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Crystal Palace F.C.

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Crystal Palace Football Club
Company typeProfessional football club
IndustrySports
FoundedSeptember 10, 1905; 121 years ago (1905-09-10) (professional club)
Headquarters
Selhurst, South London
,
England
Area served
England (Premier League)
Key people
Edmund Goodman (founder)
ProductsFootball team
Websitewww.cpfc.co.uk

Crystal Palace Football Club, widely referred to as Crystal Palace or simply Palace, is a professional football team situated in Selhurst, South London, England. They compete in the Premier League, which represents the highest division in English football. Although officially founded as a professional outfit in 1905 at the Crystal Palace exhibition building, the club’s roots extend back to 1861.[1][2] Between 1905 and 1915, their home matches took place at the stadium within the exhibition grounds before moving to Selhurst Park in 1924.

Crystal Palace began their competitive journey in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1920. Throughout their history, they have predominantly played within England’s top two tiers, descending below the second division only once since 1964, from 1974 to 1977. The club’s most successful era occurred during the late 1980s and early 1990s, highlighted by reaching the 1990 FA Cup final and achieving their highest league finish—third place—in the 1990–91 campaign, challenging leading clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool for the championship. Their opportunity to enter the UEFA Cup was curtailed by limited English club slots following the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium disaster.

As one of the original members of the Premier League in its inaugural 1992–93 season, Crystal Palace were relegated that same year and subsequently experienced additional demotions in 1994–95, 1997–98, and 2004–05. After earning promotion in 2013, they have sustained their Premier League status continuously, setting a club record with thirteen straight seasons in the top flight by 2025–26. The team also reached two further FA Cup finals in 2016 and 2025, finally claiming their inaugural major trophy with victory in 2025.

The club’s traditional kit colors transitioned from claret and blue to red and blue vertical stripes in 1973. Crystal Palace shares an intense rivalry with Brighton & Hove Albion that dates back to the 1970s, alongside competitive local derbies against fellow South London teams Millwall and Charlton Athletic.

The Exhibition Palace and FA Cup Final venue (1854–1905)

In 1854, the Crystal Palace exhibition structure was moved from its original location in Hyde Park, London to a site near Sydenham Hill in South London. This area was renamed Crystal Palace, incorporating Crystal Palace Park, which featured various sports amenities. A cricket club established there in 1857 gave rise to an amateur football side that became one of the founding members of the Football Association in 1863. This team participated in the inaugural FA Cup competition (1871–72), advancing as far as the semi-finals, and continued to compete for several seasons before disappearing from records around 1875.

By 1895, the Football Association designated a permanent location for the FA Cup final at the Crystal Palace sports stadium within the exhibition grounds. To enhance visitor numbers and generate revenue, the Crystal Palace Company formed a professional football club intended to play at this stadium, aiming to attract local spectators and capitalize on growing interest.

Formation of the professional club and entry into the Southern League (1905–1920)

Crystal Palace Football Club was established as a professional entity on 10 September 1905, under the guidance of Aston Villa’s assistant secretary, Edmund Goodman. After their application to join the Football League was declined, they entered the Southern League Second Division for the 1905–06 season. Crystal Palace secured immediate promotion by winning the division and also finished as runners-up in the midweek United League, where they played their inaugural match, defeating New Brompton 3–0.

The club competed in the Southern League up until 1914, with a standout achievement being their 1907 FA Cup triumph over Newcastle United. The onset of the First World War saw the Admiralty requisition their home ground at Crystal Palace, compelling the team to relocate first to Herne Hill Velodrome in West Norwood and subsequently to "the Nest," the former ground of Croydon Common, after that club ceased operations.

1913 FA Cup final bombing

During the 1913 FA Cup final, an attempted bombing targeted the Crystal Palace stadium. This attack was carried out by members of the Women's Social and Political Union suffragettes as part of their broader campaign involving bombings and arson to promote women's suffrage across the country.

