December 22 2003

Iain Dowie

It's been quite an emotional festive season, what with the appearance of an all-time Palace colossus at the Forest game (Dec 13) and now, the appointment of another great favourite as manager. Jamesey reflects

Getting on for 20 years ago (yes, really...), those of us old enough to have lived through the Great Coppell Renaissance will remember the debut of one Geoffrey Thomas in 1987.

In my mind, he was strongly associated with Neil Redfearn. They were both northern lads, strong combative players and, at the time, were similar in appearance. They were also both bought surprisingly cheaply, with funds from our Lifeline scheme.

Redfearn soon left to pursue his multi-club career but Geoff stayed on, became club captain and was pivotal to our success in the best years, in my opinion, this club has known.

The sight of him battling away with those Palace giants, Andy Gray, Ian Wright, Gary O'Reilly, John Salako (need I continue), blond hair streaming in the breeze, shouting and entreating more effort from the team, will always stay in my mind.

A truly inspirational club player whose international career was dogged by sniping media attention that all started with a bad miss in an England game (of course, no previous England player had ever missed an open goal before!).

I found all the media sneers and so-called comic snidery very hurtful. So who can say how sickening it must have been for Geoff? But characteristically he ignored it all and battled on proudly for the red-and-blues.

In 1993, when we were relegated from the Premier League, Lord Coppell fell on his sword and his assistant Alan Smith took over the reins. Amazingly we only lost two players from that squad - Eddie McGoldrick and Geoff.

Unlike another famous son, Ian Wright, Geoff never really moved on to bigger and better things. His prime years were thankfully with CPFC. But wherever he went you can be sure he gave totally of his best and may his battle with cancer be victorious.

The news of Iain Dowie's appointment as our new manager (Dec 19) also brings back memories of another Palace hero, not of Geoff's magnitude, but still a player who is regarded with great respect and affection.

He came to us on loan in the mid-90s and his battling and uncompromising attitude made him a major favourite. He didn't remain all that long but fans still talk about the big, ugly b*stard affectionately!

Well, Selhurst has become rather a manager's graveyard in recent years, so Iain will have to produce the goods - and quite quickly - to avoid the quick receipt of his P45.

I've been listening to the Reading game on London FM Sport and it's almost enough to make you feel optimistic again. Whatever happens, Iain has got a super springboard on which to base his short-term strategy for success.

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

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