Blog Extract Seven:
19/10/11
It is not even Christmas time yet but it was Easter time for Palace at Vicarage Road last Saturday. A cracking injury time strike from substitute Jermaine Easter wrapped up a comfortable 2 – 0 victory. A sunny autumnal Saturday afternoon at struggling Watford began around midday as this is a local away day for me, and a refreshing English breakfast at the Vicarage Road Cafe with a nice cup of tea really set me up for the match. Indeed this was the first match that I had my new manual/joystick wheelchair and although I tried it out more on Tuesday when I used it to get to Selhurst for the Bristol City match, of which more later. Anyhow I tested my new chair at Watford by meeting the players and management off the coach and indeed imagine my delight that while wishing David Wright well my arm was captured by TV cameras to appear on TV later that night. – How good is that!
The game itself was an example of how Palace has improved under Freedman. To be fair to Watford they are obviously struggling but tactically Palace were set up well from the back and without making the best of their chances in the first half Palace were in control and were never really threatened. The building of pressure in the second half eventually told and it was a moment of individual brilliance from Wilfrried Zaha who is fed in off a Scannell through ball and a wonderful first time finish won the game. The result was underlined by an equally good stoppage time goal from Jermaine Easter a player who is always smiling and it was a great way to cap the performance in a professional display, and it shows the great spirit existing around the club at the moment. It is also nice to see the clubs young players playing football with smiles on their faces and enjoying their football.
Following on from Watford I went to Selhurst with my new wheelchair to watch the Bristol City match under lights on Tuesday night. Unfortunately the game was notable for being ruined for both sides by the referee. I do not like criticising referees as we all know they have difficult jobs to do but in all honesty I do not think there are any good referees in the Championship. Yes some referees are better than others, and others produce okay performances but recently I become more resigned to leaving matches thinking about bad refereeing decisions. A 1 – 0 win secured by an 81st minute penalty by the fantastic Glenn Murray was probably the least we deserved thanks to the youthful creativity and pace of Sean Scannell and Wilf Zaha. The fact the penalty was won by the tenacity of Williams, even if it was soft, was an example of the poor refereeing on show as bad decisions had already disallowed two legitimate Palace goals. On the basis of chances created despite its attritional nature this was a match Palace deserved to win.
Our good start is due in no small measure to the creative brilliance and pace of Wilfried Zaha. It will test the resolve and ambition of our new owners both in January and at the end of the season as they deal with big offers from the Premier League for the likes of Zaha, Clyne, Scannell, and Williams. It would show true ambition if they could turn down good money to see the academy products develop at the club. The fact we are financially secure and do not need to sell is a real advantage because if they do decide to take up an offer and sell it will be for proper money, and in Zaha’s case any transfer fee would be in excess of £10 million. My point here is this there will be no knockdown sales like Victor Moses to Wigan in 2009 when Palace were in administration and financially on its knees.
I close by saying good luck to the lads in what is a massive week next week for Palace. A league cup 4th round tie Vs Southampton on Tuesday night, and before that an away trip to Ipswich on Saturday afternoon I always enjoy Ipswich away because as a disabled fan I am sat by the tunnel and you never know which Palace players you can meet, but you usually get to talk to a fair few players. Southampton in the cup is the exciting one for me, the prospect of a league cup quarter final whilst beating Southampton (my university town) at the same time and getting one over on my saints supporting mate who will be watching the match with me should be very exciting. Good Luck Palace! S B.
Thursday 20 October 2011
Friday 14 October 2011
Burchy's Palace Blog Extract Six 11/10/11; What's the Fuss About Fabio? Lets Look Forward To Watford!
Blog Extract Six:
11/10/11
I do not often write much around international breaks, but I must reflect over the fuss around nothing with England. We qualified after all didn’t we? For that I say credit Fabio, he has after all qualified us for the two tournaments he has been in charge for. Even if the World Cup in South Africa was an unmitigated disaster he qualified in this campaign undefeated and top of the group, a clear improvement which is all you can ask for. Capello is also an intelligent enough coach to improve England’s performance at Euro 2012 compared to the World Cup. It is also worth considering England’s record in getting to tournaments before the millennium and the appointment of Sven Goran Erikson, it was not that good. Anyhow 2 – 2 well done England and good luck next summer!
Anyway Palace play Watford on Saturday before a midweek match at Selhurst vs Bristol City, hopefully a reinvigorated Palace post Brighton should pick up six points, but are things ever that straight forward with Palace? It is worth reflecting what a great job Dougie Freedman is doing at the moment. Playing great football and giving youth a chance, while frustrating managers with the experience of Sam Allardyce before standing up for his footballing beliefs and the clubs development in the press room after the match. I have to say I was unsure what game big Sam was watching when I read his post match comments I did not see either team enjoy the level of dominance or chances he thought the hammers enjoyed, to me it was an even game and a draw was a fair result. Well done to Freedman for standing up for how he saw the game develop, he is clearly showing signs of becoming a quality strong willed manager.
It is a big week prior to Watford as I get a new wheelchair, same size and weight as the old one but a lightweight electrical system opens up the possibility of independent train travel to football again, the kind of which I have not enjoyed in years. It will make a big difference though as to how you shall see me getting to the football in the future because I will not get as tired, and it will also make attending disability forums at the club easier. This is an exciting development that could make a big difference going forward into the future. In an earlier blog (4) I talked about new skiing opportunities and these continue this week as when I pick up my wheelchair from Hemel Hempstead on Thursday, I will enjoy my second lesson. - Should be fun.
A couple of quick Watford experiences I have enjoyed with Palace to close this section. Both relate to different parental reactions to my football. The first was during my illness in the early Millennium and my father, wanting to aid my recovery and despite not liking football in a selfless act he took me to Selhurst to watch Palace beat Watford 1 – 0. Yet this did not stop him being so bored that he read the Times newspaper from cover to cover taking absolutely no notice of the match or what was going on on the pitch. This is a great illustration that my dad just wanted to make me happy and aid my recovery. My second experience was in slightly different circumstances. A cracking 5 – 1 Palace win at Vicarage Road in early 2004 in the promotion season. I had just dropped out of Nottingham University and my parents were probably justifiably less than impressed with me, angry enough anyhow not to drive me to the match – a 40 minute car journey. As a result I embarked on an epic solo rail journey from Reading to Clapham Junction to Watford Junction, which took about two hours. On the way back I went from Watford to Reading via Willesden Junction and Richmond finally getting back to Reading three hours later around 8pm. Epic journey for a wheelchair but with a 5 -1 victory, (a Freedman hat-trick incidentally) I could not regret it, doing the trip on my own in my chair was very satisfying.
My parents need not have worried either I sorted myself out in the meantime. 2010’s survival act also started at Watford so I wonder what to expect on Saturday I am sure it will be exciting, do enjoy! Thanks for reading. S B
11/10/11
I do not often write much around international breaks, but I must reflect over the fuss around nothing with England. We qualified after all didn’t we? For that I say credit Fabio, he has after all qualified us for the two tournaments he has been in charge for. Even if the World Cup in South Africa was an unmitigated disaster he qualified in this campaign undefeated and top of the group, a clear improvement which is all you can ask for. Capello is also an intelligent enough coach to improve England’s performance at Euro 2012 compared to the World Cup. It is also worth considering England’s record in getting to tournaments before the millennium and the appointment of Sven Goran Erikson, it was not that good. Anyhow 2 – 2 well done England and good luck next summer!
