TEB Interview – Chris Grierson

For our latest interview, we had a chat with the new face of Palace TV, Chris Grierson. He was one of several candidates to make the final few that faced an online vote. Here is what Chris told us about being a fan and his exciting new involvement with the club.


Q. Firstly, congratulations on becoming the new face of Palace TV. How does it feel?

Cheers! It feels great. It is a really exciting job. Obviously, what we film is dependent on what happens on the pitch, so you never know what you could be doing one week to the next. It is refreshing to be in a job that is reactive like that.

Q. What is it like to be in and around the club on a daily basis?

Surreal. There have been quite a few ‘pinch myself’ moments. Watching training, taking part in press conferences, telling Alan Pardew that I love him. It is also interesting seeing how the website and programme stuff is put together. A lot of hard work from a smaller amount of people than you would imagine.

Q. How did you pass the time before joining Palace?

I have been an actor for the past ten years, so I have spent a lot of time admiring my reflection in the mirror, talking about myself relentlessly and feeling heavily insecure! But seriously, I have been lucky to do a few cool jobs. I just fancied having a go at something different. I feel massively out of my comfort zone at the moment, but the Palace job is actually more creative than acting because I can make up my own words and not have to worry about struggling with somebody else’s dodgy script!

Q. Why Palace?

It is a hereditary disorder so I did not have a choice! My Grandad was a Palace fan (I think he even watched games at The Nest). My Dad has been a season ticket holder for years. I have been going since I was six. Banging on about Palace is a massive part of family life.

Q. Which player do you consider the best to have worn the red and blue?

That is a really tough one. My favourite player as a kid was John Salako, but I would have to say Ian Wright was the best. Such a dangerous striker. And I know it is controversial these days, but I absolutely loved watching Dougie Freedman. A really classy player. I remember him scoring in the playoffs against Wolverhampton Wanderers and it was the first time I ever hugged a smelly middle aged stranger. Sasa Curcic and his bleached beard ponytail has to get a mention too if we are getting nostalgic.

Q. What has been your highlight in your time supporting the club?

I have got a joint top three. Zenith Data Systems Cup Final win. John Salako was legendary in that. The David Hopkin curler in 1997. And the last twelve minutes of the draw at home to Liverpool last season. Electric atmosphere.

Q. And your worst moment?

Steve Claridge shinning it in the last minute of the 1996 play-off final. That was a long miserable queue to get back to Wembley Park station. It made the goal from David Hopkin twelve months later even more enjoyable though.

Q. How do you assess the last five years?

It has been a gradual upwards trajectory. Dougie steadied the club first then got us attacking. He made some really good signings too. Joel Ward, Damien Delaney, Mile Jedinak, Yannick Bolasie. That is four of our best players right there. Ian Holloway somehow got us up, Pulis made us solid and respected by others then Warnock helped out while we were waiting for the right man. And it really feels like Pardew is the right man.

The club is just growing and growing and it is the first time since the early nineties where it has felt like we properly belong in the top flight. And the atmosphere at games is unbelievable. What a difference to the Peter Taylor days! I do not think I have ever felt so proud to be a Palace fan.

Q. Where do you see Palace in five years time?

We will be League Cup holders and moaning about never having a roast dinner because our majestic Europa League run will shift all our games to a Sunday. We will also play non-league Brighton in pre-season to give our strikers some confidence.

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and anything that you wish to promote.

I have probably bored you all enough about myself have I not?! I do not wish to promote anything, but I would like to relegate three teams that are not Crystal Palace.

Actually just thought of something to promote. My girlfriend (also a Palace fan) is running the Brighton (sorry) Half Marathon for charity. She is doing really well and I am dead proud. If anybody has any spare pennies then please donate here to a good cause.


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