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Teenager, 15, fights for life after being stabbed on a bus

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A 15-YEAR-OLD boy is fighting for his life after being stabbed on a bus in Sutton this afternoon (Friday).

Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 2.35pm in St Helier Avenue, Sutton. The boy was taken to a south London hospital where his injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

The Met say that, at this stage, they believe the incident took place on a Route 151 bus.

Officers from Sutton are investigating but no arrests have yet been made.

Teenager, 15, fights for life after being stabbed on a bus


Inspirational story of Croydon mum who overcame child poverty and neglect

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A CROYDON-based businesswoman who has overcome child poverty and neglect has released her autobiography in time for Black History Month.

Ava Brown, 38, had a tough time growing up in Jamaica, which she detailed in diaries over many years.

Ava's autobiography, Bamboo and Fern, was released earlier this month and tells her story of growing up in a poor area of Jamaica as one of nine children .

The mother-of-two moved to the UK 12 years ago, initially to work as a teacher, then as a business development manager, but now she is now proud to call herself an author.

"I think it's such an amazing time for my book to be out," said Ava.

"I'm in no way Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X or Martin Luther King but what I think is really profound and great about my book being out now is that it has got a message that tells people to continue."

Ava started to keep a diary from a young age because she felt that she couldn't talk about everything that had happened to her.

"It was a case of living in a society where kids are seen and not heard so I quickly learned never to open my mouth.

"But I felt like I could talk to my diary, I could tell it everything I wanted to, that I could ask it questions and it would not retaliate.

"As time passed I felt that other experiences also needed to be put down on paper so the diary ended up becoming a very big thing, containing all of my thoughts, experiences and disappointments."

As a child Ava would sell mangoes that she had picked from trees to help provide some money for her family.

As well as living in poverty, when she was young Ava was abused by her stepfather and as an adult she was robbed at gunpoint.

Ava said that being able to write about her experiences felt cathartic and she has found an inner strength.

"Looking back I see how persevering I was," said Ava.

"As I look back I understand. I think: that's why I'm so pushy, that's why I'm so resilient and that's why I don't take no for an answer."

Ava was determined to get an education and eventually she was able to receive funding which helped her train as a teacher.

She moved to the UK with her young daughter in 2002 at the encouragement of her aunt but Ava soon found that her Jamaican qualifications were not enough to allow her to continue teaching in this country.

Instead she found an online learning programme that would let her to study for an MBA remotely, allowing her to achieve a different dream of becoming a businesswoman.

She graduated from the University of Wales with an MBA this year.

Though Ava did not set out to become an author, she began to believe that she could use her story to inspire others.

"By the time I was an adult I had so many experiences that I thought could help other people and I thought that I would publish the diary one day."

Since she started to tell her story in public Ava has found that her openness about her past allows other people to come forward and speak about their own experiences.

"I would like people to read my book and see my struggles, but that's not what should resonate," said Ava.

"Life is difficult. Your problem may not be poverty, as mine was, it may be something else. It could be your religion, your parents, your academic abilities or your job.

Ava is now CEO of her own company Chakai Consultants Ltd and is already working on her second book.

Ava will perform readings from her book at Thornton Heath Library tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am - 11am and at Croydon Main Library from 2pm - 4pm. 

Inspirational story of Croydon mum who overcame child poverty and neglect

New discount supermarket in East Croydon - which will never open

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A DISCOUNT supermarket from the founders of EasyJet in East Croydon is stocked full of bargain food – but is unlikely to ever sell a single tin of beans.

EasyGroup has created a mock-up of its previously planned no-brand EasyFood store, in Addiscombe Road, on the first floor of the former MetLife office, opposite the 50p building.

But after Croydon Council indicated it would reject any application for the store, it is unlikely EasyGroup will ever try to open a fully-operational shop on the site.

Complete with unbranded tins and packets of food and EasyGroup's trademark orange decor, the mock-up version has been built to demonstrate the "no brand" venture and a focus group trial is to begin soon.

EasyGroup spokesman Richard Shackleton said other sites in areas they deem as having socio-economic need were being looked at – including in Thornton Heath.

Mr Shackleton said: "The whole future of the project depends upon being able to find sites. We are looking for freehold properties of about 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.

"It might not be in areas right in the town centre, but it has to be somewhere where there is significant footfall.

"It also has to be in a part of London where there is a socio-economic need. We won't be looking to open them in Mayfair."

EasyGroup founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has promised a 50p average price on the goods which mainly include basics such as baked beans, instant coffee, pizza and chips.

The spokesman said the prices would all be cheaper than the mainstream supermarkets.

The mock-up is not yet completed, but sits under what EasyGroup hopes to open as an EasyHotel and EasyGym.

The group backed off from the EasyFoodstore application so as not to hinder the hotel plans with the council.

The council indicated the food store would be rejected because of its size, location and council zoning policies.

A council spokesman said there is no planning breach with the mock-up because it was still within the A2 office use class of the planning framework as it comes under 'research and development'.

New discount supermarket in East Croydon - which will never open

Head of New Addington school asks parents to stop spitting outside gates

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SPITTING is a habit teachers have been trying to stamp out of children for years.

But a school in New Addington has had to send a letter to PARENTS, to ask them to politely refrain from gobbing on the ground.

