Nikegate

Back in the day, Palace’s former manager Steve Coppell referred to his boss and club chairman Ron Noades as an ‘enlightened despot’. One could easily say the same about the current chairman and owner, Simon Jordan.

The former mobile phone salesman and entrepreneur rescued the club from oblivion at the beginning of the decade when Palace were on the brink of liquidation. He has pumped millions of pounds into the club over the years. Few doubt the value of his contribution to Crystal Palace and when he finally sells the club (something he has been trying to do for some time now) he will take his place in history as the Man Who Saved Selhurst and Palace’s Most Orange Chairman (on account of his hideous permatan).

However, he has a tendency to fly off the handle. So when the local newspaper, Croydon Advertiser, ran a story on fans annoyance with the new kit manufacturers Nike designs for next season, he banned the paper from speaking to players and manager at the club.

The current home strip design is white with a red and blue sash. Its an old design and very popular among the Palace faithful (ie their paying supporters). The design is not included among the new submissions from Nike. The Advertiser had received a number of complaints from supporters about the strip’s absence and ran a story reflecting this. That’s when Jordan got all steamed up and imposed the ban.

You suspect that this decision was based on a spontaneous explosion rage on Jordan’s part and he’ll rescind the ban after one or two games once he feels he's proved his point. In the meantime, hopefully the Advertiser will decide to give more coverage to Croydon’s non-league clubs, Croydon FC and Croydon Athletic.