| Crystal Clear Comparisons 08:29 - Jan 26 with 1518 views | Churchman |
I went to see Palace play Chelsea yesterday. A nice little free afternoon out and a chance to see Premier League football in comparison to Championship.
Firstly, the disparity between haves and have nots in the Premier League was as obvious this year as last. Palace fought hard with energy and a high press against clearly better players and should have gone a goal up. But they didn’t and a superb counter attack meant they were a goal down. They were then taken to the cleaners. No surprise.
Could our current team compete with CP? No. Despite being outclassed yesterday, we wouldn’t lay a glove on them. We have more, better players now and despite not being top two have the makings of a team. But you need in the core of the team, midfield, 9 and 10 players with size and skill that are a level up.
In terms of Selhurst Park, I last went there 25 years ago. It’s unchanged. And it’s a hovel. I was surprised at how cr@p it is. Plenty of temporary scaffolding, decay, poor views, rubbish access and facilities. If you like paddling in p£ss, Selhurst is the place for you. It makes Portman Road look like the world’s most neat and tidy stadium and I’m amazed big established PL clubs like Palace are not forced to upgrade their facilities.
However, the support puts ours to shame. I thought it oddly quiet outside and before. But when they got going, just before the players came out, they never stopped. The popular end and half the Waite stand kept it going the whole game, even when they were getting a beating.
No booing their own players, jeering or morgue Portman Road silence. Just noise and real, proper support. At the end, no boos. They knew they’d been outclassed but gave it a go. Lots of people left early, but it was cold and if you’ve ever driven to Selhurst you’ll know how desperate the roads are. It’s a hole of an area.
After the second goal a bloke stood up and had a go at the full back. After a loud rant he was told by numbers in no uncertain terms to shut it. And he did. At PR, hundreds would be joining in, as they did abusing Hirst when he came off or Muric before he came on.
If you were McKenna and a call came from Palace, with their money, players and very supportive crowd, I can’t think of a single reason why you wouldn’t be off as fast as you could pack your bags.
An interesting afternoon. It highlighted what we saw last season in terms of quality difference, it peculiarly highlighted for me how far ITFC have come since the Evans disaster years and how far we have to go. The target has to be to compete with the Palace level of teams and given a one club area, infrastructure Gamechanger are putting in I don’t see why we can’t.
Controversially, I wonder if another season in the Championship might not benefit us? We were not ready for it last time and I’m not sure we are now. But the PL money is so huge, you have to grab it if you can.
Given football is meant to be competitive sport I do wonder what the absurd disparity in £ is doing to the game |  | | |  |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:34 - Jan 26 with 1417 views | davblue |
think we would need 8 new players for the starting line up if we went up.
Davis, Azor are the only 2 i think would do a job in the prem but im still not convinced we wouldn't need upgrades on those 2 also. |  | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:35 - Jan 26 with 1413 views | Metal_Hacker |
Reading this Churcy has reminded me of a conversation and a line he used over the past few seasons with a Leeds supporting work colleague
An old cliche but it's stuck with me and that being " the journey is better than the destination"
That said , that's where the money is and that's what football is all about nowadays so I guess we have to suck it up
On a side note , Selhurst is one I've never been to and after reading your insight I think I'm glad |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:35 - Jan 26 with 1397 views | Scuzzer |
Interesting. But for me...not convinced you're correct on our fans performance. |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:41 - Jan 26 with 1341 views | SitfcB |
Our players were clapped and cheered off after almost every single game last season tbf. |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:42 - Jan 26 with 1325 views | Swansea_Blue |
I’m just tampin that I subbed out Joao Pedro from my fantasy team two weeks ago. He’s gone on and scored 8pts and 12pts in the two matches since then.
Moral of this story: when KM moves on, don’t let me take over. |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:52 - Jan 26 with 1246 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:34 - Jan 26 by davblue |
think we would need 8 new players for the starting line up if we went up.
