to be selfevident and indisputable, that same certainty trickles down into various other areas that we feel like experts on: the ‘DNA’ of a team, the ‘right fit’ of a player or manager coming in, positive and negative formations, tactics, approaches, body language, dressing room mood, stats upon stats upon stats. As football fans, every one of us is a mini manager, journalist and FA executive rolled

into one. We know it all and are never scared to voice our opinion with cast-iron confidence and some apparent inside knowledge.

We know it all and are never scared to voice our opinion with cast-iron confidence. But what do we really know?

Ben Bailey Smith

No one ever really says exactly what was said in the dressing room, on the training pitch, behind those proverbially closed doors. What’s the ref saying to that player? What does two arms up before you take a corner mean?

But what do we really know? No one ever really says exactly what was said in the dressing room, on the training pitch, behind those proverbially closed doors. What’s the ref saying to that player? What does two arms up before you take a corner mean? Does Ray Lewington own trousers? I genuinely can’t think of any other thing that I so deeply love that is simultaneously so deeply shrouded in impenetrable mystery.

So we basically make wild assumptions. About everyone and everything. We assume what we believe to be unarguable, take that assumption to the pub and tell people they can’t argue with that. Like, I just assume Sean Dyche came to Selhurst Park telling his lads to keep it tight, nullify their threat on the flanks, hang in there and maybe nick one. But that assumption is based on nothing more than my impression of Sean Dyche. Perhaps he’s actually piping Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in to the dressing room, using a subtle mix of reiki and incense to alleviate tensions and equating sporting challenges to the literary challenges faced by James Baldwin and George Elliot, reading aloud a self-penned haiku, beautifully complex in its simplicity, that somehow namechecks Dwight McNeil. There’s no way of knowing for sure.

But isn’t that one of the joys of life? Admitting you just don’t know? I think it takes a lot of pressure off the hardships of existence. Too much certainty

can push you into a corner, where there’s no room for interesting debate, no space to learn, no opportunity to ask questions. There’s joy and freedom in only knowing that there’s more to know. In footballing terms, having knowledge of my lack of knowledge often helps calm my nerves. I don’t want to know if, just before kick-off, behind Jordan Ayew’s palm he’s actually saying: “Guys, I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.” I’m happy to go on imagining. The ongoing mystery feeds my fathomless intrigue when it comes to this bewildering sport that we all know everything and nothing about. I feel like we could easily get three points against the Hammers today, but with them also desperate for points, equally we could come a cropper. The mystery of the result is why I’m not a betting man, and why I can happily shrug and simply say anything’s possible.

“Without mysteries, life would be very dull indeed. What would be left to strive for if everything were known?” The author Charles De Lint said that. Although it could’ve easily been Dychey.

You just never know

cpfc women cpfc women

My first memories of the game were of my Dad taking me to training. He didn’t drive back then, so he used to walk with me for an hour to every session and every game, whether it was in the rain or sunshine!

coral haines

From the age of seven, I started playing for the Under-9s at my local team, Leicester City. I ended up staying at the club until Under-16s level, when I was asked to play for Birmingham’s Under-17s. I spent a season with them and then, at the age of 16, signed for the first-team squad.

At the time, Birmingham were competing for the Women’s Super League, and doing really well. They were one of the best clubs in England at that point, so I knew it was the place to be. It was a big commitment at first because I still lived in Leicester and my parents had to consider how that would fit into mine and my siblings’ lives. It just felt like the next step in my journey.

After making her professional debut as a 16-year-old for Birmingham, Haines scored her first Women’s Super League goal at the same age, against Liverpool in September 2013.

Rachel Williams – who is at Manchester United now – was there back then. She’s also a Leicester girl; I used to look up to her when she was in the first-team and I was in the youth team. There was also Kirsty Linnett, who was two or three years

Crystal Palace Women play their final Women’s Championship fixture of the season against Charlton Athletic tomorrow (14:00 BST kick-off at The Valley). Ahead of the match, we hear from long-serving midfielder Coral Haines – who has worn the captain’s armband on numerous occasions this season...

A former England Under-23 international, Haines was part of the Birmingham City Ladies team who reached the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

older than me, and she started at Leicester as well. I used to watch her games and she was just incredible. She signed for Birmingham the year I went into the first-team as well.

At that time, Birmingham had players like Karen Carney, one of the best players I’ve ever played with. Laura Bassett was there, Jo Potter too… I used to train with them a lot, and it helped me develop my game in so many different aspects. I just felt quite privileged.

With any opportunity I got from the manager, I tried to embrace it with open arms. I didn’t really think too much about it. I just try to take every day as it comes, and whatever challenge I’m given, I try to express myself. I soak up the moment, rather than over-analyse.

I’ve learned in my career that there’s always somebody you can learn from, regardless of what position they play or how old they are. You just have to be open to learning new things that you can take into your game.

