CRYSTAL Palace fan Alex White explains why Saturday's match showed, yet again, why the Eagles' supporters are the best in the country...
THE pre-match display by the Palace fans yet again wowed the footballing community. Even Robbie Savage spoke highly of the support and that was before the magnificent display by the Holmesdale faithful. We continue to prove our spirit and true love for our club, which makes our fans different from any other in English football. They say that true fans don't choose who they support, the club chooses them; well CPFC, you have chosen wisely. You gain a certain love for this club like you can with no other. The tough times is what brought this connection with the playing staff and the club in general with the fans. Waking up one morning not knowing whether you club will exist to live another day makes you realise how important it is to us. The display in the Holmesdale for me summed up the club in one image, the players standing arm in arm summaries a club built entirely on the spirit within. The lack of action for one of our own Jonny Williams is something that is majorly frustrating Palace fans. I, like many, wouldn't deny that he doesn't merit having a starting place and perhaps doesn't suit the style of play implemented under Tony Pulis. The manager talks up the ability of Jonny, but being a bit-part player is not what he needs to be right now. Williams' game is heavily reliant on playing centrally and being constantly involved and busy. With his injuries, a run of games is exactly what Jonny needs and a loan to a Championship club is, I believe, a must if he can't be guaranteed first team football week in week out. Many fans seem disgusted by the thought of Jonny joining south London rivals Charlton but his career is far more important than the rivalry in my opinion. Joe Ledley slotted into central midfield against Manchester United but the presence of Kagisho Dikagcoi was missed greatly. KG's relationship with Mile Jedinak is vitally important and the two contain a great balance and understanding. With a disappointing result against United, another cup final is around the corner as we travel to Wales on Sunday. Garry Monk has galvanised the group at Swansea and a very tricky match is on the cards. Swansea will certainly control possession but our steely unit might have enough to stop them capitalising on it.
THE pre-match display by the Palace fans yet again wowed the footballing community. Even Robbie Savage spoke highly of the support and that was before the magnificent display by the Holmesdale faithful. We continue to prove our spirit and true love for our club, which makes our fans different from any other in English football. They say that true fans don't choose who they support, the club chooses them; well CPFC, you have chosen wisely. You gain a certain love for this club like you can with no other. The tough times is what brought this connection with the playing staff and the club in general with the fans. Waking up one morning not knowing whether you club will exist to live another day makes you realise how important it is to us. The display in the Holmesdale for me summed up the club in one image, the players standing arm in arm summaries a club built entirely on the spirit within. The lack of action for one of our own Jonny Williams is something that is majorly frustrating Palace fans. I, like many, wouldn't deny that he doesn't merit having a starting place and perhaps doesn't suit the style of play implemented under Tony Pulis. The manager talks up the ability of Jonny, but being a bit-part player is not what he needs to be right now. Williams' game is heavily reliant on playing centrally and being constantly involved and busy. With his injuries, a run of games is exactly what Jonny needs and a loan to a Championship club is, I believe, a must if he can't be guaranteed first team football week in week out. Many fans seem disgusted by the thought of Jonny joining south London rivals Charlton but his career is far more important than the rivalry in my opinion. Joe Ledley slotted into central midfield against Manchester United but the presence of Kagisho Dikagcoi was missed greatly. KG's relationship with Mile Jedinak is vitally important and the two contain a great balance and understanding. With a disappointing result against United, another cup final is around the corner as we travel to Wales on Sunday. Garry Monk has galvanised the group at Swansea and a very tricky match is on the cards. Swansea will certainly control possession but our steely unit might have enough to stop them capitalising on it.
