billsportsmaps.com

January 15, 2008

Crystal Palace FC.

Filed under: Engl. Promotion Candidates — admin @ 8:04 pm

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Ex-Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock took over as manager of Crystal Palace in mid October.  Since November 3rd, the club has gone on a 14-game unbeaten run (8 wins and 6 draws).  Last weekend they vaulted into the playoff places, at fifth, in the League Championship (the 2nd Level).  Warnock is legendary for his mercurial temperment and sideline histrionics, but his ability to inspire squads to punch above their weight has been proven once again.   After beating early season promotion-favorites Wolverhampton away 0-3, Warnock said, “the pressure is off, because everyone thought we were going to get relegated.  We’re nowhere near the finished article, but we’re a hard team to play against, and can become a lot better.” 

Warnock believes Palace’s unbeaten run can be attributed in part to the lack of”big-time Charlies” on the squad.  Clinton Morrison has scored 10 goals in his last 12 league games (12 goals overall), and journeyman striker James Scowcroft has netted 7 times, including a stunning 30-yard volley last Saturday, at Molineux.  The battle for promotion has suddenly become more crowded.

Crystal Palace are the only club based in the southern part of South London which is in the Football League (the League is the top 4 Levels).    **{See this, about South London.}.    AFC Wimbledon, who are based nearby, are in the 7th Level.    Palace, also known as the Eagles, have been in the first division a mere 13 seasons, and their last two spells in the top flight (in 1997-’98, and 2004-’05) both lasted a single season.  Their first time in the top level was in 1969-’70.  Their best league finish was in 3rd place, in 1991.  They were also FA Cup Runners Up that year.  Their peak attendance was in 1972-’73, with an average gate of 30, 167. 

Thanks to Historical Football Kits website (historicalkits[dot]co[dot]uk):  the 5 older kits on the bottom right-hand side of the chart are copyright Historical Football kits, and reproduced by permission.   Thanks to Colours Of Football (colours-of-football[dot]com);  (mikefloate[dot]clara[dot]co[dot]uk);  (123football[dot]com).  Thanks to The Guardian UK; and to the Crystal Palace-mad website (http://www.crystalpalace-mad.co.uk).

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