Quantcast
Channel: Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live

Seized shotgun was slam-firing, court hears

0
0
A SAWN-OFF shotgun seized from a car in New Addington would have gone off immediately once one of its barrels was loaded, a court heard. The right-hand barrel of the weapon was "slam-firing" and would have discharged without the trigger needing pulling, jurors were told. Six men are standing trial at Croydon Crown Court for possessing the lethal weapon seized by Trident police officers on December 10 last year from the back seat of a BMW in a car park in Westcott Close. Opening the case at court today (Monday), prosecutor James Dawes did not say what the men were doing with the gun but said there was no legitimate reason for having one. Edward Ephraim, 30, of Lennard Road, in Croydon, pleaded guilty in April to possessing a firearm over the weapon but has denied possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition. The five other men next to him in the dock have all denied all those three charges: Aaron Leacock, 26, of Starling Close, Croydon; Tyrone McNeish, 29, of Guinness Trust, Kennington; Jason Pindi, 28, of Hardam House, Tulse Hill; Patrick Otim, 25, of Cudham Drive, New Addington; and Adrian McNeish, 31, of Grove Vale, East Dulwich. Mr Dawes told jurors the case was "straightforward" continuing: "A sawn-off shotgun is an illegal weapon. "There is no legitimate use for a sawn-off shotgun other than the commission of crime, you may think, and that is why it is illegal, they are extremely dangerous items." He added: "Just think in your mind why you would be in possession of a sawn-off shotgun and why you would take the risk of having it in a public place." "There are not that many uses you can put that gun to, certainly none of them are legal uses. The most obvious is robbery but it also might be to go out and shoot somebody." Mr Dawes told jurors armed police intervened after watching the BMW and a Fiesta acting "with apparently common purpose" around the estate for about an hour before seeing a third car approach in Westcott Close and Mr Ephraim walking over and putting a jacket in the boot of the BMW. Otim was driving the BMW accompanied by Tyrone McNeish, while Pindi was driving the Fiesta accompanied by Leacock and Adrian McNeish, jurors were told. Mr Dawes said Pindi, Leacock and Tyrone McNeish were arrested immediately while Otim, Ephraim and Adrian McNeish tried to flee. Otim was caught by the tram tracks nearby and Ephraim within the car park, while Adrian McNeish was not caught until May this year. Mr Dawes added Adrian McNeish had tossed away bullets while fleeing, and that plastic gloves were also found inside the car. Mobile phone evidence suggested the men had communicated earlier that day near Starling Close, while the men in the Fiesta and the BMW were also talking to each other, the court heard. Mr Dawes added to jurors: "Now you may think these defendants were not just in that car park at random. "It was not a random meeting, this was a planned meeting and the purpose of that meeting revolved around that sawn-off shotgun." The trial continues.

Seized shotgun was slam-firing, court hears


Police on lookout for Croydon's most-wanted amid fears of a rise in domestic violence during World Cup

0
0
PICTURES of Croydon's most-wanted domestic violence offenders are to be given to CCTV operators amid fears of an increase in abuse during the World Cup. The campaign also includes graphic posters put up across the borough which feature a woman with a black eye next to a blood splattered football and the words: "What time is kick off in your house?" The joint council and police effort follows studies that show abuse increases during international tournaments, whether England win or lose. It is understood the Met has been issuing warnings to men and women with a record of domestic violence ahead of England's first game on Saturday night. Police have shared images of the most high-risk offenders with the council's CCTV team to help them alert officers should they be spotted on camera during matches. Research by Dr Stuart Kirby, a former police officer turned criminologist, based on incidents during World Cups in 2002, 2006, and 2010, show domestic violence increased 38 per cent when England lost and rose 26 per cent when they won. The poster campaign will last two weeks and includes information of how victims can get advice, help and support. Stickers with helpline numbers will be placed at key venues as part of a wider, year-long effort to tackle domestic violence, including Crystal Palace's ground Selhurst Park, libraries, sports centres and GP surgeries. Croydon Pubwatch, which encourages good practice among licensees, will be distributing safety messages in pubs and clubs. Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice, said: "Studies show that domestic violence increases during major football tournaments. "Domestic abuse is a criminal offence, and police in Croydon will be targeting offenders and arresting those responsible for this crime. "There is a range of services available to anyone affected by domestic abuse, whether violent or not, and we urge anyone affected to seek advice and support agencies." Officers from the community safety unit will be accompanying licensing officers to bars and pubs during the tournament to hand out leaflets to those watching the games. Detective Sergeant Kris Blamires is organising the police operation during the World Cup. "Our approach is focused on the victim, which is why we'll have officers out and about giving information and advice to people in the support agencies and services that can help them if they are suffering domestic abuse," he said. "We will also be targeting offenders and making concerted effort to arrest anyone committing abuse during the tournament. "It is absolutely not acceptable to use the football, or anything else, as an excuse to abuse a partner or loved one, and we'll be taking robust action against anyone who thinks otherwise." Despite a 9.5 per cent drop in overall crime in Croydon in the last financial year, domestic violence increased 15 per cent, on the back of a 13.4 per cent rise in 2012/13. Borough Commander David Musker described the problem as an "epidemic" which would get his "full attention", though credited this year's increase to growing confidence among victims in coming forward to the police. A special report published in February showed that, in 2010/11, 22,000 people in Croydon were victims of some form of domestic violence or abuse.

