I think that's a bit harsh on Ollie. We had a really small squad that season and were running on empty at times.

We limped into the play offs (although totally derserved to as had been up there since September) and had to play a good BHA team who were in great form. Wasn't great 1st half at Palace, but 2nd half was better, and then Muzza gets injured.

Going to BHA they were big favourites. We battled well, were a bit more organised and scored 2 great goals. Bolaise was sub that day - Ollie brought him on at the right time, just when the game was stretched.

The final was an Ollie masterstroke IMHO. We were much the better team against arguably a better footballing side.

Also, on the non footballing side Ollie's ability to take the pressure off the players can not be under estimated.

This post has been merged from a topic called 'I Love Palace - Our New Start' by becky

Just watched the first episode of our new amazon documentary. The CPFC2010 consortium and Dougie Freedman has always gotten stick. Why do we do it to them? They are true passionate Palace men. They ARE one of us, one of our own. This documentary just highlights how much they have saved us and if it wasn't for them we would NOT be where we are now and thats including Dougie. We have been through so much to get where we are now and I think we all need to get behind these men. If anyone is ever doubting how much these guys CARE for Crystal Palace FC then you need to sit and watch the documentary. I am so proud of my club. I love Palace. And I know we haven't got a manager yet but I trust these guys to make the right decision and it's going to be a new era and a exciting change around for our club. I'm really looking forward to seeing the changes and getting stuck in with another season in the Premier league. Come on the Palace!

I wonder if Nuno sanctioned Tekkers new deal

It's easy to attack a silent party. Those two set up a squad, system of play, and a culture that was fantastic and made you proud to be a palace fan.

They system carried through right up to BFS reign as it was that successful.

What was best was watching a team of players who refused to accept their place.

That spark finally dried up a couple of years ago under the croynism of Hodgson, where just staying up was considered good enoug, we had a ready made excuse for every defeat and anyone who muted the idea that we could do better was shouted down. We had pretty much done a full 180 by the end of last season.

The players are ready for fresh leadership. Dougie was in Portugal for a couple of weeks negotiating with Nuno allegedly. I hope they were plotting something similar. Exciting times ahead.

Not relevant to anything but an interview I had in the club shop from 8 years ago has resurfaced in Episode 5 of the documentary

Just started watching and it’s an addictive box set. Forgot how much I loved ‘Yala’ Yannick. Couldn’t remember him speaking but I’m enjoying listening to him reminisce in the bar he’s in with what looks like a melted blue slush puppie in plastic tumbler. He’s enjoying the interview almost as much as playing and ‘‘running the full backs in the early minutes.’’

My favourite Palace team, which surprises me, but there were special things about them all.