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Club History - 1980 - 1989 - Oral History

 ¦ •Oral History•
 ¦ Players

After some very bleak years, Steve Coppell took Palace to the pinnacle once again. Spotting talent from the lower leagues and from non-league football, Coppell struck gold with players such as Geoff Thomas, Andy Gray and Ian Wright, who won promotion after a thrilling play-off final against Blackburn Rovers.

Fan spoken to: John Hare ¦ Year of Birth: 1963

Content Description:
The qualities of hardworking players such as Alan Pardew and Geoff Thomas


Fan spoken to: Jim Walker ¦ Year of Birth: 1914

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Mixing politics and football, and why Palace is good for your mental health.


Fan spoken to: Colin Showler ¦ Year of Birth: 1956

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Considering giving up on Palace when Alan Mullery was appointed manager.


Fan spoken to: Steve Smith ¦ Year of Birth: 1952

Content Description:
Alan Mullery's genuine dislike of Palace, and the Brighton rivalry.


Fan spoken to: Chris Miles and Sue Anderson ¦ Year of Birth: 1960

Content Description:
Pelted with pennies at Brighton, and Millwall's Bovver Boys


Fan spoken to: Eric Pudney  ¦ Year of Birth: 1929

Content Description:
On an away trip to Middlesborough being worried about surrounding home fans who just wanted to be friendly.


Fan spoken to: Andrew Copeland Insurance Brokers ¦ Year of Birth: 1950

Content Description:
Andrew Copeland, a small local Insurance Brokers were surprised to be asked to sponsor Palace shirts in the 1987-88 season.


Fan spoken to: Darren Maeers ¦ Year of Birth: 1969

Content Description:
Being penned in the away end at Leeds while young Leeds fans threw coins at Palace supporters


Fan spoken to: Darren Maeers ¦ Year of Birth: 1969

Content Description:
Going up to Leeds for a big promotion game by train, winning 1-0, then too few buses or police, bus pelted with bricks.


Fan spoken to: Darren Maeers ¦ Year of Birth: 1969

Content Description:
At an end of season game against a relegated team, their fans invaded the pitch when Palace scored. The police charged on horses. The exit was too small. Their fans jumped into the Arthur Wait stand hitting anyone.


Fan spoken to: Norman Barnett ¦ Year of Birth: 1920

Content Description:
Taking a nesting box for a small boy to stand on


Fan spoken to: Lenny Zakatek ¦ Year of Birth: 1947

Content Description:
Putting together a team of black players for Jim Cannon's testimonial


Fan spoken to: Eileen Prescott ¦ Year of Birth: 1925

Content Description:
Phil Barber missing a penalty at Wembley


Fan spoken to: Joyce True ¦ Year of Birth: 1938

Content Description:
How Ian Wright related to fans


Fan spoken to: John Coventon ¦ Year of Birth: 1946

Content Description:
What is the point of supporting a not too successful team?


Fan spoken to: John Coventon ¦ Year of Birth: 1946

Content Description:
A game against Brighton when 5 penalties were missed