That Just Looks Weird

I guess we've all just got to get used to it.

Dowie to ...Charlton Athletic?!?!

Gaffer Iain Dowie has raised the ire of some Crystal Palace fans by leaving Selhurst Park to take the job at Charlton Athletic. This on the heels of Andrew Johnson's move to Everton. Dowie, who had stated publicly that he wanted out of his Palace contract in order to to return to his home of Northern Ireland to be nearer his family, instead will just go across town for his new job.

Palace owner Simon Jordan is not terribly happy with Dowie's about-face and move to Clowntown Pathetic. Which is why he has now sued Dowie! The club has issued a writ against the former manager due to what Jordan calls Dowie's incredible "deception".

The topper: the writ was served at Dowie's press conference announcing his new gig at Charlton. Delicious!

How do you say "Bouncebackability" in Latin?

Palace Men Play for Hungary Against England

Well, there were some Crystal Palace faces on the pitch during England's friendly international this evening in Manchester. But it wasn't Andy Johnson, and it wasn't even for England. Instead, Palace 'keeper Gabor Kiraly started for Hungary in the Magyars' 1-3 defeat. Kiraly had a decent outing--despite the scoreline--and even saved a Frank Lampard penalty at the end of the first half.

Additionally, former Palace man Sandor Torghelle came on as a second-half sub for Hungary.

By the way, don't you love that Kiraly wears those hilarious sweatpants even in international matches?

Peter Taylor to Palace?

Hull City manager Peter Taylor appears to be on Crystal Palace's shortlist to replace Iain Dowie. This after Taylor last week turned down a chance to manage EPL side Charlton.

Palace to Play in Virginia USA!

Crystal Palace is set to play MLS side LA Galaxy in Richmond, Virginia, USA on July 19. Who knows what the Palace team will look like, or who in the hell will be manging them.

AbCrack may or may not be able to attend the match. Any readers plan on being at the game at the University of Richmond?

World Cup Countdown: 14 days!

My goodness, that's a fortnight!

Be sure and check out World Cup Blog for all of your WC needs.

It covers every team particpating in an entirely unique way.

Great Spanish Football Site

Be sure and check out Striker's great Spanish football site here. He covers Spanish football, but also the World Cup and other sports. Definitely worth a look!

But Wait!

IS Andrew Johnson off to Bolton? Seems Everton have jumped into the AJ derby as well. Hard to say what's what, although all of the bids seem to be in the 8.5 million pound neighborhood. Stay tuned.

AJ to Bolton

Former (sucks to say "former") Crystal Palace striker Andrew Johnson will be moving from Selhurst Park to the Reebok Stadium for the next season of English football. It will be a return to the top flight for Johnson, who was last in the EPL with Palace two seasons ago.

It looked initially as if AJ might be headed to Wigan, but that deal was scuttled and he will head to Bolton for a reported 8.5 million pounds.

Best of luck to the England back-up striker and, frankly, Palace legend.

Dowie Departs

Iain Dowie has left Selhurst Park. Best of luck to the ol' gaffer.

Arsenal to Raid Palace?

Rumors are swirling that Arsenal may look to sign both striker Andy Johnson and goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly away from Crystal Palace this summer.

I doubt either would start at Ashburton Grove, but it would be interesting to see, for example, AJ come in for Thierry Henry or even get some minutes playing up front with the Frenchman.

World Cup Countdown: 20 days!

Less than three weeks to go until the World Cup in Germany. Don't forget to get all of you World Cup news and views from World Cup Blog, which has bloggers covering all 32 teams.

Including Ecuador!

Clinton on Dowie

Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison has weighed in on the Iain Dowie-to-quit rumors. Via the Holmesdale Online, Morrison said Dowie may have had a row with owner Simon Jordan. THat article also introduces a new rumored managerial destination: Chalton Athletic. Ugh.

Could Dowie Be Out at Palace?!

Rumors abound that Crystal palace boss Iain Dowie may be set to leave Selhurst Park. Some say back to his native Norn Iron, some say Preston or even Middlesbrough. Palace fitness coach John Harbin thinks he'll stay, and I hope he does too.

Movers and Shakers

Bolton have offered a club record 7 million pounds for Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson. It will be sad to see AJ go--he's a Palace legend, after all--but we wish him well.

In other news,Eagles Aki Riihilahti, Wayne Andrews and Glenn Wilson have all been released from the club.

Watford 0-0 Crystal Palace

With the draw, Palace lose out to Watford 3-0 on aggregate in this Championship playoff semi-final. Watford now face Leeds United in Cardiff for a shot at the EPL next season.

Palace must prepare for another season in the Championship division. They should also prepare for life without Palace legend Andy Johnson, who's now likely to leave Selhurst Park.

Congrats to AJ!

Andrew Johnson has been named to the stand-by list for England's World Cup roster. Given that both Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are battling injuries, there may yet be a place for the Crystal Palace striker on the plane to Germany.

As always, you can get loads of World Cup news and views on all 32 teams at World Cup Blog.

Palace 0-3 Watford...Good Lord

More later, but for now, know that Crystal Palace were humiliated 0-3 by Watford in the first leg of the Championship League playoff semi-finals. Oof.

Championship Playoff Semi-Finals: Leeds 1-1 Preston

Leeds United have drawn Preston North End 1-1 in the first leg of the Chammpionship playoff semi-finals. The winner of this semi-finals will face the winner of Crystal Palace v. Watford.

Preston took the lead at Elland Road behind an early second-half strike from David Nugent. But Leeds equalised through a goal from US international Eddie Lewis fifteen minutes from time.

Tomorrow, Palace host Watford at Selhurst Park.

Desperate?

You bet CPFC is desparate to return to the top flight. Another preview of tomorrow's Crystal Palace v. Watford playoff match.

Is Anyone Picking Against Palace?

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has weighed in on the Championship playoffs, tipping Crystal Palace to gain promotion to the EPL. And this after his side beat Palace 1-0 over the weekend.

Is the Pressue on Dowie?

Yes, says this piece. The gist is that, although Crystal Palace were unlucky to be relegated from the EPL at the end of the 2004/2005 season, handsome Iain Dowie's team has underformed this year in the Championship and expectations are that the club should once again move into the top flight. The bettors tend to agree.

Palace Are Favorites for Promotion to EPL

Crystal Palace are the bettors' choice to win the Championship playoffs and achieve promotion to the English Premier League. Palace are at 2.5 to 1; Preston at 2.75 to 1; Leeds at 3 to 1; and Watford at 3.5 to 1. This despite the fact that Palace finsihed below the other three teams in the standings. Must be the Eagles' performance in the 2004 playoffs that is driving those odds.

Palace to Face Watford in Playoffs

The promotion playoffs were set when Crystal Palace dropped its season-finale 0-1 to Sheffield United. Saturday, May 6 will see Palace host third-place Watford at Selhurst Park. The return leg will take place at Vicarage Road on May 9.

The winner will move on to play the survivor of the Preston North End / Leeds tie.

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd thinks Palace are the playoff favorites. Come on you Palace!