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FANS' PARLIAMENT
Posted by PISA_Committee on Thursday, July 22 2010
Dear Supporters
Just a reminder that the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) Fans’ Parliament will be taking place this Saturday 24 July 2010 at Wembley Stadium from 10am–5.30pm.
The event is open to non-members as well as FSF individual and affiliate members.
The keynote speaker will be Declan Hill author of The Fix: Soccer and Organized Crime. He will explain his belief that some of the most high-profile games in world football may have been fixed, right up to the Champions League and World Cup finals
Liberty Director Shami Chakrabarti will also speak at the workshop on policing and stewarding.
Other workshops will look at unsustainable club debts and club governance, and the lack of safe standing in England’s top two leagues.
The workshops cover topical issues for football supporters, so this is an opportunity to participate and voice your views.
Supporters can register and get further information through the FSF website Click here
PISA
LATEST NEWS - 28 JUNE 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Tuesday, June 29 2010
Dear Supporters
Company Voluntary Agreement
The Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) meeting arranged by the Administrator was held on Friday, 25 June 2010.
The Administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle, explained that the meeting was a formality required by the Football League as a pre-requisite to enable the transfer of the football authority share to the new consortium.
The CVA received overwhelming support, with only Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) voting against. The Football League’s requirement that all football creditors have to be paid in full apparently offends the HMRC.
The Administrator intended to file the result of the CVA on 25 June 2010 with the court. The creditors then have 28 days to appeal against the CVA. Once the appeal period expires the Football League can meet with the 2010 consortium and conduct their due diligence and ‘fit and proper person’ test. This is likely to be an informal process by the Football League.
The good news for season ticket holders, reiterated at the meeting, is that the 2010 consortium will honour the season tickets. This is provided the Football League share is transferred to enable the 2010 consortium to take the club forward
For the meantime though, the Administrator remains in place running the club, albeit with funding from the 2010 consortium.
The embargo on football transfers remains until the transfer of the Football League share. However, the club is able to arrange signings but is not able to register them until the embargo is lifted.
Moving On
A number of Palace players are out–of-contract and some have taken up offers from other clubs, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Palace.
Johan Ertl has moved to Sheffield United and Neil Warnock at QPR has secured the services of Shaun Derry for next season. There are rumours that others may also be moving on.
Palace fans appreciate the difficult times the players have experienced over the last season and are grateful for the efforts displayed by all the Palace players in keeping Palace in the Championship.
A thank you to all those players who will not be donning the red and blue of Palace next season whether from the senior squad or from the reserve and youth ranks. Good luck to all except, of course, when playing Palace teams!
PISA
CVA MEETING & GENERAL NEWS
Posted by PISA_Committee on Wednesday, June 23 2010
Dear Supporters
Urgent – Company Voluntary Agreement – Fax Completed Forms
Supporters following the progress of the 2010 consortium to buy the stadium and the club, will know that a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) meeting will be held on Friday, 25 June 2010, at 11.30am, at Selhurst Park, to enable the club to come out of administration and be purchased. A creditors’ vote of 75% by value in favour of the CVA proposal is required. The votes of Palace supporters who are also creditors may make a crucial difference.
The Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust has kindly written to Palace season ticket holders enclosing a statement of claim form and a proxy form for completion. The Trust has indicated that it is willing to act as proxy for supporters unable to attend the meeting. Alternatively, the Chairman of the meeting may be named as proxy holder. The forms however need to be returned to the administrator by 12 noon on 24 June 2010. It is therefore suggested that those who have not already done so should if possible fax the forms to ensure they reach the administrator in time – Fax No. 0114 276 8556
For Palace supporters who believe they may be creditors and have not seen details of the CVA proposal or received a letter from the Trust, if a season ticket holder, please check the following websites for information:
• Crystal Palace website Click on www.cpfc.co.uk where the announcement is given about the CVA on 25 June by Brendan Guilfoyle; there is a link to the administration documents Click on www.cpfc.pandareports.com The proposal for the CVA includes the proxy form and explains the proposal. The Joint Administrators' document dated 30.4.2010 also includes at the latter part a list of season ticket holders who are creditors.
• Crystal Palace Supporters' Trust has produced information and provided some Questions & Answers, which may assist with any queries, and the required forms, Click on www.cpstrust.org.uk
New Crystal Palace Manager
A welcome to George Burley, who was announced on Thursday of last week as the new Crystal Palace manager, with Dougie Freedman continuing his Palace association as his assistant. George has indicated his interest in the development of young players and that he is looking forward to working with the young talent at Palace, but significantly that he aims to improve players whether starting out on their professional careers or at the tail end.
Match Fixtures for Season 2010/11
The fixture lists for the 2010/11 season were published last week and Palace supporters will be pleased to see Crystal Palace FC amongst the list of Championship teams, especially with all the uncertainty around the club’s future. The first game of the season on 7 August 2010 starts with a tough match against Leicester City. September will also be tough with matches against last season’s Premiership clubs, Portsmouth and Burnley. Boxing Day brings Norwich to Selhurst, and New Year’s Day is away to another promoted team, Millwall at the New Den.
