Crystal Palace: Flying High

Fantastic story, easily one of the best on the website currently!

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Palace announces new signings ahead of new season

Crystal Palace have announced that they have signed five new players. However, only two will be making an immediate impact.

Palace's first acquisition is that of Sion Allen who has joined Crystal Palace from Manchester United's academy. The 16 year old had signed a pre-contract that will see him earn £55 p/w. In return, Palace had to pay a compensation fee of £925k.

The Eagles have also decided to strengthen in defence. After the purchase of Milosevic, Poyet had stated that he was in the market for another young central defender. After negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Palace were glad to announce the signing of young, English defender Danny Batth. Danny Batth has put pen-to-paper on a four year deal, which will seen him earn around £13,000 a week. It is believed that Crystal Palace have paid an initial fee of around £2.4 million, with £1 million being spread over the next 47 months. Batth had been at Wolves since 2007, being brought through their academy. He made a total of 33 appearances last season for Wolves in League 1, however manager Gus Poyet believes the young defender has what it takes to make the big step-up into the Premier League.

Palace's third signing of the window is Razak Dauda. The German 18 year old has joined Palace on a free transfer after being released from Bayern Munich's academy. The youngster will most likely go out on loan in order to receive first team football.

Agustin Allione is another youngster that will be playing at Selhurst Park in the coming season. The Argentinian has joined Palace from Vélez in the Argentinian league. At 18, the right sided winger is still very young. It is believed that Gus has been scouting the youngster since he arrived at Selhurst, however wanted to scout him extensively before making the signing. It is believed that Allione was part of a Plan B for Gus, who had originally moved for Vossens' former Genk team-mate Steeven Joseph-Monrose, who has since decided to join Aston Villa. The 18 year old has cost Palace a fee of £3.2 million, however the final transfer fee may rise to £4.3 million due to clauses included in the players contract. He has signed a four year deal, which will see him remain at the club until 2017. He will be earning £5.75k a week.

Palace's final signing thus far, is rather an odd one. Gus has splashed the cash - £2.5 million (which could potentially rise to £5 million) - on 16 year old Ballabeni from Switzerland. The young striker is currently plying his trade in the Argentinian league, and is expected to move to Crystal Palace in 2015.

Some Brilliant Signings, especially Batth, he was a real gem on my old Wolves save

Some nice signings there mate.

#COYG

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Gus Poyet snubs Santos deal

Both Gus Poyet and Crystal Palace have confirmed that their manager will be remaining at Selhurst Park for a little while longer after manager Gus Poyet snubbed the chance to move abroad and manage in South America with popular Brazilian side, Santos.

It is believe that Santos had contacted Gus directly, offering him a chance to manage back in his native continent - South America. It is believed that Santos chairman Luis Alvaro could persuade Gus to up-sticks and switch England for Brazil and relied on the fact that he would consider moving back home so he could be closer to his family.

When the news broke, Palace fans across several forums had began to worry, assuming that, despite Gus recently singing a new contract, the lure of him being closer to his family would be strong enough to persuade him.

After the news broke via Sky Sports, Gus quickly came out to quash the rumours. In a press interview with Palace chairman Steve Paish, Gus confirmed that Santos had made an offer. "It is true. Santos have made me an offer to go and manage in Brazil and allow me to be much closer [to home]. But, there should be no need to worry. I have signed a contract with Palace, and I plan to stay by my contract. I would not have bought in so many players just to leave. I owe you [the fans] and Steve for giving me the opportunity to manage in the best league in the world. He has trusted me, and I need to re-pay that faith."

Palace chairman, Steve Parish also went on to to say "Gus is an incredibly talented manager. He has shown this in the year that he's been here. Many people had written him off, and he has shown that with a newly promoted team, it is possible to do well. Last season we set him several objectives, and he surpassed all of them with flying colours."

It is believed that Gus was offered a four year contract, which would see him earn around £20,000 a week - £3,000 less than he was originally earning.

Gus lead Crystal Palace to an 11th place finish last season, winning a total of 14 games from 38.

SCREW YOU SANTOS, Gussy's staying put.

Nice signings, nice kits, and nice decision not to leave

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Crystal Palace finish pre-season strong

Palace players have had a bit of traveling to do during pre-season. This included a trip Argentina and spain, as well as three matches within the UK.

Palace's first pre-season match was against Scunthorpe. Scunthorpe United are a English club, founded in 1899 and are currently plying their trade in the lower tiers of English Football - The NPower League 2. Scunthorpe were seen as serious underdogs, and this showed throughout the match. New signing Danny Batth made his first apperance for the club, coming on as a second half substitute. Palace lead on 15 minutes, a calm finish by Jonathan Parr, who was pushed further up field by manage Gus Poyet due to an injury Mattheus. Crystal Palace then added their second just two minutes later. An in-swinging corner by winger Bolasie was met by the towering head of defender Milosevic. Two minutes later, and Palace were up three up. Three goals in four minutes. Again, Left-back converted winger, Jonathan Parr was on target again, adding his second of the game. Tough-Tackling South-African midfielder, who was filling in for newly promoted Captain, Jedinak, rounded off the match with the final goal of the game on 32 minutes.


