Crystal Palace FC's first-ever major European adventure is underway, as we battle to win the UEFA Conference League. Find out how you can join us on our journey.

European Tour

## Born in the USA

> After a remarkable two-year journey from Alabama to Bayern Munich, Chris Richards fulfilled a lifelong dream when he moved to the Premier League with Crystal Palace in 2022.

Born in Alabama, USA, Richards began his career near Houston before joining F.C. Dallas’ Academy and earning a professional contract there.

He moved to Houston and then Dallas aged 16 – both over 600 miles from his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where his parents still live – and initially lived alone with a host family. He then made the even larger jump of joining Bayern Munich aged 18, where he learnt fluent German and made his senior debut shortly after signing.

From here Richards’ rise was swift: he made his senior debut in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018, his professional debut with Bayern Munich II in 2019, and his full Bayern debut in June 2020. A few months later he featured as a substitute in the German side’s DFL-Supercup win over Borussia Dortmund.

The young defender went on to represent Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League before joining 1899 Hoffenheim on loan in 2021. He has played a total of 82 professional matches.

Richards began his international career early, too, competing with the US Under-20s to win the CONCACAF U20 Championship aged 18. His performances at this level earned him a senior debut in November 2020, coming on as a substitute against Panama. Richards has since amassed seven further caps.

He made his debut for the Eagles at Anfield as a second-half substitute in August 2022. Richards went on to make his first start for the club, after a leg injury, in January 2023 in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

Commenting on his first start he said: “It was worth the wait! Being able to make it \[my first Premier League start\] at home, especially in a game like tonight, was amazing."

His performances against Manchester United home and away, along with keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United, saw him win the club's Player of the Month award in January 2023.

Richards' first domestic season in red and blue ended with 10 appearances in total, however he also managed to score his first international goal in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League against Canada to guide the United States to a 2-0 win.

The 2023/24 campaign saw Richards establish more of a place in the side, playing multiple roles as a centre-back, defensive midfielder and even as a right-back. He racked up 30 appearances in total, and scored his first goal against Burnley in a 3-0 win at Selhurst Park in February 2024.

Richards also found CONCACAF Nations League success once more, winning the title again in a 2-0 win over Mexico in March 2024. He was also recognised for his exceptional work with the Palace for Life Foundation - winning the PFA Community Champion award.

In 2024/25, Richards made 32 appearances across all competitions - six of which were in the FA Cup, where he played every single minute on the way to making history in the final against Manchester City.

2020

IFFHS Men's World Youth Team

January 2023

Crystal Palace Player of the Month

2023/24

PFA Community Champion

Richards

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Appearances

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Richards reflects on Mostar

Richards reflects on 100th Palace appearance

CPFC x SunExpress aircraft livery

Chris Richards Previews Fulham

The best of our Defenders | Brighton (H)

Chris speaks on victory against Brentford

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 1-1 Millwall

The Full 90: Crystal Palace v Millwall | Palace TV+

Chris speaks on win against Millwall

Richards reflects on victory at Villa Park

Chris speaks on tough game against Nottingham Forest

Chris speaks on solid performance against Chelsea

Richards on the final game at Anfield 

Fa Cup Final | Chris Richards & Matt Turner | Post Match Interview

Richards praises team spirit

Goals Inside Box

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Right Foot

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Shots

Shots on target

Hit woodwork

Penalties taken

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Touches

Touches in opposition box

Aerial duels

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Interceptions

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Minutes

Attempted passes

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Season

Games

Across the next seven days, supporters can watch four Academy matches [LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/), with crucial fixtures in the U18 Premier League South, Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup.

From a European knockout clash under the lights to a fierce rivalry with Brighton and a key title-race encounter, there’s plenty at stake across a packed schedule for the young Eagles.

Subscribe to Palace TV+

Palace TV+ is available via three passes: an Annual pass (£37.99) for unlimited access for a year, a Monthly pass (£5.49) or Weekly pass (£3.99), all of which auto-renew until cancelled.

