The Premier League is back this weekend after what was an international break like no other.
The events in Paris were deeply saddening and harrowing. It was a truly shocking scene with over a hundred people losing their lives because of cowardly and inhuman attacks by terrorists.
We should never forget those people who were enjoying a night out. Innocent people that had done nothing to harm these terrorists. I urge you to never forget the victims.
Just as I write this article, there have been yet more attacks, this time in Mali where terrorists have taken hostages at a hotel. The world is coming to a very sorry state.
If the last week told us anything, it certainly told me that people and nations come together after such events. The vigils, minute silences and the band of unity at Wembley on Tuesday were an indication to those intent on causing havoc will NEVER WIN.
It was a sombre start to the article, but such events had to be acknowledged and I would also urge you read an article by TEB writer, Donogh Hurley. It is a beautifully written piece that needs to be shared constantly, a timely reminder that sport, wealth, and fame is nothing compared to human life.
We turn our attention to another weekend of Premier League football. There are some cracking games on offer, Manchester City versus Liverpool is the standout one but for us Palace fans nothing is more important than our Monday night encounter at home to Sunderland.
After our superb victory at Liverpool last time out, we now have the opportunity of getting two back-to-back wins at home, as we face both the North-East clubs.
Last season we lost to Sunderland at home, but this time I am hoping we can banish that memory and put on a performance that will see us gain the three points.
This year our home form has improved, the defeat against West Ham United was annoying to say the least. However, we have beaten teams such as West Brom Bromwich and Aston Villa who also caused us grief last year at Selhurst so we are certainly getting there.
With both Sunderland and Newcastle United struggling, there is a real opportunity to get six vital points that would really push us even further up the table, and back to the territory where we were at the start of the season.
This week we have heard of some potentially huge news involving new owners of our club. It looks very much as though Josh Harris and David Blitzer are going to buy a share in the club to provide some additional funds, which could potentially take us onto the next level.
Chairman Steve Parish and the rest of the board will remain in charge of the day-to-day operation, which is very pleasing indeed and avoids a massive shakeup.
The deal could be fantastic for the club. Parish has always had plans to redevelop the stadium and with the injection of funds, that should now come into fruition. The new investment should also allow Alan Pardew some more funds in the transfer market, as we look to scale the Premier League in the coming years.
It is so exciting to be associated with Crystal Palace at the moment. The club is moving to directions that some fans would have never of thought and if managed correctly from above, we could usher in an era of success.
