Absolute Cracker

Peter Taylor Sacked; Neil Warnock In?

2007-10-08T19:29:00.000-04:00

Hiatus is still on, but it's worth noting that Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor has been sacked by Simon Jordan. Two wins by October 8th and a 19th-place spot ain't doin' it.

Still, I think Taylor is a good guy, he's been a gentleman about the ouster, and overall a Palace legend given his playing days at Selhurst Park.

Good luck to Taylor--but...who is going to take his place? Neil Warnock?

Hiatus

2007-09-08T16:59:00.000-04:00

Absolute Cracker is going on hiatus for the time being. Please check out Arsenal news at the Arsenal Offside.

Finally...come on you Palace!

Scowcroft Stars as Crystal Palace beat Southampton 4-1

2007-08-11T14:22:00.000-04:00

Striker James Scowcroft supplied a sweet hat trick as Crystal Palace snatched the three points at Southampton to open the season on a sweet note. With Clinton Morrison pitching in a goal, the final scoreline was 4-1 at the Saints' expense.

And in case you were wondering, yes, the Southampton defense was atrocious.

Andy John Returns to Selhurst Park

2007-08-05T08:51:00.000-04:00

Eagles legend Andy Johnson and his Everton teammates breezed into South London yesterday, but neither side could score as the preseason friendly ended 0-0.

All in all, you have to think that Crystal Palace's preseason unbeaten run should portend good things for the upcoming Championship season.

Preseason Updates

2007-07-31T20:08:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace drew with Belgian club Anderlict 1-1, after defeating Oddevold 4-1. In the latter match, Clinton Morrison notably made his return from injury with a nice tally.

Some Preseason Results

2007-07-24T18:24:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace have been doing the usual preseason friendly dippity-do. Most recently, the Eagles defeated IFK Gothenburg 2-1 in a match played in Sweden. Next up is another Swedish side, IK Oddevold on Friday.

Previously, Palace defeated Barnet 3-2 and Dartford 3-0.

It's been a pretty good run for th Eagles this preseason, but you know what a good preseason means.*

*Fuck all.

Crystal Palace Squad Numbers Announced

2007-07-17T12:47:00.000-04:00

Here they are folks, the 2007-2008 shirt numbers for CPFC. Also, note that the Eagles will be facing Aldershot Town in a friendly today. Update: Eagles 2-0 Shots.

1. Scott Flinders
2. Matt Lawrence
3. Tony Craig
5. Mark Hudson
6. Leon Cort
7. Carl Fletcher
8. James Scowcroft
9. Dougie Freedman
10. Clinton Morrison
11. Paul Ifill
12. Julian Speroni
14. Ben Watson
15. Mark Kennedy
19. Tom Soares
20. Danny Butterfield
21. David Martin
24. Jeff Hughes
25. Stuart Green
31. Arron Fray
32. Shefki Kuqi
33. Lewis Grabban
35. Rhoys Wiggins
36. Lewwis Spence
37. Charlie Sheringham
38. David Wilkinson
39. James Dayton
40. Ryan Hall
41. Moses SwaiBu
42. Ben Kudjodji

Who's Your Daddy?

2007-07-16T07:52:00.000-04:00

As noted over at The Offside, with Colchester's signing of Teddy Sheringham, the Father v. Son subplot could be a reality this season in the Championship.

Assuming of course that Charlie gets some time with the first team.

Palace Capture Tony Craig

2007-06-29T19:07:00.000-04:00

Somewhere in South London tonight, Tony Craig is thanking his and our lucky stars, as he's been plucked from dreadful Millwall to play at Selhurst Park.

Although I share in the realism, I'm a little miffed as to why his first proclamation would be low-shooting: “Hopefully we're looking to get in the play-offs and go up so we all want a good season for the club.”

Well, I know what he means. Let's hope he can help shore up the defence next season.

Third-Anniversary Post

2007-06-22T17:21:00.000-04:00

I was going to mention that Dougie Freedman re-signed with the club (yay!), or that Iain Dowie has to pay the legal expenses in the Simon Jordan suit (d'oh!), but instead let's all just bask in the three years Absolute Cracker has been up and at 'em.

/basking/

Crystal Palace USA Continues Unbeaten Run

2007-06-20T07:41:00.000-04:00

Indeed, I'd say it's the best run in the club's entire history. It's also cool that Charlie Sheringham has played such a vital role in the 5-match unbeaten streak.

