Crystal Palace

Alex Pewter
Fan writer

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Dear Oliver,

Long before your time at the club, there was a phrase placed up high at the training ground: "Winning is everything." A backdrop to many team photos, had those words ever carried truth, it would mean all those squads possessed nothing.

Being a Palace fan has never been about chasing victory. Whether someone became infatuated with Selhurst through proximity, by blood or was captured by the club from overseas, Palace has been about community.

The previous decade had been a story of the underdog, of resilience and Premier League survival - against the odds and, perhaps, financial realities. A badge to wear with pride, with season upon season of players and coaches to maintain that legacy and spirit.

The danger with that mindset is that you can begin to accept the status quo or your limitations, which is where you entered the narrative.

The past two and a half seasons came with a belief that competing with the best shouldn't be a rare event, but something driven towards every week, across all competitions.

It would be remiss of me not to speak of Wembley. Three visits, three victories. The FA Cup final is a memory we will hold for a lifetime. A sea of euphoria and tears, carrying the weight of past cup heartbreaks, and the spirit of loved ones who never made it there to see it.

In life, just as in football, progression is never linear, and stories don't last forever. For a season, fans ventured across Europe as a team battled their way into more uncharted territory and yet another final. Descending upon Leipzig by any means necessary, for a final chapter in this particular tale.

Winning may not be everything, but if you spend a lifetime never expecting it, it only tastes sweeter when it arrives.

On Wednesday, I got to travel to eastern Germany with my father. He first entered Selhurst Park over 65 years ago. At home, my brother watched us lift the trophy with his three-day-old son in his arms.

We once spoke of generational pain when it came to Crystal Palace in big moments. It is now generational joy.

To quote a friend and fellow fan, we are living our best Palace life, and we can thank you for that.

Alles gute, Oliver.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

The curtain has officially come down on Crystal Palace's season, albeit a few days after it did so for most other Premier League sides.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views on Andoni Iraola, who is Crystal Palace's main target to replace Oliver Glasner, with their plan B being Frank Lampard.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: Since 2010, Crystal Palace have never attempted to hire an already employed manager - so we won't go after Frank Lampard. Andoni Iraola, Thomas Frank or Marco Silva are more likely. Antonio Conte a left-field choice.

Robert: Iraola would be my choice for the job. If he doesn't sign then I'd like Pierre Sage from Lens, another up-and-coming younger manager who has done well. None of the other names appeal.

Josh: We need someone with true European experience, with fresh, exciting attacking tactics - definitely not Sean Dyche!

Bob: What I really want is for Glasner to do a U-turn, but it's highly unlikely. As for Iraola, I'm not so sure. Why is he leaving successful Bournemouth? Glasner has never been a manager for any club longer than two years, that includes Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Palace. I want to see a manager who will give everything, go through thick and thin and stay with us. Iraola too may decide to leave after two years, so let's move on, don't rush it and get the right person.

Al: Please, please, please not Lampard. If anyone other than Iraola, then Sage, who has been exceptional at Lyon and then Lens.

Robert: I'd like someone who will carry the same core beliefs as Glasner. Togetherness and hard work. I would prefer a manager who has actually won a trophy or two, maybe something in Europe, or it would feel like a step backwards.

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Crystal Palace's income from their debut European season proved to be lucrative, having already banked just shy of 22m euros (£19.1m) via a combination of winning the Conference League and for qualifying for the Europa League.

Unlike Arsenal and Aston Villa, Palace are the only English club to directly qualify for a European competition as a result of winning a trophy this term.

From the Conference League itself, Palace have earned at least 17.3m euros (£15m) this term.

For qualifying for the league phase, Palace were given 175,000 euros (£152,000) for winning the play-off round and a further 3.17m euros (£2.75m) for getting to the league phase.

In Palace's six league phase matches, they won three and drew one. That combined earned the club 1.333m euros (£1.16m). Oliver Glasner's side received an additional 200,000 euros (£173,000) for finishing between ninth and 24th and a further 756,000 euros (£655,000) for a 10th-placed finish.