Police on lookout for Croydon's most-wanted amid fears of a rise in domestic violence during World Cup

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace battle with Leicester, Stoke and Swansea for Manchester City starlet

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace are reportedly in the hunt to sign Manchester City midfielder Emyr Huws on loan, but face competition from three Premier League rivals. The 20-year-old, who was on loan at Birmingham City last season, was handed his first Wales call-up against Iceland and he played in last week's 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands. And now, the Daily Star is reporting that Palace are one of four clubs hoping to take Huws on loan next season, along with Premier League new boys Leicester City, Huws' former club Swansea City and Stoke City.

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace battle with Leicester, Stoke and Swansea for Manchester City starlet

Serious case review and police investigation underway into child abuse in Croydon

0
0
A SERIOUS case review is underway into child abuse in Croydon. No details about the incident have been released but concerns about the child's treatment were first raised in March. The review is being undertaken by Croydon Safeguarding Children Board. The police are also conducting their own investigation. A serious case review (SCR) takes place after a child dies or is seriously injured and abuse or neglect is known or suspected. The aim is to help the agencies involved, such as the police or health services, to learn lessons about how they can work better together to protect children from serious abuse. This SCR was mentioned in documents discussed at Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) public board meeting on June 3. It said South London Commissioning Support Unit had reported a Grade 2 child abuse (family) serious incident on behalf of the CCG's safeguarding team. "A serious case review is underway, as well as police investigation," the report added. Croydon CCG declined to comment when contacted by the Advertiser. When the NHS is involved in a SCR, a serious incident investigation is carried out in parallel by a safeguarding professional employed by the CCG.

Serious case review and police investigation underway into child abuse in Croydon

Palace fans charged with entering pitch during Liverpool match at Selhurst Park

0
0
TWO Crystal Palace fans are to appear in court charged with going on the pitch during last month's pulsating draw with Liverpool at Selhurst Park. Liam Field, 18, of Homestead Way, New Addington, and Jack Brown, 19, of Fieldend Road, Streatham, are accused of entering the playing area on May 5 "without lawful authority or lawful excuse". The pair, who were bailed on condition they did not attend the Eagles following fixture against Fulham, have been charged under sections 4 and 5 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991. The match, which was Palace's final home game of the season, saw Liverpool surrender a three-goal lead in the final eleven minutes, with two quick-fire goals from striker Dwight Gayle sending the Selhurst Park faithful into raptures. Field and Brown are due to appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Wednesday).

Palace fans charged with entering pitch during Liverpool match at Selhurst Park

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace eye surprise move for Tottenham midfielder

0
0
CRYSTAL Palace are reportedly looking to pip Premier League rivals Hull City to the signature of Tottenham midfielder Jake Livermore. The 24-year-old English midfielder impressed during a season-long loan spell at the KC Stadium last season as Hull City stayed up in the top flight. But Hull City are understood to be reluctant to meet Tottenham's £6.5m valuation of Livermore, with the Daily Mirror reporting that Palace boss Tony Pulis could look to pounce.