Crystal Palace Fixtures List

2007-06-14T16:03:00.001-04:00

Crystal Palace will open the 2007-2008 Championship campaign at Southampton on August 11. It will of course be a tough early test.

The first home match at Selhurst Park will be in the very next weekend, as the Eagles host Leicester.

I've been looking here but I don't see Millwall on the fixture list. Gotta be here somewhere....

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Big Victory for Simon Jordan

2007-06-14T15:56:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace boss Simon Jordan has won his case against Iain Dowie after a High Court ruled that the former Eagles manager deceived CPFC by saying that he wanted out of his contract so that he could be nearer his family. You'll recall that despite that plea, Dowie resurfaced a couple of days later as the manager of Charlton Athletic.

Of course, he was sacked from Clowntown shortly thereafter now, wasn't he?

Damages will be sorted out at a later date.

I've sort of always thought this was a personal thing for Jordan, and so it doesn't move me much either way. Although this is the part of the post where I recall that I was present for Dowie's first match in charge (a loss to Millwall, bleh).

Jose Mourinho: 'I'll Coach Crystal Palace'

2007-06-05T16:56:00.000-04:00

Apparently The Special One loves him some London life, and would rather move to SE25 rather than miss the Olympics in 2012. Which would even include trolling the touchline at Selhurst Park.

Heh.

Absolute Cracker's 400th Post

2007-05-30T16:04:00.000-04:00

This is it--AbCrack's long-awaited* 400th post. The first one, which can be found here, was published on June 22, 2004. That's not a scorching rate, to be sure, but the New York Times recently labeled Absolute Cracker the "finest Crystal Palace FC Web site in the world". (Link not available).

AbCrack's first live Palace match had also been Iain Dowie's first at the helm. Sir Iain has moved on (you may have heard) but AbCrack endures. Unfortch, Mrs. AbCrack and I had to watch the Eagles go down to Millwall that fine December Boxing Day during Dowie's debut. The good news is, I don't think Millwall has won a match since.**

In other news, Crystal Palace USA finally won its first ever match on May 19 against ~~AC Milan~~ the Wilmington Hammerheads. Goals from Sergio Flores, Andrew Herman and Josh Alcala was enough the the 3-0 win. Lil' Charlie Sheringham had a hand in that last one. CPFC USA is now 1-4-1 on the season.

*Not really, not even close
**Not really, but close

Congrats to Leon Cort: CPFC PoY!

2007-05-21T17:12:00.001-04:00

Leon Cort has been named the Crystal Palace Player of the Year. Cort, whose eight goals were second most on the club, was signed from Hull last season.

Congrats!

Exit, Sweatpants

2007-05-09T08:10:00.000-04:00

The goalkeeper signed away from Hertha Berlin in 2004 by Iain Dowie, the sweatpanted Gabor Kiraly, has been let go by Crystal Palace.

The Hungarian international has hinted that he'd like to stay in England.

Kiraly made 111 appearances for Palace. God luck, Gabor.

Colchester 0-2 Crystal Palace

2007-05-06T10:58:00.000-04:00

A nice 2-0 win to end the season for Palace. James Scowcroft and Ben Watson did the honors for Palace.

With the loss, Colchester's slim promotion hopes were officially dashed.

Charlie Sheringham Breaks His American Duck

2007-05-02T07:08:00.000-04:00

Of course, the images conjured by such a headline are considerably less pedestrian than the simple fact of CPFC's on-loan striker Charlie Sheringham scoring his first Stateside goal. The inaugural notch came in a friendly draw that Crystal Palace USA had with Loyola College this past weekend.

In other non-first-team news, the Palace reserves lost their last match of the season, 3-5 to QPR.

Crystal Palace 2-0 Derby County

2007-04-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mark Kennedy and the in-form Clinton Morrison, Palace have made sure that Derby won't automatically be in the English Premiership next season.

Instead, Sunderland and Birmingham will each return to the Prem come August. Derby will take its chances in the playoffs against three of the following: West Brom, Wolves, Southampton, Stoke City and Preston North End.

Palace and Millwall will go another season without playing a league match. Of course, thanks to Leeds' showing this season, Palace probably won't even face former Lion Dennis Wise next year either.

Crystal Palace USA Fall in First-Ever Match

2007-04-26T16:48:00.000-04:00

Palace's American iteration fell 1-4 to the Charlotte Eagles.

It was the worst loss in team history.

Charlie Sheringham came on in the 52nd minute, and hit the post twice in succession for the visitors.