### Under-18s: Fulham v Palace

Palace U18s begin the week on **Tuesday evening (17th March, 18:00 GMT)** as they travel to Motspur Park looking to extend their impressive four-match winning run.

Javier Alonso’s side have won four consecutive matches across league and cup competitions, a run that has seen them reach the Premier League Cup final and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.

At the same time, the young Eagles remain firmly in the U18 Premier League South title race. Chelsea currently sit second on 36 points while leaders Tottenham have 43, but Palace have two games in hand, making fixtures like Tuesday’s trip to Fulham crucial.

The young Cottagers will provide a stern test. Despite a mixed campaign overall, Fulham arrive unbeaten in their last three matches, including a remarkable comeback victory at Chelsea – the only team to defeat the league leaders at Cobham this season.

With momentum building for Alonso’s side and the title race heating up, supporters can tune in to see whether the young Eagles can take another important step forward!

### Match Details

**Fulham U18s v Crystal Palace U18s**

- Tuesday, 17th March
- 18:00 GMT
- Motspur Park
- U18 Premier League South
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)

### Under-21s: Palace V Real Sociedad B

On **Wednesday evening (19:00 GMT)**, attention turns to European competition as Palace U21s host Real Sociedad B in the Premier League International Cup quarter-finals.

Darren Powell’s side booked their place in the last eight after topping Group B with nine points, sealing qualification with a decisive 2–0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Standing in their way are Spanish side Real Sociedad B, who arrive with the best record in this season’s competition after collecting 10 points from four matches.

Unlike many Academy teams in the tournament, Sociedad operate a reserve side competing in Spain’s professional league system. Their B team currently play in La Liga 2, sitting mid-table and arriving in South London in strong form after winning four of their last five matches.

The sides previously met in the competition during the 2024/25 season, when Palace earned a draw with Adler Nascimento on the scoresheet.

With a place in the International Cup semi-finals on the line, supporters can watch what promises to be an exciting night under the lights at Sutton.

### Match Details:

**Crystal Palace U21s v Real Sociedad B**

- Wednesday, 18th March
- 19:00 GMT
- VBS Community Stadium
- Premier League International Cup
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/)

### Ticket Prices:

- Adults: £5
- Seniors (Over-65s): £1
- Juniors (Under-18s): £1
- Academy Founder Members: Free (1 per AFM)

Tickets can also be purchased by **[clicking here](https://www.eticketing.co.uk/cpfc/Events?preFilter=15&preFilterName=8.%20Academy%20Matches)** and will be issued at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

Buy Real Sociedad tickets

### Under-18s: Palace v Brighton

**Saturday morning (11:00 GMT)** brings one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in the Academy calendar as Brighton visit the Palace Academy.

The rivalry needs little introduction, and with both teams firmly involved in the U18 Premier League South title race, there will be plenty at stake beyond bragging rights.

Brighton currently sit fourth on 31 points, just three behind Palace, although the young Eagles hold a game in hand.

The reverse fixture earlier in the season proved a difficult afternoon for Palace, with Brighton running out 4-0 winners at the Amex Elite Performance Centre – just the second team to prevent Alonso’s side from scoring in the league this season, alongside Leicester.

With revenge on the mind and crucial points on the line in the title race, supporters can expect a competitive encounter when the rivals meet again...

### Match Details:

**Crystal Palace U18s v Brighton U18s**

- Saturday, 21st March
- 11:00 GMT
- Crystal Palace Academy
- U18 Premier League South
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

### Under-21s: Liverpool v Palace

The week concludes with a challenging Premier League 2 trip to Liverpool on **Sunday afternoon (13:00 GMT)**.

Palace head into the fixture unbeaten in their last two league matches, following a 2–1 victory over Blackburn Rovers and a 2–2 draw with Wolves.

Against Wolves, the young Eagles showed resilience after falling behind early. Zach Marsh levelled before substitute Jemiah Umolu made an immediate impact from the bench to secure a point with a well-taken half-volley.