Wolsey Infant and Nursery School, in King Henry's Drive, issued a carefully-worded missive to all parents l on October 14, to ask them to stop spitting as it sets a bad example to children.

The note also asks parents to take their young children who don't attend the school to its visitors' bathroom rather than "using a discrete tree".

This follows complaints on the Facebook group New Addington Pathfinders from parents who said they had seen people spitting on the ground and a child urinating outside the school.

The letter, on paper headed with the name of head teacher Mrs Terry Cefai, stressed the importance of keeping out bugs and illnesses at this time of year.

It said: "As the weather has changed so dramatically so quickly, coughs and colds are springing up.

"Could you please remind your children that when they feel uncomfortable in their throat with catarrh could they please use a tissue to rather than spit onto the ground. Please remember we are the ones who set the example to the children and model their expected behaviour.

"So adults, please refrain from doing this also. If you are 'caught short' the office would be more than happy to give you a tissue."

The Advertiser approached the school for comment but is yet to receive a response.

Parents welcomed the school's quick action in discouraging the bad habit.

Chez Fairchild said on Facebook: "What a brilliant letter. Polite, friendly but gets the point across."

Another poster, Stephen Tanner, said it would be a problem as long as students' mates were doing it.

The letter did, however, end with a more positive message: "On a cheery note we often find that head lice are considerably less frequent in the winter; we don't know why but every blessing helps."

Head of New Addington school asks parents to stop spitting outside gates

West Brom fan previews Crystal Palace clash and predicts a draw

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The Advertiser caught up with Baggies fan Simon Shapcott to get the lowdown on his team before Saturday's game against Palace...

2-2 draw with Man Utd on Monday certainly puts you in a confident mood for Palace?

Yes, I think the turnover of players we had meant it was always going to take time for the new players to bed in. Gradually we have been getting stronger and the squad depth is as good as I've known it. Joleon Lescott truly has been a rock for us and I think it helps Craig Dawson playing alongside him. We've now got players on the bench who can genuinely change a game.

Saido Berahino is getting better and better, isn't he?

He's a talented boy, no question. What impresses me most about him is his calmness in front of goal and he's keeping a £10m striker on the bench, quite rightly with his performances. I was not sure he could play as a lone striker but he has proved me wrong this season and even in games where he is quiet, still poses a potent threat purely because of his finishing ability. The vultures will circle if he keeps this up!

Happy with Alan Irvine in charge and that he has got a chance at the helm?

Most fans would agree it was an underwhelming appointment, largely because it came out of the blue. But he needs to be given time to mould the team, something his predecessor didn't get. He has one of the best squads I've seen us ever have, ultimately it depends on our style of play and where we finish this season. It would be nice if we can finish well clear of the relegation zone and have a much needed cup run. My only concern are his substitutions, sometimes I feel he dallies a little but it is still early days and he has had a reasonable start in terms of results.

Which other players are impressing so far for you?

Lescott, as mentioned earlier, has been a rock and the development of the younger players Dawson and Berahino is exciting to see. The huge plus has been the signing of left-back Sebastien, an absolute steal at £1.5m and already a fans' favourite.

If you could sign anyone from Palace, who do you like the look of?

I have to be honest, I've barely seen Palace play this season but I like the energy their midfield has, particularly Mile Jedinak. I've always rated Joe Ledley and Jame McArthur is a good player also. We know Neil Warnock's teams are usually hard-working and hard to break down.

What's your score prediction?

My prediction is the same as last season, 1-1. We ended up losing that one, so I hope that's not an omen!

West Brom fan previews Crystal Palace clash and predicts a draw

Former Crystal Palace snapper tells of 40-year prejudices

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THE UK's first female sports photographer, who started her career at Crystal Palace, has spoken out about the racism, sexism and ageism she has faced as she prepares an exhibition of the famous faces she has snapped during her 40-year career.

Hy Money has had a lot to contend with a lot during her life.

Born and raised in India at a British military boarding school in the tradition of the British Raj, she was taken to Bombay harbour by her mother on Christmas Day back in the late 1950s with a one-way ticket to the UK.

After overcoming racism from UK government officials to find work as a developer in a dark room, she eventually found her passion in sports photography, and during a career spanning 40 years, she has photographed some of the world's most famous sportsmen and women including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, George Best and Mohammed Ali.

But it was far from an easy journey.

Hy said: "My mother took me to Bombay harbour with a Box Brownie camera and a one-way ticket and said, 'Take a photo of Buckingham Palace for us.' For a family growing up in the British Raj at the time, Buckingham Palace was like Mecca. But when I got to England it was very different from what I expected.

"They called me a very, very nasty name because I had tanned skin from living in a hot country and had India written all over my passport."

She began her sports photography career with Crystal Palace Football Club, but despite her success she encountered horrendous rejection at the hands of her male peers.

She explained: "I went to photograph a match at Wembley Stadium in the 1970s and the man at the press entrance said 'over my dead body.'

I had a press pass with my name on it but he said 'is there no place you women won't stick your nose in?' and he refused to let me in."

She was also the first female sports photographer to be accepted into the National Union of Journalists, although her male counterparts did their best to stop her from joining.

"Fifty male photographers formed a petition because they said I was taking away another man's job," she said.

"They said I worked for free and only did it as a way to entertain my children, which was not the case.