Palace then earned 800,000 euros (£694,000) for reaching the last 16, 1.3m euros (£1.1m) for getting to the quarter-finals and 2.5m euros (£2.2m) for reaching the semi-finals.

Winning the final alone earned Palace 7m euros (£6.1m) in prize money.

Read the full article on European prize money here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history.

It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London. Freedman had tracked Glasner's career trajectory in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt and was impressed with what he saw.

Roy Hodgson was in charge at Selhurst Park at the time, but there was pressure on the club to make a change.

Parish would have usually preferred to appoint a manager with some Premier League history, but there was something about Glasner that impressed the businessman.

Wind forward two-and-a-half years, and Glasner has just led Crystal Palace to Conference League glory with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

It will be his final game in charge - but it comes at the end of a scarcely-believable 12-month period of unprecedented success.

"He has got to be one of the best managers Crystal Palace has ever had," said Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. "He has made a massive difference to how the club looks at competitions.

"We are not just looking to stay in the Premier League and be in Europe, we are looking to win and be as high as possible."

When Glasner bid farewell to Selhurst Park on Sunday, following the final Premier League game of the season, the Austrian made sure he had time to poke fun at his past disagreements with Parish.

"Now I'm leaving, I don't have to agree with the chairman," he said with a smile. "He said the best day was the FA Cup final, but I don't agree. The best day is still to come in Leipzig."

It was a light-hearted exchange that underlined Palace's confidence as they prepared for a first European final - a far cry from where they found themselves at the start of the year.

The Conference League final victory - which guarantees Palace a spot in next season's Europa League - is the final chapter of Glasner's career with the Eagles.

"Right now, I can't even believe it is the last game," said Glasner post-match. "It is a good chapter to read in the Crystal Palace book, but other good chapters will follow.

"I said to the players after the FA Cup [win], go and get what you deserve - the Europa League."

Crystal Palace supporters have never had it so good.

Read the full article here

Crystal Palace want to convince midfielders Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada to stay following their Conference League final win. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Ellie Killick
Fan writer

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Wow, I still feel like I'm dreaming. Crystal Palace are European champions!

A journey that started in Norway back in August ended in Leipzig eight months later with the ultimate prize - and what a night it was!

Going into the game I didn't know much about Rayo Vallecano. I'd never seen them play but based on their form – unbeaten in 10 – and information I'd been told by fellow fans, I was slightly nervous. Spanish teams are never easy to play but Palace, despite only the one-goal advantage, completely controlled the game.

The first half was tense and we really needed a goal. Tyrick Mitchell had an opportunity served on a silver platter just before the break, but he couldn't direct it on target.

Perhaps they were saving the goal for in front of the Palace end because six minutes into the second half Jean-Philippe Mateta found the breakthrough and the south stand went wild. Beer flying everywhere and everyone hugging strangers - we were 39 minutes away from history.

There was a chance to double the lead minutes later, but after pinball in the box, it wasn't to be.

The final 15 minutes were the nerviest. We were creating our own problems and allowing Rayo to get back into the game. Giving the ball away cheaply and not closing them down was perhaps a reflection of the effort and energy they've had to put in this season – 60 games is no joke but they can now have a well-deserved break!

I'm so incredibly proud of every one of those players. They've given it everything this season and the celebrations just proved what it meant to them. They make me so proud to be a south Londoner.

The atmosphere was absolutely electric. Unlike the FA Cup final, when you could feel the nerves, everyone seemed confident in the boys to bring this one home. It was a magical night and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. I'm so excited to travel round the continent singing: "Champions of Europe, we know what we are!"

Three trophies in 12 months, and I was there for them all (and there's a couple of pictures below from this trip).

Oliver Glasner is a serial winner, and I will be eternally grateful for what he's done to my football club. He's going to be deeply missed.

Now it's time to save up for another European tour next season in the Europa League - where we should have been anyway! UTP!

