The Team that Could Have Been

The Team that Could Have Been: The Rise and Fall of Crystal Palace’s Team of the 80s looks back on a fascinating period for Palace, with meticulous research and supporter memories bringing the story to life.

Under the leadership of Malcolm Allison and assistant Terry Venables, the Croydon side embarked on a project – later dubbed the ‘Team of the Eighties’ – to transform a mediocre side into one of the most glamorous in the land. As part of the transformation, Allison changed the club nickname from ‘The Glaziers’ to ‘The Eagles’, and the club colours from claret and blue to the red and blue vertical stripes we know today, to emulate Barcelona.

Set in a troubled area of London against a backdrop of racism, hooliganism, despair and a government working against its citizens, it’s a story filled with colourful characters, cup runs and the hopes and dreams of a club punching above its weight for a short period of time.

This is the first-ever book on the extraordinary Team of the Eighties.