"You have to have two years' experience, which I did, so the union, they couldn't refuse me entry."

But despite the obstacles, the mother-of-four says her tough upbringing has helped her to achieve her dream.

Hy, who has been described as the "Emmeline Pankhurst of female sports photography, credits the Crystal Palace fans for making her feel welcome - "They've always supported me."

She was a familiar face at the club in the glory days of the late 80s and early 90s, photographing legends Mark Bright and Ian Wright and building a rapport with former chairman Ron Noades.

When Mr Noades died last year, the family asked Hy to take the pictures at his funeral.

As the pensioner reaches a new stage in her life, she says she refuses to let her age affect her energy and enthusiasm for her work.

"Ageism is definitely out there, and the sexism hasn't gone away either," she added.

"Sometimes I feel like I can't take any more 'isms,' but I've learnt to swallow it.

"My camera gives me all the joie de vivre I need."

Hy Money's exhibition at Eve Gallery, 1 Fircroft Way, Edenbridge, TN8 6EL is open now until November 14.

Entry is free. Visit www.hymoney.co.uk for more information

Former Crystal Palace snapper tells of 40-year prejudices

Teenager arrested in connection with stabbing of schoolboy on bus

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A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a schoolboy was stabbed on a bus in Sutton yesterday (Friday).

Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 2.35pm in St Helier Avenue, Sutton. The 15-year-old victim was taken to a south London hospital.

The Metropolitan Police initially released a statement in which his injuries were described as "life-threatening" but they have since said he is in a stable but serious condition.

They also said they believed the incident happened on a Route 151 bus.

Sutton police are investigating, anyone with information on what happened can call 101.

Teenager arrested in connection with stabbing of schoolboy on bus

Simon Cowell claims Ben Haenow got his X Factor song choice wrong

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MENTOR Simon Cowell admitted he thought Ben Haenow picked the wrong song to perform on the third X Factor live show.

Croydon van driver Ben, 29, was earmarked to perform The Righteous Brothers' 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' on Saturday night, to close the third live show - where the theme was 'a night at the movies'.

However, Ben decided to change his song choice late in the day to Aerosmith's 'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing' from the movie Armageddon.

And, judging by Cowell's reaction, this was indeed the end of the world.

The music svengali said Ben has the talent to get to the final and even win the show, but thought he'd made an error in choosing the 1998 song - adding he wished he hadn't "gone along with it".

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, similarly, admitted she wasn't a fan of the song though, more postiively, Louis Walsh and Mel B both said they liked Ben's performance.

Judge for yourselves by watching Ben's performance below

Simon Cowell claims Ben Haenow got his X Factor song choice wrong


West Brom 2–2 Crystal Palace: Controversial Clattenburg in Eagles draw

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By Mark Ritson at The Hawthorns - follow on Twitter @MR_LWMedia

CRYSTAL Palace were held to a 2-2 draw away at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon in what turned out to be quite a controversial encounter at The Hawthorns.

Brede Hangeland gave the Eagles the lead with a close-range volley from a corner, before Mile Jedinak doubled the lead from the penalty spot before the break.

The Baggies grabbed a goal back through Victor Anichebe, which saw goalkeeper Julian Speroni go off for a head injury despite saying he was fine to carry on.

And the hosts pulled level late on with a penalty themselves after Jedinak had committed a foul.

But it was the baffling decisions of Clattenburg at times which left both set of supporters frustrated in a decent encounter in the West Midlands.

West Brom started the better and forced the Eagles back, but Yannick Bolasie had the first opportunity, jinking past a defender after collecting Fraizer Campbell's pass before seeing his cut-back cut out.

Bolasie went extremely close moments later with a long-range effort, which went inches wide and against the side netting.

Wilfried Zaha won a free-kick in a dangerous position, and from Joe Ledley's delivery Fraizer Campbell's looping header was tipped over by Ben Foster.

And from the corner, Palace took the lead thanks to Brede Hangeland. The centre-back rose highest and saw his initial header blocked, before the ball fell to his feet and he volleyed home.

Julian Speroni pulled off a fine save to deny Craig Gardner, and from the corner the goalkeeper missed the cross and was relieved to see Graham Dorrans fire over.

It was nearly number two midway through the half as Bolasie powered down the left and played in a great ball towards Campbell, who got in front of his marker and missed the ball by inches with his outstretched leg.

West Brom crept back into the contest and nearly got back on level terms when Chris Brunt's cross caught Speroni out and the ball curled inches wide of the far post.

Zaha appeared to be taken out inside the penalty area but referee Mark Clattenburg failed to see any wrongdoing despite television replays showing there was contact.

However, Clattenburg and his assistant were in great positions to award Palace a clear penalty when Bolasie was taken out by Sebastian Pocognoli.

And Jedinak did the rest, sending Foster the wrong way to send the Eagles into half-time with a comfortable lead.

West Brom were expected to start the second half brightly, and they did just that, grabbing a goal back through substitute Victor Anichebe in controversial circumstances.

As the ball came in from a corner, Craig Dawson's arm/elbow clattered into Speroni's face before the striker Anichebe forced the ball home.

No foul was given and the custodian lay down for a good three minutes receiving treatment. After getting up and insisting he was fine to carry on, Wayne Hennessey was already waiting to come on as Neil Warnock's waved for Speroni to come off.