Find more from Ellie Killick at Eagle Eye View, external

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

For Crystal Palace, all eyes are now Andoni Iraola. Will he, won't he?

The glory of Wednesday night's euphoric Conference League win in Leipzig won't fade for some time for supporters.

But for those at the heart of the club, the planning for next season will accelerate with almost immediate effect.

The first task at hand is to appoint a new head coach.

As BBC Sport revealed earlier this month, Iraola is the man Palace want to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner, who insisted after the triumph in Germany that he has no plans to reverse his decision.

They have made the Spaniard a proposal and are awaiting his answer, within that are assurances that he will be permitted significant influence over the recruitment operation.

It is understood Palace want an answer by the end of the weekend.

The move is ambitious. Iraola has emerged as one of the brightest managers in European football; Bournemouth's qualification for next season's Europa League illustrative of his impressive body of work.

"We have got a taste for it now, we want to keep it going," said owner Steve Parish following the win over Rayo Vallecano.

"We have gone up a level and we have got to try and stay there. We will have a week to celebrate and then work hard in the summer."

Palace believe they have done all they can to convince Iraola that they can provide the platform for him to continue building his reputation.

All that is left is Iraola's approval.

If the 43-year-old declines then Palace will move on to plan B.

Among the alternatives is understood to be Frank Lampard, who has key admirers in the Palace boardroom.

Releasing Lampard from his contract with Coventry provides an obvious stumbling block should Palace pivot to the former Chelsea midfielder.

But there is some optimism at Palace that Lampard, who is aware of the Premier League club's interest in him, would be open to joining ahead of next season.

Kieran McKenna, Pierre Sage, Sean Dyche and Thomas Frank have also been discussed as options.

Luring Iraola to Selhurst Park would represent a coup for Palace, but the fact he's taken so long to decide has led to a degree of scepticism inside Selhurst Park over whether the now departed Bournemouth head coach is prepared to accept.

Much will become clearer in the coming days.

Out of the names listed, who would you like to see replace Glasner? Or, if none of them, where else should Palace be looking?

Let us know your thoughts here

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Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into Crystal Palace history after scoring the deciding goal to earn the Eagles their first European trophy.

The France striker turned home a close-range winner on the rebound from an Adam Wharton strike early in the second half in Leipzig.

Cue the corner flag celebrations and a deafening "boom" from the stands - and many watching elsewhere.

"Mateta reacted quickly and it was a difficult finish because you have to control it," said former Palace forward Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live. "If you get the wrong contact it can go wide or over the bar, but he controlled it ever so well.

"What I like, is that he was in the six-yard box because that's where you want your strikers to be. Too many times you see strikers outside the box, but he was alive and inside the box.

"He reacts before the defenders, he sees Wharton and he can see the goalkeeper is going to parry it.

"Everyone says 'it's just fortunate' when you're at the right place at the right time, but it's because you react as a striker.

"People might say it's an easy finish, or he should score, but you see strikers missing from here. It's a really good finish.

"And I thought he deserved it because he led the line ever so well.

"I said to Palace fans months ago that 'you'll need him' and it wasn't worth booing him so stick with him. I knew he would have a big moment in this season, and what has he done? Had a big moment."

It was Mateta's 16th goal of the season for Palace - and he almost left the club in January before a knee injury scuppered a move to AC Milan.

But it hasn't been a smooth ride for Palace's targetman since arriving from Mainz on loan and then signing permanently.

"I remember when he signed and I said to Dougie Freedman 'no way' because of the way he controlled a football," laughed Morrison. "Every time the ball came to him it was bouncing off him!

"He didn't look like he was going to score goals."

But Oliver Glasner has undoubtedly helped Mateta take his game to another level - he had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him.

"I remember doing an interview with him [Mateta] at the start of this season and he was saying that he didn't really have the confidence back then," Morrison added. "He believed in himself but managers didn't believe in him.

"He is a traditional centre forward and his rise has been outstanding.

"The more you believe in him, the more confidence he gets."

