When Eagles Dare charts Crystal Palace F.C.’s remarkable resurgence from financial ruin and administration in 2010, to playing in the 2013 Championship Play-Offs for promotion to the Premier League.

When Eagles Dare

## As loyal as they come ##

> Having joined Palace in the Championship in 2012, Joel Ward is one of the club's most loyal servants, being a core member of the team through promotion, an FA Cup final and their longest top-flight spell.

After arriving at Selhurst Park in 2012, Ward established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Palace squad that sealed promotion to the Premier League and has helped maintain their top-flight status ever since.

At the start of the 2008/09 season, an 18-year-old Ward joined fellow south-coast side Bournemouth from Portsmouth on a season-long loan deal but the Cherries were relegated at the end of the campaign. He suffered the same fate at Pompey in the following year as they dropped out of the Premier League, however he did play three times in the competition.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club, Ward stayed on for the 2010/11 season and quickly became the first-choice right-back, making 46 appearances as the club finished 16th in the Championship.

His good form continued the following year and he scored against arch-rivals Southampton in a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park but with Pompey desperate for funds to stay afloat, Ward was sold to Palace, having made 96 appearances for his hometown club.

After being snapped up by the Eagles, the right-back played 30 times for Palace during a successful debut season, and missed only four matches the following campaign as he showed his versatility by playing at left-back and central midfield when requested. 

His form in a variety of positions saw him scoop the club's Young Player of the Year award for 2014, and he went on to play all but one league game in 2014/15, scoring his first goal for the south Londoners in a 3-1 win against Queens Park Rangers, which he followed up with three more strikes in 2015/16.

He finished the 2016/17 season as the club's record Premier League appearance holder, with over 150 to his name.
 
Ward continued to play regularly for the Eagles as one of the team's longest-serving stalwarts and signed a three-year contract extension in July 2018.

He then commited to spending over a decade with Palace when he signed a further two-year extension in July 2021.

Crystal Palace 2014

Young Player of the Season

2020/21

PFA Community Champion Award

Shirts

Instagram

Twitter

Appearances

Goals

CPFC 1861: Introducing the new Crystal Palace Third Kit 

Joel Ward reaction to signing new contract

Junior Memberships Highlights 2020/21

Right-back Joel Ward gives his thoughts on Roy Hodgson's last home game as Palace manager.

Joel Ward | Post-Arsenal

Joel Ward talks on the 1-1 result v Everton

Joel Word | Post-Everton

Joel Ward talks on the 1-0 win against West Brom at Selhurst Park

Joel Ward | Post-West Brom

Joel Ward talks about the upcoming fixture V Wolverhampton.

Joel Ward | Pre-Wolverhampton Wanderers

Joel Ward visited the club's Palace Kitchen this week, helping to prepare and package 350 meals being delivered to those in need that day. The Palace right-back, who has previously been involved with local food banks and hospitals, met and supported club chefs who, working with Palace for Life Foundation and partners City Harvest, are providing over 5,000 meals within the community between now and Christmas.

Joel Ward visits the Palace Kitchen!

Season

Games

The 21-year-old midfielder arrives after a first full season of Premier League football at West Bromwich Albion, where he scored twice and assisted twice in 32 appearances.
 
After progressing through the youth system at Chelsea and featuring in the matchday squad as they won the 2019 Europa League final, Gallagher made a successful loan move to Charlton Athletic in 2019/20, where three goals in his first six appearances saw him crowned the Football League’s Young Player of the Month for August.
 
Moving to Swansea City for the second half of the 19/20 season, Gallagher was part of the Swans side to secure a play-off spot alongside now-Palace teammate Marc Guéhi, contributing seven assists in just 19 Championship games.

An England Under-21 international, Gallagher won the Under-17s World Cup with England in 2017 and has represented the Young Lions at all levels from Under-17 to Under-21 – playing 32 international youth games so far.

Related news

Gallagher becomes Palace’s fifth signing under Patrick Vieira, [after Joachim Andersen joined](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/announcement/joachim-andersen-signs-for-crystal-palace/2021-07-28/) Guéhi, Michael Olise and Remi Matthews in south London. 
 