The goalkeeper clearly didn't want to but new rules in the Premier League this season by medical experts meant the shot-stopper had to come off despite his own personal opinion.

The Baggies were on top before Jason Puncheon entered the fray and the winger immediately found Bolasie on the edge of the box, whose low shot was easily smothered by Foster.

Gardner then struck the Palace crossbar midway through the half with a dipping effort, while Speroni could be seen holding an almighty big ice pack on the side of his head in the dugout.

The Baggies kept banging the Palace door as James Morrison's shot was blocked from a cross, and from the follow-up, Berahino placed high and over.

Substitute Adlene Guedioura shot tamely at Foster after an excellent break through the middle from Puncheon, and then the two combined again only for Foster to come out and smother.

However, West Brom drew level late on when Clattenburg pointed to the spot after Jedinak committed a clear foul.

Puncheon looked to have been fouled in the build-up after trying to wriggle his way out of danger but the referee gave nothing.

Berahino levelled and Palace were stunned. Six minutes were added on but neither side could force a winner.

Warnock may have a few words to say about the referee again, it could perhaps be said.

Palace: Speroni (Hennessey 55), Ward, Mariappa, Hangeland, Kelly, Jedinak, Ledley, Zaha (Puncheon 64), Bolasie, Chamakh (Guedioura 73), Campbell.

Subs Not Used: Hennessey, Fryers, Bannan, Doyle, Gayle.

West Brom 2–2 Crystal Palace: Controversial Clattenburg in Eagles draw

Fury as Addington golf course is 'outrageously' sold off by council

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THE Labour council has been accused of "outrageous" secrecy over a decision to dispose of Addington Palace Golf Club.

The agreement to hand the golf course to the club on a 999 year lease was sanctioned at Monday's meeting of the council's cabinet.

Tory opposition members protested at the meeting that the deal went through without them having a chance to study a paper outlining its details.

Labour's cabinet member for finance, Simon Hall, said the paper had been published online last week but admitted it had not been included as part of the written agenda papers.

He claimed "a glitch" in the system had meant the availability of the online publication had not been properly flagged up in the agenda papers.

The cabinet decision gave Cllr Hall permission to sign off the deal and although figures involved have yet to be published, it is understood the council will receive around £1 million from the club for the lease.

Councillor Dudley Mead, deputy leader of the Conservative opposition, said after the meeting: "The Labour council has promised there will be more openness about decisions but this went through without any of the information being made public.

"It is absolutely outrageous. I have never in my 34 years experience on the council seen anything as bad as this."

He said rather than go ahead without members seeing the background document, the deal should have been put on hold.

Councillor Hall dismissed Cllr Mead's allegations of secrecy as "mischief-making". He said the background report was available online shortly after the printed papers were published and his Tory opposite number had been given a full briefing last week.

He said: "If the opposition did not check the background document that is regrettable."

But he agreed that in future when background documents were not part of the physical papers sent out to councillors, their presence online would be made explicit.

Cllr Hall said: "It wasn't done this time and it should have been."

He added the deal, which does not involve the historic Addington Palace itself, would benefit council taxpayers.

The council will lose £60,000 a year in rent paid by the golf club under the existing 999-year lease.

The background report says the disposal of the site will bring a capital receipt, reducing the need to incur overall debt and saving the council £80,000 a year.

In addition, Cllr Hall said the council retained the freehold of the land, enabling it to retain control over future use of the course.

Fury as Addington golf course is  'outrageously' sold off by council

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock hits out at Craig Dawson 'assault' on Julian Speroni

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WEST BROM defender Craig Dawson's elbow on Crystal Palace keeper Julian Speroni was labelled an 'assault' by Eagles boss Neil Warnock.

Referee Mark Clattenburg allowed the Baggies first goal to stand in Saturday's 2-2 draw, despite a clear foul by the England Under 21 international on the Palace keeper.

A dazed Speroni required lengthy treatment before being substituted by Warnock, who said he wanted to protect his number one from potential further damage.

And he was angry that Clattenburg - who also failed to give Palace a clear first half penalty when Wilfried Zaha was tripped in the box - did not disallow the goal, which started the home side's second half fightback from 2-0 down.

Warnock said: "If officials can't see a smash like that then I've got to protect my goalkeeper.

"It's almost an assault. He comes from two or three yards away and smashes him in the face. I don't understand why at least one of the officials can't see that."

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock hits out at Craig Dawson 'assault' on Julian Speroni

Crystal Palace fans call on Steve Claridge to say sorry for Julian Speroni slur

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CRYSTAL Palace fans have called on Steve Claridge to apologise to Julian Speroni, after he accused the keeper of feigning injury.

Claridge, on the BBC Final Score programme, suggested Speroni was trying to waste time, as he lay prone in his penalty area after what Neil Warnock branded an 'assault' by West Brom defender Craig Dawson.

And as it became clear the keeper was injured and would not be able to continue, Eagles fans on Twitter expressed their anger at a man once on Palace's books.

Howard Jenkins wrote: "@SteveClaridge Will you make an apology for your remarks about Speroni faking it, after you see the replay?"

Barbara Poole tweeted: "Shame on you for suggesting Julian Speroni was faking it. Palace aren't that kind of team."

