November 8 2005

Neil Shipperley

Bonfire of the profanities is putting it mildly after a fireworks day at Selhurst (Nov 5) against Sheffield United (2-3). Jamesey reflects

Now I know that I am a real Stripey Nigel - sit in the Main Stand, don't make much noise, have white moustache, drink real ale, don't stand and block view of people behind, etc, etc - it was a surprise for me today to feel aggressive and vindictive.

While I am totally committed to sportsmanship as practised in most other sports, I do get upset at the loud and enthusiastic applause given to returning Palace Old Boys... on Saturday it was, of course Neil Shipperley and Steve Kabba.

It is just asking for it up us, in the Dad's Army cold steel sense in a big way.

First, let me elaborate that I think that former players, especially those like Shipps who have made an important contribution to CPFC over many years, should be acknowledged politely.

But I think a modest and respectful smattering of claps is enough, or you might as well ask for apocalypse now.

As ever, I will let the real analysts report on the game but I have to say that Kabba took us apart in the first half and in the second half we were absolutely brilliant in spells but couldn't capitalise on it.

Reading Iain Dowie's programme notes brought a slightly odd feeling. It was almost as though he knew Shipps was going to penalise us and was covering his backside in advance.

Before I carry on, I think ID is the best manager we have had since the immortal Coppell, so my following remarks are in no way meant to be too critical.

ID says that when he arrived Neil was a key player who played in almost every game and captained the side. He always gave his all and Iain had a lot of time for the lad.

Mr Dowie wanted to go in a different direction but still says that Neil is a bright and clever player who, played a very big part in this club's recent history and ID goes on to eulogise that he always knew Shipps was a good player.

Having ploughed through this, and there is a more, one wonders why he was sold off in the first place.

We could have done with him in the red-and-blue on Saturday...

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

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