Crystal Palace's Road To The Premier League

[hedger_14]

Brendon Hedger takes over as manager of Crystal Palace to help them to promote this season into the premier league. The manager hasn't had too much experience as a manager but he still knows how to manage a club and looks to buy some talented players before the start of the season.

INTERVIEW:
Interviewer: Hey Brendon, you're the new manager of Palace aren't you?

Hedger: Yes, that would be me

Interviewer: So why did you decide to manage this club and not some other one?

Hedger: Well I resigned from my conference club last month and was looking through the paper for a job when I came across some managing positions and looked at the clubs and thought that I should apply for the job.

Interviewer: OK, and your application was successful i guess.

Hedger: Well not at first, some other manager got given it but he then got a job at Derby instead and then I was called up.

Interviewer: What do you hope to succeed with your new club?

Hedger: I hope to take the club up to the top flight once again.

Interviewer: Would you mind to tell us how long is your contract is?

Hedger: OK, i guess. Well it is a 2 yr deal which will be increased by another 3 years if i promote into the premier league in my 2 yrs.

Interviewer: OK, is there anything else you would like to say?

Hedger: Not really, anyway I'm going to go grab a beer at the pub now.

Interviewer: Ok then, I guess I'll be seeing you

Hedger: No you won't



Squad:
GK: J. Speroni, S. Flinders, M. Almunia
Def: D. Butterfield, T. Craig, M. Lawrence, J. Hughes, M. Hudson, L. Cort, R. Scimeca
Mid: L. Spence, B. Watson, C. Fletcher, T. Soares, S. Green, M. Kennedy, P. Ifill, D. Martin
Fwr: D. Freedman, J. Scowcroft, C. Morrison, S. Kuqi
On Loan: Jose Fonte (Benfica), B. Idrizaj (Liverpool), P. Dickov (Man City)
Loaned Out: L. Grabban (Motherwell)

hedger_14 added 30 Minutes and 53 Seconds later...

Updates: S. Kuqi returns to Crystal Palace

Squad for Histon vs Crystal Palace (Friendly)

S. Kuqi, D. Freedman
T. Soares, C. Fletcher, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte (C), M. Hudson, M. Lawrence, D. Butterfield
Speroni
Subs: S. Flinders, J. Hughes, S. Green, D. Martin, J. Scowcroft, C. Morrison, M. Kennedy​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Taker: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: Jose Fonte

Half Time: Crystal Palace score on the 42nd minute through Freedman to give them a 1-0 lead. Even match so far.

Full Time: No score in the second half means a 1-0 win for Palace in Hedger's first game in charge. Soares man of the match.

Match Review: A bad performance against a conference side which should have brought an easy win. Histon were weak at the back and midfield yet Palace only managed 1 goal. Crystal Palace although were good at the back which included a very good performance. Soares and Hudson were Palace's best players.

hedger_14 added 20 Minutes and 15 Seconds later...

Palace secure Cardiff defender/midfield player Riccardo Scimeca who will be a key player in the squad. The 32 yr old was transferred to Palace for 475K and he will be payed 7K a week.

In other transfer news, Toldo rejects Palace's wage offer. He would have been set to move for 1.5M from Inter to Palace but the wages he was offered were too low to accept.

 

[hedger_14]

Squad for Forest Green vs Crystal Palace (Friendly)

S. Kuqi, P. Dickov
T. Soares, B. Idrizaj, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte (C), T. Craig, L. Cort, D. Butterfield
J. Speroni
Subs: S. Flinders, M. Hudson, S. Green, C. Fletcher, D. Freedman, J. Scowcroft, R. Scimeca​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Taker: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: Jose Fonte

4 Changes to the starting XI from their previous friendly
In: Dickov, Idrizaj, Craig, Cort
Out: Freedman, Fletcher, Lawrence, Hudson

Half Time: 0-0 at half time, possession 51-49 to Palace at the break but Palace being the attacking team with 5 shots on target and 5 corners. Scowcroft on for Dickov.

Full Time: Crystal Palace get home 1-0 through a Scowcroft goal. Scimeca and Hudson were also brought on for the last ten minutes.

Match Review: Midfielders Paul Ifill and Tom Soares both played well in attack. Crystal Palace were again very strong at the back and hard to break down. They will need some new strikers as they've only managed 2 goals so far this season.

OK change of plan, i will post all friendly results at once instead of one by one. Ill only post squad changes from previous matches instead of the whole squad.

Squad Changes for Crystal Palace vs Hucknall
In: Flinders, Green, Morrison, Fletcher
Out: Speroni, Ifill, Dickov, Idrizaj
Captain: Jose Fonte

Half Time: Crystal Palace lead 1-0 at the break due to a goal for Morrison. Palace are on top and have defended well not letting Hucknall get any shots away.