Admission to the Football League (1920–1958)

Crystal Palace were among the founding clubs of the newly created Football League Third Division in the 1920–21 campaign. They emerged as champions and gained promotion to the Second Division, joining ranks with clubs such as Preston North End, Liverpool, and Bury, all of whom had also secured league titles in their debut seasons. In 1924, Palace relocated to their present-day stadium, Selhurst Park. The first fixture there resulted in a 0–1 defeat against The Wednesday, witnessed by an audience of 25,000. Following relegation to the Third Division South, Palace consistently finished in upper table positions and achieved runner-up status on three occasions before World War II. During wartime suspensions of regular league football, they claimed two titles in wartime competitions. After the war, however, Palace faced difficulties in league performance, peaking at seventh place and having to apply multiple times for re-election.

Memorable Real Madrid friendly and ascent to top-tier football (1958–1973)

After concluding the 1957–58 season in fourteenth place, Crystal Palace were assigned to the newly introduced Fourth Division due to restructuring within the Football League. Chairman Arthur Wait hired former Tottenham Hotspur manager Arthur Rowe in 1960; Rowe implemented an appealing style of play that secured promotion during the 1960–61 season. In 1962, Crystal Palace hosted a landmark friendly against Real Madrid—their first ever London match—narrowly losing 4–3 to a full-strength Madrid squad just two weeks before they contested the European Cup final. Although Rowe resigned later that year, subsequent promotions under managers Dick Graham and Bert Head elevated Palace into the First Division by 1969.

From 1969 until 1973, Crystal Palace competed at England’s highest level, highlighted by an impressive 5–0 victory over Manchester United at home during the 1972–73 season. Chairman Wait resigned during this period and was replaced by Raymond Bloye, who appointed Malcolm Allison as manager while Bert Head transitioned to general manager. Despite these leadership changes, they came too late to prevent relegation back to the Second Division.

Fluctuating between divisions (1973–1984)

After being relegated from the top tier, Crystal Palace experienced a further drop under manager Allison, descending to Division Three for the 1974–75 campaign. Allison revitalized the club’s identity by changing the nickname from "The Glaziers" to "The Eagles" and introducing the red and blue vertical stripes that remain iconic today. Despite an impressive FA Cup run in 1975–76, which included victories over Leeds and Chelsea en route to the semi-finals, Palace were defeated 0–2 by Southampton. Following an unsuccessful promotion bid, Allison stepped down.

Terry Venables then guided Palace to two promotions during the 1976–77 and 1978–79 seasons, capturing the Division Two championship in 1978–79. The 1979 squad, dubbed the "Team of the Eighties", was built around gifted youth players who had secured consecutive FA Youth Cup titles. Although the team started strongly in 1979–80, financial constraints compelled player sales, contributing to relegation from the First Division at the end of the 1980–81 season. This era also saw Ron Noades assume ownership and controversial managerial appointments like Alan Mullery.

Steve Coppell era (1984–1993)

Steve Coppell, a former England international, was appointed manager on 4 June 1984. He methodically rebuilt the squad, culminating in promotion to the First Division through the 1988–89 play-offs. Palace reached the FA Cup final in 1990, drawing 3–3 against Manchester United before narrowly losing the replay 0–1. The subsequent season saw Palace contend for the English league championship, finishing third—their highest league standing ever—although UEFA restrictions barred them from European competition.

In 1991, Palace secured the Full Members Cup with a 4–1 extra-time triumph over Everton at Wembley. Star forward Ian Wright transferred to Arsenal that same year. Despite ending the 1991–92 season in tenth place, Palace became founding members of the Premier League in its inaugural 1992–93 campaign. The club sold key striker Mark Bright prior to that season but struggled offensively and were relegated despite accumulating a Premier League record-high 49 points for a demoted team. Coppell resigned afterward, with assistant Alan Smith stepping up as manager.