And Patrick Stevens added: "You accused Speroni of cheating by feigning injury. Are you big enough to apologise for such a bad slur on an honourable man?"

Speroni had to be substituted after lengthy treatment following Dawson's elbow, which led to the Baggies first goal in Saturday's 2-2 draw at The Hawthorns.

Crystal Palace fans call on Steve Claridge to say sorry for Julian Speroni slur

'Please Save Marcus': Family and friends stage protest march while Croydon North MP backs their campaign

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THE family and friends of a critically ill young dad have continued their protest about his hospital treatment, while Croydon North MP Steve Reed has backed their campaign.

Marcus' family accuse Croydon University Hospital of "giving up" on the 22-year-old father of two from Thornton Heath, who has a rare brain-stem inflammation.

They started a social media campaign earlier this week, called Please Save Marcus, after doctors told them in a meeting last Sunday (October 19) there was nothing more they could do for him.

Friends, family and people who saw the campaign online staged protests on Wednesday and Thursday evenings this week, while yesterday they marched from Allders, now Croydon Village Outlet in North End, to the hospital on London Road bearing placards reading "treat Marcus", "move Marcus" and "save Marcus".

Marcus' family also met with Steve Reed MP, who backed their campaign. The Croydon North MP later tweeted to say he would raise the family's concerns with NHS managers.

The family said Marcus' sisters were allowed to see him for the first time in six days yesterday. His friends and family, other than mum Sandra, were initially barred from the hospital after the meeting with doctors last Sunday became heated.

Though the family said they were told in that meeting that Marcus would not be resuscitated if his heart stops and he would not be given antibiotics if he had an infection, Croydon Health Services, the trust which runs the hospital, now says he will.

On Friday evening, a spokesman for the trust said staff would resuscitate Marcus should his heart stop beating, will treat him with antibiotics, and will transfer him to a specialist hospital - should a bed become available.

The outcome of a review into Marcus' care, undertaken by an independent expert at the trust's request, is expected to be known next week, he added.

The statement read: "Marcus is extremely unwell and his condition remains life-threatening. Our doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to make him comfortable, and we are continuing to discuss his on-going care with his family, in particular his mum.

"Our most senior clinician has discussed Marcus' care with his mum, and we have invited all family members to visit to be by his side.

"We are caring for Marcus, keeping him comfortable and preventing him from suffering. We want to do as much as we possibly can to support him and Marcus' family at this very difficult time."

'Please Save Marcus': Family and friends stage protest march while Croydon North MP backs their campaign

FAN VIEW: Brede Hangeland deserves a run in the Crystal Palace side

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COLUMNIST Alex White admits Brede Hangeland has won him over, and now thinks the big man deserves a run in the team...

Seemingly last week the dilemma was which back four to pick. Neil Warnock certainly has his constraints with Scott Dann out injured and Damien Delaney suspended. 

Brede Hangeland has been called upon for the last two fixtures and has slotted into the heart of our defence perfectly. Prior to the Chelsea game I was disappointed to see Hangeland get the nod but his last two performances have certainly proved me wrong. Brede has shown his experience, know-how and more importantly, his quality at this level. I have been very impressed with his positioning and both his attacking threat and defensive prowess from set pieces.

It would be extremely difficult not to go back to our normal heartbeat in defence of Delaney and Dann when both are back and available, as Hangeland is proving he could slot in quite nicely. With reports Scott Dann could be back in time for the Sunderland game, I personally would like to see Hangeland partner Dann at the back.

I am a big admirer of Damien Delaney but I don't see what he offers that Hangeland doesn't, neither are certainly blessed with pace but I think Hangeland's quality and experience in the top flight puts him slightly ahead of Damo. Don't get me wrong, Delaney has been an absolute rock for us since our promotion season and to see his energy in the squad has been a revelation at times but there is no place for sentiment at this level and I think Brede deserves his chance to play alongside Dann in the Sunderland game.

It isn't even ten games into the season and this Monday night fixture has already been branded a six-pointer. It is extremely early days but winning or losing these games to teams in and around you could be crucial come May. I think the key at this stage of the season is to ensure we don't lose these fixtures and fall behind the teams who will be in and around us come the end of the season.

Sunderland have been poor to say the least in the last few weeks and we need to take advantage of that, if we perform how we did in the first half at the Hawthorns we will come away victorious but any glimpses of the second it could be a tricky fixture. I would enjoy nothing more than getting three points over Gus Poyet and leaving his position hanging in the balance.

FAN VIEW: Brede Hangeland deserves a run in the Crystal Palace side

CROYDON TWEETS OF THE WEEK: From train pain and Marijuana to Caroline Flack and Adam Ant

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A RUNDOWN of what you've been Tweeting over the past week...

@traceywilby1: The family of noise is here, And it's come to save you and me. In Croydon. Adam Ant

@ClaireEglinton: Ready for a glorious day at work in the paradise that is Croydon

@LizSheppardJone: Another day another cheap shot at Croydon @Specsavers not thinking much of your latest radio commercial

@timothygodfrey: Is it just me and my sensitive nose or has there been a big rise in openly smoking Marijuana on the streets of Croydon borough?

@DeeApple: I'm only ever getting train to work now. I still can't believe it took me three hours to get from West Croydon to Selhurst

@MittenDAmour: This train seems full of young men who haven't yet made enough poor life choices. Calling at East Croydon and Caroline Flack.