Thank you - Selhurst Clean Up
Followers of the BBS messageboard will be aware, with the new sense of optimism and goodwill, with the expected takeover of the club by the 2010 consortium that a number of Palace fans, lead by ‘Coulsdon Eagle’, have volunteered their time and effort to clean up the Selhurst Park stadium before the start of the new season. This is a great gesture of support for the club and for fellow fans –so a big thank you to all those involved in this work, and to the club for permitting their involvement in the spirit intended.
Come on England
Just has to get better! Fingers crossed!
PISA
COMPANY VOLUNTARY ARRANGEMENT MEETING
Posted by PISA_Committee on Friday, June 11 2010
Dear Supporters
The Crystal Palace joint administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has announced on the club’s website that a meeting of creditors will be held at 11.30am on Friday 25 June 2010 at Selhurst Park.
Click here www.cpfc.pandareports.com to find the proposal for the Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), and other documents related to the administration.
CVA Approval
The CVA requires the approval of 75% or more in value of those creditors voting on the resolution in person or by proxy. Approval of the CVA is to satisfy the condition for the sale of the club, and to meet the Football League’s insolvency policy to transfer the Football Shares to the new purchasers. The CVA is therefore very important for the club’s continuation.
Palace Fans
The CVA announcement is of interest to all Palace fans who may be creditors, notably the season ticket holders, long-term season ticket holders, and Ambassador Club members. Although the CPFC2010 have indicated season tickets will be honoured, it is important that as current creditors, Palace fans play their part in ensuring 75% is reached.
Voting for CVA
Individual creditors can vote at the meeting in person or by proxy. However, the following have to be completed and received by the joint administrators by 12 noon on 24 June 2010:
• Creditors’ Statement of Claim - to confirm the creditor’s debt.
• Proxy form – to vote if unable to attend the meeting.
The forms should be posted or sent by fax to the Joint Administrators of Crystal Palace FC at 93 Queen Street, Sheffield, S1 1WF: Fax: 0114 276 8556 (for the attention of Joanne Hammond)
Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust
The Trust has indicated that it will contact Palace fans who are creditors to advise them of the meeting and to offer to act as proxy for those wishing the Trust to act in this capacity. Others may prefer the Chair of the meeting to take this role for them. Even so, if you do know fellow supporters without easy access to on-line facilities please let them know about the CVA and about forms to vote.
PISA
CONSORTIUM STATEMENT & GENERAL NEWS
Posted by PISA_Committee on Tuesday, June 8 2010
Dear Supporters
Announcement
Brendan Guilfoyle, joint administrator of Crystal Palace FC, announced yesterday (7 June 2010) that legally binding agreements had been signed which should save the football club. He hopes that completion will be by the end of July, once the Football League’s insolvency policy has been complied with and due diligence completed.
The full announcement can be found on the Crystal Palace FC website, Click on http://www.cpfc.co.uk/page/News
Since the announcement on the website CPFC 2010 consortium have put out the following statement:
‘CPFC2010 are pleased to announce that we have today completed the acquisition of Crystal Palace Football Club from the administrator of CPFC2000.
We have also exchanged contracts and paid a deposit on Selhurst Park, the sale will complete when we satisfy the Football Leagues requirements and CPFC2010 are assigned the Football League ‘share’.
All then that remains is for the successful conclusion of the creditors voluntary arrangement, we feel confident this will be a positive outcome, the former secured creditor of the club accepted a shortfall on their settlement, in light of this and the fact CPFC2010 were and are the only party serious about acquiring the club, we believe our offer represents the best value for creditors.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lloyds Banking Group for their genuine concern for the future of the club and recognition of what it meant to the community and fans and we are extremely grateful.
We would also like to thank Brendan Guilfoyle of The P&A Partnership who has done an excellent job in trying circumstances, Jon Rouse CEO of Croydon council for his unwavering support, The Administrators' team at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Daniel Norris of Hogan Lovells, CBRE, Andrew Hall & Catherine Guerin of Nicholas Hall and `The Agilo Master Fund.
Also special thanks to David Hinchliffe and Austin Judson of Walker Morris who have worked tirelessly to get the deal finalised as well as David Jensen who has worked equally hard as ambassador to the club and spokesperson for CPFC2010.
We will now start the process of rebuilding the club, starting first with the management and playing squad, all our players have been magnificent, the uncertainty of the past months has been very difficult for them particularly the out of contract players and Darren Ambrose who’s on off transfer has been extremely unsettling. We would like to extend our gratitude to all of them and assure them that we will deal with all of their respective situations as soon as we possibly can. This of course is true of all of the staff at the club who have also been amazing through this difficult time.
Finally of course the fans of Crystal Palace FC whose tremendous support in difficult conditions inspired us to keep going even when it looked like the club may indeed cease to exist in its current form. We look forward to seeing you all next season once again lending your tremendous support, it would be fantastic to pack Selhurst again and we would encourage any of you who haven’t done so already to buy a season ticket, to those of you who already have, rest assured they will all be honored by CPFC2010.
We will call a press conference soon where we will outline some of our plans for an exciting yet stable future for Crystal Palace.
Martin
Stephen
Steve
Jeremy ‘
A Big Thank You to the Consortium and to all those acknowledged in the statement. This is great news for all Palace fans.
