August 26 2014

Tony Pulis

Crystal Palace suffered an unmitigated disaster last week as they saw their manager of less than a year, Tony Pulis, leave Selhurst Park after a dispute with Co-chairman Steve Parish.

Pulis was revered by the Palace fans and if you look at the facts, it’s easy to see why. When Pulis was announced as Ian Holloway’s replacement the Eagles had taken just four points in 11 games.

In his 27 game managerial tenure Pulis won 12 games, adding 41 points to the four that he inherited from Olly, guiding the London club to an unprecedented 11th place Premier League finish. The former Stoke manager really did pull off the proverbial football miracle.

But a falling out with Parish over transfer funds, something denied by the Co-chairman, this summer saw him leave his post, sending a seismic shock through the footballing world.

With Pulis in charge it seemed a given that Palace would stave off relegation, although now it doesn’t seems far from assured - Betfair’s sportbook currently shows Palace as second favourites, with a price of 1.625, to get relegated.

So can the club survive without Pulis?

Well for starters when Holloway left the club last season everyone thought they were heading for the trapdoor, as we know that didn’t happen. So it is not exactly clear cut.


In regards to talent, Palace have a squad capable of survival. Goalkeeper Julian Speroni is one of the best shot-stoppers in the league. He kept 12 clean sheets for Palace last season, 7th highest of the Premier League ‘keepers, and will be needing to do the same this season to give the Eagles a fighting chance.

New signings Martin Kelly and Brede Hangelaand will bring further reinforcements to a defence that includes the impressive Joel Ward and experienced Scott Dann.

Midfield is where Palace find their strengths. Club captain Mile Jedinak is a tenacious midfielder who will give every last drop to aid his beloved club.

Jason Puncheon was one of the catalysts behind the Eagles incredible turnaround last season - his seven goals may not sound a lot but they were massive.

On the other flank is the tricky Yannick Bolasie. The former Plymouth Argyle man has the skills but he is yet to add goals to his resume.

If he can bag a few this season and improve his strike ratio then his failure to find the net last season will likely be forgiven.

Joe Ledley is a quality midfielder and if Jonathan Williams is given a chance he will no doubt live up to his reputation.

The attack though, is where the problems lie for Palace, as they managed just 33 goals in the league last season.

No Palace striker managed to reach double figures, although Dwight Gayle did manage seven goals.

Glenn Murray, who scored the goals to get the club promoted the season before last, is fully fit, something that couldn't be said last season, whilst Marouane Chamakh is still trying to silence the critics, although he did claim to turn down several offers from other clubs to remain with the Eagles for the coming season.

Palace are goal shy and if the defence is not as sturdy as last season then there could be serious ramifications.


The loss of Pulis is undeniably huge but hopefully for Palace fans he would have left a solid bedrock behind him.

If a new manager comes in and immediately tries to change the playing style then it could be disastrous, but if they come in and just make slight alterations to the Pulis system, then the Eagles will be alright.


It’s going to be a slog but the Eagles have the grit to pull it off. Here’s hoping anyway.