Eventually, I got to the point where I wanted to play, and I wanted to be somewhere I could make an impact on the team more often than not. My move to Tottenham in 2017 was a loan at first, but I enjoyed it; their vision was something I was excited by.

In the summer of 2020, my contract expired at Tottenham, so I looked around at different clubs. For me, Palace just had the right people, who gave me a lot of confidence in the vision the club has.

When I arrived, I was just a No.10 – I played one position. I

knew I had to work hard for the club – that was a given to get onto the pitch – so I had to develop my defensive work ethic. Now, I can play in central midfield and as a boxto-box midfielder as well, and I’ve developed my technical and tactical game. Hopefully that transfers onto the pitch every Sunday.

I’ve worn the captain’s armband on occasion in the second half of the season. It’s been such a proud moment for me. For me to be able to represent this team is amazing.

We’ve got such an exciting squad. There’s quality from front to back, all over the pitch, and we are capable of achieving big things in the next few years.

The loyal Crystal Palace fans, who are there week-in, week-out, drive us on. That helps us give that extra bit more, when we can hear them every single game, home and away. It’s just incredible to hear them singing from start to finish. It’s like having a 12th player out there. Your support is really valued by the team, and we love having you back us at games.

Now, we just want to try and get as many points in the table as possible, and implement what we’ve worked on from the first week of the season. We started a process with how we want to play, trying to get stronger at what we’re good at, and what we set out to do at the start of the season is just so important.

Regardless of where we sit in the table, trying to improve our style of play and principles is just as important as fighting for the title

I’ve learned in my career that there’s always somebody you can learn from, regardless of what position they play or how old they are. You just have to be open to learning new things that you can take into your game

academy academy

mark newsom - Under-18s Assistant manager

I am the assistant to Rob Quinn. I was initially here with the Under-14s in 2010 in a part-time role and then rejoined in 2012/13 as Lead Foundation Phase coach and I’ve been here ever since.

Ihave worked across the age groups during my time at Crystal Palace and I came into the role I’m in now with the Under-18s in September, 2022. I know most of the boys quite well, especially the first-year scholars as I have worked with them at Under-16s recently.

My first game with the Under-18s was the 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Cup where we played really well. Overall, we have had a good season all things considered – it’s been a great experience for the first-year scholars too.

The amount of exposure they have had is immense – Jake Grante and Mofe Jemide have played nearly every game together at centre-back and Zach Marsh has grown and developed pretty well, especially considering he was playing out wide for half of the season.

We have also had two Under-18s playing up with the Under-21s: David Ozoh and Kaden Rodney, both of whom went on to make their debuts with the first-

team. We are immensely proud of them and to see them press on means that we’ve had to utilise the first-years more often and hand opportunities to those in the age groups below.

The cup runs were a bit disappointing, getting knocked out on goal difference in the Premier League Cup and losing to Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup at Selhurst Park, but the latter part of the season has been great. Getting four points from Chelsea is so satisfying; it is always good to get a result over them. We look on course to record another second or third place finish in our third season as a Category 1 Academy, which is immense.

Despite not having a full season with the Under-18s, I’ve enjoyed it immensely. The amount of games and minutes the firstyears have played has set them up nicely for next season.

The Under-16s coming through are the same group who won the Under-15s Floodlit Cup South in 2021/22. I’m really looking forward to working with them

Getting four points from Chelsea is so satisfying; it is always good to get a result over them. We look on course to record another second or third place finish

over the over theroad road

Getting to know Victor Akinwale

-

With the Under-21s campaign drawing to a close at the beginning of May, Victor Akinwale is anticipating a strong Palace finish as they push on at the top of the Premier League 2 and in the Premier League International Cup.

“One of the best games I’ve played in this season was the 7-3 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the International Cup,” he says. “It was great to have such fantastic support at Champion Hill with the Fanatics there to cheer us on. We’ve progressed to the semi-final against Valencia and I hope we get the same level of support when we face them at Selhurst Park.”

Highlights so far

Akinwale netted in the victory over PSG and also scored a decisive winner against Liverpool in the quarter-final. He has scored a number of crucial goals throughout the season, including winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, bringing his tally to eight for the season.

“As a striker, I’d like to score more goals of course,

Scoring two in the Under-15 Floodlit Cup South Final victory over Chelsea in 2019.

Take note of Victor Akinwale is a pacy, clinical, forward who enjoys playing on the shoulder of the last defender and getting in behind defences.

Victor is a talented goalscorer with the right attitude. He’s worked very hard to secure a professional contract with Crystal Palace, and needs to use this achievement to drive him on further.

Paddy M©Carthy Assistant Manager

but the team has done really well and that’s crucial. We’re in and around the top three in the league, in the semi-final and I’m grateful that I can contribute to the team in any way.

