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Julian Speroni on no luck with Mario Balotelli free-kick and Wembley dream ended

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CRYSTAL Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni says he and his team-mates fancied themselves in this season's FA Cup after they were knocked out by Liverpool on Saturday.

After witnessing a number of the bigger clubs falling in the third and fourth rounds, the Eagles were handed one of the tougher draws for the fifth.

"It was very disappointing and we had a good chance to go far in the competition," said Speroni.

"It would have been nice to get to Wembley. As players you always aim to win things, and especially this year with some of the big teams out, we felt we had a good chance.

"It just wasn't meant to be. It was one of those games where nothing went for us.

"It could have been another memorable night against Liverpool. They are a great team and have people who can hurt you. They did that."

Speroni may have been at fault for Liverpool's winner, when Adam Lallana took advantage of the ball being diverted into his path following Mario Balotelli's free-kick.

The custodian said he went to parry the shot but it bounced off his wrist instead.

"I was busy in the first half, and even though the goals came in the second half I didn't have as much to do, and that is more disappointing," said Speroni.

"I felt so unlucky. The first goal hit the inside of my leg and went in, it could have gone anywhere.

"The second one with Balotelli, the way he hits the ball it moves so much and I tried to push it to the other side.

"It hit my wrist instead and it fell to their player so I didn't get any luck.

"We have been on a good run so far and we need to continue that. It's about focusing on the league, we have 13 games to go and every one of them will be a cup final for us."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Julian Speroni on no luck with Mario Balotelli free-kick and Wembley dream ended


Labour's pink battle bus pulls into New Addington, Croydon

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LABOUR'S pink battle bus pulled into Croydon on Wednesday as Harriet Harman, the party's deputy leader, joined women around the "kitchen table" to talk about the issues that matter to them.

The 'Woman to Woman' tour of Labour MPs was greeted by balloons and a crowd of around 50 at the Addington Community Association (ACA) centre.

Harman and Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for Croydon Central Sarah Jones addressed the women, and some men, before sitting down to talk about Labour's commitments to women and encourage them to vote.

But they were also greeted by campaigners claiming to be from New Fathers 4 Justice, who stood on the centre's roof with a megaphone shouting insults.

A handful claiming to be from the British National Party and the National Front also met the bus.

Once inside the ACA, the politicians spoke to female voters and took part in an exercise, asking them to write down on pieces of paper what they want from the next Government.

In the last general election, more than nine million women in the UK did not vote.

The bus will visit over 70 constituencies to talk to women voters.

The colour of the bus has been labelled "patronising", but Harman said Croydon's women didn't mention it.

"Talking at all the tables we've had a whole load of issues raised about the health service, council tax, rent - not one single woman here has mentioned the colour of the bus.

"We've got an amazingly flamboyant pink van underpinned by a very, very serious message," said Harman.

Croydon has never had a woman MP and Harman encouraged the women to make Jones the first.

"I think in the 21st century it's long overdue," she said.

"The majority of people hit by bedroom tax are women, and the majority of people to get the benefit of the millionaire's tax cut are men.

"We should have equal decision making and a government which really understands women's lives."

Harman also praised the work of Croydon's Family Justice Centre, and nodded to a "generation of older women" who work while looking after their grandchildren and elderly relatives.

"They are invisible in public policy so we are putting the spotlight on them as well," she said.

Ms Jones said society is "unfair" and "particularly unfair for women".

"Under this government the clock has been turned back on equality. Whether it is cuts in childcare or the disproportionate impact of benefit cuts on women.

"We are here to start the conversation with every single woman in the country about what they want."

And Jones told a story of a picture of an MP drawn by her five-year-old daughter. "She drew a woman," said Jones. "But we know we still have a long way to go."

Janet Anbrowse, from Addiscombe, was one of the women to cheer in the pink bus.

The 77-year-old said: "People forget some folk don't have any confidence and if there is something like this to make contact with them it's wonderful.

"It's a way of reaching out to people and you've got to try. We need to get people together to talk, we need to get women together.

"We have needs men don't and it gives women a space to discuss their issues."