@AlexHinsleyCFC: If there wasn't a stand behind the goal Cahill would have carried on backing off up to Thornton Heath station.

@ndmmerritt: They can't open the doors on the train. Been stuck at Purley for ages. And all on my Bath day. Might have to rethink the day's schedule.

@riyyy_: They need to make a Tinsel Town in Croydon/Purley tbh.

CROYDON TWEETS OF THE WEEK: From train pain and Marijuana to Caroline Flack and Adam Ant


Victims of domestic violence in Croydon speak out about their suffering

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In the final instalment of our four-part series of articles marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Advertiser reporter Polly Albany-Ward spoke to three people from Croydon whose lives have been changed forever by the physical and psychological abuse they have suffered at the hands of their partners. The victims' names have been changed in order to protect their identities. However, the three women have escaped their tormentors and are looking to move on with the rest of their lives...

LAURA has been in two abusive relationships. Abuse crept into her first relationship undetected and she denied it to everyone, including herself, for four years...

LAURA, who is 34, met her ex-partner when she was a student. "He swept me off my feet and made me feel like the only girl in the world," she said.

The abuse began with jealousy. Laura said the first time he beat her, six months into the relationship, he cried and told her it was because he loved her.

But then he started hitting Laura for being too long at the supermarket or phoning her family when he wasn't there. He always told her it was because she had done something wrong.

"By the second year of our relationship the beatings were just a regular everyday occurrence," she said. "He started saying that he couldn't bear for me to be at work all day because he knows what men are like and they would all be trying to flirt and I was too friendly."

She drank and became addicted to painkillers to dull the agony of the beatings. After four years she discovered her ex had cheated on her and run up debts in her name. She could not cope any more.

"He had attacked me so many times I prayed the next time would be the last and he would kill me once and for all," she said.

One night, Laura hid her ex's keys so he could not lock her in the house when he went out. When he came home he tried to batter the door down but passers-by called the police who sent him away.

He stalked her until she met her next partner. This man abused Laura emotionally so she did not know it was happening, and eventually she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and placed on medication.

"I found it very hard to trust people," said Laura. "I would constantly argue with people, then spend my time at home crying and trying to commit suicide."

But then Laura went on the Freedom Programme (FP). "It acknowledged my abuse and made it real," said Laura. "It taught me to truly see it was not my fault."

Laura said the FP taught her to deal with abusers and value herself. She began to come off the medication and is studying again.

"I became me again," she said. "Without the FP I would probably be dead or as good as. The FP taught me what a decent man is like and what a decent relationship should be like, so I look forward to having one."

VANESSA met her ex-husband when she was in her early 20s. On her wedding day, two years later, she knew she had made a mistake...

IT WAS when Vanessa challenged her ex on something and he dragged her from the hall, saying: "I do what I want, you're my wife," that she first realised a problem.

She tried to forget it and they had two children, but her ex became more abusive and cheated regularly.

"We got more and more terrified of him," said Vanessa. "It got to the point where I couldn't even speak to my parents on the phone because if I said 'I love you' to them that could spark something."

Vanessa said her ex found faults with everything she said, until she could not talk to anyone.

She said: "He would isolate me. He said 'nobody likes you, you're ugly', so I became paranoid."

One day, Vanessa questioned him on something and he ripped the radiator from the bathroom wall and tried to hit her with it. One of the pipes refused to break but water flooded the bathroom.

Vanessa worked for a local authority and knew how to get help but was paralysed with fear and shame.

She said: "He said 'if you tell the police I will kill you, I will find you'. The number of nights I spent on the floor in absolute despair, I was convinced either I stayed or I died."

Vanessa also discovered her ex had taken out a life insurance policy in her name.

To the outside world she said her ex, a church-going businessman, was a "nice guy".

She said: "He was the perfect dad and perfect husband. But the minute we got in the car and the door closed that mask would come off."

Vanessa's family took control 16 years after her wedding. Her brother took her to the police and they held her ex while she went home for her things.

"The only thing I could remember to take was my children's uniforms," she said. "I walked out of that house and never went back, I lost everything within 30 minutes. I had to walk away to save my life."

The Croydon Family Justice Centre helped Vanessa keep her job and take out an injunction to stop her ex going near her or her children.

Two years later, Vanessa went on the Freedom Programme (FP). It taught her about abusers and how to recognise a good man.

She remarried two years ago and lives happily with her husband, children and stepchildren.

SARAH, 43, from Croydon, met her ex-partner on holiday. They spent a few months together before splitting up and Sarah found she was pregnant. They were friends throughout the pregnancy, but the abuse had already begun...

"ALL the time I was pregnant I was quite vulnerable," she said. "He's very controlling. He was aggressive and would always tell me to shut up. When he was here I felt myself going more and more into myself."

Sarah, who worked in broadcasting before having her son, said she used to be a confident person.

"But it was slowly pecking at me, making me feel stupid," she said.

After Sarah's son was born, her ex took them on holiday and the emotional abuse became physical. This was when she knew it was an abusive relationship.

One evening, Sarah was late to meet her ex for dinner because she was looking after her son. They argued, and when they got back to the hotel, he assaulted her.

"He had me in a headlock and kicked my shins and pulled my hair," said Sarah. "My son was screaming on the bed."

