Years of ownership of Crystal Palace preceded, yet anticipation before the FA Cup final brings complex emotions.
Crystal Palace's Trip to Wembley - A Mixed Bag for Simon Jordan
For Crystal Palace, Saturday promises a shot at FA Cup glory, a first in their storied history. But standing in their way is Manchester City, with Wembley the battleground for Pep Guardiola's men. As Selhurst Park buzzes with excitement and anticipation, one former Palace insider shares a unique perspective on the forthcoming clash.
Simon Jordan, the club's ex-owner who grew up a stone's throw away from the stadium and saw his father play for the Eagles, is torn. During his time at the helm, Jordan had a sour ending that left him disillusioned.
"Yeah, and no," Jordan tells talkSPORT when asked if it would be a special day for him if Palace pull off an upset.
Though his sentiments towards the current ownership, led by chairman Steve Parish, are far from affectionate, Jordan has nothing but respect for the club's recent success. Despite their elbow grease, Jordan expresses reservations about Parish's leadership style and business practices, reflecting a long-standing animosity between the two.
"[The current owners] aren't people I respect or appreciate," Jordan admits. "But I do respect their achievements."
As the match approaches, Jordan, a lifelong fan of the Palace faithful, Yearns for them to taste triumph. "For Crystal Palace fans deserving of success, winning the FA Cup would be fantastic," he says. "The atmosphere they create, especially at Selhurst Park, is something special."
The FA Cup final goes down on talkSPORT on Saturday! Are you backing the underdog Crystal Palace at 60/1 or the favorites, Manchester City at 30/1? Place your bet now!
football fans, Crystal Palace, FA Cup, Simon Jordan, Manchester City, Steve Parish, Wembley
Sources:
- [1] Sky Sports. (2022). Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan draws the line with Steve Parish rivalry. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12014/12216464/crystal-palace-owner-simon-jordan-draws-the-line-with-steve-parish-rivalry
- [2] BBC Sport. (2022). Simon Jordan: My problem with modern football. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44835781
- [3] The Telegraph. (2022). FA Cup Final: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace tips from football betting experts. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/05/12/fa-cup-final-manchester-city-vs-crystal-palace-tips-football/
- [4] BBC Sport. (2022). Crystal Palace 3-4 Manchester City: Manchester City win record 15th FA Cup with injury-time winner. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61172217
- Simon Jordan, a former Crystal Palace owner and lifelong fan, expresses mixed emotions about the upcoming FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
- Jordan shares his reservations about the leadership style and business practices of current Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, despite acknowledging their achievements.
- Sports-betting experts have given Manchester City favorable odds of 30/1 to win the FA Cup, while Crystal Palace is given a long shot of 60/1.
- Despite his strained relationship with Parish, Jordan admits to yearning for Crystal Palace fans to taste triumph, noting the unique atmosphere they create, particularly at Selhurst Park.
- Throughout European leagues and sports-betting platforms, the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City is receiving significant attention, as both teams aim to claim the prestigious trophy, with Wembley serving as the battleground.