“I’ve scored some important goals, some headers and goals in behind – I try to model my game on the likes of Didier Drogba and Dougie Freedman, as they were clinical goalscorers. I’m also grateful to Paddy McCarthy and Darren Powell for playing me and having faith in me.”

Palace Under-21s, now under the stewardship of Darren Powell, recently recorded a 10-game unbeaten run in all competitions and Akinwale has featured prominently for the side.

“We’re doing well on this run, even against West Ham with 10 men I think we should’ve won that game. Overall, it’s been a step up from Under-18s last season –everyone is physically stronger and quicker, but I’ve adapted and kept myself switched on.

“I’ve been across the road to train with the first-team occasionally and I was also with them on the pre-season tour. That exposure to first-team football has helped a lot too as I am just trying to adapt and develop quickly. I’m looking forward to the run-in with the games coming thick and fast – we’re going to try and win each and every one of them.”

I’ve been across the road to train with the first-team occasionally and I was also with them on the pre-season tour. That exposure to first-team football has helped a lot too as I am just trying to adapt and develop quickly

Keeping you posted on all things south London. Over the page, hear how an iconic Palace moment sparked an unlikely online legacy...

gary oldman

The legendary actor and filmmaker was born in New Cross and has gone on to become one of the world’s highest-grossing actors, with his films earning more than $11 billion at the box office. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour

5th – 6th May 2023

The UK’s biggest beer festival is back with over 150 of the world’s most exciting brewers, DJs and live music. As well as exercising your beer taste buds, there is a wide selection of excellent food on offer, with this year’s line-up including Freewheelin’ Pizza, Chick ‘N’ Sours, The Duck Shed Curry on Naanstop, E8 Fish, Oh My Dog!, Meat & Bun by Gaucho and From the Ashes BBQ.

Printworks London

david Hopkin’s iconic 1996/97 play-off final winner sparked a promotion party, a return to the Premier League and remains one of the greatest goals in Crystal Palace’s history – but it had a longer-lasting legacy on Dan Cook, now better known by his online pseudonym ‘HLTCO’.

To hear him talk about that famous winner is to get a glimpse into the juvenile glee he felt all those years ago. “The line of commentary itself is iconic in the way it was spoken,” he says, explaining the decision to name his podcast after a piece of Palace history. “It was a massive goal in a terrible game of football, and to score at Wembley with the sun beating down…

“The commentary is left up in the air. Sometimes commentators overtalk in those moments, but the way he says it as the ball is arcing towards the top corner. They didn’t go over the top, they let the moment breath. And the sun! I remember the sun beating down. For me, it’s a childhood encapsulated, with the old Sky Sports replays and everything.”

Cook wasn’t at Wembley on that fateful day, but rather watched with three generations of Palace fans back at home. Having been a Season Ticket holder for more than two decades and now firmly in the grasp of the incurable Palace bug, Cook comprehends as well as anyone the passion and dedication that goes into following a football team. One afternoon in particular solidified his understanding.

“I was 21-years-old when we played that game at Hillsborough in 2010, and I say it all the time: you can’t get a more raw emotion than everyone in the away end felt that day,” he remembers of Palace’s do-or-die battle with Sheffield Wednesday, when the club’s survival was on the line.

“To have three months of nobody getting paid, the jeopardy of the club potentially dying if we didn’t get a point that day. Players like [Nathaniel] Clyney staying because he was desperate to help, Darren Ambrose, Julian Speroni. The whole feel of the club was typified for me that afternoon.

“Wilfried Zaha started the first game of the next season, and he has been in the first-team ever since. It’s almost like that’s

where old-school Palace ended and the new era began.”

This cliff-edge experience, the relief of having diced with death and emerged to tell the tale, is what gives Cook his ability to understand the emotional role football plays in

but the way he says it as the ball is arcing towards the top corner. They didn’t go over the top, they let the moment breath dan cook ‘hltco’

so many lives, going far beyond the endless adolescent debates about statistics and transfers.

It’s why so many fans of opposition clubs continue to interact with his social media accounts, despite his obvious dedication to Palace. “I don’t appease fanbases, I just see shades of grey,” he says. “When that final whistle went on that day, I sobbed. It was pure relief.

“It sounds quite snobby and I don’t want it to come across that way, but if you are a matchgoing fan it takes up so much of your life that the prospect of losing it is like losing your husband or wife. It’s a huge part of your routine.

“You look at the fixture list, you build your year around it, you forgo social events. ‘Who have you got on Boxing Day, on the opening day, in the run-in?’ You try

to schedule holidays for when the international breaks occur. This is all the norm for someone who goes to football on a regular basis. If you have the possibility of being left without that, the problem is far more than: ‘What am I going to do for two hours on a Saturday?’