We asked you to let us know how you're feeling after Crystal Palace's historic Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Here are some of your comments:

Ken: The achievement of the team and Oliver Glasner is just great. Being 15th in Premier League, losing very good, key players and still winning a European trophy is in the history forever. Bravo, Glasner. Bravo, Crystal Palace boys. Great job, indeed. Sure, Thomas Tuchel biggest selection mistake is not taking Adam Wharton to the World Cup instead of 35-year-old Jordan Henderson.

Tony: I'm absolutely exhausted. What a two years this has been. For a supposed 'little team' to do this is unbelievable. Oliver's army I will always be. Thank you for the memories, south London's most famous son. You have made my dreams come true. I hope we name a stand after him.

Eafle: As a Palace supporter of over 50 years, there's been a few ups and lots of downs - I never expected to see the success of the last year. What's next? The Palace of old would appoint a useless manager, implode and be relegated. Hoping we are on a new path, but will continue to support whatever, with memories of what has been achieved.

Mark: Wonderful occasion, privilege to be there. I've followed Palace for 55 years through thick and thin. What a 12 months. Rayo Vallecano fans are an absolute credit to their club - amazing.

Andy: I watched from Selhurst Park. I am so very proud to be a Palace fan. We've suffered over the years with relegations and administrations, and yet here we are. FA Cup and Conference League champions. It's really hard to believe but it's the most amazing times. You cannot praise our players enough - it's been a hugely tough season. And finally... thank you, thank you, thank you, Oli Glasner. You gave us memories and joy I will never forget! South London and proud!

Simon: Ecstatic. Rough at times but that's Palace and that's why we love them. Should have been in the Europa League to start with, but we did it the Palace way, the hard way... but we got there in the end! Up the Palace! EAGLES!

Steve: It's hard to imagine the club I first watched playing against teams like Gateshead, Barrow and Accrington Stanley are now European winners. Back then, three trophies in one year seemed an impossible dream. This final may not have been pretty, but who cares? Congratulations to everyone at the club, which, for so many, has always felt like an extended family. Long may it continue.

Jake: A fairytale ending to Oliver Glasner's tenure. We have been hit and miss all season but have cleared the final hurdle. Thank you, Oli and the players, you've made the impossible happen.

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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England boss Thomas Tuchel created many talking points with his England World Cup squad selection last week, but Adam Wharton's performance in Crystal Palace's night of European history only made for more debate about his omission.

The midfielder delivered a man-of-the-match display as the Eagles beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final to win their first-ever European trophy.

Wharton will not travel to this summer's tournament after Tuchel picked Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers as his midfield options.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle was among many surprised by the decision, and he aired his views before and after Wharton delivered an impressive performance in Leipzig.

"A little bit surprised," he told TNT Sports before the 1-0 victory. "I love the way he looks forward and passes. He can hit killer balls, balls that take the whole defence out.

"I'm not sure we have many other players who can do that consistently from a deep-lying position, so my eyebrows definitely went up when I saw he wasn't in there."

After the game, Hoddle added: "This is the quality that we have got. I would've had him in the squad. He is a wonderful footballer.

"He is a top professional. He could easily play for England but which one [midfielder] shouldn't be playing?"

Former England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott added: "He hasn't let that decision impact his performance.

"He is a top professional as well as being mentally strong enough to deal with setbacks and to cope with that. Like I said before the game, he could easily play for England."

It certainly feels a harsh decision to leave someone like Wharton at home, even if Tuchel has many choices in the position.

Read the full article here

Chris McKenna
BBC Sport journalist

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It has been a turbulent campaign, but Oliver Glasner bows out in style and will go down as one of Crystal Palace's greatest managers.

They had never won a major trophy until last season's FA Cup success against Manchester City - and now have two in two seasons after this glorious night, while they also picked up the Community Shield by beating Liverpool.

Glasner and Palace's glory this term comes despite the loss of two key players - with Eberechi Eze sold to Arsenal last summer and Marc Guehi joining City in January.