Sharon Shayer, a 47-year-old housewife, travelled to Croydon from Orpington to catch a glimpse of the bus.

She said: "It draws attention to the fact that women aren't participating in politics.

"The colour [of the bus] has got people talking and when they finish talking about the colour they'll talk about the issues."

Labour's pink battle bus pulls into New Addington, Croydon

Palace set for double midfield boost ahead of Arsenal test

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CRYSTAL Palace duo James McArthur and Mile Jedinak are believed to be in contention for Saturday's clash with Arsenal.

The latter has returned to training this week after nursing an ankle injury, while McArthur missed last weekend's game with Liverpool.

It is understood that McArthur has a better chance of featuring than Jedinak at this stage but the Eagles will give the Australian a late assessment.

Striker Yaya Sanogo will not be able to feature against his parent club.

Meanwhile, Pape Souare is line for his Premier League debut at left-back, with Joel Ward returning to the right.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace set for double midfield boost ahead of Arsenal test

Police hunt Thornton Heath guesthouse landlord who allegedly stole mobile phone from tenant

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A GUESTHOUSE landlord who allegedly stole a mobile phone from one of his tenants is wanted on warrant by police.

Mohammed Kassim Adam, 50, is alleged to have stolen the phone on November 23, 2013 when he was the landlord of the Beulah House Hotel, in Beulah Road, Thornton Heath.

Despite being aware a warrant had been issued for his arrest on January 9 this year, Adam has failed to surrender to police.

Despite extensive enquiries, officers have been unable to locate him.

He is from the Croydon area and has access to multiple addresses in the borough.

Anyone with any information as his whereabouts is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police hunt Thornton Heath guesthouse landlord who allegedly stole mobile phone from tenant

Reported sightings of young Croydon soldier missing for six weeks

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A YOUNG soldier from Croydon missing for almost six weeks has been spotted in London.

Police have renewed their appeal to find Steven Mubanga, a trainee soldier with the British Army from Kilmartin Avenue, Norbury, after two reported sightings of him in Westminster and Lewisham on Tuesday (February 17).

But police have yet to speak to the 20-year-old and are urging him or anyone with information on his whereabouts to get in touch.

Steven was last seen on January 11 when he left home to go to his Yorkshire barracks after being on leave, but police believe he never got his train.

Karen Guirhil, Steven's aunt, has been appealing for him to come home.

He previously said: "Steven's got such a good future ahead of him and this is just completely out of character for him. He's such a fun-loving, caring, committed and responsible person.

"Even when he's away and misses a call from me, he'll send me a text or message on Facebook to say sorry and that he'll call back soon. I'm just really worried that we've not heard any news from him at all and just want to know that he's safe.

"Steven, if you're reading this and you think that you're in any kind of trouble, then whatever it might be, I know that we can work it out together. I'm so proud of you and your cousin is missing you like crazy as well. 

"We just want to know that you're ok so please, please get in touch."

Detective Chief Inspector Sian Thomas, is leading the investigation, said she is "fairly sure" the sighting of Steven are genuine but is keen to speak to him to maker sure he is safe and well.

She said: "It's still unclear why Steven has gone missing, but I'd like to reassure him that whatever the reason, there will be support available for him and that his family are desperate to hear that he is ok."

Steven is a tall, black man with short, black hair. Steven wears black, square-rimmed glasses and often wears a baseball cap. He has links to Croydon, Norbury, Camberwell and Streatham.

Anyone with information on Steven's whereabouts should contact police on 101, or call the Missing People charity on 116 000.

Reported sightings of young Croydon soldier missing for six weeks

Crystal Palace mascot Kayla in danger of Selhurst Park exile as bird centre faces financial crisis

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KAYLA the Eagle is certainly a special bird to Palace fans – but now her place on a matchday in SE25 is under major threat after Eagle Heights, the centre she is kept at in, is facing huge financial struggle.

The centre, based in Eynsford, near to Swanley and West Kingsdown in Kent, has already had to close their reptile house in order to keep others areas open and for Kayla to continue special educational programmes.

