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
Email the HOL editor with your comments to editor@holmesdale.net
Up for an Europa League protest??
at 12.21am by ex hibitionist
Palace players competing at Euro 2025
at 10.00pm by Inquisitive Aquila
Winners Shirt
at 9.55pm by kingdowieonthewall
Palace potentially denied entry to Europa League?
at 9.49pm by Plaistow Eagle
Sean Scannell interview
at 8.42pm by Runningman
Joe Whitworth
at 1.26pm by Nicholas91
Marc Guéhi
at 9.34am by Dogburger
Community Shield Tickets
at 9.12am by jc1990
Palace potentially denied entry to Europa League?
at 7.57am by Forest Hillbilly
InvictaK9 Security 'firm'
at 4.55am by BuzzBeats
Registration is now on our new message board
To login with your existing username you will need to convert your account over to the new message board.
All images and text on this site are copyright © 1999-2025 The Holmesdale Online, unless otherwise stated.
Web Design by Guntrisoft Ltd.