March 18 2014

Jason Puncheon (Photo: Andy Roberts)

JASON PUNCHEON is determined to help put this Crystal Palace team into the record books.

The Eagles have never managed to survive a season in the Premier League ever since they were founder members in 1992.

And the winger hopes he can help the league's new boys, who are currently just three points above the cut-off, achieve their ultimate mission.

He said: "Everybody is aware of the record of never staying in the league. It is chasing the dream. You can be part of history if we keep them up.

"All the games between now and the end of the season are massive, especially against the teams that are close to us like Sunderland that we need to take points off."

The Croydon-born player is back at Palace after joining the youth team as an eight-year-old and he has fond memories from his first spell at Selhurst Park.

"I used to have a season ticket," said the 27-year-old. "For the two seasons I was there I used to go every Saturday and I still remember where my seat is.

"I don't know the number but I can pick it out. As soon as I walk out to the Holmesdale Stand and look at it, my seat is eight rows up and three seats in.

"When I walk out onto the pitch now it is weird, and sometimes I picture myself when I used to watch from there.

"I will never forget when I signed for Palace. I think my mum still has the picture. I had a leather jacket on.

"I signed in Ron Noades's office at the stadium and they still have the same portakabins at Selhurst Park now."