Sarah tried to leave but her ex locked her passport in the hotel safe and she did not know the code.

Two days later, he left it unlocked and Sarah went to hotel security who called the police. She dropped the charges so she could go home, but then her ex started sending abusive text messages and e-mails.

"They were awful, things like 'if you treat me like a **** I'll treat you like a ***'. As soon as I get a text from him I'm like," Sarah said as she pulled a face of repulsion, her whole body tensing.

Her ex would also stop child maintenance until he got what he wanted, cutting it by a third when he did pay so Sarah had to stop things like her son's football.

Sarah went on the Freedom programme six months after the assault and now helps Louise Moultrie run the groups. Today, if her ex sends an abusive message, she ignores it.

"The group is amazing because it makes everything in your head click," she added.

"I know what he was doing now; he was trying to batter me down slowly and he achieved it.

"A lot of people blame themselves and say 'how could I have been so stupid', but when it's tap, tap, tap all the time you don't see it."

"He always made out everything was my fault. He still thinks everything is my fault, but I don't. It's made me a much stronger person."

Victims of domestic violence in Croydon speak out about their suffering

EDITOR'S BLOG: Great things are happening in Croydon, so why are so many people still depressed about being here?

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A WHILE back, via social media, we asked Advertiser readers to send us their 'Visions of Croydon'.

I was hoping for a beautiful landscape of one of this borough's amazing parks, perhaps some of the striking town centre architecture or an image showcasing the busy, bustling nature of our 'city'?

What did we get?

A toilet.

Then, some litter.

Undeterred, we tried a different approach. What do you love about Croydon? What makes you proud of living here?

The silence was, as they say, deafening. And those who did respond preferred to accentuate the negative - 'there's nothing good about this place' and words to that effect.

Today, I had another go. It's a relatively slow news day (yes, I know some of you think every day is a slow news day for us) so why not get a nice, upbeat list going of 10/20/30 (or, if you're Buzzfeed, 38.5) reasons to love Croydon.

Two hours later and we've had two responses - one of which simply says: "I suppose there are worse places".

All this follows on from an Advertiser survey at the turn of 2014, which revealed just 43 per cent of more than 550 respondents are proud to tell others they live in Croydon.

Asked to rate how optimistic they were about Croydon's future on a scale of one to ten, the average score was 5.9.

Hardly a glowing endorsement is it?

I'm writing this blog not to add to the stream of negativity nor to challenge it - I just want to get to the bottom of why this exists.

Most of us have a degree of gallows humour about our home town and will use the 'it's a dump' line as an exercise in self-deprecation. Deep down, even if the familiarity of our surroundings can breed contempt, most of us feel some degree of love or at least positvity towards our own backyard.

So why so much negativity here?

One explanation is that I'm wrong and my chosen sample is fallible. That, all in all, most people are positive about Croydon and the examples I'm citing aren't representative of the general feeling.

With respect, this is the ostrich position. If you think this, you're in denial.

Croydon DOES have an image problem.

But here's the thing. It SHOULDN'T.

I think Croydon is going places. I think Croydon is an exciting, progressive place to be right now. I think it has a better future than the past which has preceded it.

This newspaper thinks the same. Our politicians think the same. Those involved in the hugely successful Croydon Tech City, the Croydon Partnership development and various big residential developments think the same - not to mention the dozens of tireless community groups doing fine work across the borough.

But not everyone feels like this. They should, but they don't.

And this is the challenge. Croydon is trying to change the reality, but there's also a need to alter the perception - not just for outsiders looking in, but also a little closer to home.

The two things will probably go hand in hand and over time, as more tangible change becomes apparent, so the disengaged and disheartened will get on side and feel some semblance of civic pride.

The key to this though, is to admit we have a problem, rather than dismissing the negativity as somehow being the ramblings of a  moany minority.

We all have a role to play in this - the council, our residents, heck even the local newspaper.

And if we get it right, maybe the overriding perception of Croydon will one day become something more flattering than a disused lavatory.

Do you have some positive views about Croydon? And what do you think about Glenn's comments? E-mail glenn.ebrey@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

EDITOR'S BLOG: Great things are happening in Croydon, so why are so many people still depressed about being here?

Croydon rail commuters face severe disruption before Christmas, into the New Year - and until 2018!

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IMPROVEMENTS being made to London Bridge Station will once again mean misery for commuters this winter - and beyond.

Following on from similar delays in August, the timetable between London and the south coast will be subject to severe delays - with many regular services not running at all.

The disruption, announced today (Tuesday) by rail firm Govia will be as follows:

December 20 to 4 January 2015: No Southern or Thameslink trains will stop at London Bridge. There will also be changes to other services, including Southern and Gatwick Express services to Victoria and London Overground and Underground

December 22-24: During the morning peak, trains to Charing Cross will not call at London Bridge

January 2015 to 2018: No Bedford to Brighton cross-London Thameslink trains will call at London Bridge Station. A reduced service will run between Brighton and London Bridge in the off-peak and a very limited service will run in the peak

January 12, 2015 to August 2016: Some Southeastern trains to Charing Cross will not stop at London Bridge for 20 months. Some Southeastern stations will have all services diverted to Cannon Street, with no trains calling at Charing Cross or Waterloo.