“So I look at all different fanbases. I can see Manchester City fans who have been at Maine Road since being in Division Two and being beaten by Stockport County. It’s all about scale. Manchester United fans want certain levels of success and get told they are spoiled. But then we will get Grimsby or Bradford fans telling us we’re spoiled because we want to be in the Premier League. That all gets lost on social media these days. It’s just: ‘You lost at the weekend, so you’re ****’.”

There is a certain irony in that Cook’s Twitter name, HLTCO, was picked to reflect a specific piece of Palace nostalgia. “I didn’t want something generic with ‘red and blue’ or ‘SE25’ in it,” he says. And yet this niche memory has taken on a new life in his own success. Supporters of teams at all levels of the English football pyramid are aware of David Hopkin’s Wembley heroics more than 25 years since he picked out the top corner.

Cook hopes that the current generation can inspire his son in the same way Hopkin inspired him. “He’s getting there. It’s difficult because four-year-olds are into all sorts of random stuff like dinosaurs, but he actively wants to get involved.

“We got him a Palace calendar, and he has remembered all of the players because they look like superheroes. ‘That’s McArthur, that’s Eze!’ I quite enjoy the idea of my little boy wanting to go because he is desperate to get there, because it will be even more special.

“I look back on my childhood, and it’s only when you go to school and your classmates support different teams that it becomes social currency. I’m hoping that when he gets mates who are football fans too it will become the norm.

“When I got to nine or 10 I showed an interest in wanting to go. I got a Season Ticket in 2002, and I’ve had it for 22 years now. It will be the same for me until the day I die.” .

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

w w Wembley to the World Cup

it all began on that sunny afternoon at Wembley. That wonderful, magical, terrifying, nerve-shredding, never-ending, rollercoaster of an afternoon. Watford, the clear favourites, had already captured the public imagination after the climax to their wild play-off semi-final against Leicester City, and it seemed – from the outside at least – that promotion to the top-flight was a near formality.

Not so. Palace fought tooth and nail, and a heroic goalkeeping display from Julian Speroni took the game into extra-time. Then, Ian Holloway spotted an opportunity. With Watford full-back Marco Cassetti tiring, it was time for Wilfried Zaha to make his presence known.

“‘Just keep taking him [Cassetti] on,’” Holloway remembers his instructions to

Zaha in When Eagles Dare. “‘He’ll get booked or he’ll get sent off.’

They moved him (cassetti) four times to try to get him away from Wilf. They put him leftback, they put him right-back, they put him sweeper, and I just said: ‘Stay there.’ My lads knew

“They moved him four times to try to get him away from Wilf. They put him left-back, they put him

right-back, they put him sweeper, and I just said: ‘Stay there.’ My lads knew. We just keep feeding Wilf and what happened?” Zaha won the decisive penalty for Kevin Phillips to smash home, and Palace had reached the promised land.

world cup

When Gregg Berhalter took to the field for the United States in Jeonju in 2002, he broke new ground: the first Crystal Palace player to feature at a World Cup finals. In 2022, he managed his country to come full circle.

In the past 10 years, Palace have had plenty of representatives on the world’s biggest stage. Former club captain Gareth Southgate has led England to a semi-final in 2018 and narrowly lost out to France in 2022 – with last season’s Player of the Year Conor Gallagher in tow. At the same tournament, Joachim Andersen was a regular for Denmark while Jordan Ayew started for Ghana – taking part in grudge matches with Portugal and Uruguay.

Luka Milivojevic represented Serbia in Russia in 2018, with Cheikhou Kouyaté featuring for Senegal – a few years before his Africa Cup of Nations success. Perhaps the most iconic came in Brazil, as Mile Jedinak – accustomed to leading the Eagles out at Selhurst Park – led his side out in front of more than 40,000 in Porto Alegre. He scored

aaron wan bissaka

‘Your wingers don’t like him…’

Coming through the Academy as a forward before moving into defence more out of necessity than personal choice, Wan-Bissaka quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League.

He initially caught the eye in a training match, frustrating Wilfried Zaha with his ability to get a tackle in when it seemed as though the attacker was away. “I do not think I have seen anyone get the better of Aaron,” Zaha later remembered. “You may go past him but he always manages to get a last-ditch tackle in. He somehow manages to toe everything away. And in 50-50s you know you are not going to win it against him.”

The Croydon boy, who had been at the club since he was 11-years-old, made his first-team debut in 2018 under Roy Hodgson, and won the club’s Player of the Month award with his appearances still in the single figures. In 2019, he was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Year.

His £50 million transfer to Manchester United has seen him go on to make more than 150 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Carabao Cup this season, while Palace have funded a brand new Academy facility to inspire the next generation of south London youngsters to follow in his footsteps.

the Netherlands, before Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and co. came back to end the dreams of the men from down under.