Anyway Palace play Watford on Saturday before a midweek match at Selhurst vs Bristol City, hopefully a reinvigorated Palace post Brighton should pick up six points, but are things ever that straight forward with Palace? It is worth reflecting what a great job Dougie Freedman is doing at the moment. Playing great football and giving youth a chance, while frustrating managers with the experience of Sam Allardyce before standing up for his footballing beliefs and the clubs development in the press room after the match. I have to say I was unsure what game big Sam was watching when I read his post match comments I did not see either team enjoy the level of dominance or chances he thought the hammers enjoyed, to me it was an even game and a draw was a fair result. Well done to Freedman for standing up for how he saw the game develop, he is clearly showing signs of becoming a quality strong willed manager.
It is a big week prior to Watford as I get a new wheelchair, same size and weight as the old one but a lightweight electrical system opens up the possibility of independent train travel to football again, the kind of which I have not enjoyed in years. It will make a big difference though as to how you shall see me getting to the football in the future because I will not get as tired, and it will also make attending disability forums at the club easier. This is an exciting development that could make a big difference going forward into the future. In an earlier blog (4) I talked about new skiing opportunities and these continue this week as when I pick up my wheelchair from Hemel Hempstead on Thursday, I will enjoy my second lesson. - Should be fun.
A couple of quick Watford experiences I have enjoyed with Palace to close this section. Both relate to different parental reactions to my football. The first was during my illness in the early Millennium and my father, wanting to aid my recovery and despite not liking football in a selfless act he took me to Selhurst to watch Palace beat Watford 1 – 0. Yet this did not stop him being so bored that he read the Times newspaper from cover to cover taking absolutely no notice of the match or what was going on on the pitch. This is a great illustration that my dad just wanted to make me happy and aid my recovery. My second experience was in slightly different circumstances. A cracking 5 – 1 Palace win at Vicarage Road in early 2004 in the promotion season. I had just dropped out of Nottingham University and my parents were probably justifiably less than impressed with me, angry enough anyhow not to drive me to the match – a 40 minute car journey. As a result I embarked on an epic solo rail journey from Reading to Clapham Junction to Watford Junction, which took about two hours. On the way back I went from Watford to Reading via Willesden Junction and Richmond finally getting back to Reading three hours later around 8pm. Epic journey for a wheelchair but with a 5 -1 victory, (a Freedman hat-trick incidentally) I could not regret it, doing the trip on my own in my chair was very satisfying.
My parents need not have worried either I sorted myself out in the meantime. 2010’s survival act also started at Watford so I wonder what to expect on Saturday I am sure it will be exciting, do enjoy! Thanks for reading. S B
Friday 7 October 2011
Burchy's Palace Blog Extract Five 3/10/11 Oh What A Night Memorable For A Golden 10 Minutes;
Burchy Blog: Extract Five
3/10/11
I have to say I have not stopped buzzing since last Tuesday night. I woke up last Wednesday floating on air with a happy, life is good feeling running through my veins, and I have to say that feeling stays with me as I write on Monday after the West Ham match. It is of course the historical victory over Brighton on Tuesday that gives me, and every other Palace fan the previously described emotional feeling. Not only was it a first ever league defeat for Brighton in their new stadium but it was a defeat emphatically forced upon Brighton by their biggest rivals in a dominant fashion. Especially satisfying for us Eagles followers was that it was former Seagull hit man Glenn Murray who rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, reminding his old employees (who’s fans booed his every touch) where his bread is now buttered and where his loyalties now lie.
Yet clearly the most amazing and satisfying element of such an important result to Palace’s loyal away following was the dominant nature of the performance which writing earlier and against Brighton’s current good form I was not sure was going to come. The pleasing nature of the three goal comeback in the last ten minutes made it the most memorable and exciting ten minute spell Palace have played away from home in years. It made me forget the baron eighteen months previously endured on the road. The desperate away performances seem not to matter as Palace had scored three goals in ten minutes at their bitter rivals new stadium to record a historic away victory. It was certainly the best away day enjoyed by the Palace faithful since Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in 2010.
I maintain that key to the victory was our fans passion for the occasion, the noise from the away end was immense deafening all night, and Freedman’s greater understanding of this passion for this fixture from the fans compared to Gus Poyet contributed to the emphatic result. This passion was certainly understood by the players and permeated their performance in everything they did on the pitch. The desire for this result came from every part of the club, the fact we also crushed the holier than thou ego of our biggest rivals gives all palace fans an unrivalled sense of satisfaction. (Even if their stadium is quite nice)
On the night and in the week building up to the match no one was under more pressure then Glenn Murray because of his obvious successful previous Brighton association. His performance was all the more impressive and his goal all the more significant and painful to the home fans. He was one of the best players on the pitch, and his commitment to the Palace cause, desire for the fans could never be questioned. He showed a degree of dignity and class in choosing not to celebrate his goal despite the best attentions of Brighton’s boo boys on the night. He is on his way to legendary status at Palace,(like AJ and Dougie in this fixture) if he is not there already. A word also for the youngsters, Jonathon Williams and Wilf Zaha were fantastic making this season memorable and enjoyable for everyone, offering hope and a post administration freshness for the possibility of big things for the future. Again at the Ammex they were the best prospects on the pitch.
What a fantastic buzz, but I end my reflections on the Brighton thrashing with a question; I arrived early at the Ammex to secure a safe secured and disabled parking space to generally observe, stay safe and mind my own business. As part of this I did not where my usual colours and as a precaution I removed my Palace car stickers for anonymity. My question is now we have won should Brighton and Hove Albion pay for new car stickers? Answers on a postcard please.
So briefly to the West Ham United match, ahead twice early in each half as the buzz from the Brighton stuffing was creating an energetic atmosphere carrying the players and crowd through. The Holmesdale Fanatics excelled themselves with a ‘know your place Brighton’ banner but credit to West Ham who pegged us back twice and adjusted their tactics excellently to get back in the match. One of the best teams at Selhurst this season they will be a force in the Championship this year, and in the promotion shakeup. Having said that we were not under huge pressure at any point and in some respects we were unlucky not to hold on for a win. To me Manual Almunia is a poor goalkeeper but for Palace moving forward the significance of Murray and Ambrose going two from two and finding goal scoring form should not be underestimated.
S B
3/10/11
I have to say I have not stopped buzzing since last Tuesday night. I woke up last Wednesday floating on air with a happy, life is good feeling running through my veins, and I have to say that feeling stays with me as I write on Monday after the West Ham match. It is of course the historical victory over Brighton on Tuesday that gives me, and every other Palace fan the previously described emotional feeling. Not only was it a first ever league defeat for Brighton in their new stadium but it was a defeat emphatically forced upon Brighton by their biggest rivals in a dominant fashion. Especially satisfying for us Eagles followers was that it was former Seagull hit man Glenn Murray who rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, reminding his old employees (who’s fans booed his every touch) where his bread is now buttered and where his loyalties now lie.
Yet clearly the most amazing and satisfying element of such an important result to Palace’s loyal away following was the dominant nature of the performance which writing earlier and against Brighton’s current good form I was not sure was going to come. The pleasing nature of the three goal comeback in the last ten minutes made it the most memorable and exciting ten minute spell Palace have played away from home in years. It made me forget the baron eighteen months previously endured on the road. The desperate away performances seem not to matter as Palace had scored three goals in ten minutes at their bitter rivals new stadium to record a historic away victory. It was certainly the best away day enjoyed by the Palace faithful since Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in 2010.