The disruption all relates to major work being done to expand London Bridge Station, which is due to be completed in 2018.

Dave Ward, Network Rail route managing director, said: "When we've finished rebuilding London Bridge station in 2018, your journey will be more reliable than ever, with more spacious trains running at tube-like frequency into central London.

"We know that, in the meantime, our work may make your journey more difficult so thank you in advance for your understanding.

"Everyone's journey is different and will be affected in different ways at different times. There is no simple travel advice so please go online and plan your own route".

For full details of the changes to services, visit www.thameslinkrailway.com; www.southeasternrailway.co.uk; and www.southernrailway.com

Croydon rail commuters face severe disruption before Christmas, into the New Year - and until 2018!

Man who died in Shirley hit and run escaped war-torn Sri Lanka for a better life

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A MAN who died in a hit and run collision in Shirley on Sunday evening was an asylum seeker who escaped the Sri Lankan civil war for a better life.

Jeyaratnam Kandiah, 43, was returning from dinner at a friend's house, using a pedestrian crossing on Wickham Road near Spring Park Road just before 9pm, when he was hit by a dark BMW which failed to stop.

Witnesses reported seeing Mr Kandiah thrown "10 feet" into the air by the collision, with one resident saying she had seen the car overtake another and drive "through a red light" at up to 60 miles an hour.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics, and a doctor who happened to be in a passing car, worked to save his life.

A tribute to Mr Kandiah, also known as Selvam, made up of flowers, candles and a short poem, has been left near to where he died on Wickham Road.

His friends have since said he was a "caring and considerate" volunteer who helped Tamil children and did odd jobs in the community.

Mr Kandiah arrived in the UK in 2000 after fleeing the country's northern city Jaffna because of trouble with government forces. He lived in Tooting before moving to Croydon eight years ago. He lived in Spring Park Road, just yards from the crossing.

The owner of a cafe in Shirley, who saw the aftermath of the collision, said he heard a "big bang" outside.

"Other people who saw it said the car could have been going as fast as 60 miles an hour," he said.

"We tried to keep him comfortable and people from the nearby pub brought out blankets to help. It's very very sad."

"People said the driver slowed down, looked back and then drove off. There are no skid marks on the road, so he can't have jammed the brakes on."

Police officers investigating the collision have asked for anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision and witnessed this incident to come forward.

They are still trying to trace the driver of the BMW, which they say would have received damage to its front.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0208 285 1574 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man who died in Shirley hit and run escaped war-torn Sri Lanka for a better life

Crystal Palace U21s 3–1 Brentford U21s: Sullay Kaikai and Adlene Guedioura stunners light up Selhurst Park

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By Mark Ritson at Selhurst Park

CRYSTAL Palace U21s managed to overcome Brentford U21s this evening at Selhurst Park thanks to a 3-1 victory.

Development Squad boss Gary Issott was able to call upon first team trio Dwight Gayle, Adlene Guedioura and Zeki Fryers to help his side against the Bees.

Kyle de Silva, Sullay Kaikai and Guedioura did the damage for Palace, who were completely dominant in the first half especially.

Gayle had a great chance early on when he cut out a square pass in the Brentford defence and burst towards goal.

Spotting goalkeeper Jack Bonham way off his line, the striker lifted the ball over the custodian but it went over the crossbar as well.

Mandela Egbo forced Bonham into his first save of the match after the right-back burst into the box after a fine run, and with Gayle lurking for the rebound the custodian turned the ball out for a corner.

Kaikai then drove a fierce shot way wide of the target from range, before the young Eagles made their early dominance count by taking the lead through Kyle De Silva.

The midfielder controlled well inside the box before spinning and poking the ball past Bonham into the bottom corner.

Egbo tried his luck with a stunning effort from way out on the right but it went narrowly over, and then Kaikai drove a low shot towards the bottom corner only for Bonham to get down and save well.

However, five minutes before the break and Kaikai found the back of the net superbly. After Gayle had been brought down just outside the box, the youngster curled the ball over the Brentford wall with power and precision to beat Bonham.

Palace goalkeeper Chris Kettings, a spectator in the first half, made a fantastic low save to his right from Montel Moore at the start of the second period.

Nick Proschwitz then got in front of Palace skipper Sam Magri to head wide after a decent delivery from the right, but they did find a way back in shortly after thanks to Louis Hutton.

Following a short corner, the ball found its way to the diminutive midfielder and his shot beat Kettings despite the shot-stopper getting a hand to the ball.

The visitors' tails were up and they were a different outfit to the one in the first half. Kaikai then had a chance against the run of play in front of the Holmesdale but saw his shot from a tight angel curl away from goal.

Brentford huffed and puffed but Palace managed to restore their two-goal lead when Guedioura curled home brilliantly from just inside the box in front of the Holmesdale Stand on 76 minutes.

And 3-1 was the way it stayed as the Eagles held on comfortably for three points in their league.

Palace U21s: Kettings, Egbo, Fryers, Croll, Magri ©, Boateng, De Silva (Dymond), Guedioura, Gray (Allassani), Kaikai, Gayle (Adaribioyo)

Subs Not Used: Pain, Black. 

Crystal Palace U21s 3–1 Brentford U21s: Sullay Kaikai and Adlene Guedioura stunners light up Selhurst Park

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