The result leaves Powell’s side 12th in Premier League 2 on 25 points, currently inside the play-off places with three matches remaining. With just five points separating Palace from 21st in a tightly contested table, every point will prove vital in the race for the end-of-season knockout stage.

Liverpool will provide a stern test, however. The Reds sit third in the division on 35 points and arrive in strong form after winning four of their last five matches.

It sets up another intriguing encounter as Palace look to strengthen their play-off hopes against one of the league’s top sides.

### Match Details:

**Liverpool U21s v Crystal Palace U21s**

- Sunday, 22nd March
- 13:00 GMT
- Liverpool Academy
- Premier League 2
- [Watch LIVE on Palace TV+](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/palace-tv-plus/)

It’s a huge week for the Crystal Palace Academy, with both our Under-18s and Under-21s in action twice across league and cup competitions.

Watch four Academy matches LIVE this week on Palace TV+

Fulham U18 v Crystal Palace U18 (2026-03-17)

Crystal Palace U21 v Real Sociedad U21 (2026-03-18)

Crystal Palace U18 v Brighton and Hove Albion U18 (2026-03-21)

Liverpool U21 v Crystal Palace U21 (2026-03-22)

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On Friday 6th March, **[Palace for Life Foundation](https://www.palaceforlife.org/)** held their fifth annual Iftar event at Selhurst Park Stadium as part of this year’s Ramadan celebrations. Iftar is the main meal of the fasting day throughout Ramadan and is traditionally shared at sunset.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is considered a sacred period for many Muslims worldwide. It involves a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset, and Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset – many Muslims break their fast with their community.

One of the key goals at Palace for Life is to make football more inclusive, so this event was part of their ongoing mission to welcome more people to the game, especially the club's local Asian and Muslim community, the latter of which makes up 11% of the community in Croydon.

On the evening, a record-breaking 150 South Londoners joined together in its usual popular format, kicking off with some workshops for children and stadium tours.

Ayoub, a participant on our Get Involved programme gave a recital before [Akram, a participant-turned coach](https://www.palaceforlife.org/news/community-engagement/akrams-story-promoting-community-cohesion-in-croydon/) welcomed Sky News reporter, host and [Palace for Life Patron Saima Mohsin](https://www.palaceforlife.org/news/patrons/saima-mohsin-appointed-palace-for-life-patron/) to the stage. She was joined on a panel by Diana Ghafori a volunteer-turned-casual coach and Raya Ahmed and Hazmi Bahrin who both built the Foundation's girls-specific Get Involved sessions since the beginning. 

This year’s panel was an update on the subject of last year’s, which was all about increasing the Foundation's provision of football for women and girls.

Also in attendance was Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire Sarah Jones MP, MP for Croydon East Natasha Irons and Croydon Major Jason Perry.

Then came the call to prayer, the annual pitch-side photo (above) and of course, the food.

Hazmi Bahrin, Community Development Coordinator who leads on the Get Involved programme said: "It was a special evening bringing together around 150 people from across our diverse community during the holy month of Ramadan. 

"We were proud to welcome representatives from our local mosques, participants from our Get Involved sessions, local MPs, and community leaders including Vicar Tomos Reed. The evening was a celebration of diversity, unity and togetherness, and it was wonderful to see so many different parts of our community sharing the space and breaking bread together.”

The Foundation is immensely grateful for the incredible turnout and support from our local community. The Iftar formed a key part of their mission to make football more inclusive for groups that haven’t always had a big presence in the game.

Made possible by funding from the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association, the [Get Involved programme](https://www.palaceforlife.org/project/get-involved-what-is-it/) aims to increase weekly engagement in physical activity, specifically from those of Asian backgrounds. 

Palace for Life address the barriers to participation in grassroots football by maintaining dialogue with the local community so we can ensure spaces are truly inclusive. This includes separate male and female sessions, different age groups, and sessions for those of different abilities.

**[Find out more about Palace for Life Foundation's work here](https://www.palaceforlife.org/whats-on/).**

Donate here

150 South Londoners came together to break fast at Palace for Life Foundation's fifth annual community Iftar, held at Selhurst Park.