Palace Draw with 10-Man Wolves

2007-04-14T16:28:00.000-04:00

Wolverhampton Wanderers made a trip to SE25 today and left with a point despite being down a man for most of the match. Call it 2-2, with CPFC goals from Mark Hudson and Jobi McAnuff.

Good to see Jobi back at it. Should be good news for next year. But at this point, 'next year' is about all we have to hang out hats on.

Nice Win for Palace

2007-04-10T11:30:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace notched a comfortable 3-0 win over Preston.

Nice to see Shefki Kuqi back with a brace!

Ah, but...

right back down with a defeat away to Stoke. And Peter Taylor is not happy with the boys.

Crystal Palace 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday

2007-04-03T20:36:00.000-04:00

The season continues its drift to a dismal end as Palace lose their eighth (!) home match of the season. Clinton Morrison scored Palace's lone goal.

So much for Family Fun Day at Selhurst Park.

Lamented C-mo:

"I'm disappointed because I don't want to keep playing football in this division. No disrespect to the Championship, but the best place to play football is the Premiership. That's where I and the rest of the lads want to be, but we've no chance of doing that now. I've a year left on my contract and I want to stay here and do well for Palace. I want to take this club into the Premiership where it deserves to be. We've still got to play a lot of the top teams and I bet we give them a good game, but we are just too inconsistent. I was pleased to score but I'm more disappointed with the fact we're not going anywhere this season."

Congrats to Andy Johnson

2007-03-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

Former Crystal Palace legend Andy Johnson got his first competitive start for England tonight as the Three Lions visited Israel for Euro 2008 qualifying. The current Everton striker showed a great work rate, but did not tally a goal. The match ended 0-0.

In fact, England were again dismal, and their qualifying hopes need a bit of a boost at this point.

And the questions surrounding Steve McClaren persist.

And Yes, Crystal Palace Has a MySpace Page

2007-03-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

Well, of course it does.

Crystal Palace Reserves to USA

2007-03-24T09:26:00.000-04:00

Three Crystal Palace youths will head to the United States this summer to play with the club's American academy team, Crystal Palace USA.

Lewwis Spence, Charlie Sheringham and Aaron Fray will play sixteen matches for the Baltimore-based club and return to South London in August.

"This is Plymouth? We've just come from Plymouth!"

2007-03-17T06:33:00.000-04:00

As spoken by Crystal Palace supporter Eddie Izzard.

Anyway, yes, Plymouth is up next for the 11th-place Eagles.

The good news is that Mark Kennedy and the Kuqster are recovered and will travel with the team.

On Wednesday, palace won a hard fought three points by defeating West Brom 3-2 at the Hawthornes. Boss Taylor says the playoffs aren't out of reach just yet. We'll see.

WHOOPS: Plymouth 1-0 Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace Take One Point From Burnley

2007-03-04T08:59:00.000-05:00

Palace drew at Burnley yesterday after former Eagles striker Ade Akinbiyi nullified a 15th-minute goal from the in-form Clinton Morrison.

Should have been three points, but I suppose I can get comfortable with the idea that the playoffs just aren't happening this season.

That said, it's nice to see Clinton back playing well.

Burnley Up Next

2007-03-03T07:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the absence. It's been a bit since the last post, but things should be back to normal. My condolences.

Today Crystal Palace visit Burnley. The teams sit 11th and 17th in the table respectively.

While I was away attending to Anna Nicole's last will and testament, Palace beat Luton Town 2-1 at Selhurst thanks to a nice brace from Clinton Morrison.

Is PT the Hero of the Leeds Whodunnit?

2007-02-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

Seems it was Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor that informed Dennis Wise of PT's receipt of some Leeds team news ahead of the clash at Elland Road last weekend.

For their part, Leeds still doesn't know who the culprit was. The best part of the controversy, of course, is that it takes some of the attention away from the fact that Palace lost to dismal Leeds 1-2.

Dowie for Cov City?

2007-02-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

Former Crystal Palace boss may find himself as the Coventry City boss after his brief stay at Charlton.

The Leeds Lineup Whodunnit

2007-02-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

Overshadowing Crystal Palace's dismal performance at Elland Road on Saturday was the controversy surrounding the alleged leak of the Leeds starting XI to the Palace coaching staff prior to the match.

Leeds boss Dennis Wise has stated that the leak in fact happened and that he's told one of his players that he'll never see the pitch again for Leeds. For his part, Peter Taylor is refusing to comment on it.

