October 13 2010

Andy Roberts

Crystal Palace have been stealing Millwall's best players for years. Ahead of the big derby, we pick out the best 10.

10. Matt Lawrence (2006-10)

Joining Palace in the twilight of his career, Millwall's FA Cup final skipper cost nothing and was a reliable pro who operated in midfield or anywhere in the backline.

9. Anton Otulakowski (1986-87)

The midfielder was the first player brought through Lifeline - the supporters' fund set up by chairman Ron Noades for players. Millwall had wanted £100,000 for him but had to settle for £19,000 due to a tribunal. He only managed 12 games for Palace but earns his place after scoring in the enjoyable win over his old club Millwall that pushed the Eagles top of the table.

8. Derek Possee (1973-74)

Pacey winger was unable to help keep Palace in the top flight in his first season and then suffered a second successive relegation.

7. Darren Ward (2005-07)

Millwall's hair-band wearing Player of the Year for two seasons in a row was a stylish centre half who played a key role in Palace's rise to the play-offs in his first season.

6. Vic Rouse (1956-62)

Was the first Fourth Division player to be selected for international honours when he was called up for Wales in 1959. The goalkeeper had powerful long throw that set up rapid counter-attacks and was an ever-present in Palace's 1961 promotion to the Third Division.

5. Ron Heckman (1960-63)

Netted 14 goals from the wing as Palace went up from the Fourth Division on his debut season after finishing second in 1961. He regards his best goal as the won that secured promotion at Millwall on Easter Monday.

4. Roy Summersby (1958-63)

Quick, stocky inside forward formed a good partnership with Johnny Byrne and notched 25 goals in Palace's 1961 promotion to the Third Division.

3. Andy Roberts (1995-98)

The Eagles paid a club record £2m for his services and he impressed at centre half, sweeper and midfield as Palace finished third but lost the play-off final to Leicester. His performances earned him the Player of the Year award and he was an integral part in Palace's successful play-off final win over Sheffield United a year later and subsequent Premier League campaign.

2. Peter Burridge (1962-65)

Finished as Palace's top scorer in his debut campaign with 15 goals and notched 20 in the follow year, scoring 50 goals in 124 games overall. His favourite strike was a left-footed volley from 25 yards that arrowed into the top corner in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest in 1965.

1. Chris Armstrong (1992-95)

Lightning fast striker joined Premier League Palace for £1m and finished the campaign with 15 goals as the Eagles went down. His 23 strikes in the following season made sure Palace won the Championship title for an instant return to the top flight. Was less prolific back in the Premier League but his goals in the cups helped the Eagles to two semi finals.

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In Depth Crystal Palace Top 10s