The Austrian manager has undoubtedly helped Jean-Philippe Mateta take his game to another level - he had scored 11 goals in 80 games for Palace before Glasner's arrival in February 2024, but has netted 46 times in 110 matches under him.

Given the striker's importance in this final, the knee issue which blocked his move to Milan has proven to be a huge blessing for Palace.

Mateta put the failed transfer behind him to win back the support of the Eagles' fans while also earning himself a spot in France's World Cup squad.

This victory was also down to the impressive Adam Wharton. It was his shot which helped create the winner, but he was brilliant in possession throughout - just a week on from the disappointment of missing out on England's World Cup squad.

Palace had chances to make it an easier night, but managed to see the game out comfortably enough and celebrated wildly at full-time after their 60th match of an exhausting, and difficult, campaign.

They were forced to drop down from the Europa League to Europe's third-tier competition because of ownership issues, then suffered a shock FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield and finished 15th in the Premier League.

But all that will be forgotten - and Palace will compete in Europe again as this victory guarantees Europa League football next season.

Palace are the second English team to win a European trophy this term - joining Europa League champions Aston Villa - and Arsenal will look to complete an unprecedented hat-trick against Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Image source, Getty Images

"Moments like this are what you live for," a happy Clinton Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live after Crystal Palace won their first European trophy in Leipzig.

"I didn't think I'd see this in my lifetime," the former Eagles striker added. "It's fantastic and the club deserve it.

"When you're born and bred in south London, this is such a special moment.

"I was there at the FA Cup final when they beat Manchester City, so to watch this with my family is amazing.

"The 15-20 minutes after half-time, Palace were outstanding and that's where they won the game.

"It's a huge credit to everyone at that football club from the hierarchy down because they employed Oliver Glasner.

"I didn't think he would have this impact on Crystal Palace, but you always have to keep believing.

"If Palace can do it, every team has got to believe they can go and do it. It's a great achievement from everyone at the football club."

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BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball on the full-time whistle in Leipzig: "I can see the whistle in the referee's lips... they have done it!

"It's another trophy for Crystal Palace. What an incredible 12 months it has been for this football club.

"Just over a year ago, it was the FA Cup final at Wembley, won by Eberechi Eze, and now a year later - on a beautiful night in Leipzig - they celebrate again.

"They win a European trophy in their first ever European campaign and the Community Shield has come in between all that as well.

"120 years without a trophy and now they have three in the cabinet.

"What a night for Crystal Palace, what a win for the fans and what a job Oliver Glasner and his players have done to give these fans a night they will never, ever forget.

"Jean-Philippe Mateta with the winner means the celebrations - once again - belong to Crystal Palace. They have won in Europe."

Thursday's back pages are ones Crystal Palace fans will cherish.

Cast your eyes on some of them below and we've mixed in some of the comments you have sent our way.

Keep telling us how you're feeling after Palace lifted their first European trophy

Bob: 58 years supporting the Palace - it has been worth the wait! Thank you, Mr Glasner.

PJ: Superb performance from Palace and how Adam Wharton hasn't made the England squad is unbelievable.

Eamonn: I was too nervous to watch. But it's vindication for us being denied the Europa League last year. We may have done it the hard way, but now we can look forward to next season and hope the dreams come true again.

Al: Champions of the Conference League - I am in dreamland. South London and proud. Thank you, Oliver Glasner. Total respect to the Rayo fans who stayed to applaud their team. What class. Europa League, here we come!

You can send your views on Palace's historic European victory by using this form

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Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a game how we expected it but I think we played incredibly 15 minutes after half-time. Then we defended so well. A fantastic evening. This group of players, fans they deserve to win it.

"I see myself as part of this group. As manager you can't do anything alone, you need a great staff, great football players. That is what this group is. They stick together. We created that mindset that everything is possible if you work hard. My mindset in life is if you invest in something you get something back, in your job, sports, family, friends, kids. Today we had the pay off."

On his Jurgen Klinsmann-style slide after the win: "Daichi Kamada asked me to do it. They watered it. I'm still very quick. It's good for an almost 52-year-old."