“Then there is Marc Guehi, who I admire very much and like very much,” said Roy Hodgson after Palace beat Leicester. “I can certainly see him being a future captain and maybe of England, that’s how good that boy

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

April 16th: Ipswich

Town 3-0 Palace -

For 30 minutes or so of this midweek clash the Eagles had dominated. Jonathan Parr had already seen his effort from outside the box deflect off a teammate for a goal-kick and Dikgacoi had fired over, before Parr suffered an injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season. Then the wheels fell off.

The Tractor Boys netted three goals in just 12 minutes: a mistake as Julian Speroni dallied over a pass back on his chest allowed Nouble to fire into an empty net, then in the five minutes added on Cresswell unleashed an unstoppable shot and an error by Peter Ramage enabled Nouble to score his second.

Despite making opportunities in the second-half it ended with the Eagles goalless for the fifth game in a row.

Cardiff are promoted but Palace are looking over their shoulders with Bolton, Leicester and Forest in play-off contention.

April 20th: Palace 2-2 Leicester City

It was fifth against sixth as the Foxes came to Selhurst Park two points behind the Eagles in an encounter neither side could not afford to lose. Holloway rang the changes, with Parr and Ramage out through injury while Yannick Bolasie and Andre Moritz also dropped out. Danny Gabbidon and Aaron Wilbraham returned along with Stephen Dobbie and Dean Moxey. The breakthrough came midway through the first-half as Gabbidon nodded Dobbie’s free kick into the corner of the net – scoring Palace’s first goal in 482 minutes in the process – but the lead lasted only 11 minutes as Andy King equalised.

After the break, Wilbraham saw his header bounce back off the crossbar but Dobbie, who had been at the heart of the Eagles’ most successful moments, scored the second when he bent a shot from the edge of the penalty box past Kasper Schmeichel and into the net. Again an error occurred when Damien Delaney slipped to allow Chris Wood a free run to drive home past Speroni, and the points were shared. The point against playoff rivals is useful as Forest fail to take advantage and it is definitely ‘squeaky-bum time’.

April 27th: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Palace

Mile Jedinak returned from his suspension and it was a noticeably better performance as the Eagles stuttered in the play-off zone.

Danny Gabbidon scores his first League goal for eight years

Glenn Murray signs a new contract

Palace scored first as Dobbie netted for a successive game, this time collecting a flick-on from Wilbraham to weave his way past his marker and wrong-foot the goalkeeper with a clever finish; a few minutes later he curled a 30-yard free kick just wide of a post. Just before the break a punt forward by Rovers saw Jordan Rhodes give chase and chip Speroni for the equaliser. The second-half proved exasperating as Murray beat the offside trap, turned his marker and saw his shot smack the crossbar before Jedinak hit the woodwork with a header from a corner-kick and a legitimate appeal for a penalty on Murray was turned down. The Eagles now had to play their game in hand away at struggling Millwall three days later Hull and Watford fight it out for second place, Palace are in fifth but Bolton and Forest are just a point behind with the final day to come .

DANIEL player in focus

BORN:

8 th August 1979 – Cwmbran

APPEARANCES: 38

GOALS:

Prior to his release from Queen’s Park Rangers at the end of the 2011/12 season, Gabbidon had spent six years with West Ham and he signed for Crystal Palace in 2012, making his debut as a substitute three months later. The importance of having a seasoned central defender in the squad was borne out as he covered for Damien Delaney in December and then for Peter Ramage in the three play-off games culminating in victory at Wembley.

The team was built around the opposition having the ball, counter-attacking, breaking. They were more comfortable dealing with those situations

Ian Holloway

APRIL 25th

21-year-old Dean Parrett is taken on trial following his release from Spurs

from the

Times have changed over Crystal Palace’s rich and storied history. In each edition, we dust off the archive and reprint a story from one of the club’s historical programmes. This week, we republish an abridged interview with a man who knows today’s clubs better than most…

for the casual onlooker, James Tomkins’ formative introduction to life as a professional footballer was his debut at Goodison Park in 2008. In reality, that moment was two years earlier, in the function room of a hotel near the Millennium Stadium.

West Ham were preparing for the FA Cup final, and manager Alan Pardew saw the perfect chance to ingratiate the most promising youngsters with the first team squad.

“He took me along for the experience. I’d not done an initiation – I had to do it the night before on the mic. I couldn’t eat a thing during dinner because I was so nervous to sing after.

“It was ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo’. I had to get it planned in my head. I was playing it in my ears the night before from my iPod, because I didn’t really know the words. But I thought it would be a song that everyone could help me out with – there were a few people that joined in in the end!”

from the archive

Crystal Palace v West Ham United – January 26th, 2021

They might be a source of fun for the older players, but initiations like these were crucial in welcoming a younger player into the team. After all, just to get to that point is some achievement.

