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5 things we learned from Crystal Palace's tour of North America

Written by FYP Fanzine

 

So the tour is over. Palace have completed their pre-season trip to North America and are heading back to England with the Premier League season just over three weeks away.
Alan Pardew's men played three games while over there; drawing 0-0 with Philadelphia Union, beating FC Cincinatti 2-0 and drawing 2-2 with Vancouver Whitecaps to end their tour unbeaten.
But they also did loads more, meeting Palace's USA and Canada based fans, visiting community groups and being interviewed on local TV stations.
But what did we learn from the Eagles' trip over the pond? Here are 5 things.

1. Townsend could be a star

Almost certainly the star of Palace's pre-season so far has been Andros Townsend.
The winger arrived from Newcastle for £13m at the start of July and went straight into the squad for the three games in the US, and he was brilliant in all three.
He was involved in three out of the four goals the Eagles scored on North American soil, grabbing two assists and looked a threat going forward every time.
He could really be a star for Palace this season if he plays like that in the Premier League

 

READ MORE: What to expect from Andros Townsend - A Newcastle fan's perspective

2. Speroni and McCarthy can still do it

With Wayne Hennessey and Steve Mandanda given extra time off after Euro 2016 it was a chance for Julian Speroni and Alex McCarthy to prove they still have a place in the squad.
And both were superb. McCarthy kept a clean sheet against FC Cincinatti while Jules pulled off a string of excellent saves in both the other games.
It means Palace now go into the season with FOUR first-team goalkeepers, which is the first time we can remember ever having so much quality in goal.
One of them will probably leave we'd imagine - maybe McCarthy on loan - but it's good to see there are options.

 

3. A change of formation?

Pardew experimented with a back-three of Delaney, Dann and Kelly for the final pre-seaon game against Vancouver - coincidentally the only game on the tour where Palace conceded.
Can the Eagles actually play this sort of formation in the Premier League or was it a case of needs must?
Pardew has been criticised by fans (us included) for failing to seemingly have a Plan B and Keith Millen admitted after the game they tried the back-three because other teams will be playing like that this season.
But to really make it work the Eagles might need better wing-backs than Jordon Mutch and Zeki Fryers.

4. Don't read too much into friendlies

Palace fans might have expected their side to smash all before them in this tour but they dud remained unbeaten in their three-game tour of the US and Canada and kept two clean sheets.
With Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley, Jonny Williams, Yohan Cabaye and Steve Mandanda given extra time off after Euro 2016 there was always going to ben experimental feel to this tour.
But youngsters Freddie Ladapo, Sullay Kaikai and Hiram Boateng impressed when given chances but really we shouldn't be reading too much into any of it.
I mean Fraizer Campbell ended up as Palace's top scorer and he clearly won't be first choice this season, will he?.....Will he?

5. Palace's popularity is growing in North America

One thing that is abundantly clear from the tour is Palace's growing popularity across the pond.
A record number of fans turned up to the Nippert Stadium for the FC Cincinatti game; 35,000 in total which was over 10,000 more than the most attended MLS game that week.
The club have clearly been making a large push to grow their audience in North America since US businessmen Josh Harris and David Blitzer bought stakes in the club and it has grated with UK fans at times.
But clearly it is working judging by the amount of coverage the team got while in the States and the number of people who went to ames and training sessions.

Andros Townsend reveals why he decided to join Crystal Palace

Written by Matt Webb

EXCLUSIVE

Andros Townsend has revealed why he chose to join Crystal Palace this summer. 

The winger - who joined from Newcastle for £13m this month - made his bow for Palace on Wednesday night as the Eagles kicked off their pre-season tour of the USA with a goalless draw at Philadelphia Union.

Townsend was probably Palace's best player on the night, creating chances and revelling on the wing behind Freddie Ladapo, winning Man of the Match. He added that Eagles' style of encouraging wing play was the reason he signed.

"It's the way they play," he told FYP's Matt Webb at the Talen Energy Stadium after the 0-0 draw. "Last season you saw the way that Yannick and Wilf excelled in the wide areas and how the team played to their strengths and I knew that if I played as well as I did for Newcastle I'd excel here and I'm looking forward to seeing how that pans out."

Andros Townsend is also eyeing a return to the England squad after joining Crystal Palace, admitting he was "gutted' he didn't get a place in the Three Lions team for Euro 2016.

"I'm not going to lie, I was gutted that I didn't make the cut," he added. "But everything happens for a reason. I got a good rest over the summer and I've come back flying back in the Premier League with Palace and hopefully I can make an impression this season to get back into the England squad."

And he wants to chip in with goals too. He added: "At the end of last season with Newcastle, I was someone who contributed with goals and assists and that's why the manager has brought me here and I'm looking to do that again whenever I get the opportunity.

"That'll come. It was my first game in a Palace shirt, maybe they don't know when I'm going to cross it or what I'm going to do so they can't judge their runs, but like I said that'll come with game time, the next game or the game after that the strikers will start reading me and get on the end of my crosses."

But getting that first run out under his belt and impressing Palace's ever growing American fanbase was a pleasing experienced for the Townsend.