I maintain that key to the victory was our fans passion for the occasion, the noise from the away end was immense deafening all night, and Freedman’s greater understanding of this passion for this fixture from the fans compared to Gus Poyet contributed to the emphatic result. This passion was certainly understood by the players and permeated their performance in everything they did on the pitch. The desire for this result came from every part of the club, the fact we also crushed the holier than thou ego of our biggest rivals gives all palace fans an unrivalled sense of satisfaction. (Even if their stadium is quite nice)
On the night and in the week building up to the match no one was under more pressure then Glenn Murray because of his obvious successful previous Brighton association. His performance was all the more impressive and his goal all the more significant and painful to the home fans. He was one of the best players on the pitch, and his commitment to the Palace cause, desire for the fans could never be questioned. He showed a degree of dignity and class in choosing not to celebrate his goal despite the best attentions of Brighton’s boo boys on the night. He is on his way to legendary status at Palace,(like AJ and Dougie in this fixture) if he is not there already. A word also for the youngsters, Jonathon Williams and Wilf Zaha were fantastic making this season memorable and enjoyable for everyone, offering hope and a post administration freshness for the possibility of big things for the future. Again at the Ammex they were the best prospects on the pitch.
What a fantastic buzz, but I end my reflections on the Brighton thrashing with a question; I arrived early at the Ammex to secure a safe secured and disabled parking space to generally observe, stay safe and mind my own business. As part of this I did not where my usual colours and as a precaution I removed my Palace car stickers for anonymity. My question is now we have won should Brighton and Hove Albion pay for new car stickers? Answers on a postcard please.
So briefly to the West Ham United match, ahead twice early in each half as the buzz from the Brighton stuffing was creating an energetic atmosphere carrying the players and crowd through. The Holmesdale Fanatics excelled themselves with a ‘know your place Brighton’ banner but credit to West Ham who pegged us back twice and adjusted their tactics excellently to get back in the match. One of the best teams at Selhurst this season they will be a force in the Championship this year, and in the promotion shakeup. Having said that we were not under huge pressure at any point and in some respects we were unlucky not to hold on for a win. To me Manual Almunia is a poor goalkeeper but for Palace moving forward the significance of Murray and Ambrose going two from two and finding goal scoring form should not be underestimated.
S B
Burchy's Palace Blog Extract Four 26/9/11 - And Now For Something Completely Different
Burchy Blog: Extract Four
26/9/11
Skiing is fun! Yesterday I took a lesson in the sport at the Hemel Hempstead Ski Dome. The reasons behind my decision to take up disabled bucket skiing and throw myself down a 100m hill are numerous and varied. The main reason though is I love the sensation of speed, being close to the snow flying down the hill at what may only be 20-30kph but the adrenaline rush is fantastic but then again I love roller coasters so I guess that is why I choose to do it.
I have to admit it though it is hard work, and despite having done it before on a mountain in Canada it took me a while to get the hang of it! (45 minutes out of the hour lesson to be precise to realise the elbow outriggers are better off pressed into the snow to give you direction and slow you down.) Seriously though I probably spent more time face first crashing into the snow as I struggled to remember my technique from previous lessons and stay upright.
I think my instructor thought I was mad as I began to enjoy my uncontrolled face flops but when I suddenly executed two consecutive turns boy was it satisfying and I think he was a little bit impressed. He certainly laughed when I accidently knocked into a snowboarder and took him out. Anyway after an hour I was certainly tired and now I ache all over but I guess that is exercise for you, but at least it is fun. Hopefully it will lead to skiing opportunities on mountains across the world; anyhow I will let you know how the skiing opportunity develops in future blogs.
Thanks for reading. S B
26/9/11
Skiing is fun! Yesterday I took a lesson in the sport at the Hemel Hempstead Ski Dome. The reasons behind my decision to take up disabled bucket skiing and throw myself down a 100m hill are numerous and varied. The main reason though is I love the sensation of speed, being close to the snow flying down the hill at what may only be 20-30kph but the adrenaline rush is fantastic but then again I love roller coasters so I guess that is why I choose to do it.
I have to admit it though it is hard work, and despite having done it before on a mountain in Canada it took me a while to get the hang of it! (45 minutes out of the hour lesson to be precise to realise the elbow outriggers are better off pressed into the snow to give you direction and slow you down.) Seriously though I probably spent more time face first crashing into the snow as I struggled to remember my technique from previous lessons and stay upright.
I think my instructor thought I was mad as I began to enjoy my uncontrolled face flops but when I suddenly executed two consecutive turns boy was it satisfying and I think he was a little bit impressed. He certainly laughed when I accidently knocked into a snowboarder and took him out. Anyway after an hour I was certainly tired and now I ache all over but I guess that is exercise for you, but at least it is fun. Hopefully it will lead to skiing opportunities on mountains across the world; anyhow I will let you know how the skiing opportunity develops in future blogs.
Thanks for reading. S B
Burchy's Palace Blog Extract Three 21/9/11; Reflections on a Cup Run In Sight Of Old Rivalries
Burchy Blog Extract Three:
21/9/11
Middlesbrough beat us 1 – 0 on Saturday but I had confidence we would win Tuesdays cup tie. Boro coped better with the second half weather conditions which saw the match take place in a deluge to win the game, but in the last 25 minutes palace’s youth prodigies gave us such pace they ripped boro’s back four to shreds. This led to Middlesbrough being reduced to 10 men as a defender was unlucky to receive a second yellow card, unlucky because had the referee played an advantage Zaha would have set up an equaliser and the ref would have fulfilled his duty to do all he could to keep 22 players on the pitch. There followed an example of the old adage when it is hard to score against 11 men, its impossible to score against 10 however well your team plays.
I am so impressed with the way Dougie Freedman has used the carling cup this season. We have been fortunate to have been drawn at home for three consecutive ties which has undoubtedly given us an advantage but Freedman has used the competition to build confidence and this has been reflected in Palace’s start to the league programme. Zaha and Williams have been fantastic and last night even Calvin Andrew got the winner a rarity in itself. Yet comparisons for me can be drawn between previous young starlets Ben Watson and Victor Moses now at Wigan and Jonny Williams and Wilf Zaha the difference being the club is in a better position to hold on to these players and develop them to the clubs advantage.
Because I am going to Brighton I will not be at Doncaster this weekend but my priority on Saturday lunchtime will be the league cup 4th round draw. I hope we are drawn away to a Premier League side. I think I shall end up in the north west, Liverpool, Bolton, Utd, Blackburn, or Stoke would be nice – watching Zaha or Williams light up the match scoring in a brave defeat as we bow out gracefully, the purpose of an exciting cup run served. Actually no! Sod it lets do it really go all out and you never know maybe our names on the cup!
And so to Brighton (seaweed s**m) yes I hate B******n as much as the next Palace fan but I understand the nature of the rivalries and how rivalries work. At one point in time one rival rises and is on top and at another point in time the second rival rises and challenges to be on top. For this reason I fear this meeting of two foes at the Tampax. At the time of AJ’s hat-trick and the 5 – 0, beautiful 5 – 0! We ended the season in the Premier League and homeless B******n were on their knees and got relegated. Our rivals are clearly on the up and our dangerous, League One Champions and top of the Championship and playing in a brand new stadium. Palace in this period as we know has struggled.