Wow – What Great Fans
Key to saving the club was getting agreement on the stadium. Palace fans certainly showed their support for their club both at Selhurst Park on Bank Holiday Monday and on the Tuesday outside Lloyds in London. The presence of Palace fans showing their support for their club was a proud sight for all Palace fans and hopefully provided that additional motivation and negotiation strength in discussions over the ground. Great to see so many young supporters making their support felt and showing the importance of the club to the future generation of fans Thanks to all those involved showing off the red and blue, those unable to make it, were surely there in spirit.
Thanks also to the politicians and others involved in lobbying the bank and Ministers on behalf of the club and community.
Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust
The CPST held its Annual General Meeting on 3 June 2010. The main discussion point was around the loan note scheme and helping the club. Key points included:
• Loan note scheme - on hold after CPFC2010 resolved issues with the bank.
• CPFC2010 keen to engage with the Trust and other fans’ groups
• Suggested the loan note scheme might:
be tied to the Academy, but difficult to ring fence:
re-launch Golden Eagles:
purchase training ground – which would provide an
investment:
help develop the main stand:
obtain a seat on the board:
fund specific areas of CPFC the consortium cannot fund.
The loan note scheme would be for £500 loan notes and holders would have to be 18 or over. Supporters could club together to share a loan note. For those unable to participate other fund raising activities are being considered.
Concern was expressed for the Palace staff made redundant. A benefit has been discussed, but before taking this further, it was considered best to see what CPFC2010 proposed to do first. For the full minutes Click on http://www/cpstrust.org.uk/news/article/89
Thanks to the Trust for all their efforts during this difficult time
Supporters Direct Conference
Kevin Rye from Supporters Direct was present at the CPST AGM. He mentioned the Supporters Direct Annual Conference, which will be held on 12 and 13 June 2010 at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, 2 Savoy Place, WC2R 0BL
It is open to all footballer supporters. The first day may be of particular interest to supporters with plenary and workshop sessions. The first day’s opening speaker will be Ken Loach, film director of the football classic, ‘Looking for Eric’. Sessions will look at social and community value of football, future football regulation and policy, and the football financial model. The closing session will look at a better vision for football. After the conference on 12 June there will be a reception and screening of the England v USA World Cup match. For more details Click here
Fans’ Parliament
Just a reminder too that the Football Supporters’ Federation Fans’ Parliament 2010 is being held at Wembley on 24 July 2010. Sessions will include club governance and ownership, policing and stewarding, safe standing, or World Cup Bid 2018. For more information Click here
PISA
FURTHER NEWS UPDATE 30 MAY 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Sunday, May 30 2010
Dear Supporters
Crystal Palace FC
Following the optimism that CPFC2010 Ltd was close to securing the purchase of Selhurst Park and the club, this now appears to be less certain.
The administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle, was looking to the CPFC2010 consortium to invest funding in the club, pending completion of the takeover. However, this has not happened. Reports suggest that negotiations for the ground are stalling due to an anti-embarrassment provision and the consortium wish to be sure of a successful CVA, before providing financial resources for the club.
The administrator is therefore without funds and so it is reported that Darren Ambrose has been sold to QPR. Players have been advised they will be partly paid pending further player sales, and non-playing staff’s pay is also delayed.
Sad News
The sad news though is that 29 non-playing staff have been made redundant. A big thank you to all the staff concerned for their service to the club and the supporters. It is hoped that they will soon be able to find other suitable employment and are wished all the best for the future.
There have been suggestions for a benefit event, which the Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust has indicated it is looking into with others.
Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust
The Trust after originally announcing it would hold back on launching a loan note scheme, in the light of recent events will now launch the loan note scheme during the day on Thursday 3 June 2010. This will be for members, so supporters are encouraged to join the Trust to participate in the scheme. Those wishing to find out more and discuss the scheme will have the opportunity on the evening of Thursday 3 June, when the Trust holds its Annual General Meeting at 7.30pm at Selhurst Park.
Other Activity - Showing Support for Palace
Readers of the message boards will have noted moves for fans to show support for Palace. This includes:
• A gathering of Palace fans at Selhurst Park on Monday 31 May at 3pm.
• A more organised event at Selhurst Park on 5th or 6th June to rally supporters, with possibly players past and present, and to use the occasion for fund raising for the Trust.
Various media outlets are being notified, and fans contacted through facebook, twitter etc, as well as information postings and messageboards.
England Followers
South Africa
Supporters travelling to South Africa for the World Cup should be aware of the cash position. The FSF have advised that non-residents of South Africa are restricted to bringing up to R5000 cash into the country, about £450. FSF have also heard that it is not a good idea to get R200 notes, due to the large number of counterfeits and because many hotels, bars, garages etc have stopped taking them.
England v Hungary
The FA have announced that England will play Hungary in a friendly at Wembley on Wednesday 11 August 2010 – three weeks before qualification for Europe 2012 begins.
PISA
NEWS IN GENERAL 14 MAY 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Friday, May 14 2010
Dear Supporters
Palace Stay a Championship Team!
Congratulations and well done to all the Palace players for keeping the club in the Championship. Thanks to them and also to the management team of Paul Hart, Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton for taking up the Palace challenge.