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace eye surprise move for Tottenham midfielder

Police borough commander David Musker to leave Croydon following promotion

0
0
BOROUGH commander David Musker has been promoted and is to leave Croydon. The Chief Superintendent has been elevated to Commander and will depart to take up his new role in the "near future", the Met said. It is understood his replacement could be announced by the end of the week. Chief Supt Musker was first posted to Croydon on the evening of August 8, 2011 - to lead the police response to the riots - and was made borough commander a month later, replacing Adrian Roberts. Overall crime has dropped in each of his three years in charge - most recently by 9.5 per cent. He has also had to contend with significant cuts to police funding which last year left the borough with only one 24-hour station. Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell said the police chief had done an "amazing job" in difficult circumstances. He told the Advertiser: "He's the type of old-fashioned copper Croydon needed, and I mean that in a complimentary way. "I think the crime figures published at the end of the financial year speak for themselves. "He was originally deployed here on the evening of the riots, so he came at probably the most difficult moment you could imagine. "I think he has made a real difference and is very well regarded. His is a big pair of shoes to fill." As well as having to repair public trust following the riots, Chief Supt Musker has faced a number of challenges over the last three years, including an explosion at Croydon police station in March 2012 which injured seven people, and became known for his no nonsense approach to policing. Mr Barwell said his replacement should possess the same qualities. "I think it's very important we get someone like him," he said. "Chief Superintendent Musker had already led a significant borough before he came to Croydon. "It's crucial we get someone with that level of experience because Croydon is one of the more challenging boroughs the Met has. "This is not a first borough commander job. You need someone with experience and ideally someone with a good background in public order policing who can address some of the issues we have. "If you look at the things we want to deliver over the next few years, in terms of delivering Westfield, getting John Lewis here, and making sure people feel safe in the town centre, it's a very important appointment." Chief Supt Musker was told of his promotion last month. While his departure date has not been confirmed, a replacement could be announced this week. A police spokesman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service has appointed three new Commanders, one of who is Chief Superintendent Dave Musker from Croydon. "He will be promoted to a new role in the near future. A new borough commander will be posted to replace him at Croydon." Cllr Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice, said: "Whoever comes in needs to have the trust of Croydon's different communities. They need to know the police are on their side and really supporting them. That's a very important part of the role. We need to go back to policing by consent with the communities on-side. "Croydon is incredibly diverse. I don't think the borough commander needs to be from one particular community, but they do need to understand how to work with all those communities we have."

Police borough commander David Musker to leave Croydon following promotion

Fire crews tackle blaze after 'explosion' at car workshop in Hamsey Green on border of Croydon and Surrey

0
0
A MAN has been taken to hospital after suffering burns in an explosion at a car workshop in Hamsey Green. The blast at Ken's Auto's in Limpsfield Road, on the Sanderstead/Warlingham border, shook nearby homes and ignited a fire at the back of the garage. It is understood the injured man, 28, was a customer waiting for his car to be fixed. He was treated by paramedics for 25 per cent burns to his face and arms before being taken to the major trauma centre at St George's Hospital, in Tooting, as a "priority", London Ambulance Service said. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters from Croydon, Purley and Addington, as well as the air ambulance, were sent to the scene following the explosion at around 11.15am this morning (Wednesday). Witnesses reported hearing several other smaller explosions before an armed police unit, stationed nearby, helped evacuate nearby businesses and establish a cordon. The blaze was brought under control at 1pm and the cause is now under investigation. Witness John Osborne said the explosion shook his house in nearby Martin Close. He said: "I heard a large bang and the windows rattled. I ran out of the house and saw smoke billowing from the garage. "A couple of minutes later there were several secondary explosions. Then the police arrived and started pushing everyone back." Witnesses at a nearby gym described hearing a sound like a large weight being dropped and then seeing garage workers running for cover. London Fire Brigade said around half of the service centre was alight, including two cars and part of the roof. Ambulance crews also treated one man for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is not known at this stage. Limpsfield Road was closed around the garage while fire crews dealt with the incident. It is the second time there has been a serious fire at this branch of Ken's Autos in the last six months. The blaze in January destroyed a car and damaged part of the garage but no one was hurt.

