2008-2009 Season Previews

2008-2009:

Name: Tom (a.k.a Sewn shut eyes)

Club: Crystal Palace

Level of Interest: I'm a season ticket holder and have been for 10 years, but I'm at University so I've not been able to get to as many games as normal!

How has pre-season gone for you?

I think it's gone quite well. We haven't thrashed teams but the new signings seem to fit in with the rest of the squad and we've played a lot of the youth team players, another couple of whom look like they'll be challenging for the first team this year.

Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?

I think they've been good so far. We know what we're getting with Jose Fonte after having him on loan last season, I look forward to seeing him partnering Paddy McCarthy at the back. I'm delighted with Nick Carle, who looks like adding that little bit of class into our midfield.

What realistically are you aiming for this season?

Promotion! Whether it's automatic or via the play-offs. Got to aim high!

Which player has past his sell by date?

Matt Lawrence. He's been a great player for us over the last couple of seasons, but with us signing the Austrian Johannes Ertl who can play at right-back or centre-half I think Lawrence's time is up. Cheers for the winner against Sheffield Wednesday shaggy!

Have you got the right manager in charge?

Definitely. He knows how to get the best out of players and so far his signings have been spot on, along with the fact he's not afraid to play the youngsters.

What advice would you give him?

To keep playing the young players. They've been magnificent for us so far and with the likes of Jamie Smith and others coming through this year it'd be brilliant to see Palace bred players forming the backbone of the team.

Who do you see as your key player?

Shaun Derry. He's Mr. Dependable in the centre of the park. He's brilliant at protecting the back four and allowing the more attacking players to get on and play with freedom. Having said that, his distribution is good and he's got a brilliant footballing brain.

Who would you most like to beat this season?

Charlton Pathetic I suppose, it's not the same as beating Brighton or Millwall but it'll still be a good day if we win. Although it'll be nice to get some revenge on Bristol City after the play-offs as well.

Where will you finish?

I'd like to say 1st or 2nd, but I think that we'll either match last year's 5th or go one better and finish 4th.

How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?

I think that with the signings you've made and the fight you showed in the Cup and when it mattered last season, you'll have a pretty safe, if uneventful season. I reckon a 12th-14th place finish will be about right.