When we say he's 'loyal', I mean it's not like he turned down Real Madrid to stay at Palace, is it?!

Even so, I've always liked him.

He's been with us so long firstly because he was good enough to be an important part of the promotion team, then because he was good enough to be part of the team that established the club in this league, then because he wasn't bad enough that a new right-back ever became the top priority for a club with limited resources, then because AWB left, then because Ferguson is cursed, and now because between he and Clyne we can just about cover that position for another year.

That said, whatever the circumstances I doubt Palace would have kept him around so long if he wasn't a good lad and good pro, as well as a useful player.

Time is not on his side of course, but I'll miss him when he finally goes.

Does he not get a testimonial soon?

His pace is lacking now but his positioning is usually decent and he always gives 100%. I think he's 1 of the nice guys of the club. Shame time waits for no man and it will most likely be his last season as a starter. I expect he will be kept on as a good personality in the dressing room, his experience and as a good figure for younger players to learn from.

I could see him going (and I hope he does) the same way as P.McCarthy and coaching (hopefully for us) when he's finished playing.

Ive known a few Jehovah's Witnesses in my days and they have a great work ethic, they always believe in giving 100 percent in their work and nothing less would do. They are not aggressive and don't cheat in getting their work done and it just about sums up Joel . always 100 percent nothing less , it might not always work out good but always 100 . he never get angry
[only at himself } and you never see him throwing himself to the ground like he was shot by a sniper . He is also my favourite player by a country mile .

my mistake . same difference though .

Top guy! Great 2nd half vs Leeds and wrongfully aWARDed a yellow card for a hard & fair tackle. Still, he did not complain and acted like so many silly footballers, just got on with the game.

One thing he does I like. Players giving ref grief get booked. Ward pushes player away and he takes over but always on the right side of the law. Ref gets message + no cards. Job done.