Davis, Azor are the only 2 i think would do a job in the prem but im still not convinced we wouldn't need upgrades on those 2 also. |
Agreed, yet Davis was found out hugely (defensively) last time too. I’m still not convinced we’re close to getting recruitment right. At least not for PL level - it’s one thing being able to blow big money on some Championship top performers, it’s a very different challenge to pick out players who can step up to PL level.
And we also struggle to integrate players and get them playing as a team. Something’s not quite right in recruitment and coaching. I’m being deliberately critical judging us against what’s needed in the PL. But we’ll need to have such high demands/standards if we want to establish ourselves in the PL. | |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:54 - Jan 26 with 1226 views | Churchman |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:41 - Jan 26 by SitfcB |
Our players were clapped and cheered off after almost every single game last season tbf. |
They were indeed. And the two seasons before that. And with smaller crowds during McCarthy’s time. Not now.
Notably, the equivalent to Blue Action is positioned right behind the goal on the lower tier at Palace. Ours being stuffed in the corner of the Cobbold stand doesn’t help us. Is that where they want to be? Can’t see why they would. Perhaps one of them can clarify.
At Palace the whole lower tier and much of the stand next to it join in. Sometimes the whole ground. It’s very noisy. The Palace lower tier reminded me of how the old North Stand was. I had a ST there before it was replaced and rain or shine it was great. The good old days.
Maybe if the Blue Action people were there it might help and generate more fun for the rest of the lower tier. It’s not about the two tiers and all the other excuses. It’s about the people in them as Palace showed me yesterday. The Holmesdale Rd stand is no bigger than NS and is a similar configuration - though acoustics wise the roof might be better for noise. | | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:02 - Jan 26 with 1151 views | SitfcB |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:35 - Jan 26 by Metal_Hacker |
Reading this Churcy has reminded me of a conversation and a line he used over the past few seasons with a Leeds supporting work colleague
An old cliche but it's stuck with me and that being " the journey is better than the destination"
That said , that's where the money is and that's what football is all about nowadays so I guess we have to suck it up
On a side note , Selhurst is one I've never been to and after reading your insight I think I'm glad |
Glad all over?
It is a shǐthole, the away end is terrible. | |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:03 - Jan 26 with 1152 views | Churchman |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:52 - Jan 26 by Swansea_Blue |
Agreed, yet Davis was found out hugely (defensively) last time too. I’m still not convinced we’re close to getting recruitment right. At least not for PL level - it’s one thing being able to blow big money on some Championship top performers, it’s a very different challenge to pick out players who can step up to PL level.
And we also struggle to integrate players and get them playing as a team. Something’s not quite right in recruitment and coaching. I’m being deliberately critical judging us against what’s needed in the PL. But we’ll need to have such high demands/standards if we want to establish ourselves in the PL. |
Davis is ok. He’s certainly no worse than the Palace full backs and is better going forward. O’’Shea, Greaves, Furlong, Matusiwa, Clarke, JP and Nunez can play at that level in my view.
Midfield, 9, 10 and a good keeper would be an absolute minimum. Good luck finding them!
Recruitment, scouting, networks etc - long way to go for me. It’s going to take perseverance and a lot of money along with more expertise. There’s no denying it’s tough.
Coaching? Well we will have a new manager and coaching staff within six months in my view. How they go about that, goodness only knows, but a shotgun Leicester or Saints approach isn’t the answer. We have to do it our way, whatever that is. | | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:12 - Jan 26 with 1106 views | DJR |
I thought the atmosphere from the home crowd at Crystal Palace was very poor last season, as was the case at virtually every other away game I went to: I only missed the Man U game.
Perhaps their winning the FA Cup and it being a London derby made a difference yesterday. |  | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:13 - Jan 26 with 1098 views | DJR |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:02 - Jan 26 by SitfcB |
Glad all over?
It is a shǐthole, the away end is terrible. |
And if you're in the back row, you can only just see the far touchline because of the massive gantry. I had to stand lower down the steps to get a decent view. [Post edited 26 Jan 9:14]
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:17 - Jan 26 with 1061 views | DJR |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:41 - Jan 26 by SitfcB |
Our players were clapped and cheered off after almost every single game last season tbf. |
And our away support during games last season was excellent, something commented on by more than one other club's supporters. Indeed, I think there were comments from Newcastle fans saying our support was the best they had heard for a long time, and that in a game where we got tanked. | | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:17 - Jan 26 with 1059 views | ElderGrizzly |
I'd argue (and it's not a criticism) our investors don't care if we are ready or not, as the guaranteed income from the PL is needed for their investment to succeed.