I was at the valley in 2005 when clown town sent us down from the Premier League and how they loved playing Tony Christie’s Amarillo with those mean words ringing in my ears so how sweet it is to laugh at what happened next. We will always enjoy the 5 – 0 it is in the record books and part of Crystal Palace’s history, stoking the rivalry. Yet we have dined out on 5 – 0 for a long time and it would be foolhardy not to respect regenerated B******n and Freedman will make sure the respect for the fixture is there. He scored his 100th Palace goal at the Withdean and understands the fans strength of feeling. Factor in the Glenn Murray effect and the fact he will play the hardest match in his career and his desire alone should guide us to at least a draw. GO PALACE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So what do I do in a rear match free weekend? The answer is skiiiiiiiiiiiiiii down a snow hill in Hemel Hempstead in a disabled ski. I hope to develop this as a new hobby so I can ski more regularly with my folks in Canada. I will let you know how this develops over the next few weeks in future blogs.
Thanks for reading S B
21/9/11
Middlesbrough beat us 1 – 0 on Saturday but I had confidence we would win Tuesdays cup tie. Boro coped better with the second half weather conditions which saw the match take place in a deluge to win the game, but in the last 25 minutes palace’s youth prodigies gave us such pace they ripped boro’s back four to shreds. This led to Middlesbrough being reduced to 10 men as a defender was unlucky to receive a second yellow card, unlucky because had the referee played an advantage Zaha would have set up an equaliser and the ref would have fulfilled his duty to do all he could to keep 22 players on the pitch. There followed an example of the old adage when it is hard to score against 11 men, its impossible to score against 10 however well your team plays.
I am so impressed with the way Dougie Freedman has used the carling cup this season. We have been fortunate to have been drawn at home for three consecutive ties which has undoubtedly given us an advantage but Freedman has used the competition to build confidence and this has been reflected in Palace’s start to the league programme. Zaha and Williams have been fantastic and last night even Calvin Andrew got the winner a rarity in itself. Yet comparisons for me can be drawn between previous young starlets Ben Watson and Victor Moses now at Wigan and Jonny Williams and Wilf Zaha the difference being the club is in a better position to hold on to these players and develop them to the clubs advantage.
Because I am going to Brighton I will not be at Doncaster this weekend but my priority on Saturday lunchtime will be the league cup 4th round draw. I hope we are drawn away to a Premier League side. I think I shall end up in the north west, Liverpool, Bolton, Utd, Blackburn, or Stoke would be nice – watching Zaha or Williams light up the match scoring in a brave defeat as we bow out gracefully, the purpose of an exciting cup run served. Actually no! Sod it lets do it really go all out and you never know maybe our names on the cup!
And so to Brighton (seaweed s**m) yes I hate B******n as much as the next Palace fan but I understand the nature of the rivalries and how rivalries work. At one point in time one rival rises and is on top and at another point in time the second rival rises and challenges to be on top. For this reason I fear this meeting of two foes at the Tampax. At the time of AJ’s hat-trick and the 5 – 0, beautiful 5 – 0! We ended the season in the Premier League and homeless B******n were on their knees and got relegated. Our rivals are clearly on the up and our dangerous, League One Champions and top of the Championship and playing in a brand new stadium. Palace in this period as we know has struggled.
I was at the valley in 2005 when clown town sent us down from the Premier League and how they loved playing Tony Christie’s Amarillo with those mean words ringing in my ears so how sweet it is to laugh at what happened next. We will always enjoy the 5 – 0 it is in the record books and part of Crystal Palace’s history, stoking the rivalry. Yet we have dined out on 5 – 0 for a long time and it would be foolhardy not to respect regenerated B******n and Freedman will make sure the respect for the fixture is there. He scored his 100th Palace goal at the Withdean and understands the fans strength of feeling. Factor in the Glenn Murray effect and the fact he will play the hardest match in his career and his desire alone should guide us to at least a draw. GO PALACE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So what do I do in a rear match free weekend? The answer is skiiiiiiiiiiiiiii down a snow hill in Hemel Hempstead in a disabled ski. I hope to develop this as a new hobby so I can ski more regularly with my folks in Canada. I will let you know how this develops over the next few weeks in future blogs.
Thanks for reading S B
Burchy's Palace Blog Extract Two 14/9/11 Early Season Hope, Frustration, and Deliverence
Burchy Blog Extract two
14/9/11
My first extract tried to explain the history of why I love Crystal Palace so much. There is no doubt they are a massive part/love of my life, there is also no doubt that the Palace class of 11/12 have got off to a cracking start. Before the international break we followed an opening day defeat to Peterborough with victories over Burnley, Crawley, Coventry, Hull, and a come from behind draw against Blackpool when not playing well, with muscular ex seaweed striker Murray scoring a predatory first goal for the club. What struck me about this period of the season is how we proved pundits wrong and how the legend that is Dougie Freedman (see extract one) has got the team playing with a spirit of togetherness that has got Crystal Palace off its knees standing proud again toe to toe with the rest of the Championship.
Away from football during the international break I took the opportunity to visit my parents in Newfoundland Canada. I must admit how delighted I was to enjoy myself getting out there and back without worrying about my Wheelchair getting damaged. Credit for this must go to Air Canada for how helpful and friendly the cabin crew and ground staffs were during both journeys. As a disabled traveller being able to get around easily certainly relieves many travel stresses. The weather in Canada was fantastic ironically enough until we drove to Bai Vete in driving rain looking for Icebergs which we found which was fantastic but unfortunately cloud cover meant visibility was poor.
The driving rain which added excitement to the Iceberg hunt also played havoc further up the east coast in New York with the US Open. Now I am not the biggest tennis fan but American TV coverage of the open was laughably different from my experience of tennis at Wimbledon. Crowds were not quiet during play and music from other courts could be heard while other players were serving. Most laughably though TV coverage only followed a match until the change of ends and then flicked over to another match which made it complicated to follow if you nipped to the loo for example. Cultural differences are what make the world an interesting place I guess.
On my return to England I travelled to Leeds having missed our first success on the road against Hull in a long long time. (October 2010 to be precise) How unlucky we were against Leeds, 1 – 0 down to a scrappy goal, and then two goals in ten minutes meant I went ballistic and we deservedly led at half time. Yet an inability to score a third before half time meant we were punished in the last twenty minutes by the skills of Becchio and a lack of defensive concentration meant we lost 3 – 2. Although initially devastated there was true hope in the performance considering how low we have been in the previous eighteen months and the progress of Sean Scannell as a strong and fast centre forward is very exciting. Disappointingly Leeds fans en mass were ungracious as ever however at least individually many Leeds fans admitted the best team lost.
This made me realise how difficult it is to win at Ellend Road. The only time I have seen Palace win in Leeds was in 2006 when Jobi Macanuff scored the winner. I was critical of Jobi over the way he left the club for Watford straight after our playoff defeat to Watford in 2007. It is time now with hindsight that I gave him some credit because he scored a rare winner the last time we won at Leeds and he scored a crucial away winner against Brighton at the Withdean so Jobi please forgive me!
As for Leeds it is sad they are living of past glories from 20 – 30 yrs ago and while I can understand it I don’t think their 2011 offering were too hot and there are interesting comparisons with Ice Hockey’s Fliers of Philadelphia who won the Stanley Cup in the late sixties and early seventies, known as the ‘Broad Street Bullies’ both the Fliers and Utd’s physical style made them unpopular with their opponents.