What a nail-biter at Sheffield Wednesday, especially those injury-time minutes, but well done to the Palace away fans for keeping the vocal support going throughout the match.
Unfortunately, Palace fans were unable to celebrate with the team due to a pitch invasion and safety concerns for players, particularly after attacks on the Palace players. Hopefully, none of the players have been adversely affected by the experience. The post match events at Hillsborough though are now, unsurprisingly, the subject of an investigation by the football authorities.
Some supporters raised the possibility of having an event involving the players, other than the Player of the Year award dinner, for the majority of fans to celebrate staying up. An email to the Palace Chief Executive (copied to the Palace Communications manager), asked about the scope for such an event, a reply is still awaited.
For those attending the Player of the Year award, hopefully it will be an enjoyable evening and one to cheer the efforts of the Palace players in uncertain times and also to applaud returning ex-players celebrating the 20 year memory of the FA Cup Final - a highlight in Palace history.
The Club - Meeting with Administrator - Tuesday 18 May 2010 at 2.30pm
The club’s administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle, according to reports, has indicated that he hopes to have a sale agreement in place for the Crystal Palace FC very shortly which will enable him to put together a CVA to bring the club out of administration.
Most advance season ticket holders and other creditors will have received a letter inviting them to a creditors’ meeting on 17 May 2010. However, it is understood the London venue may be restricted in size.
The Administrator though, at the behest of the Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust, has agreed to hold a meeting with supporters for a question and answer session on 18 May 2010 at 2.30pm. If you are interested in attending please check the Trust’s website for details, Click on http://www.cpstrust.org.uk/news/article/79
St John Ambulance
Thanks to all the Palace fans and supporters from other clubs who donated on the Just Giving website to wipe out the debt of £15,817 owed to St John Ambulance when the club went into administration. What a magnificent show of generosity and respect for the service provided by the St John Ambulance. Great praise to Paul Browning, who was sufficiently concerned and motivated to set up the Just Giving line, and was able to raise publicity to make the idea a success. Well done to Paul and to all those donating.
While the donations were coming in and the team were still battling relegation, the following message was kindly sent from St John Ambulance showing their appreciation of the fans’ support and confirming the money raised will be used to offset the debt.
“St John Ambulance is delighted that Crystal Palace fans are clubbing together to support the charity. When CPFC (2000) Ltd went into administration, St John Ambulance was one of the creditors which stood to lose thousands of pounds. But Palace fans are using the Just Giving site to raise funds to pay the debt to the charity.”
Chris Moth, one of the team that leads the St John Ambulance volunteers that provide first aid at Selhurst Park, and himself a staunch Eagles fan, is thrilled by the Palace fans’ support. He said: ‘We believe that everyone who needs first aid should get it but as a charity we can’t provide first aid services without some contribution towards our costs.
“It’s been a really difficult season at Selhurst this year, but Paul Hart and the team are doing everything they can on the pitch and it’s great that the fans are coming together off the pitch too. We’d like to thank Paul Browning for setting this up and the hundreds of fans who have already donated at http://www.justgiving.com/PalaceFans4StJohnAmbulance.
The charity has confirmed that all the money raised through the website will be used to offset money owed to St John Ambulance by CPFC (2000) Ltd.”
Fans' Parliament 2010
The Fans' Parliament 2010 organised by the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) will take place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 24 July 2010. The event for supporters of clubs across the country is free, but the FSF ask that fans register in advance, which helps the preparations for the occasion.
A full agenda for the event will be published nearer the time, but will include guest speakers and break-out sessions covering:
• Financial regulation and club governance
• England’s 2018 World Cup Bid
• Policing, stewarding and criminalisation of supporters
• Safe Standing
When registering supporters should indicate the break-out session they may wish to attend. There is also a chance of a behind the scenes tour of Wembley on Sunday morning, but there will be a charge of £10.
To register for the Fans’ Parliament you can copy and paste the details requested below into an email and send to FP2010@fsf.org.uk
Name:
Contact Telephone:
Email:
Club and country supported (if applicable):
Breakout session (choose one):
Wembley Tour on Sunday morning @ £10 (yes/no):
Any special requirements (access, dietary, etc):
For more details about the Fans’ Parliament and for information for those requiring accommodation - please check the FSF website Click here
FSF Southern Division AGM
Palace supporters who are individual members of the FSF may wish to know that the Southern Division of the FSF, which includes the London area, will be holding its Annual General meeting at noon on Sunday 23 May 2010. The meeting will be held at the Old Star Public House, at the corner of Broadway and Queen Anne’s Gate - and opposite St James’s Park Tube Station (Circle and District Lines). There is some off-street parking (free on Sundays) in nearby streets. The meeting will be in the upstairs function room.
LATEST NEWS 24 APRIL 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Saturday, April 24 2010
Dear Supporters
SING AND CHEER - MONDAY 26 APRIL 2010 - 8pm
Crystal Palace FC v West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening is the last home game of the season at Selhurst Park. This is such an important match it is hoped that as many Palace fans as possible will ensure they are there to sing and cheer the team along and create a great atmosphere. Bring your friends and relatives along too to add to the occasion.
The Palace box office will be opening on Sunday 25 April 2010 for ticket sales from 10am to 4pm.