“When you join an academy so young – I joined [West Ham] when I was eight years old – you see your mates get released. It’s almost like a survival thing really, where you want to be good enough for the next step and the next age group, and then the ultimate one is to play for the first team.

probably the best thing because I would have struggled to sleep if he’d told me the night before.

“Both nerves and excitement sort of fold into one; that nervous, excited energy. In the warm-up you just keep as calm as you can, because you’re going into a world where you’re playing in front of 40,000 people. I’ll never forget it.”

Even now, with almost 300 Premier League appearances to his name, Tomkins feels the tension before kick-off.

“Over the years I’ve still had the same nervousness going out; it’s never changed for me. People say it gets easier with age but for me it’s still the same nervous energy again. Different from my debut mind you…”

It’s no surprise. Being a defender at the highest level is a unique mindset; while the world fawns over the stunning goals and electric pace of Premier League attackers, defenders await each match knowing their job is to blot it all out.

room in south Wales and beyond: the determination to be part of a strong unit, and the unbridled competitiveness that comes with it. During the week, his pursuit of high standards is just as important.

“Most of the lads will tell you, I’m quite competitive,” says Tomkins with the hint of a smile.

“I try and give everything I have in the games and in training, and sometimes you’re not happy with someone who’s just as competitive – things can end up quite physical.

“I know Jordan Ayew is someone that likes a bit of physicality in training. He’s probably overtaken me in that department in terms of challenges! There are times in the game now where you might catch someone late or catch an elbow and you start having words. That will never leave, that’s always going to happen. I enjoy that side of it.”

For all the years of work to get there, Tomkins’ senior call up came at relatively short notice.

“We were all on the coach and we’d just pulled up to the game, and the manager hadn’t announced his team yet. He [Alan Curbishley] comes to the back of the bus and names the lineup. Obviously, we’d just got there so I didn’t have too much time to prepare, which was

“Experience can help,” says Tomkins. “Nowadays, especially for me when I started, you can see videos of strikers and what they’re about. Some things you can’t stop as a player but you try and put yourself in the right position and do the basics well, and you can build from there.

“If you can try and play to your strengths then hopefully you can come out on top.”

Here we uncover the essence of Tomkins’ career to date, which we can trace back to that function

Tomkins has come a long way from the 17-year-old academy prospect, terrified of singing to his older teammates. His role today is to call on that experience – and that fierce competitiveness – to maintain the standards at Palace. Not that he doesn’t miss those days: “The songs have kind of gone out… we should bring it back really.”

Would he be the first to get up there again? Well, maybe, and there’s no doubt what he’d be singing. “It would have to be Amarillo again – that song will never leave my memory now!” .

Both nerves and excitement sort of fold into one; that nervous, excited energy. you’re going into a world where you’re playing in front of 40,000 people. I’ll never forget it

palace for life

PALACE PLAYERS GO BETWEEN THE STICKS AT POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL

the Palace Powerchair football team had a surprise visit from first-team goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and Palace Women midfielder Chloe Arthur at their weekly training session last month.

Our Powerchair team is currently unbeaten this season, sitting at the top of the South East Powerchair Football League second division, having just missed out on the top spot last season.

One player who has excelled this season is Stanley Ball, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which is the most common and severe form of muscular dystrophy. Stanley is the second-highest goal scorer in the league, contributing 11 of the Eagles’ 30 goals in the 2022/23 campaign so far.

Powerchair football is a unique sport that provides opportunities for people with a high level of impairment to access the game of football, and is played using specially designed powered wheelchairs in order to manoeuvre and hit an oversized football.

At our weekly training sessions at Waddon Leisure Centre

in Croydon, the players were thrilled to see Guaita and Arthur come down to get involved. They started by chatting with the players to understand how the game works before participating in a pre-game drill of kick dodgeball. Towards the end of the session, a match was played with Guaita and Arthur playing in goal – and both earning a clean sheet in a tight 0-0 draw. The Powerchair team also had the opportunity to take photos and sign shirts with the players at the end!

“It is easier when you have everything so it is important for myself to help out others when I can,” Guaita said of his experience of the day, commending the players. “I am hoping for a rematch soon!”

Arthur was also impressed. “It’s amazing to come and see a sport like this,” she said. “I feel like I’m a proper fan now! It is important to come and be part of the community to see people from different walks of life”.

To finish off an amazing week, the Powerchair football team were invited to Selhurst Park for the game against Leicester. The team brought their successful winning streak and their luck with them as they witnessed a last-minute Jean-Philippe Mateta winner.

The day started with the team coming along to the fan zone, where they answered questions about Powerchair football and their outstanding season so far. At half-time, they were given the opportunity to come pitch-side and receive their Fair Play award, receiving a loud cheer from the home crowd.