However, it has now become clear that Eagle Heights is still in desperate need, and should it become worse, Kayla will no longer be able to perform at Selhurst Park.

And the guy who looks after her at the Bird of Prey centre and on a matchday, Christopher Belsey, admits he would be devastated should they be forced to shut down.

"We are going through a really hard time and it's as basic as saying there's no more money in the pot," he told the Advertiser.

"If things gets worse, it's a possibility some or all of the birds will go. We have got to get money in to see us through to the summer. 

"The centre used to be in partnership with the landowners here but we're not any more so now it's become a struggle for us.

"Basically we have borrowed what we can from the banks. We could go any time soon. There is no money, full stop. Our overdraft is what it is, that's it."

For the full story, don't miss Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

To make a donation to save Eagle Heights and keep Kayla performing at Selhurst Park, head to www.eagleheights.co.uk and go to the bottom of Kayla's page to a PayPal link.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace mascot Kayla in danger of Selhurst Park exile as bird centre faces financial crisis

EXCLUSIVE: Aide admits removing 'unfair' entry on MP's Wikipedia page

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GAVIN Barwell's assistant has admitted removing an entry about a Croydon Advertiser story from the MP's Wikipedia page.

Mario Creatura, also a local councillor, deleted a reference to the Advertiser's 'Campaign to End All Campaigns', a satirical article about the Croydon Central MP.

Mr Creatura admitted to editing the page this morning when contacted by the Advertiser.

He insisted he had "no problem with people criticising" Mr Barwell but said the entry was not "biographical" and was "politically motivated". 

When the Advertiser pointed out Wikipedia was not there for him to remove things about an elected official he does not like, he replied: "I can do whatever I like when it comes to that."

Mr Barwell has not yet been reached for comment. 

The entry concerned a light-hearted Advertiser article, published in December, which called on Mr Barwell to stop launching campaigns, after he set up his fifth petition in little more than a month. 

The Conservative politician's Wikipedia page referenced a report about our piece in The Independent. 

It said: "The local paper the Croydon Advertiser called on Mr Barwell to "stop launching campaigns" and persistent attempts at headline-grabbing in December 2014, saying 'Gavin, we get it, there's an election on'."

Mr Creatura deleted that sentence from the page at 10.22am using his computer at the House of Commons. That change has since been undone by another Wikipedia user. 

"It was more of a political point than a biographical point so I took it out," he said when contacted by the Advertiser today (Thursday). 

"It's my job to try and protect [Mr Barwell]...or at least try and make things as accurate as possible. 

"I don't mind it being there if it's entirely accurate, like a biographical entry.

"I didn't think having the comment 'We get it, there's an election on' [was fair].

"I thought Wikipedia was about biographical accuracy without political bias.

Mr Creatura, a Coulsdon West councillor, added: "I hold my hands up. It was an error. I took the sentence out. It was a half-a-second thing. 

"I didn't think about the repercussions. I didn't think about what I was doing other than I didn't think it was appropriate on a Wikipedia page.

"What I took out was factually accurate not out of political motivation – yeah there was a bit of that in my head – but the main reason I did it was because I thought it was slightly politically biased and I want everything on Wikipedia, no matter whose page it is, to be factually accurate."

Mr Creatura said Mr Barwell was not aware he had removed reference to the Advertiser's campaign or that he had edited the page in the past.

He added: "Gavin's not the most technically-minded person. He generally has no idea. He trusts me to do whatever."

Wikipedia pages of Labour politician Frank Dobson and former Croydon Central MP Geraint Davies, as well as a number of other politicians, have been edited from the same IP address.  

Mr Creatura denied editing any page other than Mr Barwell's and said he did not believe what he had done would affect his position. 

"I don't think Gavin will have a view about it either way," he said.

"I don't think he will sack me for taking a sentence out of his Wikipedia page."  

Wikipedia, Gavin Barwell and Steven Seagal

Mr Barwell's Wikipedia page has been subject to hundreds of edits since it was first made in September 2008, writes Tom Matthews.