AWAY SUPPORT
Congratulations to all those fans who have travelled away, and been part of the singing red and blue army – you have certainly made your support heard.
The final match of the season at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 2 May 2010 at 1pm - is another chance for Palace fans to show off their repertoire of songs in support of the team.
Sheffield Wednesday have a ‘local promotion’ for their home supporters, with reduced prices, which has been recognised by the Football League. Tickets for Palace supporters though remain as normal at £21 for adults and £12 for under 18s, concessions and students with a valid NUS card.
The initial allocation of tickets is sold out, but Palace have acquired an additional 1,900, which will be on sale over the weekend and on Monday, following the match - subject to availability.
Full information can be gained from the Crystal Palace FC website. Click on http://www.cpfc.co.uk
CPFC 2010 SUPPORT FOR CRYSTAL PALACE SUPPORTERS’ TRUST
There is much rumour and speculation as to what is going to happen to the club and the ground with both Crystal Palace FC and Selhurst Park in separate administrations.
CPFC 2010 consortium, with preferred bidder status for the club, recently issued a statement, confirming their bid is dependent on securing Selhurst Park, but also indicating that there were no guarantees that agreement would be reached on the ground or in relation to the club. The consortium therefore urged against complacency and that all contingencies that can be, should be put in place.
The consortium therefore supported any efforts made by the Trust to raise funds for the club and welcomed discussions on how the funds raised by the Trust might be used should the consortium be successful in securing the club and Selhurst Park. The full statement is available on the Palace website Click here
The Trust is expected to announce a loan scheme after the end of the season. Flyers will be handed out at the turnstiles before the West Brom game on Monday 26 April.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED SUPPORTERS(NADS)
NADS will be holding its Annual General Meeting on 26 May at Wembley Stadium. To attend please register by the RSVP form on the NADS website, Click on http://www.nads.org.uk
NADS will also be teaming up with DisabledGo to share access information and provide a better guide on stadia and facilites which it is hoped will prove beneficial to disabled supporters.
There are often access issues that are not apparent when visiting an empty stadium on a site visit. DisabledGo therefore have agreed to contact
• football clubs that are already listed on the NADS website to encourage them to have their venues re-surveyed on a match-day and,
• football clubs that do not currently feature on www.disabledgo.com to encourage them to take part.
WORLD CUP
Heading to South Africa this summer for the World Cup. England supporters may be interested in an FA forum to be held on 4 May in London. This will include a panel of experts, including Kevin Miles and Anne-Marie Mockridge from the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF). The panel will be answering all matters related to the South Africa event, including the FSF run Fan’s Embassy Service. The venue and time for the event is yet to be confirmed, but those interested should register through the England fans website, Click on http://englandfans.thefa.com
If you are travelling to South Africa - make sure you have had all the necessary jabs. It is not long to go now. Check with your doctor. Vaccinations you may need include - polio, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid. These can be given as two jabs. You may also need malaria tablets, if you are proposing to take trips to the national parks, while there. It may also be wise to take along tummy settlers just in case!
PISA
PS You may find when accessing the Palace website that the response is very slow.
FURTHER NEWS UPDATE
Posted by PISA_Committee on Sunday, April 4 2010
Dear Supporters
Watford FC v Crystal Palace FC
Congratulations to the players and all the Palace fans at the Watford FC v Palace match. Great win and great atmosphere created by the Palace fans.
Alas, following the Middlesbrough match, Palace remain in the relegation zone and Plymouth is gaining points. However, if the atmosphere created at the Watford match can be recreated for the rest of the season in support of the players, then hopefully Palace can retain its Championship status.
Crystal Palace FC v Preston NE FC
On Easter Monday - 5 April 2010, it will be a Family Day at Selhurst Park and the match is being sponsored by the club and fans. The Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust logo will be displayed on Palace shirts for the match. There will be attractions to amuse the young, and for older supporters the chance to go down memory lane, and see former players invited by the club.
More importantly though, it is the opportunity to encourage family and friends to come along to the match and join in and make Selhurst Park rock and to cheer the team on to gain more points especially with the spirit shown at Watford with:
• Glad All Over
• Eagles
• Red and Blue Army
• We All Follow the Palace
• Whoooooooooo!
• Etc, etc
So come on and make the Family Day a Great Day for team and supporters. Please also take time out to visit the Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust stand to show support for the work with the club towards the fans’ sponsorship of the match.
Sheffield Wednesday FC v Crystal Palace FC
The Crystal Palace FC website has confirmed that Sheffield Wednesday will be having a ‘local promotion’ for the match against Palace, so that match tickets will be discounted for their home supporters. There appears to be provision for local promotions within the football league’s regulations, but this can only be exercised on a few occasions during the course of a season.
Sheffield Wednesday seems to have charged away supporters from other clubs more than home supporters on other occasions. Following challenges, it is understood Sheffield Wednesday has claimed the excess as an administrative error. Consequently, away supporters have been able to claim a refund, if they have their match day ticket stub. Due to the time lapse, most supporters may no longer have their ticket stubs, so a refund is not necessarily possible.
