Well I’m glad that’s over…
A quick summary of the main players this season…
1. Julian Speroni – Another good season from arguably the best ‘keeper in the Championship. Didn’t hit the heights in terms of form as other season, but still seemed to pop up with a world class save every other game.
2. Nathaniel Clyne – His season was limited by injury which restricted him to 28 league games. Continued to look like an impressive young right back. Having run down his contract, a summer move to the Premier League is almost a certainty, although those that have championed the Palace academy will be hoping it is a move to a Manchester United rather than a Bolton.
3. David Wright – Anchored the midfield in the early, more successful part of the season, including in the victory at Old Trafford, injury has restricted him since December but he seems to be a Freedman favourite and his versatility and experience should be enough to see him retained over the summer.
4. Jonathan Parr – Something of an unknown quantity when he arrived in the summer, the Norway international started slowly, but really grew into the team and looked more comfortable at left back than as a wide midfielder. He’ll need a good rest over the summer as he’s effectively played 2 seasons without a break.
5. Paddy McCarthy – I’m a fan of the big Irishman, whilst sometimes he lacks technical ability and pace, he is a strong and courageous defender that has grown into the role of captain.
6. Anthony Gardner – If McCarthy’s the brawn, then Gardner’s then brains. My player of the season. He was a real rock at the back and showed his international pedigree. Prone to the odd gaffe last season, he seems to have ironed this out of his game. twenty clean sheets this season is testament to all the defenders.
7. Darren Ambrose – I wrote at length about Ambrose in my first blog, and he frustrates and delight, in not quite equal measures. That said, the attacking midfielder did finish top scorer.
8. Kagisho Dikgacoi – Made 31 appearances and bagged a couple of goals, but KG has not really lived up to his loan spell from last season. He’s been carrying some extra weight towards the end of the season. Freedman has mentioned there are a few players that he’s not happy with and the South African international could be one of them.
10. Owen Garvan – It feels like Garvan had fairly limited opportunities to showcase his midfield wares, and 23 appearance backs this up. He did get three goals, but never really got a decent run in the team and could well be on his way in the summer. The boy definitely has some talent, but probably is not the all round midfielder that is needed in the hustle of the Championship.
11. Sean Scannell – This season promised to be a big one for the dreadlocked forward. Initially employed as a striker alongside Murray, many Palace fans feel this is his best position, but spent most of season operating wide in a front three. He only managed a return of 4 goals which really isn’t enough for a forward. Unless he gets a proper run in the team down the middle, I’d expect him to move on before too long.
15. Mile Jedinak – A complete unknown quantity when he arrived, Jedi took time to adapt to the pace of the English game, but emerged as a contender for Player of the Season by the end. He’s strong in the tackle and the air, and has a decent pass on him too. A great free transfer and will look to have a big impact next term.
16. Wilfred Zaha – The Palace academy has churned out another gem. Only Paddy McCarthy played more games for the Eagles this season and Zaha showed frequent flashes of his undoubted potential. Usually employed wide, Zaha still finished as second top scorer, scoring on the final day to take his tally to nine. If Palace can hold onto the boy over the summer, expect him to kick on again next season.
17. Glenn Murray – Murray arrived with a splash last summer, probably Palace’s biggest signing. He took a while to secure his place in the side, but towards the end of September he scored 3 goals in 4 games and it looked like his season was ready to explode. But it didn’t quite happen for him, finishing the season on seven goals. However, two of those goals will be remembered for decades, the winner at Old Trafford and sealing victory against rivals and his former club Br*ghton. Murray!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz94prjruuI
19. Jermaine Easter – Easter was Freedman’s first signing last January and hasn’t really achieved much. He finished with 6 goals, and it will be interesting to see what happens to him over the summer.
20. Jonathan Williams – Joniesta burst onto the scene before Christmas, being given run outs in Palace’s thrilling Carling Cup run. A heart breaking leg fracture stunted his development, but he was back before the end of the season before getting injured again. Could be an important player next season if he can stay injury free.
21. Dean Moxey – Another injury prone player, Moxey only made 28 appearances but looked good when active. Ended the season covering for all the other injured centrebacks. Might struggle to get into the team ahead of Parr next season.
28. Stuart O’Keefe – Used sparingly, O’Keefe struggled to oust KG, Jedinak and Wright from the centre of the midfield, but when he did he impressed and was often voted MOM. The pinnacle was his outstanding performance at Old Trafford.
34. Lewis Price – made 10 appearance in Speroni’s place and always looked impressive. He was given a run out in the cups, and covered on the odd occasion when Jules was injured. Can’t be too many championship teams with an international keeper on the bench. Palace might struggle to satisfy his needs if he doesn’t get more appearances next season.
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