THOMAS: NO PAIN, NO GAIN
GEOFF THOMAS has blamed Crystal Palace’s appalling start to the season on a culture shock – something he knows a thing or two about, having just completed Europe’s three main cycling tours this summer.
Palace have lost their opening three matches of the season under Frank de Boer, with this afternoon’s clash with Burnley already looking make-or-break for the Dutchman.
If he needs advice on uphill struggles, though, he could do worse than speak to former Eagles skipper Thomas, 53. He has just led the first amateur team to ever complete the Giro d’italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana to raise money for Cure Leukaemia.
It is just the latest in a long list of fundraising ventures Thomas has led in the fight against a disease that almost claimed his life in 2003.
It’s been something which puts football into stark perspective.
But he believes Palace should ride out the storm – and not back-pedal on their decision to embrace a more continental style.
“It’s a totally different culture from the last few managers that Palace have had,” Thomas said, following a gruelling 180km stage of the Vuelta.
“They have had a very traditional English style of play. They’ve been ‘winning nasty’, which is something that Big Sam [Allardyce] and Tony Pulis have made a living out of.
“Now we’ve got someone from a totally different culture and it’s just a case of giving the players time and seeing how they respond to it.
“But if things don’t turn around pretty quickly, then I’m sure certain fans will be asking questions.
“[Chairman and part-owner] Steve Parish and the team are very sensible and they’ll understand that it will take a little bit of time.”
Thomas has had plenty of that in the saddle as he and his team have completed a Three Tours Challenge that ended in the Spanish sunshine of Madrid yesterday afternoon.
His foundation has, he estimates, brought up to £150million worth of treatments and drugs to the NHS.
“On one of the climbs about five days ago, I was very emotional,” he said. “I was going up a climb by myself and thinking about why I’m doing it – the patients, doctors, and people who have lost their lives.
“You get very wrapped up in it, then have to re-focus and go again.”
For more information visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/3tours