The 2015-16 season has so far been a trying one for Crystal Palace FC but there is light at the end of the tunnel with a stunning opportunity for a trophy in the form of the FA Cup. With the cup final approaching on May 21, only one small thing stands in this historic club's way – Manchester United.
History
Back in 1895, the Football Association wanted a new permanent home for their prestigious FA Cup final and choose the famous Crystal Palace Exhibition building. There was an amateur football team playing in the area at the time, partially made up from the workers at the centre and in 1905, the Crystal Palace Football Club was official founded.
It applied for membership of the Football League with Southampton and Chelsea but found itself in the Southern League Second Division for their first season. They won their league that first year but remained in the Second Division until 1914. The First World War saw their stadium being used by the Admiralty and they were forced to play at different grounds until they settled in their current ground, Selhurst Park, in 1924. During that time, the club won the London Challenge Cup three times.
Recent good times
After a bad spell that saw them reach the Third Division during the 1974-75 season, the club had a period of success under the management of Terry Venables, at one point in the 1979-80 season being top of the First Division. However, relegation followed the next year and it was Steve Coppell in 1988-89 that got them back to the First Division.
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The early 1990s were good to the club. They reached the final of the FA Cup in 1990, drawing 3-3 with Manchester United and losing the replay 1-0. They also achieved their highest league finish in the 1990-91 season, ending the season in third place. Crystal Palace was one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992-93 following a 10th-place finish the previous season.
Solid foundations
Success in the football world is all about having the right support but also the right foundations to the club. The 2010 takeover by the CPFC 2010 Limited company saw Steve Parish, Martin Long, Stephen Browett and Jeremy Hosking each take a 25% share in the club.
Sponsorship is also key to success and the current sponsorship deal with Mansion Casino, owners of casino.com, stands the club well. The company owns one of the biggest online casino websites in the world.
Success
While a top league position is unlikely in the current Premier League season, the FA Cup could act as a gateway to Europe for the club, depending on how results finish. Win or lose, Crystal Palace could have a spot in the Europa League if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League. That boost could finally see another period of success and high league place finishes as the club saw in the early 1990s.