In the end, one would think this sort of skulduggery would benefit Palace a least a wee bit, but as the 1-2 scoreline showed, it did not even if true.

On the other, we all know where Wise has spent time before, so we must be ever vigilant!

Leeds 2-1 Crystal Palace

2007-02-12T07:39:00.000-05:00

Palace dropped all three points at Elland Road this weekend, halting the Eagles' eight-match unbeaten streak. Lowly Leeds got goals from Matt Heath and Robbie Blake, while Palace was paced by Leon Cort.

Still sitting at 12th in the table.

Return of the Sweatpants?

2007-02-07T07:09:00.000-05:00

Old Gabor Kiraly may yet have a future at Slehurst Park. He's back from Aston Villa, but he's out of contract come summertime. Still, Peter Taylor thinks he can play himself back into the club's good graces:

"Gabor, like a lot of players, will be out of contract at the end of the year and it's up to him to play the last three or four months of the season well to try and earn a new contract. I've always told him it's down to him to play well, get in the team and prove to me he deserves to be here next season."

Speaking of the boss, Taylor, along with Danny Butterfield, are hoping Palace can make one last, furious push toward a playoff run.

Leaving Selhurst?

2007-02-03T18:35:00.000-05:00

Rumours are bubbling again that Crystal Palace chariman Simon Jordan is considering moving the club to a new ground.

The Croydon Council have told the millionaire Jordan that no other sites within the borough would be available. Thereforem he's evidently approached the owners of the National Sport Centre at Crystal Palace Park to inquire about parking the club there.

Selhurst Park is fantastic, with its history and atmosphere (mostly!). But I understand the need to re-do the park or look for alternatives.

Still, it would be a sad day for all Glaziers.

Who's Hurting Palace's Promotion Chances?

2007-02-03T18:30:00.000-05:00

Why, YOU are, of course!

Manager Peter Taylor reckons that any cascading boos heard at Selhurst Park affect the players and dampen the club's chances at winning a spot in the Prem next season.

I have to agree. I mean, I can't think of any other factors.

Crystal Palace 2-0 Ipswich

2007-02-03T18:27:00.000-05:00

Palace finally pick up a needed three points, this time at Selhurst with Ipswich doing the honors.

Leon Cort and Paul Ifill netted the goals for the Eagles.

Palace are up to 12th in the table, which should allay any lingering relegation fears. By my doesn't a playoff spot still look far away from here.

C-Mo to Reading?

2007-01-30T14:26:00.000-05:00

Word is that Clinton Morrison is unhappy at Selhurst Park and may be headed to Reading and the warm embrace of Steve Coppell.

FA Cup: Crystal Palace 2-0 Preston North End

2007-01-30T14:21:00.000-05:00

The fourth round ends much the same way as it did last year, at the hands of a game Preston side.

Well, maybe I'll trot out the same-old, same-old: Hey, at least the lads can now focus on making a playoff run!

There, I feel better.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Hull City

2007-01-22T13:05:00.000-05:00

Palace dropped two points at home to the visiting Tigers. I think that's the most accurate way to look at it.

Palace are 14th in the table as January nears it end. A playoff run is not out of the question--they're only 8 points adrift at the moment--but time is of the essence. Three points this weekend would have meant a lot towards that goal.

Mea Culpa

2007-01-19T21:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the posting sked lately. But this should make it up to you!

Glad All Over!!!

FA Cup Fourth Round Draw: Preston It Is

2007-01-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

Crystal Palace have drawn Preston North End for their FA Cup fourth-round opponent.

The match will be held at Selhurst Park on January 27.

FA Cup Third Round: Palace 2-1 Swindon

2007-01-06T15:27:00.000-05:00

A nice win today over Swindon at Selhurst. Kuqi and McAnuff did the honors for the home side.

I'm pulling for a fourth-round draw of Chelsea at SE25. Just to put them out of their misery.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

...to all you Glaziers out there.

Let's all cross our collective fingers (and, hell, toes) for a playoff run come springtime.

Palace Share Points with Southampton

2006-12-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

A little tardy with this of course, but Crystal Palace got three hard-earned points in an away draw with Southampton. Jobi McAnuff had the equaliser for the Eagles.

Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland

2006-12-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

Okay, so maybe this match was teh suxxor, but three points be three points. Mark Hudson's first half goal was enough for the home win.