Full Time: No goals in the second half and the result is 1-0 to Palace

Match Review: A well played game defensively by Palace although the strikers were less than convincing taking 13 shots, 6 on target and only 1 went in. Palace dominated the midfield as well. There were no standout players in the win

Update: English Cup first round fixtures announced > Crystal Palace will play Walsall

Squad changes for Shrewsbury vs Crystal Palace
In: Speroni, Idrizaj
Out: Flinders, Green
Captain: Jose Fonte

Half Time: Dissapointing half by Palace trailing 1-0 at the break through a penalty by Pugh after Speroni was given a yellow.

Full Time: Shrewsbury keeper Esson given a yellow and Kuqi converts the penalty. Final score 1-1 a better second half though from Palace.

Match Review: Kuqi was the only stand-out player for Palace as they only managed a draw. Jose Fonte had a shocker of a game.

Squad Changes for Crystal Palace vs Newcastle
In: Ifill, Scimeca
Out: Idrizaj, Craig
Captain: Jose Fonte

Half Time: Palace playing well at half time, the score 0-0. Palace have ha 45% of the ball in the half and have completed most of their tackles and passes. Newcastle have only managed two shots in the half, one on target and one off target while Crystal Palace have had 1 shot on target and none off target.

Full Time: Newcastle win 1-0 with Ameobi scoring. Palace played well against a much tougher opponent.

Match Review: Crystal Palace's passing was superb which frustrated Newcastle. Ifill played well with some dangerous crosses. Butterfield was awful at the back losing out in a lot of challenges.

19 yr old Pedro Mosquera is being looked at by Crystal Palace. Palace made a 1M pound offer for the Real Madrid centre midfielder and the offer has been accepted but Crystal Palace will still have to negotiate a deal with the 19 yr old if he is to join.

Squad Changes for MK Dons vs Crystal Palace
In: Idrizaj
Out: Kuqi
Captain: Fletcher

Half Time: A good performance at the back by MK Dons, Crystal Palace have had a lot of attacking oppurtunities but have only managed 2 shots. The score at half time is 0-0

Full Time: Even Match in the end. No score in the second half and the final score is 0-0.

Match Review: Palace played well defensively as did MK Dons. Again, Palace's passing was again nice as they managed to keep it off MK Don's for a while at a few particular times.

Pedro Mosquera has rejected Palace's contract offer as he has no interest in joining the club.

Squad Changes for Crystal Palace Vs Southend
In: Craig, Kuqi
Out: Scimeca, Morrison
Captain: Soares

Half Time: Even match so far but a goal from Tom Soares separates the sides.

Full Time: Second half goals from Kuqi and Scowcroft who was subbed in give Palace a 3-0 win.

Match Review: Paul Ifill played a superb game earning man of the match. He completed 52 from 67 passes, set up 2 goals from corners, took 10 interceptions and took 9 runs past opponents, a match winning performance. Jose Fonte also played well completing 46 from 53 passes, 3/4 successful tackles, 9 headers won and 13 interceptions. Butterfield and Cort were also very good at the back.

 

[hedger_14]

OK summary of Friendlies
Histon vs Crystal Palace (Won 1-0)
Forest Green vs Crystal Palace (Won 1-0)
Crystal Palace vs Hucknall (Won 1-0)
Shrewsbury vs Crystal Palace (Drew 1-1)
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (Lost 1-0)
MK Dons vs Crystal Palace (Drew 0-0)
Crystal Palace Vs Southend (Won 3-0)

A good pre season for Palace which included 4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss as well as some new signings.

Update: Manuel Almunia joins Crystal Palace from Arsenal.

Transfers So Far:
Scimeca from Cardiff (475K)
Almunia from Arsenal (850K)

 

[Left_Hander]

A good pre season for you. I liked the end of your interview, how you quickly shut down the interviewer.

 

[hedger_14]

Thanks

Youth Team:
Crystal Palace youth beat Sheffield United youth 1-0

Championship Match Preview:
Preston NE vs Crystal Palace
@ Deepdale: 15:00 kickoff
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Preston NE Manager: Paul Simpson
Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger

Injured: Sean St Ledger
Suspended: Matt Hill

Miscellaneous:
If he plays, Manuel Almunia will be making his competitive debut for Crystal Palace
Match Prediction from a football website: Preston NE 1 - 1 Crystal Palace

Squad for Preston NE vs Crystal Palace (Championship):

S. Kuqi, C. Morrison
T. Soares, C. Fletcher, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, D. Butterfield
M. Almunia (C)
Subs: J. Speroni, B. Idrizaj, S. Green, M. Kenndy, J. Scowcroft​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: M. Almunia

Half Time: Well Palace would be in the lead if only Kuqi could convert a penalty but he hit it right to Lonergan.
Score: Preston 0 - 0 Crystal Palace

OVR stats:
Preston/Crystal Palace
1 ~ Shots on Target ~ 1
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
48% ~ Possession ~ 52%
68% ~ Pass Completion ~ 83%
82% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 93%
0 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 1

