April 8 2009

Action

Another Academy 'kid' comes good as Kieron Cadogan scores to grab a point for Palace. Jamesey reports.

Whoever made the observation that you'll never win anything with kids had a valid viewpoint. But as far as cash-strapped CPFC is concerned the wealth of young talent coming through into the team certainly goes a long way to helping the cause.

In our home game against Coventry City (Apr 7), another starlet, Kieron Cadogan, graduated with honours by sticking one in in the second half and giving us a 1-1draw.

So young Kieron joins the impressive list of super Academy kids like Victor Moses, Sean Scannell, Lee Hills, Nathaniel Clyne and Rhoys Wiggins, to name only a few.

It's been a disappointing season where we had high hopes of improving on our great finish to 07-08.

But it didn't work out that way and as Easter approaches fast, we find ourselves likely to finish mid-table, neither promotion prospects or, thankfully, relegation candidates.

Our second lowest home league gate of the season (official figure 12,898, real figure 9,500-ish?) watched a reasonably entertaining game. But many probably stayed at home to watch the free Champions League quarter finals games on ITV.

The lack of any real dramatic aspect, as mentioned above, probably doesn't help although of the 92 clubs in the league the great majority have little to play for now except pride and having the best possible finish.

There are a couple of big clouds on the horizon - the ownership question and our fast deteriorating financial situation.

HOL member SW16girl, who posts intelligent and informed views on fiscal and legal matters, recently revealed that CPFC's credit rating had been slashed to zero. In non-fiscal terminology that means we are skint. All the more reason to be grateful to our terrific kids.

But there again, there are many clubs in the league who are undoubtedly skinter than us. Who knows what the future holds for English football and the irony is that it comes at a time when four English Premiership clubs are dominating European football.

At the Coventry game, it was great to see Sky Blues manager, Chris "Cookie" Coleman given a standing ovation as he walked along the Main Stand touchline. Maybe he's not quite a Palace legend but certainly not all that far off.

Our other old boy, Clinton Morrison, had a "mare", I am delighted to say although we could certainly use a poacher like him these days.

On the subject of pre-match drinkies, I called briefly in at the Selhurst Arms for the first time in a year. I used the Arms for many years because I always had. But when I discovered there was better company and delicious Shepherd Neame's real ale just round the corner in the Two Brewers, the Arms got the Elbow.

Anyhow since the previous guvnor departed to the White Horse, the Arms has been tarted up although there are still bits of Palace memorabilia on the walls and the lovely lady (not the brightest of sparks) still wears her replica shirt and collects the glasses.

A fine tradition...

Email Jamesey with your comments to jevans3704@aol.com

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