The yo-yo period (1993–1998)

Alan Smith’s debut season as manager resulted in winning the First Division title and promotion back to the Premier League. Their time in the top flight was marked by notable incidents and controversy. On 25 January 1995, during a match against Manchester United, forward Eric Cantona was dismissed after retaliating against a spectator's provocation with a flying kick. Cantona received a custodial sentence later reduced to community service; meanwhile, the fan involved was banned and convicted for threatening behavior. In March of that year, striker Chris Armstrong faced suspension by the FA following a failed drug test. Although Palace reached both FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals, inconsistent league performances led to relegation as the Premier League reduced its membership from 22 to 20 clubs.

Smith left in summer 1995, with Steve Coppell returning as technical director. Under coaches Ray Lewington and later manager Dave Bassett, Palace reached the play-offs but were defeated by Leicester City in extra time during the 1996 First Division play-off final. Coppell resumed managerial duties early in 1997 after Bassett departed for Nottingham Forest. Palace secured promotion again by beating Sheffield United 1–0 in the 1997 play-off final at Wembley.

The club’s third Premier League season ended with relegation once more in 1997–98. In June 1998, acquisition specialist Mark Goldberg completed his takeover, ushering in new ownership for Crystal Palace.

Financial turmoil and revival (1998–2013)

Terry Venables returned for a second managerial tenure at Palace, guiding the team into European competition through the UEFA Intertoto Cup. Nevertheless, in 1999, financial support from owner Mark Goldberg collapsed, pushing the club into administration. Venables left, and Steve Coppell was reinstated as manager. Under new ownership by Simon Jordan, Coppell was succeeded by Alan Smith. Despite struggles, Palace narrowly escaped relegation to the third division in the 2000–01 season thanks to a late winning goal from Dougie Freedman.

The 2001–02 season saw former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce appointed as manager, but he departed after just four months amid interest from Birmingham City. Trevor Francis then took charge, steering the club to mid-table finishes before being dismissed in 2003. Steve Kember briefly returned as manager but was sacked following a poor sequence of results. Subsequently, ex-striker Iain Dowie achieved promotion via the 2004 play-offs with a 1–0 victory over West Ham, although Palace faced relegation the next season.

After this drop, Simon Jordan struggled to maintain financial stability, leading to another administration in January 2010. The Football League imposed a ten-point penalty, and administrators sold key players including Victor Moses and José Fonte. Manager Neil Warnock had left earlier that year; caretaker Paul Hart helped the club avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign.

A consortium of affluent supporters known as CPFC 2010—led by businessman Steve Parish, Stephen Browett, Jeremy Hosking, and Martin Long—acquired the club and secured ownership of Selhurst Park following a fan-driven campaign pressuring Lloyds Bank. The consortium appointed George Burley as manager; however, after disappointing results, he was replaced by assistant Dougie Freedman in January 2011. Freedman improved the squad’s performance and ensured survival in the Championship.

Freedman departed for Bolton Wanderers in October 2012 and was succeeded by Ian Holloway, who orchestrated Palace’s return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence by winning the 2013 Championship play-off final against Watford at Wembley Stadium.

Re-establishment in the Premier League, first significant trophy, and European competition (2013–present)

Following Holloway’s resignation in October 2013, Tony Pulis assumed managerial duties and successfully kept Palace clear of Premier League relegation for the first time, earning him the Premier League Manager of the Season award. He resigned just two days before the subsequent season commenced. After an unsuccessful second spell for Neil Warnock during 2014–15, former Palace midfielder Alan Pardew was appointed in January 2015 and guided Palace to a tenth-place finish—their highest Premier League standing at that point. During the 2015–16 season, Pardew led the team to their first FA Cup final appearance in 26 years, narrowly losing 1–2 to Manchester United after extra time. Pardew was dismissed in December 2016 following poor performances and replaced by Sam Allardyce, who preserved Premier League status but resigned at season’s end.

On 26 June 2017, Palace named Frank de Boer as their inaugural permanent foreign manager. However, after just 77 days marked by four consecutive league defeats without scoring, he was relieved of his duties early in the 2017–18 campaign. The following day saw former England coach Roy Hodgson take over; he secured eleventh place that season, twelfth in 2018–19, and fourteenth in 2019–20. On 18 May 2021, Hodgson announced his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2020–21 season after two successive fourteenth-place finishes.

