Crystal Palace returned to the Premier League a year after leaving it, and, over the next few months, they would experience one of the most unusual seasons in their history. They were the division's lowest scoring team with just 34 goals, but reached the semi-finals of both cup competitions. They also finished fourth from bottom in the Premier League, which – due to the streamlining of the division to 20 clubs – cost them their top flight status. ManagerAlan Smith was sacked just days afterwards, withSteve Coppell returning to the manager's seat two years after handing the reins over to his former assistant Smith.
The aftermath of Palace's relegation saw the sale of numerous players includingRichard Shaw,John Salako,Chris Armstrong andGareth Southgate. A barely recognisable Palace squad would kick off theEndsleigh League Division One campaign with one of the youngest-ever squads to be faced with a challenge for promotion to the Premier League.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^Young was born inSingapore, but qualified to represent any of the home nations internationally as a British passport holder and made his international debut forWales in May 1990.
^Dyer was born inRedbridge,England, and represented them atU-21 level, but played a friendly game forMontserrat against Ashford Town in September 2007.
^Salako was born inIbadan,Nigeria, but also qualified to representEngland internationally and made his international debut forEngland in 1991.
^Ndah was born inSouthwark,England, but also qualified to representNigeria internationally and was called up byNigeria in 1999, but was prevented from playing due to injury.