The football league has been emailed by PISA to confirm that Sheffield Wednesday FC, in the light of former errors has the approval of the football league for the local promotion. Hopefully, the football league will respond fairly quickly. However, just in case the ‘local promotion’ is another error – it is suggested that supporters retain their match day ticket stub.
CPFC 2010
Many of you will have read or heard in the media that the joint administrators have announced that preferred bidder status for the club has been given to a consortium CPFC 2010.
PISA welcomes the news and looks forward to hearing further information about CPFC 2010’s proposals.
David Jensen is acting as spokesperson for the consortium, which is thought to involve Steve Parish of Tag Worldwide, a former Palace sponsor. The statement from the administrators indicates the offer is dependent on securing the stadium, Selhurst Park. The club’s administrators are looking for a completed takeover by the end of April 2010. The reports about the administration of Selhurst Park though suggests that a number of parties have shown an interest in the stadium,so this may take longer.
David Jensen’s statement quoted in the media suggests that the consortium comprising Crystal Palace fans, are looking for maximum investment and would welcome hearing from others who may be interested in investing in the club and joining the consortium. Those interested should contact the administrators.
Neil Danns
Congratulations to Neil Danns on his musical launch with the release of his single ‘Survival’. Some supporters will have seen reported on 1 April 2010 that the Crystal Palace star is due to appear at Glastonbury in the summer
GENERAL NEWS UPDATE
Posted by PISA_Committee on Saturday, March 20 2010
Dear Supporters
Crystal Palace FC
The media and message boards appear to be buzzing with speculation that P. Diddy, the multi-talented rap star, actor, fashion designer and entrepreneur may be interested in buying Crystal Palace FC. If reports are to be believed he seems to like the sound of Crystal Palace – good to hear appreciation for the club’s great and historic name!
Administration
Whether P. Diddy emerges as an interested buyer of Crystal Palace FC or whether this is pure media hype - we will have to see. In the meantime, representatives from the Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust met with the Aministrator, Brendan Guilfoyle, on 16 March 2010, prior to the match against Leicester. He has indicated that he is talking with 5 interested parties, but none have yet produced proof of £10 million funds as requested. He hopes a party for preferred bidder status will emerge by the end of the month.
Invitation to Fans’ Evening
The Trust is hosting a ‘Fans’ Evening with the Trust’, which will be held in the Glaziers Bar at Selhurst Park - at 7pm on Thursday 25 March 2010. Phil Alexander, the Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Palace FC, and Dougie Freedman, Assistant Team Manager, have accepted invitations to the evening. The event is a chance for supporters to discuss the club’s current situation, but also to show support for the club and for the efforts of the Trust. Hopefully, as many people as possible will take the opportunity to attend the meeting. Please let others know that may not have seen or do not have access to on-line notices.
The full minutes from the meeting with the Administrator and details about the Fans’ Evening are on the Trust’s website. Click on: http://www.cpstrust.org.uk/news
Fans’ Sponsorship
Many supporters are now aware of the Fans’ Sponsorship of the Crystal Palace v Preston North End match on Easter Monday, 5 April 2010, which will be a family day with many activities. The joint initiative from the club and Supporters’ Trust, is asking supporters to donate to the sponsorship £25 for individuals and £50 for families. Supporters will have their name in the programme and be eligible for a prize draw. According to the Palace website the prizes now include the album ‘Press Play’ by P. Diddy!
Sponsorship forms are available on-line or from the Palace Box Office. The sponsorship form needs to be completed by 27 March 2010 for names to be included in the programme.
Thank you to all those who have donated to date, and if you haven’t please consider whether you might be able to contribute. Most important though, is to be there on the day to cheer the team on and show a united front with the club in these difficult times. Information is available from the club’s website. Click here
Croydon Core Strategy
Supporters were urged to take the opportunity to respond to the consultation exercise on the Croydon Core Strategy. In a document looking to a vision for Croydon’s future, there is little mention of Crystal Palace FC and Selhurst Park and their significance for the Core Strategy. A letter has been sent from PISA asking that the profile and the importance of the club and ground be raised and properly represented within the Core Strategy both to safeguard them and reflect their importance to the social and economic life of Croydon.
Information Points
A few information points that were mentioned at the recent Crystal Palace Safety Advisory Group meeting, may be helpful to some supporters:
• Park Road – which has road works at one end, is apparently due to be closed as from 20 March 2010 for an unknown period.
• QPR Match – the Away supporters are to use blocks W and X in the Arthur Waite Stand. This means that block V will be clear for the match. Season ticket holders that sit in Block V have been notified. However, other supporters that use Block V may be unaware of this change, and may wish to note.
• Steward Liaison - following from the meeting involving the club and police, prior to administration, at which steward liaison was suggested, Barry, the Chief Steward, will act as the steward liaison in the Holmesdale.
A WARM WELCOME TO THE NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM
Posted by PISA_Committee on Sunday, March 14 2010
Dear Supporters
Firstly, welcome to the new Crystal Palace team manager, Paul Hart, and a welcome back to Dougie Freedman and John Pemberton – it is good to see them back at the club. We will be wishing them and the players well for the remainder of the football season, and looking to them to keep the club in the Championship.