Full Time: Goal in injury time by Scowcroft off a Crystal Palace corner gave them a 1-0 win. Crystal Palace played very well this game. T. Craig gets man of the match with a solid defensive performance.
Score: Preston 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
3 ~ Shots on Target ~ 3
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 5
49% ~ Possession ~ 51%
71% ~ Pass Completion ~ 82%
79% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 93%
2 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 6
4 ~ Free Kicks ~ 2

ATT Stats:
0 ~ Goals ~ 1
3 ~ Shots on Target ~ 3
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 5
0 ~ Penalties ~ 1
20 ~ Runs Made ~ 34
8 ~ Crosses ~ 35
1 ~ Key Passes ~ 0

PASS Stats:
49% ~ Possession ~ 51%
71% ~ Pass Completion ~ 82%
248 ~ Passes Completed ~ 327
1 ~ Key Passes ~ 0
8 ~ Crosses ~ 35
10 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 11
56 ~ Lost Possession ~ 60

Set Plays:
2 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 6
4 ~ Free Kicks ~ 2
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 0
6 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 5
0 ~ Penalties ~ 1
56 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 81

DEF Stats:
79% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 93%
26 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 28
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 0
43% ~ Header Completion ~ 58%
62 ~ Headers Won ~ 106
142 ~ Clearances ~ 91
76 ~ Interceptions ~ 104

Fouls:
2 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 4
1 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 0
1 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 0
0 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
3 ~ Offsides ~ 2

Match Review: A solid performance from Palace and they deserved to win. Palace were strong at the back, Butterfield, Cort and Craig all playing really well. They completed over 90% of their tackles which really shows something. Almunia picked up a clean sheet on his Palace debut which will do his confidence a world of good. Man of the match went to T. Craig who made 36/42 successful passes, 3/4 successful tackles, 9/20 successful headers, 16 intercepts and setting up the winning goal off a corner in which he was taking as Ifill had been subbed out.

 

[hedger_14]

Crystal Palace sit on 3 points in 5th place behind Watford, Burnley, Ipswich and Charlton (from first to fourth). Marlon King sits on top of the goal scoring leaderboard with 2 goals and Glen Whelan is topping the assists with 3.

Reserve Team:
Cardiff Reserves have beaten Crystal Palace Reserves 3-2

English League Cup Match Preview:
Wallsall vs Crystal Palace
@ Banks Stadium
19:45 kickoff: Tuesday 14th August 2007
Referee: Darren Deadman

Wallsall Manager: Richard Money
Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger

Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A

Miscelleneous:
If he plays, Paul Dickov will be making his competitive debut for Crystal Palace
If he plays, 19-year-old Ishmel Demontagnac will be making his senior debut for Wallsall
Match Prediction from a football website: Wallsall 1 - 2 Crystal Palace

Squad For Wallsall Vs Crystal Palace (English League Cup First Round):

S. Kuqi, C. Morrison
T. Soares, C. Fletcher (C), B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, D. Butterfield
J. Speroni
Subs: M. Almunia, B. Idrizaj, S. Green, M. Kenndy, J. Scowcroft​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: C. Fletcher

Half Time: A Scott Dann own goal gives Crystal Palace the lead at the break. Dann was brought off the moment he scored the own goal.
Score: Wallsall 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

OVR stats:
Wallsall/Crystal Palace
2 ~ Shots on Target ~ 4
1 ~ Shots off Target ~ 2
49% ~ Possession ~ 51%
75% ~ Pass Completion ~ 76%
82% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 93%
0 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 2
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 1

Full Time: A goal from Morrison in the second half puts Palace into the next round in an easy win. Man of the match was Paul Ifill
Score: Wallsall 0 - 2 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
3 ~ Shots on Target ~ 5
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 2
49% ~ Possession ~ 51%
73% ~ Pass Completion ~ 76%
74% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 68%
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 4
5 ~ Free Kicks ~ 2

ATT Stats:
0 ~ Goals ~ 2
3 ~ Shots on Target ~ 5
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 2
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
12 ~ Runs Made ~ 26
11 ~ Crosses ~ 18
2 ~ Key Passes ~ 2

PASS Stats:
49% ~ Possession ~ 51%
73% ~ Pass Completion ~ 76%
318 ~ Passes Completed ~ 423
2 ~ Key Passes ~ 2
11 ~ Crosses ~ 18
28 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 13
96 ~ Lost Possession ~ 58

Set Plays:
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 4
5 ~ Free Kicks ~ 2
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 0
10 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 3
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
69 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 84

DEF Stats:
74% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 68%
43 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 21
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 0
42% ~ Header Completion ~ 55%
70 ~ Headers Won ~ 122
182 ~ Clearances ~ 133
129 ~ Interceptions ~ 129

Fouls:
2 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 3
0 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 2
0 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 2
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 0
0 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
1 ~ Offsides ~ 5

Match Review: Another immense performance at the back by Crystal Palace. One of the best defensive sides in the league, which conceding the least goals away from home last year shows. Ifill played a superb game completing 45 passes, making 2/2 tackles, winning 8 headers. He also took 11 runs past opponents and 10 intercepts. Also to add to that performance though was an assist and 2 shots at goal. Crystal Palace are going to be hard to break down at the back this year as their pre-season showed only conceding 2 goals in 7 games, one which was against Newcastle.