I close this section of my blog by reflecting how good it was to see Palace turn over a Premier League even though it was lowly Wigan whose best players, (Moses and Watson) were arguably developed by Palace and Watson scored Wigan’s consolation. Jonathan Williams and Wilf Zaha are true prospects for the future and Freedman is creating victories while rotating goalies and the backline reflecting his confidence in the Palace squad. Who knows with a bit of luck we might make Wembley. Thanks for reading. S B
14/9/11
My first extract tried to explain the history of why I love Crystal Palace so much. There is no doubt they are a massive part/love of my life, there is also no doubt that the Palace class of 11/12 have got off to a cracking start. Before the international break we followed an opening day defeat to Peterborough with victories over Burnley, Crawley, Coventry, Hull, and a come from behind draw against Blackpool when not playing well, with muscular ex seaweed striker Murray scoring a predatory first goal for the club. What struck me about this period of the season is how we proved pundits wrong and how the legend that is Dougie Freedman (see extract one) has got the team playing with a spirit of togetherness that has got Crystal Palace off its knees standing proud again toe to toe with the rest of the Championship.
Away from football during the international break I took the opportunity to visit my parents in Newfoundland Canada. I must admit how delighted I was to enjoy myself getting out there and back without worrying about my Wheelchair getting damaged. Credit for this must go to Air Canada for how helpful and friendly the cabin crew and ground staffs were during both journeys. As a disabled traveller being able to get around easily certainly relieves many travel stresses. The weather in Canada was fantastic ironically enough until we drove to Bai Vete in driving rain looking for Icebergs which we found which was fantastic but unfortunately cloud cover meant visibility was poor.
The driving rain which added excitement to the Iceberg hunt also played havoc further up the east coast in New York with the US Open. Now I am not the biggest tennis fan but American TV coverage of the open was laughably different from my experience of tennis at Wimbledon. Crowds were not quiet during play and music from other courts could be heard while other players were serving. Most laughably though TV coverage only followed a match until the change of ends and then flicked over to another match which made it complicated to follow if you nipped to the loo for example. Cultural differences are what make the world an interesting place I guess.
On my return to England I travelled to Leeds having missed our first success on the road against Hull in a long long time. (October 2010 to be precise) How unlucky we were against Leeds, 1 – 0 down to a scrappy goal, and then two goals in ten minutes meant I went ballistic and we deservedly led at half time. Yet an inability to score a third before half time meant we were punished in the last twenty minutes by the skills of Becchio and a lack of defensive concentration meant we lost 3 – 2. Although initially devastated there was true hope in the performance considering how low we have been in the previous eighteen months and the progress of Sean Scannell as a strong and fast centre forward is very exciting. Disappointingly Leeds fans en mass were ungracious as ever however at least individually many Leeds fans admitted the best team lost.
This made me realise how difficult it is to win at Ellend Road. The only time I have seen Palace win in Leeds was in 2006 when Jobi Macanuff scored the winner. I was critical of Jobi over the way he left the club for Watford straight after our playoff defeat to Watford in 2007. It is time now with hindsight that I gave him some credit because he scored a rare winner the last time we won at Leeds and he scored a crucial away winner against Brighton at the Withdean so Jobi please forgive me!
As for Leeds it is sad they are living of past glories from 20 – 30 yrs ago and while I can understand it I don’t think their 2011 offering were too hot and there are interesting comparisons with Ice Hockey’s Fliers of Philadelphia who won the Stanley Cup in the late sixties and early seventies, known as the ‘Broad Street Bullies’ both the Fliers and Utd’s physical style made them unpopular with their opponents.
I close this section of my blog by reflecting how good it was to see Palace turn over a Premier League even though it was lowly Wigan whose best players, (Moses and Watson) were arguably developed by Palace and Watson scored Wigan’s consolation. Jonathan Williams and Wilf Zaha are true prospects for the future and Freedman is creating victories while rotating goalies and the backline reflecting his confidence in the Palace squad. Who knows with a bit of luck we might make Wembley. Thanks for reading. S B
Palace Blog Extract One 22/8/11
Burchy’s Blog – A Lighthearted View Of Being A Crystal Palace Fan From A Wheelchair.
Blog Extract One.
22/8/11.
This is my first extract of what I hope to be a regular blog looking at life as a disabled Crystal Palace fan and the exciting adventures I sometimes have Following Palace around the country. This extract is made up of my audio script used on the FYP Podcast at the start of this season.
Significance of numbers;
1990 – First year as Palace fan after beating Liverpool in FA Cup Semi Final to reach Wembley for Cup Final 1st and only time in history 8yrs old.
1991 – Palace finish 3rd in top flight best ever league position Coppell’s finest spell as manager 8yrs old very impressionable age.
2000 – First period of Administration very insecure times combined with very difficult period in my own life serious illness where I am in a Psychosis and am Catatonic in hospital.
2001 – Recovery both in terms of Administration and my illness as I leave hospital for the last time in time to witness Portsmouth and Stockport and Palace’s survival Freedman’s last minute goal great moment of symbiosis with club.
2010 – Second period of administration great uncertainty 10pt deduction survival at Hillsborough and then brinkmanship over existence of club and very survival that July in City at Lloyds, relief at survival, honour at winning Fan of year, and thanking many of the players at Player of Year Awards. Gaining personal inspiration to fight on and pass my Masters.
2011 – Survival at Hull. Hope for future, end of administration uncertainty new start; Dougie Freedman’s role as club legend and figurehead there to save us when we the supporters really need him.
Why Crystal Palace? The above dates are clearly significant in the love of my club, the significance of 0 and 1 to mine and Palace's history is uncanny. Everyone knows you can easily get a divorce but you cannot ever change your football club allegiance so when your sneered your sneered, and to be honest I feel honoured Palace had me after the Liverpool semi in 1990. So big thanks should go to my Uncle and Auntie, David and Dorothy for coming over and supporting palace on tv that April Sunday. It could have been different of course everyone knows Steve Coppell managed Palace in arguably the most successful period in our history, taking us to Wembley thanks to that goal from ‘Super Al(an Pardew) and it was these two individuals who also had a remarkable influence on the history of my home town club Reading at the turn of the Millennium. Who knows had I been eight in 2000 and not eighteen it would have been Reading! Thankfully I was an 80’s baby, cracking music too.
Travel Stories:
Wigan 2003; 0 – 5 Kembers last stand, a depressing comedic value in defeat leading to arrival of Iain Dowie, frustration of smashing phone into brick wall of disabled section and wondering if I wanted to jump off. Total lack of interest in Wigan, expecting stick from locals all we got on way back to station was, ‘ where is the bowling alley?’
Sunderland Playoff Semi Final 2003/4 4 – 4 Palace win 4 – 3 on pens;
A memorable match was doing a photographic project showing access to football grounds with photographer and Palace fan Phil Colvin who was based in Sunderland. The photos were later exhibited in Croydon as part of Palaces centenary and are archived at the National Football Museum at Preston/Manchester. As Palace equalised Darren Powell Jumped into crowd and I got knocked out of my wheelchair and while caught in melee I copped an eyeful of policewoman’s arse. Club put out press release the next day to find out who I was and if I was ok, I got lots of phone calls and received a signed shirt from Shipperley and Powell v Everton at start of next season.
Stoke 2003; Memorable for my disorganisation missed last train to Nottingham after match stayed at Britannia Stadium Hotel being entertained in bar by other Palace fans AJ got winner
Blackpool 2003; Midweek carling cup game at Blackpool torrential rain had driven from Nottingham AJ won it memorable because my mate had not wanted to come, but I got tapped on the shoulder by a middle aged man who said; ‘...hello my name is John I believe you’re at university with my son Owen.’ First time I met friend John Walker long way from where I was meant to be.