Record-breaking 150 guests attend fifth Palace for Life Iftar at Selhurst Park

### **Early days**

Right-back **Robert McCracken** was signed from Belfast Distillery in the summer before Palace won their first championship in 1920/21, and was first choice until suffering a broken leg that December. However, he returned for the start of Palace's first Second Division campaign and went on to play more games for the club in that tier than anyone else, until their demotion in 1925.

He won four international caps for Northern Ireland, the first of which came against England at Roker Park a few months after joining the Glaziers, becoming the first player from England's third tier to play for the the province.

Harking from Limerick, **Johnny Gavin** began his footballing career in the aftermath of the Second World War, playing for his local club and working as a painter on the railways before attracting the attention of Norwich City.

Barring a brief interlude playing for Tottenham Hotspur, he spent nine years at Carrow Road scoring 132 goals – remaining the club’s record scorer to this day.

After a spell at Watford he moved to South London to play for Palace, appearing 66 times in the league and scoring 15 goals. He retired in the late 1960s with seven international caps for the Republic of Ireland to his name.

Johnny Gavin

Paddy Mulligan

Jerry Murphy

The next great Irish hero would go down in Palace folklore, as **Paddy Mulligan** signed from Chelsea in 1972. He wrote his name in the record books by scoring twice in the famous 5-0 victory over Manchester United, and stayed for three years before leaving for West Bromwich Albion – playing 50 times for his country in the meantime.

As Mulligan left, **Jerry Murphy** joined. Or rather, he graduated. Coming through the club’s youth system, Murphy won back-to-back FA Youth Cups with the club in 1977 and 1978, before making his debut under Terry Venables and becoming part of the ‘Team of the Eighties’. He won Player of the Year in 1982/83.

### **1990s**

After coming through at non-league level, **Eddie McGoldrick** joined Palace from Northampton Town in 1988, helping the club earn promotion to the first division with an assist for Ian Wright in the 1988/89 play-off final and winning the Zenith Data Systems Cup two years later. He earned 15 caps for the Republic of Ireland, leaving South London to join Arsenal in 1993.

**Ray Houghton’s** legendary status was already assured by the time he joined Palace, making 73 appearances for his country and scoring two strikes that would live long in the memory: the winner against England in the 1988 European Championships and against Italy in the 1994 World Cup.

Eddie McGoldrick

Ray Houghton

Rob Quinn

Iain Dowie

Having won two league titles and two FA Cups for Liverpool in the late 1980s, he signed for Palace and played 87 times for the club, scoring eight goals.

While Houghton was coming to the end of his career at the club, **Rob Quinn** was only just beginning. A successful youth team captain, he was promoted to the senior side and started the 1997 play-off final at Wembley, before enjoying a distinguished career in the football league and, later, a lengthy spell coaching at Palace's Academy.

At the start of 1995, **Iain Dowie** was enjoying a purple patch in front of goal. Snapped up by Alan Smith from Southampton for £400,000 in January to help keep Palace – who had only scored 17 league goals before his arrival – stay in the Premier League, the forward began imposing himself on opposition defences and netted five times in his first two months in red and blue.

The Northern Ireland international would eventually leave Palace the following September for West Ham United, with a record of 10 goals in 25 appearances – but he would return to Palace in 2003/04 to spectacular effect as a promotion-winning manager.

### **New Millennium**

If you attended Selhurst Park in the early 2000s, you could bank on one thing: a **Clinton Morrison** goal. The centre-forward scored 113 times for the club in two separate spells, one of only eight men to hit triple figures.

Northern Ireland international **Michael Hughes** – who appeared over 70 times for his country – also experienced great success in red and blue. His time at Selhurst Park, which began in 2003, concluded after four seasons as a die-hard fan favourite, captaining the Eagles in the top-flight and amassing almost 150 appearances for the South Londoners.

As Morrison prepared to leave in 2008, a new Irish youngster was emerging into the senior side: **Sean Scannell**. He made his debut at just 17-years-old after graduating from the Academy, and played 141 times before departing for Huddersfield Town in 2012.