Fire crews tackle blaze after 'explosion' at car workshop in Hamsey Green on border of Croydon and Surrey


Julian Speroni on the verge of signing a new deal at Crystal Palace

0
0
JULIAN SPERONI is close to signing a new one-year deal at Crystal Palace, the Croydon Advertiser understands. Speroni's current deal runs out at the end of the month, although the Palace player of the year has previously spoken of his desire to stay at Selhurst Park. And despite reported interest from Premier League rivals Sunderland, among others, the Advertiser understands that Speroni will sign a new deal to keep him in SE25 for a tenth season.

Julian Speroni on the verge of signing a new deal at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace voted worst "away-day" experience in Premier League

0
0
Crystal Palace have been voted as having the worst "away-day experience" in the Premier League. A survey conducted by the Football Supporters' Federation rated the Eagles as the least entertaining day out for away fans with a score of 4.79 out of ten. Relegated Cardiff City topped the chart with an impressive score of 8.05. Just over 5,300 fans took part in the survey, which covered all four professional leagues in England. Fans were asked to rate clubs on such factors as food and drink, safety, transport and view of the pitch. From feedback, distance of travel (44%), time and day of kick-off (42.6%) and ticket prices (40.4%) were the main factors for determining whether or not fans attended an away game. The likelihood of watching their team win was the least quoted reason supporters gave for attending an away game.

Crystal Palace voted worst

Man seriously injured in Hamsey Green garage explosion was customer waiting for car to be fixed

0
0
A MAN seriously injured in an explosion at a garage in Hamsey Green was a customer waiting for his car to be fixed. The blast at Ken's Auto's in Limpsfield Road, on the Sanderstead/Warlingham border, shook nearby homes and ignited a fire at the back of the garage. It is understood the injured man, 28, was a customer of the service centre. He was treated by paramedics after suffering 25 per cent burns to his face and arms before being taken to the major trauma centre at St George's Hospital, in Tooting, as a "priority", London Ambulance Service said. Six fire engines and 35 firefighters from Croydon, Purley and Addington, as well as the air ambulance, were sent to the scene following the explosion at around 11.15am this morning (Wednesday). Witnesses reported hearing several other smaller explosions before an armed police unit, stationed nearby, helped evacuate nearby businesses and establish a cordon. The blaze was brought under control at 1pm and the cause is now under investigation. It is the second time there has been a serious fire at this branch of Ken's Autos in the last six months. The blaze in January destroyed a car and damaged part of the garage but no one was hurt.

Man seriously injured in Hamsey Green garage explosion was customer waiting for car to be fixed

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid chooses work by Croydon artist Bridget Riley to adorn office

0
0
THE new Culture Secretary has chosen a piece of work by a Croydon artist to adorn his office. Sajid Javid told his followers on Twitter last weekend that he picked a painting by Norwood-born optical artist Bridget Riley, 83, who studied at Croydon College of Art between 1962 and 1964. He tweeted on Saturday: "I picked artwork by great Bridget Riley for office from @GovArtCol. Lovely interview with her in @FTlifeandarts today." The Advertiser contacted the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and asked about the piece and whether Mr Javid would like to explain his choice. The press office confirmed the piece was 'Blaze 4' , painted in 1964, but said the Secretary of State was too busy to pose for a photograph in front of it or explain why he liked it. Mr Javid took over as Culture Secretary when Maria Miller resigned in April following an expenses scandal.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid chooses work by Croydon artist Bridget Riley to adorn office

'Impossible' to say if more could have been done for Croydon woman, 33, who called NHS 111 but died before receiving call from GP, says report