 

[hedger_14]

Update: Crystal Palace have accepted a 120K deal for M. Lawrence from Ipswich. The opposition club are now free to negotiate a deal with the player.

Youth Team:
Crystal Palace Youth draw Hull City Youth 0-0

Championship Match Preview
Crystal Palace vs Blackpool
@ Selhurst Park
15:00 kickoff, Saturday 18th August
Referee: Clide Oliver

Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger
Blackpool Manager: Simon Grayson

Current League Positions: Crystal Palace (5th), Blackpool (11th)
Form: Crystal Palace (W), Blackpool (X)

Injuries: Rhys Evans and Paul Rachubka
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Stuart Lovell, Keigan Parker and Hoohalan

Miscellaneous:
If he plays, Paul Dickov will be making his competitive debut for Crystal Palace
Match Prediction from the National Newspaper: Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Blackpool

Squad for Crystal Palace vs Blackpool (Championship):

B. Idrizaj, C. Morrison
T. Soares, C. Fletcher, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, M. Almunia
M. Almunia (C)
Subs: J. Speroni, S. Green, S. Kuqi, R. Scimeca, J. Scowcroft​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: B. Idrizaj
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), B. Idrizaj (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: M. Almunia

Half Time: A superb half by Palace in which they dominated with 2 goals from Morrison, both goals coming from set plays, one a tap-in off a corner after the ball went around the box for a while and the second off another corner.
Score: Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Blackpool

OVR Stats:
Crystal Palace/Blackpool
7 ~ Shots on Target ~ 0
5 ~ Shots off Target ~ 0
55% ~ Possession ~ 45%
78% ~ Pass Completion ~ 72%
75% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 77%
3 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
1 ~ Free Kicks ~ 1

Full Time: A goal from Idrizaj just inside the second half gave Crystal Palace a easily defendable lead. No goals from then on so a big win in the end. Morrison gets man of the match for 2 goals.
Score: Crystal Palace 3 - 0 Blackpool

OVR Stats:
8 ~ Shots on Target ~ 0
6 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
56% ~ Possession ~ 44%
81% ~ Pass Completion ~ 76%
72% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 73%
3 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 3

ATT Stats:
3 ~ Goals ~ 0
8 ~ Shots on Target ~ 0
6 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
45 ~ Runs Made ~ 20
23 ~ Crosses ~ 6
5 ~ Key Passes ~ 0

PASS Stats:
56% ~ Possession ~ 44%
81% ~ Pass Completion ~ 76%
505 ~ Passes Completed ~ 381
5 ~ Key Passes ~ 0
23 ~ Crosses ~ 6
15 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 17
46 ~ Lost Possession ~ 69

Set Plays:
3 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 3
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 0
2 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 5
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
82 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 54

DEF Stats:
72% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 73%
13 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 40
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 1
45% ~ Header Completion ~ 64%
76 ~ Headers Won ~ 94
103 ~ Clearances ~ 174
126 ~ Interceptions ~ 132

Fouls:
3 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 0
0 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 2
0 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 2
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
1 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 1
1 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
2 ~ Offsides ~ 0

Match Review: Palace were once again strong at the back only letting Blackpool have one shot which was off target. They dominated the midfield with great passing and kept possession well and for the first time this season, they played exceptional up front. Ifill had another spectacular game, with 1 assist, took the corners that resulted in the other two goals. He also made 1 key pass, 1 key header, 14 intercepts and was also threatened the Blackpool backline taking 18 runs past opponents. Morrison was given man of the match for 2 goals, 6 shots on target, 1 key pass, 12 intercepts and 13 successful headers. Also good in the striking position was Idrizaj who scored 1 goal, made 4 shots on target and took 10 intercepts. The only bad thing they will come away with is that Butterfield will miss at least ten days (according to medical staff) due to a groin strain injury which was suffered about 15 minutes into the second half in which he was immediately substituted. A fantastic result in the end for Palace and its a good start to the season.

Update: Matt Lawrence signs deal with Ipswich, for 120K in which Lawrence accepted the contract offered by them and will be set to move within the next few days.

 

[hedger_14]

A big win for Palace moves then to top of the table with 6 points. The only other team with that many points are Watford and Leicester. Henrik Pederson from Hull City is on top of the goal scoring chart with 3 and Caleb Folan as well as Glenn Whelan are in tied first on the assist table with 2 each.