You're right, going up again we'd be looking at another struggle, but I'd like to see us give it a go.
Like you, I still have a feeling if McKenna gets a call this summer, even if we do go up, he'll go. I can't see him wanting 2 relegations on his CV so early on.
Although I wouldn't go to Palace with their board right now selling everything that moves. [Post edited 26 Jan 9:18]
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:39 - Jan 26 with 907 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:41 - Jan 26 by SitfcB |
Our players were clapped and cheered off after almost every single game last season tbf. |
Yep. Last year everyone recognised we were underdogs. This year the expectations have turned 180° and it’s against those expectations not being met that has lead to the poorer atmosphere. | |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:20 - Jan 26 with 666 views | davblue |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:03 - Jan 26 by Churchman |
Davis is ok. He’s certainly no worse than the Palace full backs and is better going forward. O’’Shea, Greaves, Furlong, Matusiwa, Clarke, JP and Nunez can play at that level in my view.
Midfield, 9, 10 and a good keeper would be an absolute minimum. Good luck finding them!
Recruitment, scouting, networks etc - long way to go for me. It’s going to take perseverance and a lot of money along with more expertise. There’s no denying it’s tough.
Coaching? Well we will have a new manager and coaching staff within six months in my view. How they go about that, goodness only knows, but a shotgun Leicester or Saints approach isn’t the answer. We have to do it our way, whatever that is. |
‘O’’Shea, Greaves, Furlong, Matusiwa, Clarke, JP and Nunez can play at that level in my view.’
O’Shea is a maybe imo and JP, Matisiwa. The rest aren't up to the premier league currently. Nunez doesnt have the physicality or the 1st touch, Furlong is way off a premier league right back, Clarke physicality, Greaves, not sure he has the abilty. | | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:35 - Jan 26 with 589 views | Benters |
Sounds a decent afternoon.
As for Selhurst Park I’ve always enjoyed going there,the pubs are decent, the group I was in a couple of times have been in the home pubs no problems what so ever.
I much prefer the older type of stadium.
As for the crowd well yes they do have a great following,but so do town.
Yes of course you get those that treat the whole day as a day out on the lash,but there are also enough ‘Perfect Peters’to counter balance that.
Would KM go to Palace because a few people groan in the crowd? I doubt it,would he go for the resources they have probably.
I’m not convinced being in the top league is as great as people make out tbh. |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:37 - Jan 26 with 584 views | Benters |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:02 - Jan 26 by SitfcB |
Glad all over?
It is a shǐthole, the away end is terrible. |
Boom ‘Glad all over’ made me laugh buh!  | |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:41 - Jan 26 with 568 views | Benters |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 08:35 - Jan 26 by Metal_Hacker |
Reading this Churcy has reminded me of a conversation and a line he used over the past few seasons with a Leeds supporting work colleague
An old cliche but it's stuck with me and that being " the journey is better than the destination"
That said , that's where the money is and that's what football is all about nowadays so I guess we have to suck it up
On a side note , Selhurst is one I've never been to and after reading your insight I think I'm glad |
Selhurst Park is alright I like it.
Mind you one of their fans called me ‘an inbred midget’ and to ‘go forth and multiply’ one trip there which made me laugh. | |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:42 - Jan 26 with 567 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:20 - Jan 26 by davblue |
‘O’’Shea, Greaves, Furlong, Matusiwa, Clarke, JP and Nunez can play at that level in my view.’
O’Shea is a maybe imo and JP, Matisiwa. The rest aren't up to the premier league currently. Nunez doesnt have the physicality or the 1st touch, Furlong is way off a premier league right back, Clarke physicality, Greaves, not sure he has the abilty. |
I wonder if we will approach the Premier League differently should be get a chance to do so next season.
