Yesterday morning, Crystal Palace fans awoke with sore heads, yet they felt secure knowing their club is in the Premier League.
The Eagles achieved a 1-0 victory over Watford at Wembley during the play-off final, thanks to a penalty scored by Kevin Phillips in extra time.
In his final match for the club, Wilfried Zaha delivered a man-of-the-match performance, captivating a crowd that featured both Jose Mourinho and Elton John.
Making their way to the capital in large numbers for what was termed “the $190 million game,” Palace fans took over London’s pubs, gathering at Baker Street before the match.
James Daly, editor of the Five Year Plan fanzine, remarked: “It was a truly perfect day. I ended up in a Wetherspoons pub on Streatham High Street. Watford couldn’t find their rhythm at all. This means everything for the club. That money could significantly alter our fortunes. It was an extraordinary day… just seeing all those Palace supporters in London was fantastic. Only one team looked like they wanted it… and that was Palace. This victory ranks among our greatest achievements due to its importance.”
Some fans were still grappling with the magnitude of the win. Andy Palmer, 42, who is visiting his mother in Purley but resides in Sydney, Australia, could only afford his trip after winning the lottery.
Andy recounted: “I was online looking at plane tickets and thought it was impossible for me to come over. Then my work syndicate won the lottery, and I received a payout of two and a half grand. It felt like someone was instructing me to go to Wembley!”
He continued: “I can’t believe we won… I can’t believe we are now a Premier League team… it’s just surreal.”
The journey will not be easy for the South Londoners in the Premiership next season. Finishing fourth from the bottom would be deemed a successful year. Clearly, they are among the top contenders to be relegated next term.
However, as every fan understands, ‘Crystal Palace don’t do mid-table mediocrity.’
by Terence Johns