It has taken a while but things are really starting to move now for Palace but in truth, it had to happen now that the new Premier League season is starting.
As a team that comes up through the play offs you are always playing catch up. So it has been pleasing to see what has turned out a somewhat hectic week at Selhurst in the build-up to our opening game on Sunday against Spurs.
It began on Tuesday with confirmation of the deal that brought Moroccan international striker Marouane Chamakh to the club in a one year deal from Arsenal.
Soon to follow was the Premier League trophy and its tour around the country with a whistle stop at Palace and the CPFC Foundation that do some truly fantastic work and a real credit to the club.
On Wednesday it was announced that Palace will take on the Oman national team at Selhurst on Tuesday 10th September with kick off at 7.45pm. Some would see this as a bizarre fixture but during a two week international break it may prove important to either get some things right or keep up momentum. It is likely to be more for fringe players and those needing match fitness.
Later on Wednesday we added to our goalkeeping ranks by adding former Glasgow Rangers veteran goalkeeper Neil Alexander who joined on a free transfer. There has been a question mark over the fitness of Lewis Price and that leaves us low on cover with only youth keeper Ross Fitsimmons as back up. His experience may be invaluable even as a squad member.
On Friday the new fantastic ‘evil sash’ away kit was available to buy online and in the club shop. It is sure to be popular and likely to sell out if feedback on social networking sites is anything to go by. The very same day the long awaited and not so secret news was released that the stadium is to be sponsored by 12BET. But no fans had to worry as it was not the name change to the ground that was feared, it is a deal that supplements Selhurst Park rather than replacing it.
To complete the busy week a third signing was announced in the form of French defender Florian Marange who signed a one year deal. We understand that his nickname is ‘lemon’ but it is yet unclear whether he ‘crumbles’ at the back. Hopefully not.
