VIEW FROM THE STANDS

Last season was a tough watch. Roy Hodgson’s pragmatic approach kept us up, but it would be hard to say the football was pleasing. We did win at Brighton by scoring twice with our only two touches in their box, though, so it wasn’t all dull. The big talking point among the

fans is new manager Patrick Vieira. Not many would have picked him, but he has his merits and wants to succeed as a Premier League boss. Instead of going to the football

last season I made better use of my National Trust membership. No

away days in Sheffield for Palace last season, but I can recommend Sheffield Park for a wander.

I won’t be happy unless Eberechi Eze is able to return at some point during the campaign. A fantastic first season was curtailed by injury. Our most underrated player is

Tyrick Mitchell. I don’t think many have realised how good a full- back Palace have on their hands.

Look out for Jesuran Rak- Sakyi. He stood out in last season’s exciting U18 side; a tricky attacker who may catch the eye if trusted by Vieira. The opposition player I secretly

admire is John Mcginn. It was sensational business from Villa to pick him up for peanuts.

Other clubs’ fans don’t know that a brilliant documentary dropped on Amazon over the summer, covering our madcap promotion in 2012- 13.

Our key player will be Christian Benteke. He ended last term in top form. If confident, he’s as good as any striker of his type in the league.

We’ll finish... in mid- table, I hope, though I’m a little concerned with what the post- Roy era may bring.