Here we are, two days before Boxing Day, sitting in 17th place. Because Crack was in the stands for the 0-1 loss to Millwall on Boxing Day 2003--the first match of the Iain Dowie (remember him?) era--I can't give up hopes for a playoff run. But whoo boy, it's looking a bit of a longshot, innit?

Derby 1-0 Crystal Palace

2006-12-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

Well, that was disappointing. Palace put together a nice second half effort, but could not equalise at Pride Park.

The Eagles are still mired near the bottom of the table. 18th at the moment.

Crystal Palace 1-3 Colchester

2006-12-09T12:02:00.000-05:00

After dominating the first stretches of the match, Palace have fallen to Cholchester at home.

Goals for the visitors from Duguid (62), Garcia (69), and Iwelumo (89) from the spot.

Palace got its single got its single goal from C-Mo in the 86th minute.

Bleh.

Up Next: Colchester United

2006-12-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Palace look to continue their point-ful ways today against Colchester. The Eagles, now back up to 16th in the table, host the 10th-place U's at Selhurst Park.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since Palace's 3-1 victory in the League Cup in 1999.

FA Cup Third Round: Crystal Palace to Host Swindon

2006-12-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

Palace will host Swindon Town at Selhurst Park for a third-round FA Cup match on January 6th.

Should be a win. Wish I could be there!

Still sick I missed the Tottenham match during the 2003-2004 FA Cup during Dowie's first season. And I was in town! Ugh. Instead I saw Palace lose to Millwall in ID's first match. I think I've gone off topic....

Kuqi Monster

2006-12-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

The Times get in on the Shefki Kuqi mania (hesitantly) sweeping South London.

Crystal Palace 3-0 QPR

2006-12-02T12:04:00.000-05:00

Three-nil seems to be the London derby score of the day as Palace cruise past QPR behind goals from Doooogie, Kuqi and C-Mo. Big win; let's hope it's a bellweather.

Is This a Pattern Yet?

2006-11-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

Crystal Palace gained another point in its draw with Wolves today thanks to Dougie Freedman's 88th-minute strike.

Back up to 18th in the table, Palace are at least making a little noise.

Preston 0-0 Crystal Palace

2006-11-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

Palace shared the points with Preston after Saturday's nil-nil draw. Preston have been played great football as of late, and Palace will have to be satisfied with four points from the last two matches.

Watson to Stay

2006-11-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

CPFC boss Peter Taylor ends speculation by saying that midfielder Ben Watson will stay at Selhurst Park.

Ben hasn't been starting as of late, but Taylor evidently sees the youngster as part of the club's future plans.

Jordan to PT: Quit Your Night Job

2006-11-21T08:27:00.000-05:00

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has asked his manager Peter Taylor to relinquish his duties as coach of the England U-21 team.

This is merely a sligt twist on the old club-and-country debate that usually concerns players. But as Jordan picks up the lion's share (see what that was?-Ed.) tab for PT's coaching, he wants the gaffer's total focus to be on the Eagles.

Well, Whaddya Know? Palace 2-0 Barnsley

2006-11-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

Crystal Palace finally got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Barnsley at Selhurst Park.

Palace's goals came in the first half, courtesy of Jamie Scowcroft and Clinton Morrison.

That's more like it.

Uh-oh: Jordan Backs Taylor

2006-11-15T17:18:00.002-05:00

Surely everyone knows that the dreaded vote of confidence spells certain doom, right?

The Croydon Advertiser thinks this weekend's match against Barnsley is PT's make-or-break moment. Or, more to the point, his break moment if Palace lose.

Jordan Attacks "Gutless" Charlton

2006-11-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

Crystal Plalce charman Simon Jordan is backing former Eagles boss Iain Dowie after he was sacked by his new club, Charlton Athletic.

Yes, the same Simon Jordan who is currently suing Dowie related to his tumultuous departure from Selhurst Park.

Dowie Out at Clowntown

2006-11-13T19:59:00.000-05:00

Former Eagles boss Iain Dowie is out as manager of Charlton Athletic after just fifteen matches at the helm.

Here's picture of Dowie, right, supersizing some lucky customer's order.

You know, I've always sort of liked Dowie, so it's hard for me to really lay into the Schadenfreude. Especially with Peter Taylor's efforts under so much scrutiny. I mean, AbCrack was in attendance at ID's first match in charge of CPFC.

But, ah, hell, f*ck Chalton.

Will PT Last the Season?

2006-11-12T17:57:00.000-05:00

In the wake of Saturday's depressing home loss to Stoke, some are wondering if boss Peter Taylor can keep his job. Palace have enjoyed but two wins in their last 15 matches. That ain't good.