Though the vast majority are mundane a couple - other than Mr Creatura's recent edit - are particularly interesting.

In April 2014, a reference was removed by a Wikipedia administrator about a political gaffe a year earlier when his attempt to attack Labour over 'Asian dating adverts' backfired as it transpired such adverts use Google Adsense, which tailors adverts based on the computer user's "interests". 

The moderator said the story was a "slow news day non-event" and that "there is no evidence Barwell spends his spare time sifting through dating sites"

In the same month Wikipedia user Newbluejeans edited Mr Barwell's to page to say he was an admirer of American action movie hardman Steven Seagal.

The user even edited the page to suggest that Mr Barwell's middle names were Steven and Seagal, and that his profession was 'Steven Seagal'.

EXCLUSIVE: Aide admits removing 'unfair' entry on MP's Wikipedia page

Crystal Palace to beat Arsenal 2-1? Tasty 16/1 odds on offer

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Arsenal go into Saturday's clash at Crystal Palace as favourites, with the Eagles 15/4 on Bet 365 to come away with victory. The draw is currently 13/5.

A 1-0 win for the Eagles is priced at 12/1 and a 2-1 win for the hosts is slightly bigger at 16/1. If you fancy goals this weekend, a 3-2 win to Arsenal is currently 28/1.

In terms of goalscorers, Alexis Sanchez if favourite at 4/1 to score the first goal of the game, while Fraizer Campbell is 8/1.

If you want to try your luck on a player to score anytime, Scott Dann at 16/1 and Laurent Koscielny at 11/1 present tasty options, with both centre-backs capable of grabbing a goal from set-plays.

In terms of the half-time/full-time market, Palace to be winning at the break but Arsenal to come back and win by the end is 22/1. The reverse is 40/1.

If Palace win the first half and Arsenal come back to draw by 90 minutes, it still presents good value at 16/1.

Check out Bet 365 for updated odds ahead of the match.

Crystal Palace to beat Arsenal 2-1? Tasty 16/1 odds on offer


Could South Norwood soon look like Leicester?

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A DESIGN firm previously responsible for the regeneration of Leicester town centre has been tasked with making improvements to the area.

Croydon Council has secured £1.5m in funding from Transport for London to improve streets and spaces around Portland Road, Station Road and High Street.

Award-winning design firm Burns + Nice have been chosen as the project designers, with construction work due to start next year. Before then, there will be a process of consultation, with residents and businesses given the chance to have their say on how they would like the area to look.

The next public consultation event will take place at Stanley Halls on Monday, March 9, between 7 and 8.30pm.

Council leader Tony Newman said: "Croydon's regeneration story isn't just about the town centre but the whole borough, and South Norwood is one of our major district centres.

"This funding will help to transform the area, bringing about much-needed improvements."

Burns + Nice have previously worked on schemes for Leicester city centre, London's Leicester Square, and St Martin's Courtyard, in Westminster.

Could South Norwood soon look like Leicester?

Man charged with affray and hospitalised after woman taken hostage with blowtorch

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POLICE have charged a 49-year-old man with affray after an incident where a man took a woman hostage with a blowtorch for six hours in a South Norwood home yesterday.

Police negotiators managed to talk the man dow at 4.20am.

They have charged Barry Stone,of Hurlstone Road, with the offence. He was also detained under section two of the Mental Health Act and has since been taken to hospital, where he currently remains.

Man charged with affray and hospitalised after woman taken hostage with blowtorch

Crystal Palace and Wales star aggravates groin in training

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Jonny Williams has suffered another setback through injury.

The Wales international has had a problem with his groin in training today but it is believed he has only slightly aggravated it.

Williams had only just returned to full training this week and will be closely monitored in the next few days. 

Boss Alan Pardew said: "Jonny has had a slight problem today which has probably knocked him back a little bit.

"I can't give a date (on when he might return). It's a slight groin strain I think he had today."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace and Wales star aggravates groin in training

REVEALED: The Advertiser's nine favourite Croydon pubs

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THE great British pub is part of the fabric of this country.