On 4 July 2021, Palace appointed ex-Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira on a three-year deal. Despite reaching an FA Cup semi-final and finishing twelfth in the 2021–22 campaign, Vieira was dismissed on 17 March 2023 amid a twelve-game winless streak that left the club just above relegation zone. On 21 March, Hodgson returned as manager until season’s end and guided Palace to safety with an eleventh-place finish. He was confirmed as permanent manager for a second spell on 3 July but stepped down midway through the 2023–24 campaign on 19 February 2024.

Hodgson’s successor was Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt. Under Glasner’s leadership, Palace won six of their last seven league fixtures during the 2023–24 season, matching their best Premier League finish of tenth place (initially achieved in 2015). Subsequently, four players (Eberechi Eze, Marc Guéhi, Dean Henderson, and Adam Wharton) were selected for England’s squad at UEFA Euro 2024, more than any other English club.

During the 2024–25 campaign, Glasner led Palace to their inaugural major trophy with a 1–0 triumph over Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final, which also earned them qualification for the UEFA Europa League for the first time. However, UEFA’s regulations concerning multi-club ownership jeopardized this qualification because major shareholder John Textor also owns French side Lyon, who qualified for the same tournament. On 11 July 2025, UEFA ruled that Palace breached these rules and consequently demoted them to participate in the UEFA Conference League.

Colours and crest

The initial amateur team sported blue and white hooped jerseys paired with blue shorts, while their earliest kit from 1861 was probably composed of light blue and white halves. Upon the establishment of the professional Crystal Palace club in 1905, the colours changed to claret and blue shirts combined with white shorts and claret socks. This palette was influenced by Edmund Goodman, an Aston Villa staff member who later became Palace's manager. This combination endured until 1938, when the club transitioned to white shirts with black shorts. Between 1949 and 1954, the team reverted to claret and blue before switching back to white and black accented with claret and blue in 1955.

In 1963, yellow shirts briefly became the primary home kit, succeeded by an all-white uniform in 1964 inspired by Real Madrid’s style. The club returned to claret and blue shirts with white shorts in 1966. A significant redesign occurred under manager Malcolm Allison in 1973, who introduced red and blue vertical stripes modeled after Barcelona’s kit. Since then, various shades of red and blue have been the standard colours, except during the centenary season in 2005 when a vintage claret, blue, and white design was worn.

The club’s emblem has undergone several transformations. From 1935–36, initials were featured on the shirts, but a crest depicting The Crystal Palace building was first introduced in 1955. This emblem was removed in 1964; between 1967 and 1972, only the club’s name was embroidered on the kit. In 1972, a circular badge displaying the club’s initials along with the nickname "Glaziers" appeared. Following Allison’s tenure, the "Eagles" nickname was adopted along with a badge showing an eagle clutching a ball, inspired by Portuguese side Benfica. In 1987, this eagle was merged with The Crystal Palace image; this design was refreshed in both 1996 and 2012 while maintaining its essential features. In June 2022, the crest was updated to reflect the founding year as 1861 instead of 1905, acknowledging the origins of the original club.

From around 2010 until 2020, an American bald eagle named Kayla served as the club’s mascot, soaring over Selhurst Park during home matches. Kayla passed away in June 2020.

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

Since 2022, Crystal Palace’s kits have been produced by Macron. Previous kit suppliers include Umbro (1975–77), Admiral (1977–80, 1987–88, 2003–04), Adidas (1980–83, 1996–99), Hummel (1984–87), Bukta (1988–93), Ribero (1992–94), Nutmeg (1994–96), TFG Sports (1999–2001), Le Coq Sportif (2001–03), Diadora (2004–07), Erreà (2007–09), Nike (2009–12), Avec (2012–14), Macron again (2014–18 and from 2022 onward), and Puma (2018–22).

