Season Preview 20in20 - Crystal Palace

16 of 20 - Palace/The Eagles

Author

nick lochner
August 08, 2023

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2022/23 Finish - 11th Place

A medium sized London club Palace is entering their 11th straight season in the PL, and in each of those seasons have finished between 10th and 15th with as few as 41 points and as many as 49. 2023/24 is expected to be more of the same.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the club, and also a lot of excitement for the talent. The uncertainty begins with ownership, are they invested in investing and helping the club make the top 10? Top striker Zaha has left, where will the goals come from? They have talent, but can they keep it? Does the oldest manager in the PL still have the magic and connection to the players, it seems he does.

Being a Palace fan can be a wild ride, and this season is shaping up to be one.

The Club

Located in South London (Croydon)

Selhurst Park, 25,000 capacity

Rough estimates

$200M Annual Revenue (between 8th-10th PL)

$125 Player Payroll

History on the Pitch

  • Highest finish, 3rd in 1991

  • 0 FA Cups, 2 Runners-Up

  • 0 Europe Cups

Ownership

In the 2000s the club had financial issues and 4 wealthy fans created CPFC 2010 and took control of the club, they each owned 25% and bought the stadium. Steve Parish became Chairman. In 2015, 2 American investors were added buying 18% of the club each, for $65M. One of those is Josh Harris, the new owner of the Washington Commanders.

Fans are concerned, as questions surround the partnerships commitment and focus to Palace. Do the owners get along, agree with the decisions making? It is rumored that some of the owners are looking at other English soccer clubs.

Sponsorship

Biggest Rival - Brighton & Hove Albion

Unofficial A23 Derby

  • A surprising rival, as the clubs are 40 miles apart but connected via Interstate A23.

  • The rivalry dates back to the 1970s when both clubs were fighting for promotion out of Level 3. They both ended up getting promoted, and the animosity continued in Level 2.

  • In 137 Matches played Palace has 50W 48L 39D.

  • Palace also have rivalries with South London clubs Millwall and Charlton Athletic but have not played either in league competition since 2015.

The Culture

The Holmesdale Fanatics - Founded in 2005, HF started with a small fanbase in section B of Selhurst Park. The group was frustrated with the lack of tradition, and stadium seating rules, as well as with how the club was being run. They became known across the UK and their membership skyrocketed.

Palace is a London Club whose fanbase is primarily regional to the South Boroughs. Many consider it the most “fanatic” club in England. A combination of the chants, flags, banners, and organization of the supporters brings great atmosphere to the club.

The Crystal’s

Palace is the only club to have “NFL” style cheerleaders. In similar style to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, the group performs before each home match as well as half time. They are active in the community and charity events. Holmesdale has more on the Crystal Girls.

Hard Knocks?

Amazon Prime Video followed Palace during their 2012-2013 season, which concluded with the club's promotion to the PL. The series has 5 episodes.

Supporters You May Recognize

  • Liam Neeson

  • Bill Lyman - Rolling Stones Bassist

  • Katy B

  • Rebecca Lowe

Song

In 1968 the Dave Clark Five performed Glad All Over at Selhurst Park and the song became tied to the club.

Game Day Pub Guide

Fan Sites

Official Twitter

@CPFC

High Follows on Twitter

@holmesdaleUSA (12k)

@holmesdale (14k)

@ultrascpfc (22k)

@WingingItCPFC (15k)

The Team

The Gaffer

  • Roy Hodgson (England), 75yo

  • Born in Croydon, started playing career with Palace.

  • Began managing in 1976, and has led 24 different clubs including stints as the England National team manager, Liverpool and Watford.

  • Signed a 1 year deal for the 2023/24 campaign.

ODDS

  • To Win League +50,000

  • To Be Relegated +800

  • To Finish Top 4 +5,000

  • To Finish Top 10 +275

Roster Notes

Full Roster click link

Projected to finish 12th

  • American: Chris Richards, Center-Back (23yo) with 9 appearances in 2023

  • The loss of captain Luka Milivojevic will hurt as will Winger Wilfried Zaha

  • Who will be named captain? Where will the goals come from?

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