Whether it be for a quiet pint, a Sunday roast or a game of magic darts; the boozer occupies a special place in our hearts.

Despite the fact many establishments have had to call time for good in recent years, there are still many terrific pubs across the borough.

Now this may surprise our readers, but even us hard-working folk at the Advertiser occasionally enjoy a trip to the pub for a well-deserved half of shandy.

Here is our (not hugely scientific) list of favourite pubs in the borough…

9. The Jolly Farmers, Purley Road, Purley

A welcoming and friendly pub situated near Purley station with decent beer, friendly staff and regular live music.

The regular customers are friendly and its proximity to the station means you can stay right up until last orders without having to order a taxi.

8. The Oval Tavern, Oval Road, East Croydon

Great real ales, live music and cracking food. This pub was taken over by former Green Dragon manager Esther Sutton in 2013 and is back to its former glory.

Esther, who has been selected as the Green Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for Croydon Central, was also named as one of Britain's happiest people by the Independent in 2013 - meaning you can be sure of a smile when ordering your pint.

7. The Tree House, South End, Croydon

Perched brazenly on the junction of South End and Southbridge Road, this is a stylish and fashionable joint with a beautifully lit interior.

It's pricier than some pubs in the town, but it's a thoroughly pleasant place to be and the food is excellent. Drinks aren't bad either, with a fine selection of ales on tap.

Cocktails are also a speciality, and there's an upstairs club for any music lovers dropping in.

6. The Royal Standard, Sheldon Street, Croydon

A chocolate box pub hidden among some of the town's worst concrete excesses. This Fuller's pub underneath the flyover serves terrific beer and is a good place to hide away from the hustle and bustle of Croydon town centre.

5. The Green Dragon, High Street, Croydon

The Dragon is still one of the most popular destinations for after-work drinks and for good reason. It has an excellent selection of drinks, has a real buzz at the weekends and also serves decent grub all day.

4. The Fox, Coulsdon Common, Old Coulsdon

The Fox can trace its history all the way back to 1720. Serving hearty pub food, it's a rarity in the borough in that it's perfectly located as a base for a walk in lovely open countryside.

3. Claret Free House, Lower Addiscombe Road

The Claret has been named Croydon CAMRA's pub of the year so many times it's a wonder other pubs don't just throw the towel in.

On first inspection, you may be forgiven for thinking it looks more like a curry house than a traditional pub. But it has a fearsome reputation for the quality of its beers and a loyal band of real ale drinkers that frequent it.

2. Westow House, Westow Hill, Crystal Palace

It may be packed with hipsters but it's hard not to like what Antic London, which is rapidly expanding its pubs portfolio in south London, has done with the place.

The pub thrives in the summer and is the perfect place to go after a trip to Crystal Palace Park. It's huge and has a good range in games including Jenga and table football.

1. The Spread Eagle, Katharine Street, Croydon

This well-run pub may be the chosen hang-out of Croydon's politicians but its prominent location and fine selection of beers give it the edge on other town centre pubs.

It has always got live sport on, has a great selection of pies and if you have never found the secret boardroom upstairs, it's well worth hunting down during a major sporting event to enjoy a beer in resplendent surroundings.

REVEALED: The Advertiser's nine favourite Croydon pubs

Bronze medals for Addington Judo Club youngsters

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Addington Judo Club sent three competitors to the Kent kyu grade competition for their first competition of many for 2015

Morgan Bulled (over 60kg), fighting in her first competition, fought bravely against ladies of higher grade and experience but was unable to compete at such a high level and came home with a hard fought bronze.

Emma Brown (under 60kg), fighting in only her second competition in 12 years also was out-graded fighting three hard fights and showing great attitude and perseverance to also return with a bronze.

Jamie Hewlett (under 73kg), had two fights winning both decisively by ippon with neither lasting more than 15 seconds.

Addington Judo Club is on the lookout now to add numbers to their over 10 year olds and over 16 year olds sections and can be found training every Tuesday night at the A.C.A, Central Parade, New Addington. 

For more information call Steve Merredew on 07889762818.

