I guess this may have been discussed before. Apologies if it has.
While clearing out a box of old stuff, I came across a random collection of old programmes. One of them was for 14th March 1970, a home match against Southampton. Of course at this time, Palace were in a relegation battle. Although those were different times, (2 points for a win, 22 teams,42 matches and only two teams relegated), it occurred to me that there were some interesting similarities and differences with Palace’s current predicament. As of March 14th, Palace had played 34 matches won 3 games at home, drawn 4 and lost 10. The home wins were against Sunderland, Stoke and Wolves. They had just won their first away game on March 11th (1-0 at Manchester City), and had drawn 8 away and lost 8. The victory against Man City was their first win in 13 matches since November 22nd. On February 21st Palace had had a ‘four pointer must win game’ at home to Sheffield Wednesday who were bottom of the division, while Palace were third from bottom. Palace duly lost 0-2. Up to 14th March Palace were 21st and Sunderland were bottom. Even though Palace beat Southampton 2-0, Palace remained in 21st spot with 7 games left.
One of the interesting things in the programme was a column called ‘Topical Talk’ by the programme Editor, Doug Organ. In one paragraph he says;
'Nevertheless, with the Club hanging on by its finger-tips to First Division status, it might not be a bad idea if, for the remainder of the season, we reminded ourselves that “NOW IS THE TIME OR ALL GOOD SUPPORTERS TO COME TO THE AID OF THE TEAM” by giving them longer and louder cheers than ever before to show we are right behind them in their fight for points.
There have been a lot of comments, criticisms, recriminations, informed and uninformed advice about what the Club should have done or must do to survive its baptism in the toughest league in soccer.'
He goes on to quote a letter he received from a supporter.
'I know many games have been frustrating and heart breaking to the supporters as, indeed, they must have been to the team and officials. But there have been games when the team has risen above itself – that is why it has been such a mystery and a disappointment when they have fallen on a number of occasions below the standard of which they have proved they can reach.
It would be invidious to mention individuals, for all have played their hearts out and, after all their efforts, it would be cruel if they were relegated, although I don’t think they will be.'
I was trying to remember what the atmosphere at the ground was like at the time. I was 13 years old and without the BBS, you only really gathered what people thought from what people around you on the Holmesdale or others on the way back to Norwood Junction said. If I remember correctly, there was quite a lot of criticism of players’ abilities but not their efforts. Ironically, given the current situation, the one player who I think was never subject to any criticism was John Jackson. Even Steve Kember, who along with Jacko was probably one of Palace’s best players over a number of seasons, was being criticised by some fans. I can remember feeling devastated after the Sheffield Wed game, but I can’t remember if at that point I gave up hope of staying up. However, I remember the jubilation at beating Man City in the last home game of the season to stay up by a single point. In the end, Palace probably survived by grinding out some draws against better teams. Salvaging draws was probably down to Jacko’s heroic performances
Anyone have any clearer memories of this time?
While clearing out a box of old stuff, I came across a random collection of old programmes. One of them was for 14th March 1970, a home match against Southampton. Of course at this time, Palace were in a relegation battle. Although those were different times, (2 points for a win, 22 teams,42 matches and only two teams relegated), it occurred to me that there were some interesting similarities and differences with Palace’s current predicament. As of March 14th, Palace had played 34 matches won 3 games at home, drawn 4 and lost 10. The home wins were against Sunderland, Stoke and Wolves. They had just won their first away game on March 11th (1-0 at Manchester City), and had drawn 8 away and lost 8. The victory against Man City was their first win in 13 matches since November 22nd. On February 21st Palace had had a ‘four pointer must win game’ at home to Sheffield Wednesday who were bottom of the division, while Palace were third from bottom. Palace duly lost 0-2. Up to 14th March Palace were 21st and Sunderland were bottom. Even though Palace beat Southampton 2-0, Palace remained in 21st spot with 7 games left.
One of the interesting things in the programme was a column called ‘Topical Talk’ by the programme Editor, Doug Organ. In one paragraph he says;
'Nevertheless, with the Club hanging on by its finger-tips to First Division status, it might not be a bad idea if, for the remainder of the season, we reminded ourselves that “NOW IS THE TIME OR ALL GOOD SUPPORTERS TO COME TO THE AID OF THE TEAM” by giving them longer and louder cheers than ever before to show we are right behind them in their fight for points.
There have been a lot of comments, criticisms, recriminations, informed and uninformed advice about what the Club should have done or must do to survive its baptism in the toughest league in soccer.'
He goes on to quote a letter he received from a supporter.
'I know many games have been frustrating and heart breaking to the supporters as, indeed, they must have been to the team and officials. But there have been games when the team has risen above itself – that is why it has been such a mystery and a disappointment when they have fallen on a number of occasions below the standard of which they have proved they can reach.
It would be invidious to mention individuals, for all have played their hearts out and, after all their efforts, it would be cruel if they were relegated, although I don’t think they will be.'
I was trying to remember what the atmosphere at the ground was like at the time. I was 13 years old and without the BBS, you only really gathered what people thought from what people around you on the Holmesdale or others on the way back to Norwood Junction said. If I remember correctly, there was quite a lot of criticism of players’ abilities but not their efforts. Ironically, given the current situation, the one player who I think was never subject to any criticism was John Jackson. Even Steve Kember, who along with Jacko was probably one of Palace’s best players over a number of seasons, was being criticised by some fans. I can remember feeling devastated after the Sheffield Wed game, but I can’t remember if at that point I gave up hope of staying up. However, I remember the jubilation at beating Man City in the last home game of the season to stay up by a single point. In the end, Palace probably survived by grinding out some draws against better teams. Salvaging draws was probably down to Jacko’s heroic performances
Anyone have any clearer memories of this time?
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