Currently, the main shirt sponsor is NET88 (from 2024). Former sponsors have included Red Rose (1983–84), Top Score (1985–86), AVR (1986–87), Andrew Copeland (1987–88), Fly Virgin (1988–91), Tulip Computers (1991–93), TDK (1993–99), Churchill Insurance (2000–06), GAC Logistics (2006–14), Neteller (2014–15), Mansion.com (2015–17), ManBetX (2017–20), W88 (2020–22) and cinch (2022–24).

In 2017, Crystal Palace secured its inaugural sleeve sponsorship deal with All Football, a Chinese football social media platform. More recently in 2023, they partnered with Kaiyun Sports, which became the official sleeve sponsor.

Stadium

Established in 1905 by the Crystal Palace Company to make use of The Crystal Palace grounds, Crystal Palace F.C. originally played at that stadium before relocating during World War I due to military requisitioning. The club temporarily moved to Herne Hill Velodrome and later took over Croydon Common's ground before acquiring land for Selhurst Park in 1919.

Selhurst Park, designed by the esteemed architect Archibald Leitch, opened its doors in the 1924–25 season. Key enhancements over the years included the construction of the Arthur Wait Stand in 1969, the transformation of the Main Stand into an all-seater facility in 1981, redevelopment of the Whitehorse Lane End for commercial purposes, and the replacement of the Holmesdale Terrace with a two-tier stand in 1994. The record attendance at the stadium reached 51,482 in 1979; following safety-related modifications, its current capacity is 25,486.

In 2011, there were proposals to move back to the original Crystal Palace National Stadium; however, these plans were replaced by ambitions to expand Selhurst Park after promotion to the Premier League in 2013. Updated plans approved in April 2018 sought to add a new Main Stand with 13,500 seats, boosting capacity to 34,000. Progress was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and prioritization of Academy improvements. Additional postponements resulted from local opposition concerning housing demolition; consequently, the club committed to providing replacement accommodations.

By August 2024, Croydon Council renewed approval for the Main Stand expansion project. Preliminary works have commenced with completion anticipated by summer 2027.

Supporters

The fanbase of Crystal Palace primarily originates from South London, Kent, and Surrey. While their initial home at The Crystal Palace was situated on the Kent border, Selhurst Park lies within Surrey—now incorporated into Greater London as per the London Government Act 1963. The most passionate home supporters gather predominantly in the Holmesdale Road Stand, which has housed the ultras group known as the Holmesdale Fanatics since 2005.

Fan organizations include the Palace Independent Supporters' Association, which serves as a conduit for supporter concerns with club management, and the Crystal Palace Supporters' Trust. The latter was founded during the club’s 2000 administration period to promote fan ownership and operated until 2023.

Numerous supporter-produced fanzines have documented club culture over time, such as Eagle Eye (1987–1994), Palace Echo (1995–2007), as well as The Eastern Eagles, So Glad You're Mine, and One More Point. Following the cessation of One More Point, Five Year Plan was launched and continues as an online publication. Fans also participate actively on forums like The BBS and Holmesdale.net—official communication platforms endorsed by the club.

As a London-based team, Crystal Palace competes locally for supporters but retains a catchment area estimated at around 900,000 people. In 2010, under consortium leader Steve Parish, fans were involved in key decisions including badge redesigns—culminating in a crest inspired by supporter input. The club fosters community engagement through the Crystal Palace F.C. Foundation, working alongside Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton boroughs to deliver sports and education initiatives. This commitment was recognized with the Football League’s Silver Standard Community Scheme Award in 2009.

The club boasts several prominent celebrity supporters: comedians Kevin Day and Jo Brand host annual charity events; enthusiasts include Eddie Izzard and Mark Steel. Actor Neil Morrissey created "Palace Ale," available at Selhurst Park, while actor Bill Nighy acts as patron for the Crystal Palace Children’s Charity (CPSCC). Radio personality David Jensen chairs the Vice Presidents Club and was a spokesperson during the 2010 takeover attempt. Actor and former player John Salthouse has incorporated his Palace affiliation into his creative work. Television presenter Susanna Reid openly supports the club. Additionally, bassist Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones is a lifelong follower, alongside Olympic gold medallist Alex Yee.