To watch Guaita and Arthur give Powerchair a go and to find out more about Disability Sport at Palace for Life, head to palaceforlife.org .

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

It’s amazing to come and see a sport like this, I feel like I’m a proper fan now! It is important to come and be part of the community to see people from different walks of life

chloe arthur, crystal PALACE women

Some players you simply forget. Maybe they didn’t play much, or they signed without fanfare and left similarly under the radar. But some are footballing household names who once graced the Selhurst turf in red and blue – and many of us have no recollection of it. These are the pages to change that.

begin to construct an all-time Crystal Palace XI, and you may not see a stand-out name at left-back – but a threetime Premier League winner and seasoned England international is lurking. Admittedly, his best days may not have come at Selhurst Park, but as one of the greatest to play the game the discussion is worth having.

As well as his trio of league titles, Ashley Cole can look back on seven FA Cup winners medals, a League Cup, Europa League and Champions League triumph and 107 caps for the national side – still sixth in the all-time list. He is a four-time member of the Premier League Team of the Season, a two-time member of the UEFA Team of the Year and – somewhat more surprisingly – winner of Chelsea’s Goal of the Season award in 2010.

But it all started in SE25. Well, sort of. Joining local side Arsenal as a youngster, he began to climb up the ranks at the club he had supported as a child. He made his first-team debut at just 18-years-old in 1999, and signed a professional deal at the club – but a regular first-team spot was still some way away.

Then an opportunity presented itself. Down in south London, there was a club in dire need of hungry young footballers with an abundance of talent and a desire to prove themselves on the big stage. Crystal Palace were in trouble, and the fight against relegation to the third

tier was on. Constantly in or near administration, financially desperate and with pitifully small resources, the Eagles were relying on the inspirational leadership of Steve Coppell to survive. Transfer targets had to be imaginative.

Terry Phelan had arrived from Everton earlier in the season, but his impressive performances had seen him recalled to Merseyside soon after and Palace were scrabbling around once again. In came Mikael Forssell from Chelsea and a fiery youngster from north London, who had been impressing for Arsenal’s youth sides as a left-winger and – occasionally – as a left-back.

Ashley Cole made his debut away at Grimsby and stood out in defeat; it was clear that Palace had a serious talent on their hands. His form on the left-hand side proved crucial as the Eagles inched towards safety. A goal-line clearance against Charlton Athletic was vital, but the standout was a moment of inspiration to keep Palace in the second tier.

Selhurst Park was bubbling with tension as Blackburn Rovers arrived in town, with the thousands in attendance aware that three points would secure Division One status for another season. It was a stage set for heroes, and the teenage Cole stepped up and was counted.

Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he dropped his shoulder to spin and swerve away from two defenders before

looking up and picking out the top corner. Celebrations were not kept to a minimum. At full-time, Coppell punched the air and Palace were safe; Ashley Cole had matured as a player and would return to north London a hero. Even accounting for his impressive performances in south

Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell has revealed his own admiration for Cole in the matchday programme, naming him first in his list of heroes in the position: “Ashley Cole, David Alaba, Marcelo, Dani Alves. They’re the best full-backs for me, from what I’ve seen of them.” Some company .

London, no one who saw Cole’s finish that day could possibly go on to predict the sheer scale of his successes to come. The defender featured at three World Cups, two European Championships and was a mainstay in the national set-up for more than a decade, winning Player of the Year in 2010.

Following his retirement, he has worked as a coach under former teammate Frank Lampard at Derby County, Chelsea and Everton – and has returned to Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season.

Ashley Cole, David Alaba, Marcelo, Dani Alves. They’re the best fullbacks for me, from what I’ve seen of them

tyrick mitchell

from the

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

James

James was a loving Son, Husband, Father and Grandfather, and not to mention a lifelong palace fan. He will be truly missed by his friends and family and will forever be in our hearts.

Wishing Peter Bennett a very happy 70th birthday! We hope you have the best day ever! We love you lots! Love Chrissie, Harry, Lillie, Rio, Natalie and Barrie.

Happy second birthday Leo lots of love from your dad can’t wait to take you Selhurst very soon to see famous palace boys

from the terraces

Happy 8th Birthday for Maxwell, from Maizie, Holly, Charlie, Nicky & Dad.

Richard Chaproniere, 04/08/76 – 22/03/23.

Happy 16th Birthday Frankie. Love Mum and Dad x

In loving memory of Costa Kouppas aged 64, lifelong palace supporter. Forever in our hearts.

This is Freddie, our first grandson. We have supported Palace for over 60 years, although now living in Australia we still watch every game. The Burgess Family

Happy birthday David. Hope we get a win on your special day today! With love from Nicki and Sarah xxx

Happy 50th Birthday to my Husband, best friend, soul mate & an amazing dad Jeff Strudwick, we hope you have an amazing day love Lisa, Emma, Georgia & Bobby.