As Brendon Hedger is about to get into his car, he is caught by a reporter who wants to ask him some questions.

Reporter: Wait up, I would like to ask you some questions

Hedger: What is it

Reporter: Firstly, how do you feel after the great start to the season?

Hedger: I feel great leading a team to a top position on the table.

Reporter: Now how was the pre-season for you?

Hedger: It was also good, I used it to find out how each player would play and give most of the guys a chance. We played well in most our games which gave us confidence for the season start.

Reporter: You also said in an interview at the start of the season that you would sign some new players, how is that going along?

Hedger: Well if you were following, you would make out that i have spent 1.325M on new signings, 450K on Scimeca from Cardiff and 875K on Almunia from Arsenal as well as selling Lawrence for 110K.

Reporter: Do you plan to buy anyone else, this year?

Hedger: Well I only have an extra 250K to spend on transfers so i probably won't be buying anyone else for this transfer season at least, maybe in January though.

Reporter: I see, and one last question, do you have a good relationship with the players in the team?

Hedger: I would say I do, most of the players are happy at the club so that shows that they like me.

Reporter: Well thanks for your time.

Hedger: No problem, then i best be going

Reporter: Bye.

 

[hedger_14]

Update: English Cup Round 2 Fixtures Announced > Crystal Palace will play Manchester City which will be a tough match for Palace.

Reserve Team:
Crystal Palace Reserves have drawn Burnley Reserves 1 - 1

Youth Team:
Cardiff Youth Team have beaten Crystal Palace Youth Team 1-0

Championship Match Preview
Leicester vs Crystal Palace
@ The Walkers Stadium
19:45 kickoff: Wednesday 22nd August 2007
Referee: Stuart Attwell

Leicester Manager: Gary Megson
Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger

Current League Positions: Leicester (3rd), Crystal Palace (1st)
Form: Leicester (W,W), Crystal Palace (W,W)

Injuries: Patrick Kisnorbo
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Jan Kozak, Stephen Clemence and Radostin Kishishev

Miscellaneous:
If he plays, Paul Dickov will be making his competitive debut for Crystal Palace
Match Prediction from the National Newspaper: Leicester 1 - 1 Crystal Palace

Squad For Leicester Vs Crystal Palace (Championship):

Match Postponed to Wednesday 12th September due to international callups.

B. Idrizaj, P. Ifill, C. Fletcher and J. Hughes are all on international duty.

Youth Team:
Crystal Palace Youth Team draw Watford Youth Team 1 - 1

Reserve Team:
Crystal Palace Reserve's defeated Bristol City Reserves 1 - 0

IMPORTANT UPDATE: I WILL NOT POST ANY MORE RESERVE OR YOUTH GAMES ON THIS BUT I WILL POST WHAT THE TEAM CAME AT THE END OF THE SEASON

Championship Match Preview:
Plymouth Vs Crystal Palace
@ Home Park
15:00 kickoff: Saturday 25th August 2007
Referee: Gavin Ward

Current League Positions: Plymouth (2nd), Crystal Palace (4th)
Form: Plymouth (X,W,W), Crystal Palace (W,W)

Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Peter Halmosi, Matthias Doumbe and David Norris

Miscellaneous:
If he plays, Paul Dickov will be making his competitive debut for Crystal Palace
Match Prediction from ChampionshipManager.com: Plymouth 1 - 1 Crystal Palace

Squad For Plymouth Vs Crystal Palace (Championship):

S. Kuqi, C. Morrison
T. Soares, C. Fletcher, B. Watson, B. Idrizaj
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, R. Scimeca
M. Almunia (C)
Subs: J. Speroni, P. Ifill, S. Green, M. Kennedy, J. Hughes​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Right)
Captain: M. Almunia

Half Time: Even match so far just like predicted. Plymouth are still yet to get a shot at goal while Crystal Palace have had several good chances.
Score: Plymouth 0 - 0 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
Plymouth/Crystal Palace
0 ~ Shots on Target ~ 4
0 ~ Shots off Target ~ 3
50% ~ Possession ~ 50%
74% ~ Pass Completion ~ 79%
77% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 56%
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 0
1 ~ Free Kicks ~ 5

Full Time: Plymouth played bad upfront not even making a shot all game. Palace dominated the midfield and a Tom Soares corner in the 54th minute was a good one and Idrizaj put it home to score Palace's and the games only goal. Scimeca was awarded man of the match.
Score: Plymouth 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
0 ~ Shots on Target ~ 7
0 ~ Shots off Target ~ 5
48% ~ Possession ~ 52%
72% ~ Pass Completion ~ 82%
78% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 74%
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 6

ATT Stats:
0 ~ Goals ~ 1
0 ~ Shots on Target ~ 7
0 ~ Shots off Target ~ 5
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
18 ~ Runs Made ~ 26
17 ~ Crosses ~ 22
0 ~ Key Passes ~ 3

