Photo: Wembley National Stadium Ltd
Crystal Palace secured Premier League promotion last night after winning 1:0 against Watford at Wembley Stadium. Crystal Palace will return to the Premier League for the first time in 8 years.
Ian Holloway’s side was almost relegated to the third tier in 2010 and has been in administration since the last time they played in the Premier League. The promotion means Crystal Palace can start a new chapter and is worth £120m to the club.
However, it was hard work against a strong Watford side. Both teams started slowly and chances on both sides were rare. Neither keeper had to make any significant saves in the first half. Palace created their first chances at the beginning of the second half through Aaron Wilbraham. Watford played poorly, Troy Deeney almost scored the lead in the extra time, but Julian Speroni cleared on the line. However, it was the Eagles and Kevin Phillips who scored the crucial penalty shot in the 105th minute after Cassetti brought down Zaha. Watford almost equalized in the last minute, but Ward cleared off the line and secured promotion for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace played in five Championship play-off finals and were promoted four times. Each time they only stayed in the Premier League for only one season. Ian Holloway said: “It’s absolutely massive for the club and I’m delighted for everyone connected. I feel very privileged.”
Veteran striker Kevin Phillips said: “It was magnificent to score the winning goal. I have experienced three losses in this game [play-off finals], so it was great to win. This promotion, with the money in the Premier League, means everything. The club can build to the future with some good young talent.”
An exciting new chapter will start for the club in the new Premier League season and Ian Holloway already put speculations out that the Eagles might use the money to invest in a new ground. The club currently plays at Selhurst Park with a capacity of 26,000.