0
0
IT IS "impossible to determine" whether more could have been done to save a 33-year-old woman who called the NHS non-emergency number but died before receiving a response from a doctor, an investigation has found. However, neither the report or its recommendations will be published. The woman, who has not been named, called 111 with a unidentified health complaint on December 22 last year only for her condition to "rapidly deteriorate" before a GP returned her call within two hours. When paramedics arrived at her Croydon home they were unable to resuscitate her. An investigation into her dath, which concluded this week, was unable to determine whether a faster response would have saved her life, health bosses said. They have decided the report will not be published because it would "break patient confidentiality". Harmoni, the private firm contracted to operate 111 in south west London by Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), conducted the investigation. The company has since been rebranded as Care UK. Spokesperson Sheila Roberts said: "We would like to offer our sincere sympathy to the patient's family and friends. Care UK and Croydon CCG has taken this matter very seriously. "Although the rapid deterioration of the patient in this case means that we will never really know if we could have done anything different to change the final course of events, we want to make sure we do all we can to learn from this investigation and make changes that will strengthen the service." Care UK said the report had been delayed to include a coroner's findings. It is understood the coroner has decided not to hold an inquest into the woman's death. Ms Roberts added that details of the report could not be made public but said the family had been involved in the process. Dr Agatha Nortley-Meshe, clinical lead of NHS 111 at Croydon CCG, said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with the patients family at this difficult time. "As the commissioner for this service in Croydon, it is our responsibility to oversee the investigation and ensure any recommendations are properly. "The report concludes that in the light of the patient's rapid deterioration, it is impossible to determine whether there was anything the 111 service could have done that would have made a difference. "However, Croydon CCG takes its responsibilities very seriously so we will be working closely with the provider to make sure NHS 111 learns all it can from this incident and continues to offer the best possible service for the people of Croydon." A separate investigation has found Croydon CCG included "inappropriate" information about the woman's death in the January board paper it was initially mentioned in, even though it included no name, age or address, and very little about what happened.

'Impossible' to say if more could have been done for Croydon woman, 33, who called NHS 111 but died before receiving call from GP, says report

Crystal Palace fans banned for three years for running on to pitch to celebrate goal during Liverpool draw

0
0
TWO Crystal Palace fans have been banned from going to football matches for three years after they ran on to the pitch to celebrate a goal during the 3-3 draw with Liverpool last month. Liam Field, 18, of Homestead Way in New Addington, and Jack Brown, 19, of Fieldend Road, Streatham, were "caught up in the heat of the moment" when they climbed the barriers at Selhurst Park to congratulate the players after Dwight Gayle's goal in the 81st minute on May 5. But the pair, who were sitting in separate stands and acting independently, were swiftly brought back down to earth when they were told to get off by the footballers, marched off the field by stewards and arrested. At Croydon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, they both pleaded guilty to "going onto the playing area at a football match" – an offence under the Football (Offences ) Act 1991 – and must each pay £320 in fines and costs. Their lawyers argued that the men were not violent or disorderly, but District Judge Sweet, granting the banning order applied for by the police, said walking onto the pitch was "very serious". Speaking after the hearing, Field's mother, Gaynor Fossey, said she thought the banning order was "heavy-handed", adding of the convicted pair: "If that's the worst thing they are going to do in [their] lives, then good luck to them." Field told the Advertiser he would "just have to do something else" for the next three years, adding: "It is how it is, it's just one of those things. I blame no one else for doing it apart from myself." The court heard how Palace were losing 3-1 with ten minutes left when Gayle scored, prompting Brown, a season-ticket holder, to climb the barriers of the Arthur Wait stand. Field entered the pitch from the Holmesdale Road stand, where he had been sitting. Liverpool fans "started throwing things" as Brown was being taken away, the court was told. Prosecuting, Les Rowley said that in police interviews the men "accepted what they had done was wrong but stated they just got caught up in the heat of the moment". Both pleaded guilty at the first opportunity in court. Defending Brown, Alison Gurden said her client was on his way to get a drink when the team scored and he "just got caught up in the moment; he was literally right by the barrier … he accepts he was stupid". She later added he was "not a football hooligan, by any means". Defending Field, Sanchia Wheeler said her client's actions were "simply to celebrate the fact that his team had scored" adding he was "not someone who was a violent person". Both argued there was no need for the banning order as there was no evidence to suggest their clients would create any nuisance in future. But Judge Sweet told the pair: "Both of you clearly enjoy going to watch football, and I am not a football fan but I know that people get very emotive about these things. "Running onto the pitch is very serious; I don't have to explain to you the reasons why. "You know the effect it can have, indeed it had an effect on the Liverpool fans, from the papers that I have read. "I am therefore satisfied that a banning order should be made."

