June 23 2013

Peter Ramage

Crystal Palace defender Peter Ramage admits he felt like a kid again when the new season's fixtures were announced.

For many people, Palace's return to the Barclays Premier League only sunk in when the new fixtures list was released last week.

Palace host Tottenham on the opening day and Ramage, who played his part in the magnificent promotion charge, says he cannot wait to kick off the new campaign.

He told the club's official website: "I was up like a little kid at 6.30am. I couldn’t sleep thinking about the fixtures. So I just got up to watch Sky Sports until they came out!

"It’s three really good fixtures for us to start with – Tottenham obviously at home, Stoke away and then Sunderland at home. They are proper Premier League fixtures, so it kind of hit home then that we are Premier League.

"I’m just champing at the bit to get going now. It’s the Premier League. To have that badge on your arm means everything to a footballer.

"It’s where I always dreamed about playing and I’ve been fortunate enough to play quite a few games there and now that I’m back I’ll be doing everything I can to get in that team against Spurs."

Palace legend Geoff Thomas hopes Gareth Bale has an off day when Spurs visit Selhurst Park.

He said: "I think any game in the Premier League is exciting but Spurs were probably one of the most exciting teams to watch last season.

"Gareth Bale is a superstar and sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up when he’s fantastic against you. Hopefully he has a bit of an off day!

"When you get the fixtures as a player, it makes you realise you’re back amongst the big boys. Straight away you look for the glamour ties but also for those where you’re going to have to pick up points. It is also a reminder that the summer is coming to an end and the hard work starts.

"Palace have a lot of young players, so if they attack the season like they are going to enjoy it but also learn from it then that is the most important thing. We learnt from our 9-0 defeat at Liverpool in 1989 and went on to have a half-decent season."