November 24 2010

John Robson

John Robson was Crystal Palace's first manager who made an instant impression at the club.

Palace's directors managed to persuade Robson to leave his post as Middlesbrough manager where he was a big success and join the newly-formed Glaziers in the middle of 1905.

Robson had guided Boro to the First Division and arrived in South London with a big reputation.

The former goalkeeper brought some of the top players from the North East with him for Palace's maiden 1905/06 season.

And despite losing his first game in charge, Robson led Palace to the Southern League Second Division title which included a run of 17 straight victories.

The next campaign was tougher for Robson's men as they ended up 19th in the First Division of the Southern League but they excelled in the FA Cup.

Robson was in charge of one of Palace's greatest wins with the scalp of the previous year's FA Cup finalists Newcastle, who were the reigning Football League champions, as Palace reached the quarter-finals.

The Toon had been unbeaten at home for more than a year and went on to win the Football League title that season.

Robson left for Croydon Common at the end of the campaign and later had spells with Brighton and Manchester United.

In Depth Palace Pioneers

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