One of the things Parish and Dougie have frequently pointed out is that in their recruitment (the transfer market), they look at the character as well as the talent of a player; personalities that will fit in with the club's ethos and add something as well as technical skill on the pitch. This approach seems to have served them well and it's been executed with considerable success, something I suspect a lot of other clubs overlook in their quest for so-called big names. It's another feather in Parish and Dougie's cap.

What it's given us at the bottom of the squad has been a core of players who've really added a lot without playing a lot. Rather than moan about their limited opportunities, it seems to me that the likes of Kelly and Jairo, for example, have really knuckled down to their given roles, added to the group, helped the kids develop, and been valuable employees. Sure, nice work for the millions they're paid but that's being overly cynical. Players like Kelly and Jairo may be easily replaced but their personalities and contribution to the club less easily so. While they've not been so important to the team, it's a squad game and they've been really important to the squad.

Thanks, Kells. You'll be missed.

As with KB’s left foot, I would have liked to see him play but I think you are also being a tad harsh. We haven’t ever beaten Man U in the PL so when you are 1-0 up it is not the time to put on a player who has had no recent minutes at all. So I don’t think it was because he isn’t capable, I just think PV desperately wanted to win the match and trusted Ward to keep it tight.

If we were 3-0 I think he may well have got a few minutes as he did warm up. At least he got a round of applause whilst doing that.

Strange comment.... he was part of the squad... bit like your comments on Mateta.....

148 appearances over 8 seasons at Palace would indicate he has played around 18 games on average a season. Fair enough he has not featured much this year but i think this is more out of our increase in depth as opposed to his desire not to play. He looked a decent centre half to me when he played in this position but although he could defend as a full back his touch looked a bit off premier league standard when in going forward. Would be a useful championship signing for the right club in my opinion.

So you are confirming that at best he is/was our 5th choice centre back behind the main 2 and Tomkins and now Ward. Koutaye is probably ahead of him too so that makes him 6th choice.

I wish the guy well, have nothing bad to say about him, however, his footballing abilities were limited. Did have an England cap though so and not many people can say that.