PASS Stats:
48% ~ Possession ~ 52%
72% ~ Pass Completion ~ 82%
269 ~ Passes Completed ~ 467
0 ~ Key Passes ~ 3
7 ~ Crosses ~ 22
17 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 20
64 ~ Lost Possession ~ 89

Set Plays:
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 6
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 1
9 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 6
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
62 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 81

DEF Stats:
78% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 74%
46 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 14
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 0
52% ~ Header Completion ~ 63%
95 ~ Headers Won ~ 153
203 ~ Clearances ~ 105
110 ~ Interceptions ~ 118

Fouls:
2 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 1
4 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 1
4 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 1
1 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 1
0 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
1 ~ Offsides ~ 7

Match Review: Well Plymouth are lucky they only lost by one goal. They were dreadful in most aspects of their game. The only good part of their game was their goalkeeping which was amazing and only let Palace get one goal. Scimeca was awarded man of the match for a wonderful performance completing 39/43 passes, 2/2 tackles, 19/28 headers, 1 key header and 16 intercepts. Idrizaj also played another great game completing 50 passes, winning 14 headers and 5 tackles as well as the winning goal and 12 intercepts. It is 2 goals in two games for the attacking midfielder now. Soares also performed very well completing 8/13 headers, 9 intercepts and set up Idrizaj's goal.

 

[hedger_14]

Crystal Palace now sit in 2nd place on the ladder only behind Southampton who is 1 point ahead but has played 1 more game than Palace. Preston's Neil Mellor is on top of the goal scoring table with 5 goals and 6 players are on top of the assists table with 2 each.

English League Cup Match Preview:
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
@ Selhurst Park
19:45 kickoff: Tuesday 28th August
Referee: Danny McDermid

Form: Crystal Palace (W), Manchester City (W)

Injuries: Georgios Samaras and Emile Mpenza
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Michael Johnson, Martin Petrov and Micah Richards.

Micellaneous:
If he plays, Geovanni will be making his competitive debut for Manchester City.
Match Prediction from a fanzine: Crystal Palace 1 - 2 Manchester City

Squad for Crystal Palace Vs Manchester City (English League Cup Round 2):

B. Idrizaj, C. Morrison
T. Soares (C), C. Fletcher, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, R. Scimeca
J. Speroni
Subs: M. Almunia, S. Green, S. Kuqi, M. Kennedy, J. Hughes​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: B. Idrizaj
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), B. Idrizaj (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: T. Soares

Half Time: Well Crystal Palace could be further in the lead if Idrizaj converted a penalty but he made up for it in the 40th minute when he put it past the keeper. Crystal Palace played well having several oppurtunities but City's defence stayed strong.
Score: Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Manchester City

OVR Stats:
Crystal Palace/Manchester City
4 ~ Shots on Target ~ 8
1 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
52% ~ Possession ~ 48%
74% ~ Pass Completion ~ 77%
75% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 86%
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 3
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 1

Full Time: A good second half by Manchester City had them score 2 goals in a thrilling game. Bianchi got man of the match as he scored 2 goals.
Score: Crystal Palace 1 - 2 Manchester City

I accidently clicked out of the pitch overview so i cant get a good view at the stats.
This is the best i can get

Match Stats:
9 ~ Shots on Goal ~ 22
6 ~ On Target ~ 15
3 ~ Off Target ~ 7
1 ~ Penalties ~ 0
1 ~ Corners ~ 8
4 ~ Free Kicks ~ 2
64 ~ Throw-ins ~ 66
2 ~ Fouls ~ 5
3 ~ Offsides ~ 0
76% ~ Passes Completed ~ 80%
21% ~ Crosses Completed ~ 36%
77% ~ Tackles Completed ~ 76%
55% ~ Headers Completed ~ 45%
0 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0

Match Review: A good performance by Palace as they were up against a strong side. Speroni was excellent in the goals. He played well holding on to 9 shots, parrying 1 and tapping 2 over the bar. Bianchi really troubled Palace scoring two goals in his team's win.

Ok, a question. should i do the final stats like i did there or all the defence/attack/fouls/set plays etc?

 

[OffCutters]

Good start for Palace, keep it up mate.

 

[hedger_14]

Press Conference:

Crystal Palace Press Officer: Well its good to have you here today.

Hedger: Thank you.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: So you've had a nice start to the season, how do you feel?

Hedger: Well I'm happy. My dream now is to lead the club to the top division.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: Well that is delightful to hear, I guess you know that it won't be as easy as it is going at the moment.

Hedger: Well of course, I know I've had a good start to the season and it won't go as smooth as this throughout the season but I have my hopes high for the club.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: Ok, how do you feel though after your early exit to the league cup.