Rivalries

Situated in London, Crystal Palace participates in numerous local derbies, predominantly within South London. Their rivalries notably include Millwall and former ground sharers Charlton Athletic. A particularly fierce and well-known rivalry is with Brighton & Hove Albion, which originated following Palace's drop to the Third Division in 1974. This competition escalated during the 1976–77 FA Cup first round when a disputed penalty decision resulted in Palace advancing, igniting a long-lasting rivalry between the two clubs.

Ownership

The professional team was initially owned by The Crystal Palace Company, with Sydney Bourne appointed as the inaugural chairman after being recognized by club secretary Edmund Goodman for his regular FA Cup ticket purchases. Bourne held the chairman role until his passing in 1930.

After Bourne’s tenure, several brief chairmanships followed until local builder Arthur Wait led a group to acquire the club in 1949, officially becoming chairman in 1958. Raymond Bloye took over in 1972, succeeded by property developer Ron Noades in 1981. Noades sold the club to Mark Goldberg in 1998 but maintained ownership of Selhurst Park, leasing it to the club. Goldberg’s ownership ended unsuccessfully with administration occurring in 1999.

Supporters established the Crystal Palace Supporters' Trust aiming for club control; nonetheless, millionaire fan Simon Jordan orchestrated a takeover via CPFC 2000. This entity also entered administration in 2010 before a consortium of four businessmen—Steve Parish, Martin Long, Stephen Browett, and Jeremy Hosking—formed CPFC 2010 and purchased both the club and Selhurst Park that same year.

In December 2015, American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer each acquired an 18% stake for £50 million (now approximately 10%). By August 2021, U.S. investor John Textor bought a 40% share valued at £87.5 million, increasing his holding to 45% by 2023. Chairman Steve Parish retains a 10% stake, with Robert Franco and other investors owning the remainder. In June 2025, Textor agreed to sell his shares to Woody Johnson, owner of the NFL's New York Jets and former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Statistics and records

Jim Cannon holds the record for the most appearances at Crystal Palace, featuring in 660 first-team games from 1973 to 1988, including 571 league matches. Striker Peter Simpson scored a club-record 54 goals during the 1930–31 season (Division Three South) and remains Palace’s all-time leading scorer with 165 goals between 1929 and 1935. Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has earned the highest number of international caps while at the club.

Crystal Palace were crowned inaugural champions of the Football League Third Division in their debut league season of 1920–21—a rare feat. They still hold division records for average league attendance (19,092) and highest Fourth Division match attendance (37,774 against Millwall during the 1960–61 season). The club’s record home crowd is 51,482 at a Second Division fixture versus Burnley on 11 May 1979. Their biggest league victory was a 9–0 triumph over Barrow in 1959; conversely, their heaviest league loss was a 9–0 defeat away at Liverpool in 1989.

The largest transfer fee received stands at £50.8 million from Bayern Munich for Michael Olise in July 2024; meanwhile, their record signing is Christian Benteke, acquired from Liverpool for £32 million in August 2016.

Palace’s highest league position was third place in the former First Division (currently known as the Premier League) during the 1990–91 season. The club also holds the record for most points earned by a relegated Premier League side with 49 points across 42 matches in the 1992–93 campaign. They are uniquely noted as the only team relegated from the Premier League despite finishing fourth from bottom in the 1994–95 season due to league restructuring that reduced teams from 22 to 20; their total of 45 points that season ranks as the second-highest ever for a relegated side. Additionally, Crystal Palace have won more play-off finals than any other club (four), each at different venues: Selhurst Park (1989), old Wembley Stadium (1997), Millennium Stadium Cardiff (2004), and new Wembley Stadium (2013).