Walsall 2003; Day England won Rugby World Cup 0 – 0 Uneventful game but for the unsettling tones of rugby songs at football and the fun that was had at The Bescott Station as we were arriving. Was going upstairs to get across to the stadium when there was a most amusing tanoy announcement; ‘Could someone please help the invalid (me) across the platforms stair bridge’. When over the shock what was funny was a septanogerian came running along looking like Ivor the engine driver, even more of an invalid then me. Haha.
Sweden Preseason 2007; Long Weekend to Gothenburg see Odevold v Palace in Oddesvala Unique experience of seeing Palace in Europe. Help of friend Richard Bamber, first foreign football trip. Arriving at airport expecting rental car to be Ford Focus – upgraded to Volvo next person expected car to be a Mercedes, downgraded to Volvo. Comedy value in realising every car at the airport rental car garage was a Volvo. Joking around on autobahn ‘get out of the way Magnus, get out of the way Helgar’ – first people we then meet in bar called Magnus and Helgar, they wondered why we laughed. Swedish TV following us in bar Swedish kids singing palace songs, being left on tram tracks a great trip.
Barnsley 2007; Travelled from Southampton on train with middle aged female carer from Eastern Europe. Did not have ticket as coach hadn’t arrived with returns needed loo and Barnsley kind enough to let me use facilities in their Disabled Supporters room and then they would not let me leave without sharing their Christmas Buffet. Extreme act of kindness rewarded by football gods as Barnsley played at Wembley that year in FA Cup Semi Final. Interestingly this trip for me was also memorable despite its goaless nature for the willingness of my Eastern European carer Georgia who despite being out of her comfort zone was so keen to enjoy a new experience she threw herself into enjoying a Palace northern away day like a regular. In fact despite driving rain she pushed me up and down a Yorkshire hill to get to the ground despite being well into her fifties. Never complaining her only comment was that in a good way Barnsley resembled Communist bloc Hungary. Truthfully one of my more enjoyable away days, Barnsley fans were great and I look forward to returning to Oakwell under lights on a Tuesday later this season.
USA Preseason 2009; Trip of lifetime played Palace USA and Harrisburg Islanders at Waldorf and Rochester Pennsylvania. Spent time in Baltimore and Philadelphia fantastic access to players and management spent 2hrs after Harrisburg match with Warnock, Fonte, Butterfield, Danns Derry, Hill, Carle, and rest of squad including youngsters like N’Daie. Warnock was nice guy clearly impressed by effort of fans. Met local press, surprised disabled had travelled misreported everything I said, (be wary of media) Said Richard was travel agent for entire group when in fact he only organised our trip, said I had cystic Fibrosis when I told them I had Cerebral Palsy. Richard was annoyed but we find it funny now. Story of Wanda Washington, carer in Philadelphia – turned up in nurses uniform slightly overdressed for football tour interacted really well with rest of group.
Superb!!
I will return to some funny moments from my Palace trip to the States in future blogs. S B
Blog Extract One.
22/8/11.
This is my first extract of what I hope to be a regular blog looking at life as a disabled Crystal Palace fan and the exciting adventures I sometimes have Following Palace around the country. This extract is made up of my audio script used on the FYP Podcast at the start of this season.
Significance of numbers;
1990 – First year as Palace fan after beating Liverpool in FA Cup Semi Final to reach Wembley for Cup Final 1st and only time in history 8yrs old.
1991 – Palace finish 3rd in top flight best ever league position Coppell’s finest spell as manager 8yrs old very impressionable age.
2000 – First period of Administration very insecure times combined with very difficult period in my own life serious illness where I am in a Psychosis and am Catatonic in hospital.
2001 – Recovery both in terms of Administration and my illness as I leave hospital for the last time in time to witness Portsmouth and Stockport and Palace’s survival Freedman’s last minute goal great moment of symbiosis with club.
2010 – Second period of administration great uncertainty 10pt deduction survival at Hillsborough and then brinkmanship over existence of club and very survival that July in City at Lloyds, relief at survival, honour at winning Fan of year, and thanking many of the players at Player of Year Awards. Gaining personal inspiration to fight on and pass my Masters.
2011 – Survival at Hull. Hope for future, end of administration uncertainty new start; Dougie Freedman’s role as club legend and figurehead there to save us when we the supporters really need him.
Why Crystal Palace? The above dates are clearly significant in the love of my club, the significance of 0 and 1 to mine and Palace's history is uncanny. Everyone knows you can easily get a divorce but you cannot ever change your football club allegiance so when your sneered your sneered, and to be honest I feel honoured Palace had me after the Liverpool semi in 1990. So big thanks should go to my Uncle and Auntie, David and Dorothy for coming over and supporting palace on tv that April Sunday. It could have been different of course everyone knows Steve Coppell managed Palace in arguably the most successful period in our history, taking us to Wembley thanks to that goal from ‘Super Al(an Pardew) and it was these two individuals who also had a remarkable influence on the history of my home town club Reading at the turn of the Millennium. Who knows had I been eight in 2000 and not eighteen it would have been Reading! Thankfully I was an 80’s baby, cracking music too.
Travel Stories:
Wigan 2003; 0 – 5 Kembers last stand, a depressing comedic value in defeat leading to arrival of Iain Dowie, frustration of smashing phone into brick wall of disabled section and wondering if I wanted to jump off. Total lack of interest in Wigan, expecting stick from locals all we got on way back to station was, ‘ where is the bowling alley?’
Sunderland Playoff Semi Final 2003/4 4 – 4 Palace win 4 – 3 on pens;
A memorable match was doing a photographic project showing access to football grounds with photographer and Palace fan Phil Colvin who was based in Sunderland. The photos were later exhibited in Croydon as part of Palaces centenary and are archived at the National Football Museum at Preston/Manchester. As Palace equalised Darren Powell Jumped into crowd and I got knocked out of my wheelchair and while caught in melee I copped an eyeful of policewoman’s arse. Club put out press release the next day to find out who I was and if I was ok, I got lots of phone calls and received a signed shirt from Shipperley and Powell v Everton at start of next season.
Stoke 2003; Memorable for my disorganisation missed last train to Nottingham after match stayed at Britannia Stadium Hotel being entertained in bar by other Palace fans AJ got winner
Blackpool 2003; Midweek carling cup game at Blackpool torrential rain had driven from Nottingham AJ won it memorable because my mate had not wanted to come, but I got tapped on the shoulder by a middle aged man who said; ‘...hello my name is John I believe you’re at university with my son Owen.’ First time I met friend John Walker long way from where I was meant to be.
Walsall 2003; Day England won Rugby World Cup 0 – 0 Uneventful game but for the unsettling tones of rugby songs at football and the fun that was had at The Bescott Station as we were arriving. Was going upstairs to get across to the stadium when there was a most amusing tanoy announcement; ‘Could someone please help the invalid (me) across the platforms stair bridge’. When over the shock what was funny was a septanogerian came running along looking like Ivor the engine driver, even more of an invalid then me. Haha.