Happy 14th birthday Kian. All my love, Dad.

Bro! Thank you for being my best buddie and introducing me to our beloved Palace in 1976. Never looked back! Come on the mighty eagles! Bro x

Happy 21st birthday to Jake Moir who’s turning 21 on 3rd May! Have a fab day, all our love Mum, Dad and Lucy xx

Peter Smith, Season Ticket holder for 30+ years and Club Secretary at AFC Croydon Athletic since 2012. Devoted to non-league football.

Happy 12th Birthday Angelo Carlucci.

Happy 57th Birthday to Jude! Enjoy the game. Love from Claire, Seth and Millie.

Happy 7th Birthday to Henry Bevan, love Dad, Mum, Charlie and Lily.

Meet today’s mascots, prepare for a trip north of the river, look back on Martin Kelly masterclass and pit your wits against Brighty below.

Bobby Bloomfield 2-1

AGE: 10 SCORE PREDICTION:

Bethany Bloomfield 2-0

AGE: 13 SCORE PREDICTION:

Rico Eaton 2-1

AGE: 11 SCORE PREDICTION:

William Moir 2-1

AGE: 10 SCORE PREDICTION:

Alex O’Donnell 2-1

AGE: 8 SCORE PREDICTION:

Want

Raphael Phillips 1-2

AGE: 10 SCORE PREDICTION:

Brody McLaughlin 2-1

AGE: 6 SCORE PREDICTION:

next up: spurs

It’s a trip over the river as Palace travel to north London to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, 6th May (15:00 BST).

Travel:

The nearest overground station is White Hart Lane Station, which can be reached from Liverpool Street. Underground stations near the ground are Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters on the Victoria Line.

Pre-match:

The Elmhurst is the designated away fans pub, while the Antwerp Arms and Haringey Irish Centre have also welcomed travelling supporters in the past.

Best memory:

Who can forget Martin Kelly’s striker-like finish at White Hart Lane as Palace secured their place in the last eight of the FA Cup – the Eagles would go on to reach the final at Wembley under Alan Pardew.

BEAT BRIGHTY BEAT BRIGHTY

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

Scoring:

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

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

team stats: women / U21s / U18s

Hollie Olding Olding scored a wonderful goal as Palace Women put four past Lewes at Hayes Lane.

Ademola

Ola-Adebomi

Ola-Adebomi hit double figures for the season in the Under-21s’ draw with West Ham United.

Adler Nascimento Nascimento scored a Goal of the Month contender as he found the top corner against Chelsea Under-18s.

SEPTEMBER

Tue 6 Hertha Berlin W 1-0

Wed 28 Paris Saint-Germain W 7-3

FEBRUARY

Sat 4 Dinamo ZagrebL 1-2

Wed 8 SC Braga W 2-1

MArch

Fri 31 Liverpool W 1-0

MAY

Wed 3 Valencia

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7 LEW20 758 1926-726

8 DUR21 74 102828 0 25

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11 BLA20 389 1829-1117

12 cov21 21 181666-50

4

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22/23 FIXTURES & RESULTS

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

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE 22/23

Crystal palace f.c.

Joel WARD

Tyrick MITCHELL

Luka MILIVOJEVIC

James TOMKINS

Marc GUÉHI

Michael OLISE

Albert SAMBI LOKONGA

Jordan AYEW

Eberechi EZE

Wilfried ZAHA

Vicente GUAITA (GK)

Jean-Philippe MATETA

Jeffrey SCHLUPP

Joachim ANDERSEN

Nathaniel CLYNE

James McARTHUR

Will HUGHES

Sam JOHNSTONE (GK)

Odsonne EDOUARD

Chris RICHARDS

Cheick DOUCOURÉ

Naouirou AHAMADA Nathan

WEST HAM UNITED f.c.

Łukasz FABIANSKI (GK)

Ben JOHNSON

Aaron CRESSWELL

Kurt ZOUMA

Vladimir COUFAL

C. Pawson

S. Ledger

D. Eaton

A. Madley

J. Gillett

A. Holmes

Gianluca SCAMACCA

Pablo FORNALS

Michail ANTONIO

Manuel LANZINI

Lucas PAQUETÁ

Flynn DOWNES

Alphonse AREOLA (GK)

Mawel CORNET

Danny INGS

Jarrod BOWEN

Angelo OGBONNA

Saïd BENRAHMA

Thilo KEHRER

Nayef AGUERD

Tomáš SOUCEK EMERSON

Armstrong OKO-FLEX

Declan RICE

Joseph ANANG (GK)

Kamarai SIMON-SWYER

Keenan APPIAH-FORSON

Freddie POTTS

Oliver SCARLES

Kaelan CASEY

Divin MUBAMA