Bronze medals for Addington Judo Club youngsters

Crystal Palace boss blasts coin-throwers and calls on fans to use camera phones and social media

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CRYSTAL Palace boss has called the club's coin-throwing incidents against Newcastle United and Liverpool as "stupid".

Eagles officials are working with Scotland Yard's public order unit to find the perpetrators, and the club have since installed HD CCTV throughout Selhurst Park.

Pardew says Palace have the best atmosphere and believes that reputation could be soured if it happens again.

The boss has also called on Eagles fans to report it via social media and the cameras if they see someone committing the act again.

"It's a big concern for the football club as you don't want it," said Pardew.

"For me, the manager, I just want to try and prepare the team, I hope it stops because it's something we want to try and take out of the game.

"We've had two incidents and we need to stamp it down. That's what the officials at this football club will try and do.

"I think the first time a coin is thrown is maybe a heat of the moment thing to do. To do it twice is stupid.

"We can't accept that at any level. The incident with Chelsea (fans) in Paris gives you the strength of social media, so if any fan is standing next to someone, film them.

"Let's have a picture of them and we'll do our best to film them.

"We have all types of societies here. We can't control their behaviour to a degree – all we can do is put on an environment to make it as friendly as possible we can.

"We have the best atmosphere in the country and we don't want to lose that by silly little incidents."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Crystal Palace boss blasts coin-throwers and calls on fans to use camera phones and social media

If Arsenal push us on Saturday we'll push them back, says Crystal Palace boss

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ALAN Pardew believes Palace have a tough job on their hands to stop Arsenal on Saturday but says they will not give in easily to the Gunners.

The manager picked out Santi Cazorla has Arsene Wenger's main man and admitted the Eagles will need to do a job on the Spanish international.

Home form needs improving at Selhurst Park and it doesn't come much tougher to achieve that on Saturday, but Pardew is relishing the clash which could see Mile Jedinak return to the starting line-up.

James McArthur may also come back in but have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

"Cazorla is probably their player of the season so far," said Pardew.

"He's pulling the strings and we need to take care of him. There are a number of options for Arsenal to play, like Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez.

"They have a fight for the Champions League spaces and we've got a fight against relegation, so it's all up for grabs now and everyone is pushing

"We'll push them as much as they're going to push us.

"I think the key to beating Arsenal is being impatient at times and having enough attacking threat and controlling some of the game.

"We struggled with that against Liverpool a bit. Arsenal are in great form and over the last five points have probably accumulated two more points than us.

"We're in decent form, it's at our place and we've got to try and improve our home form.

"I think putting some verve in the team has been important and having some structure on how we're going to try and achieve our goals.

"There is no point saying we need to win or we need this amount of points to win. We need to find a process to win.

"Different games make that a bit difficult, and Arsenal give you a big problem because they have good possession but tremendous pace in the team. It's a nice balance."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

If Arsenal push us on Saturday we'll push them back, says Crystal Palace boss


If Arsenal boss and I clash again on Saturday it's because we're winners, says Crystal Palace's Alan Pardew

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Alan Pardew says if he and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger clash on the sidelines again on Saturday, it's because they "both want to win".

Both men had a heated argument in November 2006 when Pardew was West Ham manager but it has since cooled and is water under the bridge.

Pardew hailed Wenger as "a winner" ahead of Saturday's game at Selhurst Park and thanked him again for lending striker Yaya Sanogo to Palace for the rest of the season.

"There's a man who has been a Premier League manager for however many years – probably two more than he does or wants to remember!," said the Palace boss.

"He's a winner, and so am I. When we clash, we're going to clash at times, we both want to win, that's it and it ends there.

"I am very thankful for him to loan us Yaya Sanogo, of course. It's just a shame he can't feature in this game.

"It was a professional decision that works for Arsenal and hopefully works for us. We are professional football managers but we want to win.

"When we're on the sidelines on Saturday it will be exactly the same."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

If Arsenal boss and I clash again on Saturday it's because we're winners, says Crystal Palace's Alan Pardew

Taxi driver who tried to help woman in trouble left scarred for life following sickening Addiscombe attack

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A 'GOOD Samaritan' taxi driver has been left scarred for life after he was attacked on Valentine's Day in Addiscombe.