Sweden Preseason 2007; Long Weekend to Gothenburg see Odevold v Palace in Oddesvala Unique experience of seeing Palace in Europe. Help of friend Richard Bamber, first foreign football trip. Arriving at airport expecting rental car to be Ford Focus – upgraded to Volvo next person expected car to be a Mercedes, downgraded to Volvo. Comedy value in realising every car at the airport rental car garage was a Volvo. Joking around on autobahn ‘get out of the way Magnus, get out of the way Helgar’ – first people we then meet in bar called Magnus and Helgar, they wondered why we laughed. Swedish TV following us in bar Swedish kids singing palace songs, being left on tram tracks a great trip.
Barnsley 2007; Travelled from Southampton on train with middle aged female carer from Eastern Europe. Did not have ticket as coach hadn’t arrived with returns needed loo and Barnsley kind enough to let me use facilities in their Disabled Supporters room and then they would not let me leave without sharing their Christmas Buffet. Extreme act of kindness rewarded by football gods as Barnsley played at Wembley that year in FA Cup Semi Final. Interestingly this trip for me was also memorable despite its goaless nature for the willingness of my Eastern European carer Georgia who despite being out of her comfort zone was so keen to enjoy a new experience she threw herself into enjoying a Palace northern away day like a regular. In fact despite driving rain she pushed me up and down a Yorkshire hill to get to the ground despite being well into her fifties. Never complaining her only comment was that in a good way Barnsley resembled Communist bloc Hungary. Truthfully one of my more enjoyable away days, Barnsley fans were great and I look forward to returning to Oakwell under lights on a Tuesday later this season.
USA Preseason 2009; Trip of lifetime played Palace USA and Harrisburg Islanders at Waldorf and Rochester Pennsylvania. Spent time in Baltimore and Philadelphia fantastic access to players and management spent 2hrs after Harrisburg match with Warnock, Fonte, Butterfield, Danns Derry, Hill, Carle, and rest of squad including youngsters like N’Daie. Warnock was nice guy clearly impressed by effort of fans. Met local press, surprised disabled had travelled misreported everything I said, (be wary of media) Said Richard was travel agent for entire group when in fact he only organised our trip, said I had cystic Fibrosis when I told them I had Cerebral Palsy. Richard was annoyed but we find it funny now. Story of Wanda Washington, carer in Philadelphia – turned up in nurses uniform slightly overdressed for football tour interacted really well with rest of group.
Superb!!
I will return to some funny moments from my Palace trip to the States in future blogs. S B
My Palace History - the Motivation Behind This Blog
Why I Love Palace – The Reasons Behind The Madness (explained as simply as I can I Promise)
I became a Palace fan in April 1990 after the FA Cup Semi Final victory over Liverpool. I visited Villa Park for the first time for a League Cup match in 2003, Kit Symonds scored an own goal and we lost 3 – 1 but the magic of the stadium was not lost on me. It was a bit like a pilgrimage to a special place and the fact I had made my way there on my own independently made the night feel special and that the result of the match I was watching did not actually matter.
1990 was a special year a cup final, followed by my first memory of international football, Italia 90 still my best memory of a World Cup, a cracking operatic theme and a brilliant (if basic) Amstrad Computer game. Perhaps surprisingly under influence from my German best friend I supported Germany. To all those patriots reading this I am truly sorry, but the facts are Germany won and 8yrs old is an impressionable age and as a Palace fan I have never had another chance to be a glory hunter.
As an impressionable 8yr old it was the bright contrast of the red and blue colours that attracted me to Palace that April afternoon and what a match! A 4 – 3 score line that took us to Wembley for the first time in the clubs history, we went back in playoff finals in 96 and 97 but this to me remains the most special time we played there, because Wembley as the home of English football holds a certain allure for Palace fans of my age and generation.
Who would have guessed that ‘big nosed’ Steve Bruce could make me cry in May 1990 as that impressionable 8yr old when he lifted the cup for Utd that painful Wednesday night following a 1 – 0 replay victory following on just days from the Saturday before when we threw it away. At the age of 20 in 2002 ‘big nose’ made me cry again when he walked out on the club I love for Birmingham nine weeks into a five year contract. A painful time to be an Eagle was made worse by the fact we were playing fantastic football were clear at the top of the league and all he left in his wake was the bitterness of supporters and potential unfulfilled. Despite later admitting mistakes Bruce’s actions had a long term negative effect on Simon Jordan’s chairmanship because had he stayed at least hypothetically Jordan’s time at the club would have been marked by more time in the top flight.
Steve Coppell was a historic figure at Palace throughout the 1990’s and then as a fire fighter during our first administration period in 2000. He was also Reading’s most successful ever manager which is important because I have lived in Reading since 1991 and Reading’s relative success for the period they were in the Premier League breathed new life into the town. Coppell though for me is responsible for building the Palace side I fell in love with that was responsible for the Cup Final, third place in the top flight as well as keeping us up on a shoestring in 1998/99.
Throughout the 1990’s despite school on a Saturday morning I loved Palace and because I could not attend matches (apart from v Reading or v Oxford) I was driven with a passion to love Palace and I followed the matches live on ceefax. I followed the different Palace sides of the 1990’s from Wright, Bright, and Martyn, to Southgate, Coleman, Dyer, Armstrong, Dowie, Ndah and Veart, screaming or crying according to how the goals went in as the page updated. Yet this made my first season ticket all the more special on my 16th birthday, appropriately brought by my Uncle as it was him who introduced me to the passion that changed my life.
One season to enjoy the likes of Lombardo, Jansen, and Curcic before they moved on to make way for many more seasons of trials and tribulations. I am so passionate about Palace because I had to wait a long time for the opportunity to watch Palace live. Over the years I have spent a lot of time apologising for, and justifying the reasons I love Palace, but it would be in the intervening years since 1998 I would slowly learn Palace were involved in some of the greatest one off moments of my life. Instead of being embarrassed I should be proud and if others want to judge or criticise me for loving Palace that is their loss.
The year 2000 changed my life on Millennium eve I was admitted to hospital in a state of acute depression I became catatonic and until May 2001 I would be in hospital dealing with the aftermath of my illness. It is at this point I must stress how important the love of my family and friends were in helping me recover but my life would not be my own if Palace did not play some part of my recovery. My dad read to me football results when I was catatonic hoping it would aid my recovery. Later and despite hating football my dad took me to Selhurst to watch a match v Watford and it was great, but him not being interested in football sat with me in the stand and read the Times newspaper from cover to cover showing no interest in events on the pitch. This shows how much he loves me and I will always love him for the support he gave me then and now and I hope I would be able to show the same level of selflessness towards any children I have.
Palace’s part in my recovery came the week I left hospital for the last time following my breakdown in May 2001. In the bottom three after struggling through administration and in poor form since making the League Cup Semi final at the turn of the year Alan Smith was out and Kember was in for the last two matches of the season. Away to Portsmouth and Stockport we stayed alive with a 4 – 2 win at Portsmouth thanks to an influential debut from Aki Riihilahti and goals from Mikel Forsell and Dougie Freedman. So I find myself with my brother at Edgeley Park in Stockport witnessing a match the like of which would not be seen again until Hillsborough and Sheffield Wednesday in 2010. 89 minutes on the clock when a brinkmanship winner from Freedman kept us alive in the second tier. Freedman’s brilliance was the reason for our escape and its worth reflecting that Huddersfield have not played at the second tier of English football since their relegation instead of us.