Hedger: Well I'm not too worried about the cup. It was the predicted result and I'm glad it wasn't more.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: So, were you impressed with the teams effort on the game day

Hedger: Well, most of the team were thinking that we would lose so the team was never going to perform at their full potential but the team was ok, especially Speroni who played well.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: He'll be happy you said that about him.

Hedger: Well, its going to be a hard season being a backup keeper to replace Almunia if needed but its good to have a backup keeper anyway. Hes had a tough time at Palace having to sit on the sideline for 3 seasons to make way for Hungarian keeper, Gabor Kiraly.

Crystal Palace Press Officer: Well theres not much else I need to know so good luck with managing the side.

Hedger: Thanks for your support

Press Conference Ended:

 

[treva]

Love the layout on this mate. The stats make it look really professional and it shows the time and effort you have out into each update. A fanatstic start to life at Palace, they are a great team to manage, having had success myself in the few months of an online game that I played with them.

Keep it up mate.

 

[hedger_14]

thanks for your support. im managing them on fifa 09 but seeing as you can cheat and just score goals easily, i decided to do it on CM08 and i got FM09 on saturday so i'm not going to do it on that since i'll have to start again.

Player Of The Month: Neil Mellow
Manager Of The Month: Brendon Hedger
Board is very impressed with my managing and we're financially secure.

Championship Match Preview:
Crystal Palace vs Colchester
@ Selhurst Park
15:00 kickoff: Saturday 1st September
Referee: Graham Laws

Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger
Colchester Manager: Geraint Williams

Current League Positions: Crystal Palace (2nd), Colchester (6th)
Form: Crystal Palace (W,W,W), Colchester (L,L,W,W)

Injuries: Jamie Guy, Luke Guttridge and Clive Platt
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Teddy Sherringham, Matthew Connolly and Danny Granville

Miscellaneous:
Match Prediction from Fanbanta.com: Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Colchester

Squad For Crystal Palace vs Colchester (Championship):

C. Morrison, S. Kuqi
T. Soares, B. Idrizaj, B. Watson, P. Ifill
J. Hughes, T. Craig, L. Cort, R. Scimeca
M. Almunia (C)​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: M. Almunia

Half Time: Crystal Palace had a nice first half breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute off a corner which Soares put in the back of the net. Both sides have played well defensively and its going to be hard to score many goals.
Score: Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Colchester

OVR Stats:
Crystal Palace/Colchester
2 ~ Shots on Target ~ 0
1 ~ Shots off Target ~ 0
52% ~ Possession ~ 48%
74% ~ Pass Completion ~ 68%
86% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 91%
3 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
2 ~ Free Kicks ~ 1

Full Time: Another great half by Crystal Palace but this time having several more chances to score. Morrison was brought off for Green who was switched with Idrizaj so he could play upfront and nearly scored a beautiful goal hammering the ball at the goal but just missing the right hand post. Tom Soares scored a second in the same way they scored the first, off a corner. Tom Soares was awarded man of the match for his two goals.
Score: Crystal Palace 2 - 0 Colchester

OVR Stats:
5 ~ Shots on Target ~ 1
4 ~ Shots off Target ~ 0
54% ~ Possession ~ 46%
77% ~ Pass Completion ~ 68%
82% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 80%
5 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 2
4 ~ Free Kicks ~ 3

ATT Stats:
2 ~ Goals ~ 0
5 ~ Shots on Target ~ 1
4 ~ Shots off Target ~ 0
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
38 ~ Runs Made ~ 11
21 ~ Crosses ~ 9
2 ~ Key Passes ~ 0

PASS Stats:
54% ~ Possession ~ 46%
77% ~ Pass Completion ~ 68%
437 ~ Passes Completed ~ 295
2 ~ Key Passes ~ 0
21 ~ Crosses ~ 9
17 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 9
63 ~ Lost Possession ~ 69

Set Plays:
5 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 2
4 ~ Free Kicks ~ 3
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 0
7 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 4
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
93 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 49

DEF Stats:
82% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 80%
18 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 36
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 0
52% ~ Header Completion ~ 47%
119 ~ Headers Won ~ 90
84 ~ Clearances ~ 151
132 ~ Interceptions ~ 149

Fouls:
2 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 4
1 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 0
1 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 0
0 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
1 ~ Offsides ~ 3

Match Review: Everyone played well in todays game other than the strikers you had numerous chances to score from. Soares and Ifill played fantastic in the midfield, Ifill setting up both goals for Soares off corners as well as taking 8 intercepts, completing 36 passes and completing 8 headers. Soares scored 2 goals, completing 40 passes, made 3/3 successful tackles and completed 13 headers. Watson also played well in the midfield. Almunia keeps his goal intact not conceding a goal yet at Crystal Palace. Almunia has become a star for Palace organising his defence well as captain of the team. You can also see in the games that have been played that Palace like to use the wings showed by 20+ crosses each game. They are also very dangerous from set plays, especially corners with Ifill a brilliant corner taker. The right result in the end for Palace.