Chairman Steve Parish said: "I am delighted Conor has chosen to come to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan after some impressive performances in the Premier League last season. We very much look forward to him joining the squad as we continue to build towards the new season."

Upon putting pen to paper in south London, Gallagher said: "I’m buzzing to be here. I can’t wait to get started, I’m happy to get the deal over the line.

"I spoke to the manager, I liked what he said, I liked how he wants to play, how he wants me to play and how he wants the team to play. I feel like I can learn from him and the players around me."

Crystal Palace are delighted to announce the signing of Conor Gallagher on a one-year loan from Chelsea.

Conor Gallagher joins Palace on loan

Crystal Palace

Premier League

Chelsea

Next Match

Shop online

That shirt has now been signed by the man himself and set aside to be won by a Crystal Palace Member.
 
All 21/22 Gold, Junior Eagles Gold and International Members can [enter the competition here](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/benefits/conor-gallagher-signed-shirt/). If you’re not a Member yet, [join by Sunday to enter the competition](/memberships/).

Memberships also include benefits such as ticket access, live broadcasts, a fantastic welcome pack, discounts and more.
 
The competition closes at 23:59 on Sunday, August 8th, so don’t delay in joining and entering the competition!

There is a shirt already steeped in significance for Crystal Palace’s latest signing, Conor Gallagher: the one he wore on his first day with the club.

Win SIGNED Gallagher shirt from first day at Palace

The Reading match (Saturday 31st, 15:00 BST) will be available to viewers with the correct pass or Membership across the world.

The Watford friendly (August 7th, 15:00 BST) will not be available to users within the United Kingdom or Montenegro. This is due to the match falling on the same day the 21/22 Championship season starts, meaning there is a UK-wide broadcasting blackout set by UEFA.

**App users who have bought a pass/have a Gold/Junior Eagle Gold/International Membership must click on the pulsating red icon in the top-right corner of the app homescreen or the matchday banner at the top of the homescreen to access the Reading broadcast from 13:30 BST on Saturday, 31st July, with footage beginning from 14:15 BST. This is the only way (currently) to access the live broadcast on the app. Web users can head to [www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/palace-tv/).**

Live broadcasts will be available for the pre-season game against Charlton (27th July, 18:00 BST) with the prospect of more to be confirmed soon.

Supporters can choose the subscription that meets their needs, all of which will enable instant access to the broadcasts on the new official app, and also via the new and improved Palace TV section of cpfc.co.uk.

Choose from either:

* **Pre-season bundle: £4.99** (one-off purchase)
	* The Pre-season bundle allows fans to watch each pre-season friendly that we have rights to broadcast (Reading on July 31st and Watford on August 7th, which will not be available to watch from within the UK).

* **Annual pass: £29.99** (recurring) 
	* As well as selected pre-season friendlies, the Annual pass will provide fans with access to selected Academy broadcasts, as well as live audio commentary of league and cup first-team games, plus live pre-match press conferences throughout the season. 
	* The Palace TV+ Annual pass offers the most cost-effective way yet of watching and listening to live broadcasts. As a guide to help you make the most informed choice, last season the club broadcast four pre-season matches, provided audio commentary of 41 live first-team games, and produced live broadcasts of 21 Academy matches. It is our intention to broadcast the vast majority of U23s home league matches, as well as a selection of U18 home matches.
	* The subscription will auto-renew, however you can cancel at any time.

From August 2nd, we will also offer the option of Palace TV+ Weekly and Monthly passes:

* **Weekly pass:** £1.99 (recurring) 
	* During a one-week period, you’ll be able to watch any / all live broadcasts shown, and listen to any live audio commentary broadcast in the period. 
	* This represents better value for supporters, who were paying £3 for one-off access to a live match broadcast.
	* The subscription will auto-renew, however you can cancel at any time.  
* **Monthly pass:** £3.99 (recurring) 
	* For a one-month period, you’ll be able to watch any live broadcasts shown, and listen to any live commentary broadcast, during the period.
	* The subscription will auto-renew, however you can cancel at any time.

Alternatively, fans can join as a Gold, Junior Eagle Gold or International Member, which all have Palace TV+ included, as well as a range of other benefits including ticket access. [Click here to browse all of our Membership products](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/memberships/).