Crystal Palace fans banned for three years for running on to pitch to celebrate goal during Liverpool draw

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace boss targets reunion with Stoke City striker

0
0
TONY PULIS is being linked with a move for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, according to reports. Pulis worked with the striker, who has scored 22 goals in 42 appearances for England, during his time at the Potters. And now, the Daily Express has reported that he could look to bring the striker to Selhurst Park. In addition, Palace have also been linked with moves for Southampton midfielder Jack Cork and free agent Joleon Lescott, who is also a reported target for Hull City, West Ham and Aston Villa.

Transfer talk: Crystal Palace boss targets reunion with Stoke City striker


Van carrying illegally-butchered 'black market' flesh stopped in Croydon

0
0
A van-load of illegally slaughtered meat – some still with animal fur on – was ordered to be destroyed after police stopped the driver in Croydon. Police stopped the van on April 25 and found a large consignment of illegally-produced raw meat in unrefrigerated, blood-soaked, flattened cardboard boxes in the back of the vehicle. A Food Standards Agency meat hygiene inspector identified several pieces as excess from sheep carcass. The examined flesh was also found to contain traces of vertebrae, spinal cord and spleen. All the meat is classified as 'Specified Risk Material', and should not be eaten by humans or animals. It is usually sold on the black market for human consumption. The meat is known as 'smokies' – illegally slaughtered meat that has not undergone an official inspection process. The nickname is given because flesh and fur is left on the meat, which is then scorched, resulting in a smoky appearance and smell. Police found the meat in five bin liners, and also discovered five large buckets of blood residue and cuts of liver. The council were awarded costs of £2,350.60 on Tuesday morning by Croydon magistrates, to be paid by the van's driver. A criminal prosecution is pending. Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice, said: "This is a great result for the council's food safety team. "Working with the police, they were able to quickly identify meat that, despite being unfit for human consumption, could very probably have ended up on the plates of unsuspecting people, putting their health and safety at risk. "The court costs levied in this case send out the message that Croydon is not the place to try to sell goods that fail to meet the necessary health and safety standards."

Dikgacoi leaves Palace for Cardiff

0
0
Popular midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi has left Crystal Palace to join relegated Cardiff City. The South African had been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park after reportedly turning down a new contract offer with the Eagles. And he has decided to sign for the Bluebirds in the Championship next season. Dikgacoi played 27 times for Palace last season, failing to score a Premier League goal in the club's survival. He played 110 games in total for the Eagles during three years with the club.

Dikgacoi leaves Palace for Cardiff

Parish still purring over Gayle's wonder goal at Aston Villa

0
0

STEVE PARISH has looked back on Dwight Gayle's goal at Aston Villa last season with admiration.

The last-gasp strike won goal of the season at the club's awards night earlier in May.

And Parish says he had a feeling Gayle would score a second gem at Fulham when he stepped up for the free-kick with several minutes remaining.

"I think, technically, Dwight's goal at Villa was our best," he said.

"You have to put it into context it as well. It was a nothing sort of game, he comes on, a long ball down the pitch and it was Ian Wright-esque.

"There was nothing on, oh well, I'll just stick it in the top corner. What a wonderful story.

"And that third goal against Liverpool, it was Wright and Bright when Glenn Murray chested it down for him.

"I think he deserved the accolade for goal of the season at Villa. He has played more than his part this season, even though he hasn't had that many minutes.

"When he put it down for the free-kick at Fulham, I did think he was going to score as well.

"Give him a chance and he will score.

"I was actually disappointed he didn't get a hat-trick against Liverpool too!"

Parish  still purring over Gayle's wonder goal at Aston Villa

How Parish tied a Socceroo down at Crystal Palace

0
0

PALACE co-chairman Steve Parish has revealed the day he was first made aware of midfield dynamo Mile Jedinak by former boss Dougie Freedman.

The Australian skipper is set to lead his country into the World Cup, with their first game kicking off at 11pm today (Friday) against Chile.

It was certainly an impressive season for Jedinak with Palace in the Premier League, and Parish has described the 29-year-old as the club's "strength and energy", pointing to his qualities on and off the pitch.