For example get Tuanzebe back and play Grieves at left back. Build on a solid back four. |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:53 - Jan 26 with 517 views | RetroBlue |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 09:17 - Jan 26 by ElderGrizzly |
I'd argue (and it's not a criticism) our investors don't care if we are ready or not, as the guaranteed income from the PL is needed for their investment to succeed.
You're right, going up again we'd be looking at another struggle, but I'd like to see us give it a go.
Like you, I still have a feeling if McKenna gets a call this summer, even if we do go up, he'll go. I can't see him wanting 2 relegations on his CV so early on.
Although I wouldn't go to Palace with their board right now selling everything that moves. [Post edited 26 Jan 9:18]
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Whilst I agree and accept we'd be blown away if promoted again. I have to ask the question why cant we do what Sunderland have done? Is our recruitment REALLY that good, im not so sure it is. For all the money we've soent we seem to have a lot of players for a couple of positions and still no effective striker. Hirst 6 goals, Akpom 2 and Azon 2 is pitiful for a team trying achieve automatic promotion.
Let's be honest the club knew probably as far back as March in Delaps PL season with us that he was going, yet they have do far failed miserably to replace him. I have no idea what's happened to Hirsts form but he has never been a prolific goal scorer anyway. Not that, that gives some Town fans the right to berate him the way they are reportedly doing... and I hope they're not but Ashton and his recruitment team need to sort the elephant in the room issue. An effective striker! |  |
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| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 11:12 - Jan 26 with 425 views | HighgateBlue |
Interesting read, and I fully agree with your final sentence.
Not certain I agree about staying in the Champ, for the reason that you mention - you have to grab the money while you can. It's a sad indictment of the system that that should be the overriding concern, but sadly it is.
It's a shame for Palace to be losing Guehi and Glasner. And maybe Matata. If a club that gets into their stride as well as Palace have has to lose their best players and can never really break into the upper echelons, then it does make you question what the point of any of it is.
But hey, we're winning more than we're losing, we have Wes Burns back, and I'm trying to look on the bright side. (A new striker about whom to get excited would make it easier to do that! That Marcus Stewart signing really was a one-off hey?!) |  | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 11:45 - Jan 26 with 331 views | Churchman |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 10:20 - Jan 26 by davblue |
‘O’’Shea, Greaves, Furlong, Matusiwa, Clarke, JP and Nunez can play at that level in my view.’
O’Shea is a maybe imo and JP, Matisiwa. The rest aren't up to the premier league currently. Nunez doesnt have the physicality or the 1st touch, Furlong is way off a premier league right back, Clarke physicality, Greaves, not sure he has the abilty. |
Nunez has vision, speed of feet, a range of passing and can get around the pitch. He’d certainly need bigger players around him as he certainly a ‘shorty’ (says me only an inch taller than him!).
Clarke is a better player than 12 months ago - I think he’d be fine. He is ridiculously talented. Remember that behind him last season there was no midfield whatsoever.
Greaves has the ability though is more of a gamble. We will just have to agree to disagree re Furlong. He’s improved as the season has progressed. He has the size and is certainly aggressive enough. Defensively he position’s himself well. Going forward? Errr, forget that. | | | |
| Crystal Clear Comparisons on 12:21 - Jan 26 with 208 views | Funge |
Honestly, give this constant bashing of the Town support a rest - difficult to see past the fact that this is a 'you' problem, rather than an 'us' problem, at this point.
As Sitters says, this team got unrelenting support last year, - unrelenting - despite repeatedly getting absolutely humped by pretty much every team at PR from January onwards. The corresponding support this year has been quiet, nervous, and, dare I say, not too marvellous -(plus ca change) - but reading your posts, you'd assume that we were akin to Spurs fans - 60k of whom very much actually do dislike their team and manager, and have made this point, loudly, at White Hart Lane throughout the season.
Hundreds of people booing Hirst, are there? No there aren't.
You make a number of good points elsewhere within your post, but, honestly, if you despise the rest of us so much, it rather begs the question as to why you subject yourself to our company every other Saturday, [Post edited 26 Jan 12:22]
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