Out on loan

This section lists those players currently loaned out, encompassing both first-team members and under-21s who have made competitive appearances or been included in matchday squads.

Notable former players

For a comprehensive list of players who have made more than 100 appearances for Crystal Palace, see List of Crystal Palace F.C. players
All individuals (past and present) with Wikipedia articles related to Crystal Palace players are available Category:Crystal Palace F.C. players


Crystal Palace "Centenary XI"

To celebrate the club’s 100th anniversary in 2005, supporters selected a "Centenary XI" from a shortlist provided by Crystal Palace:

Coaching staff

Role Individual
Sporting director Vacant
Manager Oliver Glasner
Assistant manager Ronald Brunmayr
First-team coaches Paddy McCarthy, Emanuel Pogatetz, Michael Angerschmid
Goalkeeping coach Julian Speroni
Fitness coach Michael Berktold
Academy director Gary Issott
Under-21s manager Darren Powell
Head of sports medicine Imtiaz Ahmad

Managers

Data current through matches played on 25 May 2025. Caretaker managers excluded. Records include all competitive fixtures.
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Honours

League Achievements

Cup Competitions

Wartime Honours

Regional Titles

European record

Season Competition Stage Opponent Home Away Aggregate
1998–99 UEFA Intertoto Cup Third Round Turkey Samsunspor 0–2 0–2 0–4
2025–26 UEFA Conference League Play-off Round

In popular culture

The 1999 movie Wonderland includes scenes shot at Selhurst Park during Crystal Palace’s 1–1 draw with Birmingham City on 6 February 1999. In the theatrical work Abigail's Party, the character Tony mentions having played professionally for Crystal Palace, mirroring actor John Salthouse’s personal history. Salthouse further incorporated the club into his children’s TV series Hero to Zero, where the main character’s father was a Palace reserve player. Additionally, a Crystal Palace scarf was featured in the sitcom Only Fools and Horses, placed there by producer Ray Butt.

Keith Blackwell, who donned the "Pete the Eagle" mascot costume during the late 1990s, appeared in a 1996 Coca-Cola commercial, demonstrating the club’s promotional presence.

Since the early 1960s, Crystal Palace has played the Dave Clark Five’s track "Glad All Over" at home fixtures. The band performed live at Selhurst Park in 1968, and the song has become an anthem sung by supporters at every matchday. Prior to the 1990 FA Cup final, the club released its own rendition of this iconic tune.

Selhurst Park has also served as a filming site for television productions such as a 2008 episode of The IT Crowd titled "Are We Not Men?" and the Apple TV series Ted Lasso.

In 2021, Amazon Prime Video premiered a five-part documentary series called When Eagles Dare, which details Crystal Palace’s triumphant 2012–13 season culminating in promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Crystal Palace Women

Crystal Palace Women is the affiliated women's football team established in 1992. They compete in the Women's Super League 2 and play their home games at the VBS Community Stadium located in Sutton, South London.

Cheerleaders

Known as the "Crystals" or "Crystal Girls," Crystal Palace F.C.’s official cheerleading group was founded in 2010. Distinctive within English football for their NFL-inspired routines, they perform before kickoff and during halftime at home matches and act as club representatives at various charitable functions.

References

Bibliography
  • Matthews, Tony (editor). We All Follow The Palace. Juma, 1998.
Citations


Further reading

  • The Crystal Palace Story by Roy Peskett, Roy Peskett Publishing Ltd (1969).
  • 100 Years of Crystal Palace Football Club by Rev. Nigel Sands, The History Press Ltd (2005).
  • Crystal Palace Football Club by Rev. Nigel Sands, NPI Media Group (1999).
  • Classic Matches: Crystal Palace FC by Rev. Nigel Sands, The History Press Ltd (2002).
  • Crystal Palace Miscellany by Neil McSteen, Legends Publishing (2009).

See also

Independent websites

  1. ↑ Palace at the Palace. Peter Manning 2018.
  2. ↑ The Origin of Crystal Palace FC, Volume I. Steve Martyniuk 2016.
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