Crystal Palace's second match was against Argentinian side Estudiantes. The match saw Danny Batth start, as well as striker Jelle Vossen, who had sat out the previous match. 15 minutes has so far proved to be the lucky number for Palace, with Jelle Vossen scoring a well placed shot on just 15 minutes gone. Vossen then added his second of the match, and second of the game, scoring a sublime finish four minutes later. After a great save from Estudiantes goalkeeper on 21 minutes, Bolasie swung in the corner, which was met by Danny Batth, allowing him to score his first in a Palace shirt. Vossen added his hattrick just one minute before half-time, calmly rounding the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net. The Eagles final goal of the match came from Danny Batth on the 60th minute. A ball was lofted into the box from a free-kick, which found Danny on the back post, to cooly head the ball past the keeper, who was left in no-mans land.


After scoring 9 goals in two games, The Eagles traveled to Dover in England to play ...Dover. It took 20 minutes for the first goal. Jelle Vossen scoring a great goal from just outside the box. Palace were in full control of the game, dictating the tempo and keeping the ball well. But, after all the domination, Palace were finding it tough to place the ball into the back of the net. It took until the 70th minute for Owen Garvan to give palace a two goal lead, scoring a scrappy goal within the six yard box. Substitute Glenn Murray then slashed any of Dover's hopes of coming back by scoring a goal to the right of the net on 79 minutes.


Crystal Palace the English weather behind and traveled to sunny Spain, where they played Osasuna - the La Liga club was founded in 1920. It took until just after half time for either side to score. A lobbed cross from Jonathan Parr on 47th minutes found Bolasie unmarked at the back post, who then ferociously smash the ball into the roof of the next. Vossen was then on target with 10 minutes left, smashing the ball against the bar, before bouncing over the line.


A 6500 journey south-west saw the club land at their destination to play their final game of the pre-season. Argentina, to play Argentinian side, Velez. This match will have been an interesting match for Gus, as Swedish youngester Ballabeni was lined up in the first team. Ballabeni has recently agreed to move to Crystal Palace. The 16 year old will link up with Crystal Palace in 2015. It took 7 minutes and a cynical foul for Palace to lead. Dean Moxey struck a sweet spot kick into the bottom left, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. 7 minutes later and it was 2-0. Bolasie danced his way past several defenders before slotting the ball into the net. Something that was definitely not on the cards was a goal. Palace had managed to score 14 goals with none conceded. However, poor making from a free-kick left striker Ferreyra free to head home from just 4 yards out on 28 minutes.

Great results Nick

Good preseason mate and an absolute gem in Allione.

This is him at 21 years of age in my save

Brilliant pre-season, judging by Allione on Krupesh's save, I'm guessing he's gonna be quality

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EXCLUSIVE: You're Fired!

In the words of East 'Landan' boy, Sir Alan Sugar, YOU'RE FIRED!

In a shock announcment today, Crystal Palace have confirmed that newly appointed assistant manager, Terry McDermott has been fired by manager Gus Poyet. The club refused to go into any detail, however an inside source, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims that an argument between the two managers is what has caused the former to leave.

Speaking to the BBC, the anonymous tipper stated "It was all rather surreal. One minute they're laughing and joking around, overseeing the training and the next they're at each other's throats having to be pulled apart by the players."

It comes as no surprise. Many reports are claiming that manager Poyet had his decision overruled and in-fact, the appointment of (former) assistant manager, Terry McDermott was down to Palace chairman, Steve Parish.

"It was always uneasy, there always seemed to be tension in the air between the two. It's come as a shock to the players, but, some of us knew something wasn't right."

Crystal Palace will now move for former Portsmouth, Manchester City, Fulham and Crystal Palace player, Christopher "Kit" Symons. This will be Kit's second stint in a managerial role at the club if he does indeed join the club. Symons spent some of his time at Crystal Palace as a player-coach, and after retiring from playing became a full-time member of the coaching staff. He became caretaker player-manager for a short while in 2003. He has also managed Palace's reserve team, who played in the Premier Reserve Southern League until the end of the 2005–06 season.

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Palace confirm the signing of Kit Symons

Just days after Gus Poyet fired newly placed assistant manager, Terry McDermott, Palace players will be working under a new assistant manager. The new assistant manager, who was odds on favourites to leave his current post at Craven Cottage by Sky to join up with Gus Poyet has done so. Christopher 'Kit' Symons was seen driving up to the Crystal Palace's training ground at 7:30 AM this morning by eager sports Journalists and Paparazzi.

Sky Sports Journalist, Pete O'Rourke managed to grab a quick interview with the new assistant manager.

Hey Kit, thank you for allowing us to interview you, especially at such an early time. I know that someone people - such as my wife - aren't morning people, so it's very appreciated!
No problem, Pete. I must say, I'm not normally either! I'd also hate to be you when I get home!

First, i'd just like to say congratulations on the job. And also, how weird does it feel, being back here for your third stint in a managerial position, albeit as an assistant manager this time round?
Thank you very much. It's an honour to be able to be back and to be trusted by both Gus and Steve. I must say it feels surreal. This club is very close to my heart and I'm privileged to be back here. I'm not sure if you can tell, but I'm slightly nervous, too!

Nervous, you? Get away with you! It must be made easier, though, knowing you've got friends here.
Yeah, it's always nervous having to go to a new club, or even a previous club. It's nice knowing that there will be familiar faces here, y'know? Myself and George [Wood] are good friends so it's nice.

Just before we let you go - we realise that you've got to get on - just quickly, what do you think about the controversy surrounding the sacking for Terry McDermott?
I'm afraid that's none of my business and I will not be discussing it. Terry will not be dealing with the players, but it will be me. Right, now if you don't mind I have to be getting off. Bye.

what kind of first name is Kit?

some good pre season results and nice signing.

#COYG