"It felt really good, but it's only pre-season and it'd feel a lot better in the first game of the Premier League pulling on that shirt as a starting player.

"The supporters [in Philadephia] were fantastic, they were the same in the open training session - they all came down in their numbers to watch us. We just have to thank everyone for their support. And hopefully they can continue it into Cinncinati [on Saturday].

"I know they're a long way away from us but just know their support is appreciated, for sure. We understand as players now, we come away in pre season to all these countries and see the support we have that it's a global game and we appreciate support across the globe."

How will Townsend do at Palace this season? Comment below...

Andros Townsend signs for Crystal Palace - A Newcastle fan's perspective

Written by Robert Sutherland

Wing wizard Andros Townsend has agreed to a move to Crystal Palace, signing a 4-year-deal for a fee reported to be £13m. We decided to catch up with Steve Burn of NUFC360 to get the lowdown on the player.

Andros Towsend had an enigmatic spell at Newcastle United. The former Tottenham Hotspur player signed spent just six months at the club in an attempt to secure their Premier League status, and with a few goals, it looked like he would make a telling contribution - providing the impetus to win some of the games needed to achieve safety.

"He was our bright spark of last season despite only signing in January," says Burn, "It's a shame we only had him for six months. He flourished in a struggling team so could do a lot of damage with a side who are competitive."

"Andros has a number of strengths which makes him a top class player. His pace along with his ability to cross the ball and pick a man out as well as cutting inside and hitting a shot at goal is a massive feature of his game."

His arrival at Palace will likely put pressure on Palace's existing wing partnership, he says. 

"To enable him to do this his best position is on the right hand side which allows him to take the defender both ways.

"Townsend is a throwback to the old style wingers. He loves to run at defenders, take them on, on both the outside and cutting inside to have a shot. He has electric pace and would fit perfectly in a team that plays on the counter attack, like Palace often do."

MORE: Dwight Gayle leaves Palace for Newcastle - here are his Top 5 goals in red and blue

If there's a problem with Townsend, it seems to be one that many Palace players struggled with last season - fitness. 

"He did sometimes look tired in games but that may have been the role he was playing up and down the wing. But he was a regular in the 6 months he was at Newcastle and he was a particular favourite of Rafa Benitez. We really thought we might keep hold of him, because of the relationship they had."

Despite his short spell at the club, the reaction from Newcastle fans to his transfer has been one of disappointment.

"He was our bright spark of last season despite only signing in January", says Burn, "We're absolutely gutted to be losing him."

Thanks to Steve Burn for his contribution to the article. 

READ MORE: Crystal Palace Transfer Tracker - who else has been linked with the Eagles?

Crystal Palace Transfer Tracker - Batshuayi, Townsend and Mandanda all linked

Written by Matt Webb

Much has transpired during the two weeks since the June 14th edition of the Transfer Tracker, so as we contemplate another English exit from Europe what better way to lift the spirits than to move very quickly on to an updated look at some of the exciting players that have recently been linked with Crystal Palace.

 

IN

STEVE MANDANDA – MARSEILLE (Goalkeeper)

Yes, I know – this isn’t the first time Mandanda's name has appeared on an FYP Transfer Tracker, but Palace’s pursuit of the talented French goalkeeper looks to have gained some serious momentum. 

A story that first broke in France’s highly respected L’Equipe newspaper (the same newspaper that first reported the Cabaye story last summer) is now becoming more and more widely reported.  Mandanda’s contract with Marseille expires at the end of this month and it appears that Palace are now nail-bitingly close to getting their man. 

Reports today indicate that personal terms have already been agreed and it is only the final step of a medical that is yet to be completed.   If all goes well and Palace successfully sign a goalkeeper of Mandanda’s calibre on a free transfer, it would understandably be hailed as one of the best pieces of business this window.   

Likliness to happen rating: 7/10

MICHY BATSHUAYI – MARSEILLE - STRIKER

Minutes into the dire affair that was the England v Iceland match yesterday, Palace fans were reacting to the breaking news again from L'Equipe that Marseille had accepted an offer from Crystal Palace of no less than £31.6m for their highly rated Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi!

Batshuayi is a very exciting prospect, who despite his youth has already had two successful seasons in France’s Ligue 1 and more recently scored for his national side in Euro 2016 during their last 16 match with Hungary.  

However, before we get too excited and start practicing pronouncing his name; many other Premier League clubs have now expressed an interest in Batshuayi, including Tottenham Hotspur who after finishing third last season will be able to offer the Belgian, Champions League football. 

The signing looks like it's extremely unlikley now, with the player reportedly having a medical with Chelsea's doctors today - but it was nice to dream, if only for a few days. The bid also shows that Palace do mean business this summer, which can only bode well. 

Likliness to happen rating: 2/10

 

READ MORE: Will Michy Batshuayi ACTUALLY sign for Crystal Palace? A French football expert's view

ANDROS TOWNSEND – NEWCASTLE UNITED (WINGER)

To update a story we brought to you in the last Transfer Tracker, it has since been reported by The Guardian that Palace have triggered the £10.5m relegation release clause in Townsend’s Newcastle United contract.

