Steve Parish has been talking to Palace TV about all things Crystal Palace, ranging from Patrick Vieira to the club’s new academy.
What’s the story?
Well, Parish went into great detail about the latter point – the academy.
Speaking to Palace TV, the Eagles chairman said: “It’s so exciting, I can’t tell you. Every single day a new bit is finished. I think by the end of the summer, phase one and phase two will be complete. It’s a breathtaking facility for this football club.”
Now, that is very exciting to hear.
Yes, everyone loves transfers, and seeing a fresh face arrive at Selhurst Park in a multi-million deal.
However, there’s nothing like developing one of your own into a player of true Premier League quality.
Just look at Wilfried Zaha, and how proud he makes the Selhurst Park faithful.
Also, the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Despite his exit, he made the Eagles significantly stronger out on the pitch, and then landed the club a huge £50m fee which pretty much paid for the new Category 1 academy.
South London is crawling with talent
As seen in this feature from the Guardian, Crystal Palace have missed out on some serious talent over the years, right on their own doorstep.
Had this Category 1 academy been in place sooner, the Eagles could’ve had the likes of Joe Gomez, Jadon Sancho, Emile Smith Rowe and Callum Hudson-Odoi in red and blue.
Now it’s finally in place, the potential of Crystal Palace is frightening.
In all his time as chairman, this is unquestionably the best thing Parish has done for the club.
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