(Written from NZ)
Top of the league and well deserved! True it is still only November and I missed the goal spree of 7 in 2 matches while visiting relatives. Yet it cannot be argued that Palace is in a false position because they are not. Twelve matches without defeat is the proof of that. An exciting new manager, Ian Holloway, is a big name appointment that was brought about in unexpected circumstances by the departure of Dougie Freedman as he felt he had taken the club as far as he could.
Regardless Freedman has left Palace in fantastic shape. This is shown by the professionalism of the squad during the caretaker period, when without a manager they continued the unbeaten run. Indeed this was a point acknowledged by Holloway himself when he observed what fantastic shape Crystal Palace was left in by Freedman upon his departure, both in terms of infrastructure and professionalism of the squad. Perhaps this is Freedman’s lasting legacy to the club showing his ability as a new young manager. We should be grateful to him and wish him the best in his future as he holds a place in my heart.
A slightly more circumspect view than in the immediate aftermath of the managerial change but on with the show and welcome Ian Holloway! Seven goals in two home matches against Blackburn and Ipswich continued the good work of Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming and the professionalism and hardworking bond of the players. The unbeaten run now stretches to twelve matches. Ian Holloway wants to be a part of that spirit, and apparently (I was not there) a rousing half time speech from Holloway when introduced to the crowd against Blackburn helped inspire a 2 – 0 victory. He was blown away by the ability of the squad in front of him and has given up a good job where he has done very well and achieved a lot at Blackpool to choose to take the opportunity with Palace.
As a result how Crystal Palace is perceived as a football club is changing, growing if you like. By those in the game Palace are seen as a good prospect for promotion this season and as a result Holloway sees Palace as a new opportunity and wants to play his part in that. Glenn Murray on goal scoring form, Wilf Zaha the best player outside the top flight in England make Palace a frightening prospect for opponents, and a joy to watch for supporters. Ipswich were to find this out to their peril in Holloway’s first game in charge.
Following a 2 – 0 win against Blackburn, Ipswich bore the brunt of a rampant Palace as they suffered a 5 – 0 hammering. Glenn Murray netted his second hat-trick of the season with two goals from the spot and he still had the time to miss a penalty. Goals from Bolasie and Moritz framed the Murray hat-trick as Holloway reportedly had to pinch himself to believe how fortunate he was to pick up a job in such good circumstances. Now Ollie just wants to play his part in what is becoming quite an adventure.
My next live game is Derby County on 17th November and this post is written from New Zealand. The fact I am so far away from watching Palace live, following online as the Eagles reach the top of the league gives me time to reflect on how we got here as well as the managerial change. I have reconciled my own feelings about Freedman, wish him well in the future, and thank him for the team he has left behind. The great thing is Ian Holloway is an experienced safe pair of hands who will continue his predecessors’ good work with enthusiasm and great fun.
Regardless of how the season ends we should congratulate ourselves on where we are, enjoy it, and work hard to stay there! Good luck Ollie!!
No comments:
Post a Comment