I for one, would be delighted to see Townsend sign for Palace, he offers genuine width, but also a threatening end product; something that Roy Hodgson knows only too well shouldn’t be overlooked.  

Townsend might want to hold out for a better offer, but the chance to move back to London and stay in the Premier League might swing the odds in Palace’s favour.

Likliness to happen rating: 9/10

 

JEROME ONGUENE – SOCHAUX (DEFENDER)

While Palace look to impact the first team immediately, there is still a long term plan to build the squad for the future and Jerome Onguene represents exactly that.  Onguene is an 18 year old, 6’3 center back who can also play comfortably at right back.

Palace fans will be able to get a glimpse of him when he represents France at this summer’s UEFA Under 19 Championship. 

The Daily Mail reported that Palace were one of a few Premier League clubs interested in the young Frenchman, and a fee of £1.75m is believed to be enough to prize Onguene from the cash strapped Sochaux. Aston Villa are reported to also be keen on signing him. 

Likliness to happen rating: 5/10

 

JAMES TOMKINS - WEST HAM (DEFENDER)

Another centre-back linked with Palace is James Tomkins. The 27-year-ols has long been linked with a move to Selhurst but according to reports in the Sun the Eagles have actually had an £8m bid turned down for him by the Hammers.

West Ham want £11m for him, which seems ambitious seeing as he has been far from a first team regular, but Stoke and Sunderlanda re also reportedly keen.

Likliness to happen rating: 6/10

 

OUT

DWIGHT GAYLE

Alan Pardew is the fourth consecutive Crystal Palace manager to show uncertainty in how to get the best from Dwight Gayle.  Gayle is arguably the club’s most natural finisher, but he is used much more effectively in a 4-4-2 system, enjoying his greatest success being partnered alongside Murray, Chamakh or Cameron Jerone.

Gayle has slipped even further down the pecking order since Pardew joined the club, Pardew prefers to pack the midfield, use the wings and have one man up front.  Unfortunately for Gayle, he just does not fit into this style of play, he has tried hitting the weight to improve his ability to hold up play, but Pardew remains unconvinced and so if he wants to be more than an impact sub a move away is necessary.  

Reports on Wednesday in various places have suggsted that Gayle has accepted a move to Newcastle thought to be around £11m.

Likliness to happen rating: 9/10

READ MORE: 5 transfer targets Crystal Palace should consider this summer

Dwight Gayle leaves Palace for Newcastle - here are his Top 5 goals in red and blue

Written by FYP Fanzine

Dwight Gayle's Palace career is over.

The diminutive striker has joined Newcastle for £10m after three seasons at Selhurst Park where for a number of reasons it just didn't work out.

But Gayley did offer Eagles fans some memorable moments and scored some key goals for the side over that period.

Indeed he also finished top league scorer all three seasons for Palace despite never really getting a proper extended run in th first team.

But to commemorate his time at SE25 we have compiled his Top 5 goals for Palace.

Let's take a look...

5. Stoke

His last goal for Palace and definitely one of his best, this free-kick completed a 2-1 victory for the Eagles on the final day of last season having been behind.

4. Fulham

Another free-kick, this time on the last day of the 2013/14 season. It confirmed him as Palace's top league scorer, which he has been for the lat three seasons.

3. Burnley

One of a few late winners Gayle scored for Palace, tucking away beautifully after Glenn Murray's neat dummy.

2. Villa

Probably his best goal technically, a superb 25-yard curler to win it for Palace in the 92nd minute at Villa Park in what was a precious away point.

1. Liverpool

It had to be didn't it? Not just a neat finish with his weaker foot but a goal to complete one of the most famous Premier League comebacks ever.

Will Palace regret selling Gayle? Comment below.

Crystal Palace have €38m bid accepted for Marseille Striker Michy Batshuayi

Written by FYP Fanzine
 
Well this is something else. Reports out of France claim Palace have had a €38m bid accepted for Michy Batshuayi, according to French newspaper L'Equipe. 
 
Yes, really.
 
And the Belgian striker's agent has apparently confirmed this is true, according to the Guardian's Ed Aarons (who is also a friend of FYP).
 
It's absolutely crazy news but maybe Pardew is actually taking his striker search seriously now. 
 
For an idea of his quality, here's a video of all his goals last season, set to some Eurotrash trance music:
 

 
Or maybe the Eagles are being used as bait by Marseille to draw in bids from bigger clubs. But let's be honest they won't get much bigger than €38m!
 
Fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal, West Ham and Atletico Madrid are all reportedly interested in the 22-year-old who scored 23 goals in 50 games for L'OM last season. The youngster also scored with his first touch for Belgium in their Euro 2016 4-0 win over Hungary in the second round.
 
The French newspaper also claims that the Eagles have already agreed to sign teammate goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and Newcastle's winger Andros Townsend by reportedly triggering his £12.5m release clause.
.
This could be a huge summer for the Eagles if these deals come off. It's also indicative of the kind of business Palace are capable of doing. 
 
It's going to be a long month and a half before we know exactly what squad we're playing with - but the excitement is real. 
 
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below! 
 
 
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