May 27 2003

Steve Kember

Surely, nobody would begrudge Steve Kember his big opportunity to take Palace onward and upward? Jamesey reflects...

We have a new manager who is probably, after Steve Coppell, the most respected and loved CPFC servant in our history. He was a superb player, saved us from relegation twice - 1982 and 2001 - and enjoys massive goodwill from the supporters.

He has played the "bridesmaid" so often that his opportunity to take centre stage can only be welcomed.

Nevertheless, his appointment does mark inconsistencies in Simon Jordan's policies (No?!). Granted, it was difficult to see how a top-level manager would come in and be saddled with two assistants - Kember and Bullivant - who he would have to accommodate, like it or not.

Surely, most managerial candidates

prefer to appoint their own staff to fit in with their own blueprints.

Simon Jordan also made a big play about not wanting an older boss but someone presumably of his own generation? Steve Kember, at 55 next birthday, hardly falls into that category. And more cynical persons than myself might say that the Kember appointment saves a fat new manager's salary?

Anyhow, before I am accused of doing a hatchet job on Steve Kember before he even starts, can I emphasise that no one will be more vociferous than me when he walks along the touchline for the first home game next season.

Yes, I have my doubts. I think our new boss is a bit of a high liver, with a past reputation for sniffing the barmaid's apron. And, I fear he prefers to be liked by the players rather being a butt-kicker.

A while ago I posed a playful message on the HOL board suggesting that Kember and Bullivant's performance on the strength of our last four games (post-Jasper Carrot) would have meant relegation - a point a game, 46 points.

Yes, that was a totally unfair comment but more fans than I expected agreed. So, with the prospect of a summer that football addicts like me dread - no World Cup, no European Nations Cup. the awful football desert till August is upon us.

Nevertheless, Steve Kember, we salute you and expect better times ahead.

Email Jamesey with any of your comments to Jevans3704@aol.com

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