#### HOW TO BUY

To subscribe to Palace TV+, ensure you are logged-in to your Palace account and purchase through the website, or on the app within the Membership section on the 'More' menu. Please note, if you purchase through the app, management of your account is done through the App Store / Google Play Store.

#### NEED MORE INFORMATION?
 
For any questions regarding Palace TV+, visit the FAQs section, which [can be found here](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/information/faqs-palace-tv-plus/).

We can confirm that Crystal Palace’s friendlies with Reading and Watford will be broadcast live via Palace TV+, a new subscription service which gives subscribers live access to selected pre-season match broadcasts, selected Academy match broadcasts, live audio commentary of all league and cup first-team games, and more. Supporters should note the Watford game will not be available to watch from within the United Kingdom.

Broadcast details for Crystal Palace’s Reading and Watford friendlies

Tickets will be sold in line with current Government guidance - should that guidance change ahead of the fixture, all bookings are subject to alteration and we shall contact affected supporters as soon as possible.

Scroll to the bottom for details of our Premium hospitality packages for this fixtures.

### Watford info ###
 
Match details: Saturday 7th August, 15:00 BST.
 
All match tickets are available on general sale – all you need to have is a Palace account in order to purchase, which you can [create free of charge here](/profile/). For a how-to guide on creating an account, [please click here](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/how-to-use-palace-app-and-website/).
 
**Prices**
 
* Adults: £15

* Concessions: £10

* Junior: £5

* Under-10s: £1
 
All prices increase by £5 if bought on matchday itself.
 
When purchasing online, tickets can be issued as digital tickets using NFC (near-field communication) technology on your mobile phone, or be printed at home. Print at home tickets can also be shown on your mobile phone, however we strongly recommend that you print your ticket where possible.
 
Tickets will be sold in line with current Government guidance - should that guidance change ahead of the fixture, all bookings are subject to alteration and we shall contact anyone affected as soon as possible.
 
The Arthur Wait Stand will be closed to home supporters, and blocks A-D in the Main Stand will also be closed.
 
Supporters can purchase one ticket per client reference number; the unique number generated when you buy a ticket or Membership product.
 
Our full range of food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, will be on sale.

### Premium hospitality ###
 
Our Premium lounges have re-opened, providing you with the ultimate matchday experience for your return to Selhurst.
 
There are three options on sale for the Watford game:
 
**Speroni’s and Legends restaurants - £85 +VAT**
 
Enjoy a Premium matchday alongside other Palace fans in one of our two Premium restaurants, both of which include:
 
* Three-course pre-match meal

* Half-time cheeseboard

* Post-match refreshments

* Inclusive house drinks throughout your day
 
**Executive Boxes**
 
Perfect for friends and family, our Executive Boxes sit groups of 10 in your own private space overlooking the Selhurst Park pitch. Choose the package for you:
 
* £750 +VAT: Including three-course meal, cheeseboard, pies and inclusive house drinks

* £400 +VAT: Box only, no food and beverages – however drinks can be purchased on the day and food orders can be made in advance
 
To find out more about our Premium Matchday experiences and to book, [contact the team here](/hospitality/enquire/).

Tickets for Crystal Palace’s upcoming home friendly against Watford are now on sale.

Crystal Palace v Watford tickets on sale

Joining on loan from Chelsea, Gallagher will compete for Palace throughout the 21/22 season.

Speaking with Palace TV having arrived in south London, Gallagher revealed the impact Patrick Vieira had on his decision.

“I spoke to the manager, I liked what he said, I liked how he wants to play, how he wants me to play and how he wants the team to play. I feel like I can learn from him and the players around me. I think that’s the main thing.

“I feel like [playing box to box] suits me perfectly, which is one of the reasons why I came here and the way he wants to play as well. Hopefully that can help me show what I can do.”

Gallagher also said he was encouraged by the project at Palace, as the club continues to add impressive names to its squad:

“I think it’s so exciting. What the manager’s done and the players he’s brought in is really exciting. Hopefully they’ll help the team this season and that everyone can show what they can do and that we can show all the fans what we can do this season.”

Several of those players – namely Marc Guéhi – are familiar to Gallagher, with the 21-year-old having competed alongside several of his new teammates before.

