Championship Season Preview 2006/07 - Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace

Odds: 12/1

Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 6 (Championship), 2004/05 - 18 (Premiership, Relegated), 2003/04 - 6 (Championship, Promoted), 2002/03 - 14 (Championship), 2001/02 - 10 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Fourth Round (replay) vs Preston North End (h) - lost 2-1.
Carling Cup Fourth Round vs Middlesbrough (a) - lost 2-1.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Andy Johnson (striker) - 17 goals.

Players In
Leon Cort (Hull City - £1,250,000), James Scowcroft (£500,000), Scott Flinders (Barnsley - Undisclosed), Mark Kennedy (Wolves - Free)

Players Out
Andy Johnson (Everton - £8,600,000), Mikele Leigertwood (Sheffield United - £600,000), Fitz Hall (Wigan Athletic - Undisclosed), Sam Togwell (Barnsley - Undisclosed), Wayne Andrews (Coventry City - Free), Tony Popovic (Al Arabi - Free), Aki Riihilahti (Released), Glenn Wilson (Released).

Peter Taylor is the new man in charge at play off losers Crystal Palace this season following Iain Dowie's defection to Charlton Athletic. Palace chairman Simon Jordan launched action against Dowie for 'fraudulent misrepresentation' over his move across South London. Jordan claimed Dowie's domestic situation prompted him to waive a clause in his contract which required compensation of £1 million from any club the former West Ham United striker would join.

It has been a season of rebuilding at Selhurst Park, following the sales of key players Andy Johnson, Fitz Hall and Mikele Leigertwood. Everton smashed their club record transfer fee by signing Johnson for £8.6 million, beating the previous record of £6 million to sign fellow striker James Beattie from Southampton. Johnson is expected to be Everton's highest paid player on a reported £40,000 a week and Palace will received more than £5 million up front in the deal.

Defender Fitz Hall joined Wigan for an undisclosed fee, reportedly £3 million while Leigertwood joined Premiership new boys Sheffield United for £600,000.

Taylor returned to old club Hull City to sign defender Leon Cort as a replacement for the departed Hall in a deal worth £1.25 million. Hull had earlier rejected a £750,000 bid for player Taylor signed on a free transfer for the Tigers in 2004. He also raided Coventry City for striker James Scowcroft who he worked with at Leicester City in a £500,000 deal.

Taylor drafted in winger Mark Kennedy on a free transfer from Wolves and Barnsley goalkeeper Scott Flinders in a deal which could rise to £1 million depending on appearances. Taylor selected Flinders for the Football League XI team that faced Italy last season.

Verdict
This could be a transitional season at Selhurst Park and the Eagles will miss the goals Andy Johnson provided them. Clinton Morrison will be under pressure to perform following his 13 goal tally last season and even though there is money to spend, Palace could find themselves just short of a play off place in May.

About The Author-- David Walker runs Ladbrokes free bet and UK poker websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.

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