Football Season Review

Crystal Palace are now facing up to the exciting prospect of Premier League football in 2013-14 after a dramatic playoff final victory over London rivals, Watford on Bank Holiday Monday. Ian Holloway, who took over the managerial hot-seat from the departing Dougie Freedman last autumn, has yet another Championship promotion on his CV despite the Eagles blowing their chances of automatic promotion. Palace looked in good shape for a top two finish before the turn of the New Year but they only stuttered to a fifth-placed finish and were largely unfancied for the playoffs. However, a winning combination of youth and experience eventually saw them through. Pace and trickery on the wings in the shape of Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie proved an excellent foil for target man, Glenn Murray, who finished the side's leading scorer. Murray, a former Brighton favourite, was an excellent focal point for the attack and was subsequently their most influential player this term. A knee ligament injury in their playoff semi final curtailed his chance of playing at Wembley, and it is possible he will miss the start of the 2013-14 campaign. An experienced spine including long-serving keeper, Julian Speroni, centre back Damien Delaney and holding midfielder Mile Jedinak ensured Palace maintained their focus to secure top flight status once more. Palace will have to do without Zaha next season as he has already agreed to join Manchester United.

Player of the Season: Glenn Murray