“It seems like we can’t leave each other alone!” he joked of Guéhi. “We grew up through the Academy at Chelsea, we were at Swansea together and now here, so we’re like best mates. I’m really happy he’s here.

“Always playing for your country is an honour and we played there together throughout the [England] age groups from Under-17s to Under-21s so it’s been a great journey. It’s just the start, really.

“[I also know Eberechi] Eze. He was with us at England. I know Michael Olise, he was a bit younger than me through the Academy at Chelsea. Nathan Ferguson, good mates with him through England. There are a lot of boys here that I’m friendly with.”

Conor Gallagher has become the fifth signing under Patrick Vieira so far, adding his name to the stellar list of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guéhi, Remi Matthews and Michael Olise.

Gallagher reveals Vieira impact on signing

### Early years ###

Born in Epsom, Surrey, to a sporting family, Gallagher was surrounded by football from a young age. A Chelsea fan like his older brothers, he lived within 10 minutes of the Cobham training ground and joined the club’s Academy at the age of eight.

His brothers both played the game, going on to have careers at non-league level while Gallagher progressed through the Blues’ youth ranks.

### International recognition ###

Eligible for both Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, Gallagher instead opted to represent England at youth level, doing so at Under-17s, Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s.

He was part of England’s triumphant Under-17s World Cup campaign alongside fellow recent signing Marc Guéhi, featuring in the final victory over Spain as the Young Lions were crowned champions.

In 2019 he received his first call-up to the Under-21s side, making his debut against Slovenia in Maribor – he has made nine appearances for the team since.

### Professional debut ###

After signing a contract at Chelsea in 2018, Gallagher was an unused substitute for the 2019 Europa League final in Baku, where he received a winners’ medal after Chelsea’s win over Arsenal. It capped a fine year for the youngster, having won the club’s Academy Player of the Season award.

A loan move to Charlton Athletic allowed Gallagher to make his professional debut, featuring 26 times across a successful half-season spell. After three goals in his first six games for the Addicks, he was named the Football League’s Young Player of the Month on his arrival. 

After being recalled from the Valley, Gallagher made the move to south Wales to join Swansea City for the remainder of the season. Alongside Guéhi he formed part of an exciting young side, registering seven assists as the Swans reached the play-offs.

### Premier League bow ###

After signing a new long-term deal at Chelsea, Gallagher moved on loan once again, this time to Premier League West Bromwich Albion.

It meant a first season of regular top-flight football, scoring twice – including once against Palace in a 5-1 defeat – and assisting twice from midfield. 

### Style of play ###

Modelling his game on Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, Gallagher operates as a box-to-box midfielder as comfortable coming forwards as he is helping out in defence. 

During his spell at Charlton, his work rate was described as “unreal” by then-manager Lee Bowyer, while at Swansea City Gallagher himself spoke of his desire to develop the creative side of his game.

Conor Gallagher has arrived at Selhurst Park in a season-long loan deal from Chelsea – but how much do you know about the newest Eagle?

Announcement

Announcement

Conor Gallagher joins Palace on loan

Gallagher reveals Vieira impact on signing

Meet Conor Gallagher: Everything you need to know on latest Palace signing

Win SIGNED Gallagher shirt from first day at Palace

Broadcast details for Crystal Palace’s Reading and Watford friendlies

Crystal Palace v Watford tickets on sale

Shop online

Latest Videos

CCTV: Conor Gallagher's first training session at Palace

First interview with Conor Gallagher

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 2-2 Charlton Athletic

Patrick Vieira post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

Scott Banks post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

2Joel
Ward

Announcement

Announcement

Conor Gallagher joins Palace on loan

Gallagher reveals Vieira impact on signing

Meet Conor Gallagher: Everything you need to know on latest Palace signing

Win SIGNED Gallagher shirt from first day at Palace

Broadcast details for Crystal Palace’s Reading and Watford friendlies

Crystal Palace v Watford tickets on sale

Shop online

Latest Videos

CCTV: Conor Gallagher's first training session at Palace

First interview with Conor Gallagher

Match Highlights: Crystal Palace 2-2 Charlton Athletic

Patrick Vieira post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

Scott Banks post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi post-match interview | Charlton Athletic

2JoelWard

2Joel
Ward