Thanks to Neil Warnock, Mick Jones and Keith Curle for their contribution to Crystal Palace Football Club, and for bringing some of the young Palace talent to the fore. Their new venture at QPR is starting off fine - hopefully any successful run will suffer a blip when Palace entertain QPR next month!
Administration - 12 March deadline
The Administrator set a deadline of the 12 March 2010 to identify a suitable buyer for the club. Prospective buyers were required to deposit with solicitors the sum of £10 million, as proof of funds. However, it is unclear whether a particular interested party has emerged. It looks as though the deadline will slip, particularly as information has only recently circulated to interested parties, giving them little time to consider and raise any points.
The Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust
Fans’ Night. The Trust has arranged a Fans’ Night to meet the Trust’s Board on Thursday 25 March 2010 in the Glaziers Bar at Selhurst Park. This gives supporters the opportunity to raise issues around the administrations/sales of both the club and Selhurst Park, to ask about the Trust, and to enquire how they might help.
Family Fun Day, Easter Monday, 5 April 2010. All supporters can help with making the match against Preston North End a memorable day for all. The club and the Trust are asking all supporters to join them in sponsoring the match and showing how fans can unite to help their club in its time of need. Fans are asked to donate £25 for individuals and £50 for families. The names of those donating will appear in the club’s programme and will be entered into a prize draw. The players and team management have already shown their commitment by donating to the sponsorship - thanks to them for taking a lead. For fuller information about these events, click on http://www.cpstrust.org.uk
Croydon Core Strategy
Croydon Council are currently consulting the public on their Core Strategy, which sets out a special vision for the borough over the next 20 years. This is important for informing Croydon’s future. Palace supporters are urged to take this chance to express disappointment at the lack of comment and commitment to the club and the Selhurst Park ground in the Core Strategy. Also to take the opportunity to note the importance of the club in Croydon’s history and in the economic, educational and social life of the borough and to suggest that Croydon Council should strengthen its commitment to both the club and ground to ensure they are safeguarded into the future. For details about the consultation Click here
Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against? Vibe Bar, London, Thursday March 4th, 7pm
The Question Time style debate, organised by the Football Supporters’ Federation, with representatives from the police, Crown Prosecution Service and media on the panel, was a lively and successful evening. However, it became clear that many of the issues raised were linked to the law, and the only way to improve the situation of football supporters was for changes in legislation. With an election looming, now is the time to lobby and challenge prospective MPs about the existing weight of law directed at football supporters and to seek their commitment to take on such issues as an MP.
Supporters may be interested to read an article by Henry Porter, one of the panellists that evening, written after the event. Click here
REMINDER - FSF MEETING - 4 MARCH 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Tuesday, March 2 2010
Dear Supporters
Just a reminder of the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) open invitation this Thursday 4 March 2010. It is hoped that Palace supporters with an interest in such issues, and particularly those who have recently been in contact with the FSF due to specific concerns will take the opportunity to participate in the evening. Details are below – the Vibe Bar address is highlighted for ease of reference.
Thank you
PISA
FSF OPEN INVITE
Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against?
Vibe Bar, London, Thursday March 4th, 7pm
Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against? is the FSF’s free Question Time-style debate and gives match-going fans the opportunity to tell it how they see it to an expert panel of journalists, police, prosecutors and civil-liberty solicitors (see below regarding panellist details).
• Fed up with over-zealous police?
• Tired of doormen dressed up as ‘stewards’?
• Disgusted with clubs criminalising their own supporters?
Click here to email: register@fsf.org.uk to book your free place.
Click here to visit: http://www.fsf.org.uk/ for further details and panellists.
Why are football supporters treated differently from other groups in society? Go to Wembley for a pop concert and you can stand without fear of ejection. Head to a rugby league match and you can drink in your seat. Try either of those at a football game and you could end up with a criminal record.
The Crown Prosecution Service pushes for the most severe punishment in cases involving football fans - would this be legal with any other group in society? What role can fans play in improving things for the better?
Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against? will kick-off at 7pm on Thursday, 4 March and lasts for 90 minutes, with a 15 minute half-time break for refreshments. The Vibe Bar is located at the Old Truman Brewery, 91-95 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL.
The event is free but registration is required, email your name to register (as above) or call 0330 44 000 44. All registered fans receive a free pint (or soft drink) on arrival and non-FSF members are also welcome.
If you have already registered and received confirmation for this event please ignore this notice – although you could still send around your mates! If you no longer wish to receive emails from the FSF please reply UNSUBSCRIBE.
FA CUP 14 FEBRUARY 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Sunday, February 14 2010
Dear Supporters
FA Cup
Valentines Day sees the team we love, play in the 5th round of the FA Cup against Aston Villa. Congratulations to the Crystal Palace players and management for reaching this stage through difficult times. Hopefully, as many fans as possible will take up the opportunity to cheer the team on to the next round and towards Wembley Way. This is particularly so with the 20th anniversary memories of that first visit to the old Wembley for the FA Cup final and the historic semi-final against Liverpool on the way.
Tickets are still available for the match, so don’t miss out on giving your support to the team – and perhaps bring your valentine along for a Palace treat.
Congratulations to the youth side too, who beat Hull in the latest round of the FA Youth Cup. Hopefully, they too will progress to the FA Youth Cup Final. Thanks to the Crystal Palace Supporters Trust (CPST) too for the support given to the youth team and to the fans that have given the side support in their Cup matches.