Clinton Morrison

Michael Hughes

Sean Scannell

Paul McShane

As the Eagles’ financial woes increased off the pitch, they sought reinforcements and in stepped Republic of Ireland international **Paul McShane**.

Despite spending just a six-month loan spell in South London, McShane made an impression on the Palace faithful with his desire and commitment.

### **Promotion to Premier League**

If there is one thing you need for a gutsy promotion push to succeed, it’s players with the grit and determination to keep fighting week after week. **Paddy McCarthy** has that in spades, and regularly proved it as a fan-favourite at Crystal Palace.

After a spell guiding the next wave of young talents as manager of the Under-21s, he is now a trusted assistant coach to Oliver Glasner.

Alongside the Dubliner was the man from Cork: **Damien Delaney.** Signing from Ipswich Town in 2012, Delaney spent six years at the club from the Championship to the Premier League; his tears on the Wembley steps after Palace’s promotion will live long in the memory.

Paddy McCarthy

Damien Delaney

Owen Garvan

James McCarthy

Midfielder **Owen Garvan** was also a key figure in the promotion season, playing 27 times in the Championship as Ian Holloway’s men did the unthinkable.

Since Palace’s promotion, there is another midfield maestro that stands out. **James McCarthy** proved a formidable midfield unit after his move from Everton, and made 52 appearances for the club – and 43 for the national team.

### **International talents**

Four highly-rated Republic of Ireland internationals have played their part for Crystal Palace Women in their promotion push from WSL2 this season.

Alongside fellow forward Kirsty Howat, **Abby Larkin** is the Eagles' joint-top scorer so far this season, with six goals in all competitions, including some vital match-winning efforts.

Centre-back **Hayley Nolan** made a comeback from a long-term injury last season and has proven a cornerstone of Jo Potter's team's defence, making 19 appearances in all competitions so far in 2025/26.

**Kelly Brady** joined the club from Athlone Town in January, whilst **Ruesha Littlejohn** has featured five times in all competitions this season.

Larkin, Littlejohn and Nolan were all called up by the Republic of Ireland for their pair of UEFA World Cup qualifying matches against France and Netherlands earlier this month, whilst Brady was called up by the Girls in Green in November.

Abby Larkin

Hayley Nolan

Ruesha Littlejohn

Kelly Brady

### **New generation**

As Palace look towards the Academy for the next great generation of Eagles, the Irish influence is clear.

**Justin Devenny** enjoyed a breakthrough season at senior level last year, en route to helping Palace lift the FA Cup. 

The impressive young midfielder made his Premier League and Palace debut from the start against Fulham in November 2024, when his strong performance also earned him his first call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad a few days later. 

He then debuted as a late substitute against Luxembourg in the UEFA Nations League, and has since appeared 10 times in all competitions, opening his senior international account – also against Luxembourg – in September.

Justin Devenny

On-loan talent **Tayo Adaramola** also previously made his first-team debut for the club, whilst also at Academy level, the likes of **Joseph Gibbard**, **George King**, **Jake Grante** and **Craig Farquhar** have impressed across our Under-21s and Under-18s this season.

Who will be the next great Irish hero at Selhurst Park?

**Happy St. Patrick's Day!**

Crystal Palace have been privileged to witness some fine Irish players grace the Selhurst Park pitch over the years – so celebrate St Patrick’s Day by looking back on just a handful of the best, below!

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Watch four Academy matches LIVE this week on Palace TV+

Record-breaking 150 guests attend fifth Palace for Life Iftar at Selhurst Park

St Patrick’s Day: Palace’s Irish Eagles & heroes

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26Chris
Richards

Announcement

Announcement

Watch four Academy matches LIVE this week on Palace TV+

Record-breaking 150 guests attend fifth Palace for Life Iftar at Selhurst Park

St Patrick’s Day: Palace’s Irish Eagles & heroes

Shop Palace Shirts

26ChrisRichards

26Chris
Richards