PT says he's going nowhere, and that he can turn it all around. I suppose he better had, because if Millwall appears on the damn league schedule next year, AbCrack will be pissed, in both senses of the word.

Sending Out an S.O.S. / Sending Out an S.O.S.

2006-11-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Palace give away a 2-1 second-half lead in losing 2-4 to QPR.

Good lord. That is teh suXX0r, as they say.

How in the hell did this team go from playoff locks to relegation territory? Well, of course we know how--continuous and convincing losing.

Stop Me if You Think That You've Heard This One Before

2006-11-01T06:57:00.000-05:00

Palace crash out again at Selhurst Park, this time by a score of 2-3 to Sheffield Wednesday.

Boss Peter Taylor is not amused.

Bob Dowie Leaves Selhurst Park

2006-11-01T06:55:00.000-05:00

Director of Football Bob Dowie has left Crystal Palace amid rumours that he clashed with Peter Taylor's managment style. Dowie, brother of former gaffer Iain Dowie, had been with the club since 2004.

Here's hoping Simon Jordan doesn't sue this Dowie on his way out.

Off-Topic: Indiana Wins Big Ten Title

2006-10-31T07:38:00.000-05:00

Indiana University have returned to the top of the Big Ten Conference, winning the regular season title after finishing third last year.

The Hoosiers finished as champs or co-champs from 1996 to 2004. Congrats to Coach Freitag and the guys.

The Suck Continues

2006-10-28T16:16:00.000-04:00

Palace dropped all three points today, losing 0-1 to Plymouth Argyle for its third staright home defeat. This free-fall down the table is not amusing.

And less than 18k in the stands to see it.

Kuqi Feeling Blue

2006-10-26T08:26:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace's recent form has been...erm...not so hot. Striker Shefki Kuqi has likewise been in a slump of his own, scoring just once for the Eagles in eight appearances.

Boss Peter Taylor, however, thinks the Finland international will bounce back soon. Of course, Taylor also hints that Kuqi probaly feels bad since he's not repaying the club for the high transfer fee that brought him to Selhurst. Dig, dig.

Leicester 1-1 Crystal Palace

2006-10-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

Well, Palace finally win a point. Tom Soares' first-half goal put the Eagles on the track to three points, but a controversial penalty decision let Leicester share the spoils.

That aside, enjoy this look at a particularly tough looking Palace fan.

PT: Yeah I Know

2006-10-17T19:16:00.000-04:00

Palace have crashed to defeat at home against West Bromwich Albion, 0-2. Gaffer Peter Taylor, when asked about the boos that greeted his side as they left the pitch, admitted that the gesture was deserved.

Sort it out, Palace!

Crystal Palace 1-2 Cardiff

2006-10-15T09:21:00.000-04:00

Palace lost to league-leaders Cardiff at Selhurst Park. Palace was paced by Stuart Green equaliser. But a late winner gave Cardiff its first win at Selhurst in 30 years.

Note, of course that Morrison did not leave the bench.

Headlines Can Get You Excited...

2006-10-12T13:56:00.000-04:00

...and then let you down:

"Merle Haggard Plays Packed House at Crystal Palace"

Jordan Buys Selhurst Park!

2006-10-10T08:21:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace honcho SImon Jordan has purchased Selhurst Park from Ron Noades for 12 million pounds. Hopefully this will bring some stability to the situation, and allow for Jordan to spruce up the grounds a bit.

Oh, come on, you know it needs an overhaul.

In other news...former Eagles gaffer Iain Dowie, now of Clowntown Pathetic, I mean Charlton Athletic, is considering instituting his own legal action against Jordan, for defaming his good name, et cetera. Stay tuned, but I just don't think of any tat business of going to end well.

No Match This Weekend...

2006-10-07T21:17:00.000-04:00

...as you know. International duty and all that. Palace manager Peter Taylor, however, was busy, leading the England U-21 squad to a 1-0 victory over Germany in their first-leg Euro championship playoff at the Roch Arena in Coventry. 'Gratz to Coach Taylor.

As for Taylor's status with the U-21 team, Nigel Reo-Coker for one wants the FA to keep the Eagles gaffer right where he is.

Just a Bit North

2006-10-04T21:57:00.000-04:00

For those who ever stray from South London, or at least those who follow the Prem when Palace is not in the top flight...please feel free to check out the Arsenal Blog at The Offside. Lots of news and views not only on the Gunners, but on English football in general.