 

[hedger_14]

Crystal Palace sit in the lead on the table, one point ahead of Sheff Wed and Southampton. Neil Mellor is on top of the goal scoring chart with 6 goals while Paul Ifill and Chris Sedgwick are on top of the assists with 3 each.

Update: Danny Butterfield has recovered from his injury but is still not fully fit.

Championship Match Preview:
QPR vs Crystal Palace
@ Loftus Road
19:45 kickoff: Wednesday 5th September 2007
Referee: Martin Atkinson

QPR Manager: John Gregory
Crystal Palace Manager: Brendon Hedger

Current League Positions: QPR (8th), Crystal Palace (1st)
Form: QPR (X,W,L,D,W), Crystal Palace (W,W,W,W)

Injuries: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Key Players: Dexter Blackstock, Nick Ward and Ben Sahar

Miscellaneous:
If he plays, Ivica Morner will be making his competitive debut for QPR
Match Prediction from TalkSport.com: QPR 0 - 1 Crystal Palace

Squad for QPR Vs Crystal Palace (Championship):

S. Kuqi, C. Morrison
T. Soares, C. Fletcher, B. Watson, P. Ifill
Jose Fonte, T. Craig, L. Cort, R. Scimeca
Subs: J. Speroni, B. Idrizaj, S. Green, J. Hughes, J. Scowcroft​

Tactics:
Penalty Kick Taker: S. Kuqi
Free Kick Takers: T. Soares (Left/Middle), S. Kuqi (Right)
Corner Kick Takers: P. Ifill (Left/Right)
Captain: M. Almunia

Half Time: Well a fantastic half to watch. Both sides have been very dangerous attacking. In the 8th Minute, a brilliant free kick from Tom Soares found the back of the net. He then scored off another free kick 20 minutes later to make it 4 goals in 2 games. Queens Park Rangers then scored 2 goals in quick succession and in the 40th Minute, another set play resulted in a goal, Ifill putting one near the 6 yard box and Morrison putting it in the net.
Score: QPR 2 - 3 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
QPR/Crystal Palace
4 ~ Shots on Target ~ 4
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
46% ~ Possession ~ 54%
71% ~ Pass Completion ~ 80%
74% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 76%
1 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
1 ~ Free Kicks ~ 3

Full Time: A half dominated in attack by Crystal Palace, defending well. Five minutes after Scowcroft was brought on, he hit a stunner in the bottom left corner most probably sealing the win but a goal from QPR on the 85th might have given them a slight chance. Crystal Palace held on though, Tom Soares awarded MOTM.
Score: QPR 3 - 4 Crystal Palace

OVR Stats:
6 ~ Shots on Target ~ 8
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
48% ~ Possession ~ 52%
70% ~ Pass Completion ~ 79%
73% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 74%
4 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
3 ~ Free Kicks ~ 5

ATT Stats:
3 ~ Goals ~ 4
6 ~ Shots on Target ~ 8
2 ~ Shots off Target ~ 1
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
19 ~ Runs Made ~ 35
17 ~ Crosses ~ 16
4 ~ Key Passes ~ 1

PASS Stats:
48% ~ Possession ~ 52%
70% ~ Pass Completion ~ 79%
262 ~ Passes Completed ~ 403
4 ~ Key Passes ~ 1
17 ~ Crosses ~ 16
20 ~ Miscontrolled ~ 15
66 ~ Lost Possession ~ 70

Set Plays:
4 ~ Corner Kicks ~ 1
3 ~ Free Kicks ~ 5
0 ~ Direct Free Kicks ~ 2
5 ~ Indirect Free Kicks ~ 6
0 ~ Penalties ~ 0
67 ~ Throw-Ins ~ 90

DEF Stats:
73% ~ Tackle Completion ~ 74%
22 ~ Tackles Completed ~ 23
0 ~ Key Tackles ~ 0
46% ~ Header Completion ~ 58%
77 ~ Headers Won ~ 122
161 ~ Clearances ~ 102
121 ~ Interceptions ~ 124

Fouls:
4 ~ Minor Fouls ~ 3
1 ~ Cynical Fouls ~ 0
2 ~ Yellow Cards ~ 0
0 ~ Red Cards ~ 0
1 ~ Minor Injuries ~ 0
0 ~ Major Injuries ~ 0
3 ~ Offsides ~ 2

Match Review: It was a good match to watch, and you weren't going to know who would win until the fulltime whistle. Soares was the standout of the game scoring 2 goals, completing 46 passes, making 7/8 successful tackles, completing 14 headers which included 2 key headers. He also took 19 intercepts and 13 runs past opponents. The other player who played well was Ifill making 2 assists and taking 16 intercepts. Crystal Palace managed a 4-3 win in the end and will keep their top position.