Crystal Palace Supporters Trust
As well as your support in the stands, the club needs the support of the Trust.
Prior to the FA Cup match against Aston Villa, there will be flyers handed out urging fans and newcomers to join the Trust to help raise funds.
This is vital to giving support to the club and academy - and to the possible survival of Crystal Palace Football Club. So please take a leaflet, and become a member, but if you are thinking of discarding it, please think first is there anyone I know who maybe interested? - please pass it on.
Administration
As some of you may be aware representatives of the CPST met with the administrator on Friday evening, 12 February 2010, and a question and answer response from that meeting can be found on the CPST website at http://www.cpstrust.org.uk/news/article/51
Selhurst Park Ltd, the company that owns Selhurst Park, and is part of the insolvent Rock Investments Group, is now in administration itself. This should help prospective buyers consider both the club and ground. The respective administrators are due to meet on 16 February.
The Football League (FL), at a meeting also explained their approach to clubs in administration and that the 10 points deduction was a decision of the clubs which the FL administered. A suggestion that this might be challenged under force majeure was raised with the FL, but this was rejected as being inapplicable, given the financial circumstances concerned.
Football Supporters Federation
Sit Down, Shut Up
Familiar! The FSF is hosting a fans’ evening - entitled
Sit Down, Shut Up: Are Football Supporters Discriminated Against? - at the Vibe Bar, London, on Thursday March 4th 2010, 7pm.
The FSF receives constant complaints about fans being treated as criminals and being subjected to over-zealous policing and stewarding and being forced to sit down. Plus hearing questions like - why are football supporters treated differently, and why does the Crown Prosecution Service seek the most severe punishments?
The FSF’s evening is a free Question Time-style debate to cover such issues and gives match-going fans, the opportunity to tell it how they see it to an expert panel of football journalists, police, and solicitors.
These are issues that concern many fans from all clubs, and so pass on the message about this free event to others.
It takes place at Brick Lane's Vibe Bar on Thursday March 4th 2010 (7pm kick-off).
To register, email your name to newsletters@fsf.org.uk
PISA
CRYSTAL PALACE FC IN ADMINISTRATION
Posted by PISA_Committee on Friday, January 29 2010
Dear Supporters
As expected the Football League has confirmed the 10 points deduction for the club, after it was placed in administration, by the creditor Agilo, which describes itself as - a fund that invests in distressed companies and special situations.
According to the club’s official website Brendan Ambrose Guilfoyle, John Russell and Christopher Michael White have been appointed joint administrators of Crystal Palace FC (2000) Limited as from 26 January 2010.
The Crystal Palace Supporters’ Trust, was set up with the help of PISA and others to generate funds to save the club, when it was last in administration 10 years ago. It is now looking again to supporters for help and assistance in raising funds and providing support in kind to help keep the club alive. Supporters may wish to check the Trust’s website, which includes an article by Dougie Freedman and details of raising funds while shopping on-line and searching the web. For information the Trust's Website is http://www.cpstrust.co.uk/news
For the Crystal Palace match against Peterborough on Saturday 30 January 2010, some supporters have made a rallying call to make the day a Red and Blue day with balloons and flags to show support for the club and team. Hopefully, supporters will take up the call and bring their friends and relatives to swell the numbers. However, those considering bringing any large flags may wish to check whether they will be permitted in the ground, with the club’s stadium manager – the club’s telephone number is 020 8768 6000.
At this distressing time for the club and supporters, PISA looks to all Palace fans to give their support and help in whatever way they can.
Thank you.
PISA
CPFC IN ADMINISTRATION - 26 JANUARY 2010
Posted by PISA_Committee on Wednesday, January 27 2010
Dear Supporters
Many of you will know that Crystal Palace FC has been experiencing financial difficulties and will have heard the media reports announcing that Crystal Palace FC is now in administration
News reports say the administrator appointed is Brendan Guilfoyle, from the Sheffield firm P&A Partnerships, formerly responsible for managing the administration at Luton Town FC.
The administration is upsetting and concerning news for Palace staff and supporters. As well as the uncertainty about the club’s future, there will inevitably be points deducted, so rather than the club challenging for a play-off place it is likely to be struggling against relegation.
The disappointing news has come on the eve of an important match against Newcastle United for Neil Warnock and the players, but Neil has declared that he and the players will fight on.
It is hoped that all Palace supporters will match this spirit and rally to support the club and players through this difficulty time. If there is any significant news to update supporters, it will be posted on this website.
Support the Palace.
PISA
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Thursday, July 22 2010
FANS' PARLIAMENT
Dear Supporters Just a reminder that the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) Fans’ Parliament will... more
Tuesday, June 29 2010
LATEST NEWS - 28 JUNE 2010
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Wednesday, June 23 2010
CVA MEETING & GENERAL NEWS
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Friday, June 11 2010
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Dear Supporters The Crystal Palace joint administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has announced on the club’s... more
Tuesday, June 8 2010
CONSORTIUM STATEMENT & GENERAL NEWS
Dear Supporters Announcement Brendan Guilfoyle, joint administrator of Crystal Palace FC, announced... more