Former Eagles Dept.: Andy Johnson

2006-10-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

AJ has really been smoking this season. Yesterday he netted his sixth goal of the season for Everton. AbCrack loved AJ's loyalty to Palace, and we're glad to see him kickin' it Merseyside.

Macca has also taken notice, as AJ inches closer to a place in the England squad.

Update: Hammy to keep AJ out of FYR Macedonia and Croatia clashes.

Hull City 1-1 Crystal Palace

2006-09-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

Well, damn. After Leon Cort put the Eagles ahead in the 57th minute, and it looked like all three points were Palace's. But as things go, Hull scored a last-minute equaliser, and the teams will now share the points.

By the by, CPFC now sit fourth in the table.

Well, I Thought I Was Back

2006-09-27T19:05:00.000-04:00

Massive flooding at AbCrack HQ prevented any posting these last several days.

The hookups are back, however, and news and views will return shortly.

/wrings out Palace kit/

Back Again

2006-09-17T11:39:00.000-04:00

While we were away, Palace suffered a bad 0-2 defeat to Southampton, and nicked a much-needed 1-0 victory over Norwich. In the latter match, recent-signee Shefki Kuqi was the off-the-bench hero for the Eagles.

Luton Town

2006-09-08T21:33:00.000-04:00

Palace face Luton Town as action resumes this weekend. I have a bit of a soft spot for Luton, who play at Kenilworth Road, but only because of the New Year's Eve I spent in Edinburgh at the Kenilworth Pub.

Um, yeah, that's pretty tenuous.

AbCrack will be on the road for the next few days, and won't be able to update. Enjoy your football!

Wherefore Art Thou, Palace?

2006-09-07T21:53:00.000-04:00

During ths international football break, Jamesey at Holmesdale Online focuses on El Tel and AJ to get him through the pause.

Kuqi for Palace

2006-09-06T07:52:00.000-04:00

Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi has transfered from EPL side Blackburn to Crystal Palace on a reported 2.5 million pound move. Palace needed some more strike potential up front, and they may have found it in the Kuqster.

Eagles boss Peter Taylor has been after the Finn for some time. Kuqi, right, says he was a bit shocked at leaving Blackburn, but expects to be back in the top flight next season with Palace.

In other news...

Striker Jon Macken has been loaned out to Ipswich Town.

Hoosier News: Sommer Returns to B-town

2006-08-31T21:59:00.000-04:00

Hoosier goalkeeping legend Juergen Sommer is returning to Bloomington as a volunteer assistant coach under Mike Freitag.

We at AbCrack used to love watching Sommer patrolling between the woodwork back in the day. And Sommer was the first American goalkeeper to play in the English top flight, an occurance which today rarely raises an eyebrow.

Nothing but good can come from Juergan's return to B-town. Good luck to him, and to the Hoosiers.

Watson + Hernia = Surgery

2006-08-31T10:16:00.000-04:00

Palace midfielder Ben Watson will have surgery next week to correct a hernia injury. He' slikely to miss three or four matches.

Here at AbCrack, we have ourselves had several hernia surgeries, and so out pelvic-based sympathies go out to Benny.

Crystal Palace 2-2 Burnley

2006-08-27T22:16:00.000-04:00

Palace drew with Burnley 2-2 at Slehurst Park this weekend. Ugh.

AJ Back for England

2006-08-26T10:01:00.000-04:00

Former Palace star Andy Johnson has been named in the England squad for the Euro qualifiers against Andorra and Macedonia.

The Millwall to Palace Transfer Route

2006-08-25T11:34:00.000-04:00

The Holmesdale takes a look at the spate of Millwall players that have over the years seen the light and moved across South London to their rivals from Croydon.

Palace Crash Out of Carling Cup

2006-08-23T09:39:00.000-04:00

Well. That didn't take long. Crystal Palace have lost 1-2 to powerhouse Notts County, at Selhurst Park no less, to end their Carling Cup campiagn before it began.

Only around 5,000 supporters were in attendance to see the League Two side record the upset win. Of course, Palace weren't the only Coca-Cola Championship side to be embarrassed yesterday.

Update: Palace boss Peter Taylro says he'll apologise for his team's performance to Eagles chairman Simon Jordan

Taylor Still Looking for a New Striker

2006-08-22T06:43:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor says the club are still in the market for a striker to compliment Morrison, Freedman and Scowcroft. Andy Johnson's boots are big ones to fill, you know.

