Croydon united in backing Crystal Palace for Premier League

From Hollywood to South Norwood, Eagles’ fans are ready to cheer on the team at Wembley with a £120 million prize at stake as well as a place in the Premier League.

Here are a selection of messages to Ian Holloway’s red and blue army. Everyone was asked their message to the team, what promotion would mean to the town and their prediction for the game.

Crystal Palace co-chairman, Stephen Browett, said: “Just keep doing what you’ve been doing all season.

“Nothing different. On our day, as we have proved, we are good enough to beat anyone.
“As founder members of the Premier League it would be great to be back there. It would help us incredibly as we continue the re-awakening of this sleeping giant.

“I think it will be close and I think that there will be goals. There were 9 already in the 2 league meetings this season. If we play as well as we did at Brighton we will win.”

James Daly, comedian and editor of the Five Year Plan Fanzine, said: “My message to the team is I am available to play if needed.

“I am pretty versatile, I've played in every position this season for my Sunday league team, except keeper.

“It would mean so much to us to get promoted especially after nearly losing our club three years ago. We never expected to be here.

“I reckon it will go to penalties. After that, I have no idea.”

Jim Piddock, actor, producer, writer, Hollywood exile and founder of the CPFC Supporters Trust, said: “I'm so proud of what they've achieved so far and it's been one of the most exciting seasons for many years.

“Just keep doing whatever you did in the second half of the first semi-final and the whole of the game at Brighton and this joyride will have a great chance of taking us to the Premier League.

“When Steve Coppell famously joked that promotion would mean "nine months of misery", there was an element of truth to it.

“But the difference today is that the monetary rewards of top flight football are so great that even in the worst case scenario of nine months misery and immediate relegation, the club would financially set for about five years.

“I think it will be a very tight affair, possibly ending in a draw and extra time. In anticipation of penalties, I am bringing a registered nurse and a defibrillator to the game with me.”

David Maseyk, Co Director at The Valet Male Grooming Croydon, said: “Wishing the team every success on the 27th, a move up to the Premiership is well deserved after such a tough and well played season.

“Promotion means bigger games resulting in more foot traffic, which will hopefully raise business sales on match days for local business.

“I reckon Zaha to score first, but a 2-2 full time score draw, with Palace pinching it 3-2 in extra time.”

Mark Russell and Simon Dale, brewers at The Cronx Brewery and suppliers of beer to CPFC, said: “The supporters will be behind you all of the way, if you go out there and give it your all we are sure you will be playing Premier League football next season.

“The increased media spotlight that would come with Premiership football would be huge, as it will give us an opportunity to showcase some of the great work by local businesses, and individuals, that has been going on in the town of late.

“We reckon there will be goals like in both league games, but I think it is our turn to win it by the odd goal. 2-1 Palace.”

Kevin Day, sports presenter and stand up comedian, said: “A massive thank you for getting us to Wembley and for making it interesting in the weeks before. And don't forget to check the dressing room floor.

“It's not often Croydon gets anything but laughter and scorn from the rest of the country, so seeing the whole Borough join together in red and blue at Wembley will be uplifting. Now make us a City.

“I'm predicting a relaxed and happy day at Wembley. We've already exceeded my wildest dreams by beating the seaweed (Brighton).”

Danny Innes, Croydon firefighter, said: “Good luck to the team and I hope they enjoy what will be a brilliant atmosphere and day out at Wembley.

“With millions of pounds being awarded to the winner, this would really make a difference to the club. Especially with the board’s plans for redeveloping Selhurst Park for the near future.

“Not to mention playing against the likes of Aguero, Van Persie and the best players in the world week in week out can only benefit the team.

“With a sell-out allocation in the Palace end & a sea of red and blue, I am sure this will act like a 12th man and spur us onto victory. Prediction 2-1 Palace.”

Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, match commander for home games and ex-Borough commander said: “One more big efforts guys, you're unstoppable on your day, please make Monday one of those days.

“Promotion would be an immense lift for the club and the local area.

“Both have worked through some challenging times in recent years; an elevation in club status would bring huge opportunity not only to Selhurst Park but also to local communities.”

“I'm not tempting fate but I'm hoping for a goal-fest from the likes of Zaha and Phillips. How about Phillips to come on second half and put the game past Watford?”

Richard Hough, Palace fan and owner of Autoclutch Garage by Norwood Junction, said: “I would tell the players to do this for the fans and the local community.

“Promotion would be amazing for the community, especially here in South Norwood.

“I want to see Palace go out there and show the form they are capable of. I want Zaha to go out there and get the team who got him where he is, to the Premier League.”

Jonathan Ellacott, 36, Programme seller at Crystal Palace, said: “My message to the Palace team would to be to go out and do your best, we are all behind you and believe you can beat Watford. Go out there and show them what we are all about, the pride of South London. One more round.

“Promotion for the club would be amazing, considering what we have been through the last 4 years.

"I don't think many people would have thought we would have been in this position come May. Most even tipped us for relegation at the beginning of the season, but that is what we love. We love the underdog tag at Palace, and prove everyone wrong.

"For the town it would be, again, a massive boost as the riots in Croydon was the town’s lowest ebb but I think if Palace do get to the Premier League then there will be a massive buzz around the place, plus it will be good for the local economy as you can expect more people turning up to Selhurst and therefore more people staying in and around the borough.

"The area has been in the press for all the wrong reasin the last few years and this would be a great positive for the borough.

“I hate making predictions, especially with a game that is so tight to call. I would say 1-0 Palace, but a very cagey game from both sides. If we can keep Deeney and Vydra quiet then we have a good chance.”

Natalie Llewellyn, 25, Crystal Cheerleader, said: “Good luck to all the CPFC players, the manager and staff going to Wembley on Monday.

“Myself and the rest of the Crystals will be there along with all the thousands of fans cheering you on.

“Let’s show everyone why we deserved our place in the playoffs. You have the whole club behind you.”

“It would be a huge boost to the surrounding areas, The club and all the loyal supporters. Let’s get back to the premier league where we deserve and belong to be.”

“I reckon it will be Palace 2 Watford 1.”

Steve O’Connell, Greater London Assembly Member for Croydon and lifelong Palace fan, said:

“Whatever the result we will still have our day at Wembley.

“The club have done so well to punch above our weight this year. Everyone had us down to relegation.

“The fact we have got to Wembley speaks volumes for the club, the owners and the supporters.”

What's your prediction for Monday's match at Wembley? Leave a comment below, tweet us at @CroydonGuardian or leave a message on our Facebook page.