On his looming exit: "In London, the fans say thank you to us for giving them the best days. I say thank you to the players because it's the same for me. These are great and incredible days in my life. They are always listening, supporting me, trusting in me and believe in what I told them. I can be very demanding. A huge thank you to the players, the staff who supported me and our fans who were incredible tonight.

"I took this decision. It's a chapter. A good chapter. But other chapters will follow. I said to the players, get now what you deserve - the Europa League. Now, one year delay, the club, fans players get what they deserve."

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish speaking to TNT Sports: "Even to be in Europe, it's so good, travelling around. Then to come and win it is just incredible. All the ups and downs this season we've had, it's just brilliant to get to this point. Getting to the Europa League where we deserve in the end, it just shows you, sometimes the good guys win.

"To win an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a European title at the first time asking - an incredible achievement. It means everything. When I bought the club, I wasn't sure we'd ever play in Europe, let alone win a trophy. It's all of our dreams come true. Now we've had a taste of it we want to keep it going.

"We have gone up a level, we have to try and stay there. It's not easy. Everybody wants to win. We have our work cut out in the summer but right now we'll take a week and enjoy it."

Image source, Getty Images

January brought the chill of Macclesfield.

May delivered the sun and shimmer of silverware in Leipzig.

One flick of a Jean-Philippe Mateta leg and the ripple of a net ushered in a new era for Crystal Palace - winners in Europe. There will always be Wembley but now there are continental moments to cherish forever.

Image source, Getty Images

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson told listeners on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Memories made for a lifetime. Listen to the noise after the final whistle. The Crystal Palace supporters have done themselves proud and their team has done them proud. It's not been the prettiest of games at times but they have worked hard and stuck to the game plan. The big players, Wharton and Mateta, stepped up when it was asked of them and they have got it over the line against a difficult opponent."

Palace are getting familiar with that winning feeling. But ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle encouraged them to truly savour it, however hard that may be.

"You try and take it in but it's tough to take in," Hoddle explained. "You wish sometimes you could go back there, and bottle it. With a final there's a build of tension and then this release.

"Palace are drilled. It just shows with a little hard work and belief, you can achieve anything in football. This is justice; they should have been in the Europa League and now they have qualified for it next year."

• Send your views on Palace

While Oliver Glasner slid on his chest on the Leipzig turf, some fans watched back at a venue in Croydon, with pints of refreshment air born on this night to remember.

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Glasner was at the heart of it all. Palace's departing head coach, now an iconic figure of success for every generation of Eagles fan.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty shared his views on X, stating: "Glasner a coach with a positive attacking outlook, always looking up rather than managing expectations down. He will be missed at Crystal Palace but won't be short of offers."

But is there any route to a change of decision for Glasner before his exit?

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Robinson explained: "I just don't know if the chapter is finished. All the big jobs are closing if you look at Maresca to Man City, Mourinho back to Real Madrid, Alonso to Chelsea, for the big jobs the big names are all linked. I just don't know. Is there any way that they can persuade Glasner?"

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison added: "I went to a Palace game about a month ago and thought surely he is going to be staying.

"There's no more jobs, but the club were adamant that Glasner has made his mind up, and he wants a different challenge, even if he has to wait.

"He is one of those. Once he makes his mind up, he sticks with it. But you never know. I hope he does stay, but I don't think he will."

Image source, Getty Images

The back page of Friday's Express carried the headline 'Palace in Wonderland'.

While headline writers were finding apt words, fans watching on a big screen at Selhurst Park took to the pitch.

Meanwhile, as Freed From Desire played and fans danced in Leipzig, the club's social media staff were quick to inform followers the biography on X had been updated.

And Mateta's magic knew no bounds. The tag of match-winner was seemingly not enough as he reached for one photographer's camera.

Image source, Getty Images

One does however have to question - could he possibly have taken a more satisfying and magical picture than this?

Crystal Palace - Europa Conference League winners.

Image source, Getty Images