Jon Macken may be leaving for Ipswich, so the need for a new striker would be ever more keen.

AJ Has Great Debut for Everton

2006-08-21T06:16:00.000-04:00

I must say that I was glad to see Andrew Johnson score in his debut for Everton against Watford in the Premiership. Can't fault AJ for finally moving on from Selhurst Park, and it was good to see him tally one immediately.

As for former Palalce boss Iain Dowie....well, Charlton got worked by West Ham 3-1. And frankly, I wasn't that sad. At all.

Birmingham City 2-1 Crystal Palace

2006-08-20T20:06:00.000-04:00

Palace had their hearts broken in Brum on Saturday, as the hosts snatched all three points with an injury-time goal. Palace's lone goal from Jobi. Pretty damn disappointing, although in fairness 9 out of 12 points thus far is none too shabby. And Brum are legitimate title threats, it's true.

Rubbish

2006-08-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

Did you catch today's friendly between England and Greece? Sure, Greece didn't qualify for Germany 2006, but it seems like only yesterday they were crushing the spirits of all Portugal at the 2004 European Championships.

In other words, I was personally unprepared for the wretchedness of the Greek defense. Props, of course, to Macca for a great 4-0 win to start his term as England boss. Still, the first half was so dreadful for Greece that I wouldn't have been surprised if someone revealed that the Three Lions were facing some Athens U-19 club. Incredible.

Hargreaves was good again for England, as was Peter Crouch, whose caps to goal ratio (3:2) is pretty damn low.

He Thinks the World of Me...So Of Course I Like Him

2006-08-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

Irish international and Crystal Palace striker CLinton Morrison says new Eagles boss Peter Taylor has grown on him. Says Morrison, who was the last-minute hero against Leeds on the weekend: "He's very good and he thinks a lot of me."

Well then.

Seriously, I think C-Mo and Taylor both realize that once fit, Morrison could be a great threat again for Palace.

England U-21 News

2006-08-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

Crytal Palace manager Peter Taylor led the England U-21 squad against Moldava this evening, which saw the Lions come away with a 2-2 draw. The match was a sloppy one for England, despite Theo Walcott quick, 3rd-minute goal. The defense was sloppy throughout, and Moldava could easily have come away with the victory.

In other news...two of Palace's U-21 players, Ben Watson and Tom Soares, have signed contract extensions that will keep them at Selhurst Park through 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Say We're Top of the Table!

2006-08-13T19:20:00.000-04:00

Rift or no, Irish international Clinton Morrison came on as a sub today to net the winner in injury time of Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory over Leeds at Selhurst Park. With the win, Palace are three-for-three on the year, and alone at the top of the Championship table.

Obviously, a great start to the young season. Several chances were missed early on, and Leeds was after all playing with 10 men for the lion's share of the match. Nevertheless, nine points out of nine is a cracking way to get started for new manager Peter Taylor.

Despite Clinton's heroics, boss Taylor says C-Mo needs to get mo' fit to consistenly contribute to Palace's campaign.

Palace Make The Offside's Weekend Watch

2006-08-11T17:52:00.000-04:00

The Offside has placed this weekend's Crystal Palace v. Leeds match on it's Weekend Watch list.

Here's a preview of the match, set to be played at lovely Selhurst Park.

Peter Taylor: Nothing to See Here, Move Along

2006-08-11T17:49:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor denies that there's a rift between the new manager and Eagles players Clinton Morrison, Marco Reich and Darren Ward. Taylor says there's no need to read bad blood into the relatively small roles those players have played thus far.

And at 2-0, it's a little early to bring out the bad blood scenarios, isn't it?

Crystal Palace 3-1 Southend

2006-08-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

Palace made it 2 for 2 to open the season with a 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Southend. The Shrimpers struck first, but three goals at the start of the second half from Leon Cort, Mark Hudson and super-sub Dougie Freedman made sure the Eagles kept the loss column blank.

Word is that manager Peter Taylor didn't mind laying into the boys at halftime to help inspire the victory.

Palace Open Season on a High Note!

2006-08-05T13:52:00.000-04:00

Crystal Palace have opened the Coca-Cola Championship season with a 2-1 victory at Ipswich.

Palace goals came from Jobi McAnuff and new signing James Scowcroft to seal the come-from-behind win.

A great start to the season, and a special mention to good ol' Dougie Freedman who charged the side as a second-half substitute.

Video Highlights From the Boavista Match

2006-08-03T17:09:00.000-04:00