The victim, 39, was driving his taxi along Long Lane at approximately 11.45pm on February 14 when he drove past another vehicle and heard a woman inside a blue BMW shout for help.

When he stopped his cab to see if the woman needed any assistance a man got out of the same car carrying a glass bottle and challenged him.

The taxi driver explained he was just trying to help and retreated back to his taxi but the suspect followed him.

The suspect then attacked the driver and his car, causing significant cuts and injuries to his face and damage to the taxi.

The victim made off in his taxi and called police, who carried out a search of the local area although were unable to find the BMW.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the suspect's hatchback-type blue BMW or the suspect in question.

He is described as a white man in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with short, blonde/light-brown hair.

He was wearing a white t-shirt, a blue top and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Lorna Sillett, the investigating officer from Croydon CID, said: "This was an unprovoked attack on the victim, who had stopped to check if the woman in the car was ok after hearing a shout for help.

"As a result of his act of kindness, he's been left with serious cuts to his face, which will leave him scarred for life. I would urge anybody with any information to contact us or Crimestoppers.

"We are particularly keen to hear from the woman that was in the suspect's car, but also from anyone who was in the area or may have seen a blue BMW that night."

Anyone with information should contact Croydon CID via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Taxi driver who tried to help woman in trouble left scarred for life following sickening Addiscombe attack

Car loses both front wheels in collision on Croydon's Roman Way

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A CAR lost its front wheels during a crash on Roman Way in Croydon this afternoon. 

The black BMW suffered heavy damage in the collision with another car on the northbound side of the carriageway near the junction with Factory Lane at 12.25pm.  

A Met Police spokesperson said officers had come across the incident while on patrol, adding: "Both parties exchanged details and no injuries were reported."

Photographs taken of the scene by reporter Tom Matthews show the BMW suffered significant frontal damage.

A photo appears to show one of the cars collided with a brick wall near a drop kerb. 

One lane of the road was closed and the crash site cordoned off. 

Factory Lane was closed to traffic other than vehicles coming from Factory Lane. 

Car loses both front wheels in collision on Croydon's Roman Way

Palace defender: A bit of courage will beat Arsenal on Saturday

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PALACE defender Brede Hangeland believes a "bit of courage" will put the Eagles into a good position of beating Arsenal on Saturday, having faced the Gunners many times before.

The Norwegian is vying to keep his place in at the back, with Damien Delaney looking for a recall after dropping to the bench last weekend in the FA Cup.

"It will be a similar game to Liverpool, we will be underdogs," said Hangeland.

"I think the team has come to a level, however, where they don't have to worry too much when they play the top teams.

"It's down to us to put on a performance and it will be possible to win. I have played Arsenal many, many times and it's a good team to play, it's always a decent game.

"If you have a bit of courage you can beat them."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

Palace defender: A bit of courage will beat Arsenal on Saturday

HD system brought in at Crystal Palace as Scotland Yard handles coin-throwing incidents

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SCOTLAND Yard's public order branch is handling the investigation into the coin-throwing incidents at Palace's last two matches against Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Eagles officials are still gathering evidence to assist the territorial police force as well as requesting further footage from BT Sport in regards to the FA Cup clash last weekend.

After Papiss Cisse had given Newcastle the lead in a Premier League game on Wednesday, February 11, the striker was joined by team-mates as they celebrated in front of the Holmesdale Stand.

Magpies captain Fabriccio Coloccini was struck by a coin near to his left eye, which prompted condemnation from Newcastle boss John Carver and Eagles manager Alan Pardew post-match.

It was also reported that a similar incident occurred after one of Liverpool's goals in SE25 last Saturday. 

As a result, High Definition CCTV has been installed at Selhurst Park and a select number of stewards will be fitted with body cameras from now on.

For the full story, don't miss the back pages of Friday's Croydon Advertiser.

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

HD system brought in at Crystal Palace as Scotland Yard handles coin-throwing incidents

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