A key explanation of why I love Palace is the exciting times they go through on the pitch and the scary times off it, now I must mention in some detail the effect on my love of Palace of the phenomenon that is Dougie Freedman. For me the man is a legend on a par with Coppell and a big reason for my passion for Palace. His goal at Stockport gave me the courage to face the future and his influence as a player (100 goals in two spells) and as a manager when he was assistant at Hillsborough when the club survived at Sheffield Wednesday in 2010. For me Freedman is a kind of goal scoring guardian of the Palace and its supporters.
Had events at Stockport not materialised as they did it is unclear how I would have coped with the future effects of my illness. Yet it was in that moment at Stockport I felt a close symbiotic bond with the club and Freedman that I still feel to this day. What followed were magic moments with Palace from the promotion under Dowie in 2003 when AJ weaved his magic and I got up close to Darren Powell at Sunderland or later when I went on preseason tours to Sweden and America and learned the full capacities of what following a football team like Palace can be like.
I got to know players, managers, and supporters sharing a bond with other fans and becoming friends with the likes of Neil Warnock, Shaun Derry, Clint Hill, Neil Danns, Calvin Andrew, and Danny Butterfield. Life has taught me being a Palace fan is exciting and something to be proud of, and I hope by reading this, whoever you are you have a better understanding of my motives for writing this part of my blog and I hope you can relate it to experiences with your football team whoever you support. Thanks for reading.
Samuel
September 2011
I became a Palace fan in April 1990 after the FA Cup Semi Final victory over Liverpool. I visited Villa Park for the first time for a League Cup match in 2003, Kit Symonds scored an own goal and we lost 3 – 1 but the magic of the stadium was not lost on me. It was a bit like a pilgrimage to a special place and the fact I had made my way there on my own independently made the night feel special and that the result of the match I was watching did not actually matter.
1990 was a special year a cup final, followed by my first memory of international football, Italia 90 still my best memory of a World Cup, a cracking operatic theme and a brilliant (if basic) Amstrad Computer game. Perhaps surprisingly under influence from my German best friend I supported Germany. To all those patriots reading this I am truly sorry, but the facts are Germany won and 8yrs old is an impressionable age and as a Palace fan I have never had another chance to be a glory hunter.
As an impressionable 8yr old it was the bright contrast of the red and blue colours that attracted me to Palace that April afternoon and what a match! A 4 – 3 score line that took us to Wembley for the first time in the clubs history, we went back in playoff finals in 96 and 97 but this to me remains the most special time we played there, because Wembley as the home of English football holds a certain allure for Palace fans of my age and generation.
Who would have guessed that ‘big nosed’ Steve Bruce could make me cry in May 1990 as that impressionable 8yr old when he lifted the cup for Utd that painful Wednesday night following a 1 – 0 replay victory following on just days from the Saturday before when we threw it away. At the age of 20 in 2002 ‘big nose’ made me cry again when he walked out on the club I love for Birmingham nine weeks into a five year contract. A painful time to be an Eagle was made worse by the fact we were playing fantastic football were clear at the top of the league and all he left in his wake was the bitterness of supporters and potential unfulfilled. Despite later admitting mistakes Bruce’s actions had a long term negative effect on Simon Jordan’s chairmanship because had he stayed at least hypothetically Jordan’s time at the club would have been marked by more time in the top flight.
Steve Coppell was a historic figure at Palace throughout the 1990’s and then as a fire fighter during our first administration period in 2000. He was also Reading’s most successful ever manager which is important because I have lived in Reading since 1991 and Reading’s relative success for the period they were in the Premier League breathed new life into the town. Coppell though for me is responsible for building the Palace side I fell in love with that was responsible for the Cup Final, third place in the top flight as well as keeping us up on a shoestring in 1998/99.
Throughout the 1990’s despite school on a Saturday morning I loved Palace and because I could not attend matches (apart from v Reading or v Oxford) I was driven with a passion to love Palace and I followed the matches live on ceefax. I followed the different Palace sides of the 1990’s from Wright, Bright, and Martyn, to Southgate, Coleman, Dyer, Armstrong, Dowie, Ndah and Veart, screaming or crying according to how the goals went in as the page updated. Yet this made my first season ticket all the more special on my 16th birthday, appropriately brought by my Uncle as it was him who introduced me to the passion that changed my life.
One season to enjoy the likes of Lombardo, Jansen, and Curcic before they moved on to make way for many more seasons of trials and tribulations. I am so passionate about Palace because I had to wait a long time for the opportunity to watch Palace live. Over the years I have spent a lot of time apologising for, and justifying the reasons I love Palace, but it would be in the intervening years since 1998 I would slowly learn Palace were involved in some of the greatest one off moments of my life. Instead of being embarrassed I should be proud and if others want to judge or criticise me for loving Palace that is their loss.
The year 2000 changed my life on Millennium eve I was admitted to hospital in a state of acute depression I became catatonic and until May 2001 I would be in hospital dealing with the aftermath of my illness. It is at this point I must stress how important the love of my family and friends were in helping me recover but my life would not be my own if Palace did not play some part of my recovery. My dad read to me football results when I was catatonic hoping it would aid my recovery. Later and despite hating football my dad took me to Selhurst to watch a match v Watford and it was great, but him not being interested in football sat with me in the stand and read the Times newspaper from cover to cover showing no interest in events on the pitch. This shows how much he loves me and I will always love him for the support he gave me then and now and I hope I would be able to show the same level of selflessness towards any children I have.
Palace’s part in my recovery came the week I left hospital for the last time following my breakdown in May 2001. In the bottom three after struggling through administration and in poor form since making the League Cup Semi final at the turn of the year Alan Smith was out and Kember was in for the last two matches of the season. Away to Portsmouth and Stockport we stayed alive with a 4 – 2 win at Portsmouth thanks to an influential debut from Aki Riihilahti and goals from Mikel Forsell and Dougie Freedman. So I find myself with my brother at Edgeley Park in Stockport witnessing a match the like of which would not be seen again until Hillsborough and Sheffield Wednesday in 2010. 89 minutes on the clock when a brinkmanship winner from Freedman kept us alive in the second tier. Freedman’s brilliance was the reason for our escape and its worth reflecting that Huddersfield have not played at the second tier of English football since their relegation instead of us.
A key explanation of why I love Palace is the exciting times they go through on the pitch and the scary times off it, now I must mention in some detail the effect on my love of Palace of the phenomenon that is Dougie Freedman. For me the man is a legend on a par with Coppell and a big reason for my passion for Palace. His goal at Stockport gave me the courage to face the future and his influence as a player (100 goals in two spells) and as a manager when he was assistant at Hillsborough when the club survived at Sheffield Wednesday in 2010. For me Freedman is a kind of goal scoring guardian of the Palace and its supporters.
Had events at Stockport not materialised as they did it is unclear how I would have coped with the future effects of my illness. Yet it was in that moment at Stockport I felt a close symbiotic bond with the club and Freedman that I still feel to this day. What followed were magic moments with Palace from the promotion under Dowie in 2003 when AJ weaved his magic and I got up close to Darren Powell at Sunderland or later when I went on preseason tours to Sweden and America and learned the full capacities of what following a football team like Palace can be like.
I got to know players, managers, and supporters sharing a bond with other fans and becoming friends with the likes of Neil Warnock, Shaun Derry, Clint Hill, Neil Danns, Calvin Andrew, and Danny Butterfield. Life has taught me being a Palace fan is exciting and something to be proud of, and I hope by reading this, whoever you are you have a better understanding of my motives for writing this part of my blog and I hope you can relate it to experiences with your football team whoever you support. Thanks for reading.
Samuel
September 2011
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