i'm not one for readily starting threads, but this is an open letter to Mile Jedinak
Today will see a Palace stalwart and legend leave SE25. I've not had much time to cobble this together, but I wanted to personally thank Mile for his service to CPFC.
When he first arrived, it took him a while to climatise and some questioned whether he would succeed, but I can only assume sheer determination to saw him through (and some astute coaching) Even on the big occasions, he rarely got phased and seemed to relish the challenge of coming up against the better opposition. His passing may be eratic at times, he may not have been the quickest, but he worked on his strengths to benefit his game.
The promotion season he was immense, his ability to nullify the opposition benefited the likes of Murray/Yala/Zaha and co, and he was rightly awarded POTY.
Mile may not be blessed with the skill of Wilf & co, but but his leadership and character are unrivalled. Jedi has been a mainstay of the team over the past 5 years, and has been at the heart of everything good about the club in that period. His appearance may have changed, we saw the unveiling of "The mask" after he sustained a fractured cheekbone, and broken nose up at Huddersfield in early 2013. The tache made a brief appearance, and had a resemblance reminiscent to an 80's porn star, Then we saw the beard, something that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Roman Colosseum, and the rather lean Aussie that arrived back in SE25 in 2011' bulked out, but his desire to win never waned.
Jedinak epitomised everything I ever want from a player, commitment and tenacity and these qualities have been an integral part in our success during his time hear. A natural leader with others gaining from his self-belief.
Whilst the modern game is littered with mercenaries, Mile Jedinak is everything good about football. A complete gentleman, but a warrior on the pitch who you know will leave everything out on the pitch. A player who is immensely proud to play for his country, a trait rarely seen in today's game. Seeing our captain scoring at the 2014 World cup was a proud moment, and cemented his name in the record books, and was one of the highlights for me.
His 5 years with us, has opened debates of whether he was good enough to be a top flight footballer, or whether he should be dropped after loss of form, and even when he lost his place in the team he never grumbled, merely kept his head down waiting for his chance.
I'm no good at writing farewell letters, but I think i can speak on behalf of all CPFC fans and wish Jedi nothing but success for the remainder of his career and good luck at Villa in the next chapter of your career. You will be welcome back at Selhurst any time. You've provided us with some magical moments.
Where as Yala didn't even acknowledge the fans at the final whistle on Saturday, Mile said his goodbyes in a fitting manner. In my 26 years, IMO he ranks as one our best ever signings. The term legend is thrown around far to loosely for my liking, but Mile deserves this status, and I salute you and wish you well :p
Today will see a Palace stalwart and legend leave SE25. I've not had much time to cobble this together, but I wanted to personally thank Mile for his service to CPFC.
When he first arrived, it took him a while to climatise and some questioned whether he would succeed, but I can only assume sheer determination to saw him through (and some astute coaching) Even on the big occasions, he rarely got phased and seemed to relish the challenge of coming up against the better opposition. His passing may be eratic at times, he may not have been the quickest, but he worked on his strengths to benefit his game.
The promotion season he was immense, his ability to nullify the opposition benefited the likes of Murray/Yala/Zaha and co, and he was rightly awarded POTY.
Mile may not be blessed with the skill of Wilf & co, but but his leadership and character are unrivalled. Jedi has been a mainstay of the team over the past 5 years, and has been at the heart of everything good about the club in that period. His appearance may have changed, we saw the unveiling of "The mask" after he sustained a fractured cheekbone, and broken nose up at Huddersfield in early 2013. The tache made a brief appearance, and had a resemblance reminiscent to an 80's porn star, Then we saw the beard, something that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Roman Colosseum, and the rather lean Aussie that arrived back in SE25 in 2011' bulked out, but his desire to win never waned.
Jedinak epitomised everything I ever want from a player, commitment and tenacity and these qualities have been an integral part in our success during his time hear. A natural leader with others gaining from his self-belief.
Whilst the modern game is littered with mercenaries, Mile Jedinak is everything good about football. A complete gentleman, but a warrior on the pitch who you know will leave everything out on the pitch. A player who is immensely proud to play for his country, a trait rarely seen in today's game. Seeing our captain scoring at the 2014 World cup was a proud moment, and cemented his name in the record books, and was one of the highlights for me.
His 5 years with us, has opened debates of whether he was good enough to be a top flight footballer, or whether he should be dropped after loss of form, and even when he lost his place in the team he never grumbled, merely kept his head down waiting for his chance.
I'm no good at writing farewell letters, but I think i can speak on behalf of all CPFC fans and wish Jedi nothing but success for the remainder of his career and good luck at Villa in the next chapter of your career. You will be welcome back at Selhurst any time. You've provided us with some magical moments.
Where as Yala didn't even acknowledge the fans at the final whistle on Saturday, Mile said his goodbyes in a fitting manner. In my 26 years, IMO he ranks as one our best ever signings. The term legend is thrown around far to loosely for my liking, but Mile deserves this status, and I salute you and wish you well :p
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