"I remember I secured him on a new deal between Ian Holloway leaving and Tony Pulis arriving last season," Parish said.

"I would like to think that was a big, pivotal moment for the season as well because, make no mistake, maybe he hasn't received some of the plaudits he deserves.

"He is our strength and energy, our belief system. I think words 'model pro' were invented for Mile Jedinak.

"I think every single day he trains like it's his last. Every game he plays like it's his last.

"I remember when Dougie brought him to the club, he said to me, 'Steve, this player, when you see him, he's a man, he's just a monster of a man!'

"He said I would learn to love him. He first came and we were all looking at his passing ability, it took a little while for him to get used to the pace of the English game and settle into the country.

"But I have to say, Dougie has been right completely. He's a fabulous player and he's been here three seasons now.

"I am pleased to say we got him tied down on a longer contract. In fact, our website company FLI came in to see me and asked why we have so many fans in Australia, because we get so many hits from out there.

"He epitomises what our side has been about and he's a huge, huge part of it."

Adlene Guedioura missed out on the chance to feature for Algeria in Brazil, while Palace could have had a representative for England in Joel Ward.

The versatile defender was ranked highly by a number of statistics companies at the end of the season and was in the top six English defenders in the Premier League.

And Parish believes Ward will get a chance to play for the Three Lions in the future if he continues to progress.

"I think Joel has been sensational for us," he said.

"Could he go to Brazil and do a great job? Absolutely. He has never let us down anywhere he's played on the pitch but I just think not getting picked for England then getting picked for a World Cup is not going to happen.

"Hopefully his time is next time – and it will come."

How Parish  tied  a Socceroo  down at Crystal Palace

Millen hails Delaney as Crystal Palace's defensive rock

0
0

KEITH MILLEN says he tried to sign centre-back Damien Delaney when he was manager at Bristol City more than two years ago and has praised the Republic of Ireland international for another season at Palace.

On the back of helping the Eagles into the Premier League, Delaney has stepped up superbly to form a solid partnership with both Danny Gabbidon and Scott Dann.

But in the summer of 2012, he was close to walking away from the English game completely.

"I spoke to him when I was Bristol City manager in January 2012 and his head had gone," Millen said.

"I think he was thinking of quitting the game or going abroad to America.

"I tried to persuade him to come to Bristol, and I can't remember now why it fell through or the finances put forward, but I didn't sign him.

"For him to go from there in his career to have two great years at Palace, he's been so consistent. I think that has coincided with how the team has been set up as well this season."

Palace's defence was certainly a lot stronger following Tony Pulis' arrival in November, but their shut-outs were also down to getting used to the Premier League and learning from mistakes at the start of the season.

Millen says he and Pulis went through all the goals the Eagles had conceded from August and made it their mission to stop the silly errors.

"When you analyse the first 12 to 15 games, we were making mistakes and getting punished," he said.

"It would be interesting to go through them all again, but I bet if you analysed it there were a lot of sloppy goals we gave away.

"From December onwards, we've hardly given any soft goals away or penalties.

"At the start of the season we were diving in and going one or two goals down, and all of a sudden in the second half of the season we've learnt very quickly that we can't do that.

"I remember in the month I was in charge, myself and Tony analysed the goals we'd conceded and I think something like 16 out of the 20 were goals we could have done better.

"They weren't great goals to concede. We just said to cut out those sort of goals and mistakes and we'll give ourselves a better chance of winning.

"It's a big thing moving forward that we carry on doing that."

Meanwhile, Millen believes Palace will "thrive" on being the underdogs once again next season against the bigger sides in the Premier League.

But that tag should bring the best out of the Eagles squad as they aim to build on last season's 11th-place finish.

"Tony made a great point to the players that when we come back next season, we'll be favourites for relegation again and they'll have to get that in their mindset of how it will be," said Millen.

"It's a great way to look at it, and I think we'll probably be in the bottom four favourites.

"But if we're the underdogs, we're a group that seem to thrive and get better like that.

"I think that brings the best out of the group so we have to continue thinking like that."

Millen hails Delaney  as Crystal Palace's defensive rock

Viewing all 5354 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images