CONOR’S GONE... NOW LET’S SEE HOW GOOD PALACE REALLY ARE

CONOR GALLAGHER’S return to Chelsea highlights another problem with the loan system. It’s deceptive. Crystal Palace looked a good side under Patrick Vieira last season, but a significant part of that strength was the form of Gallagher, who was never their player. Now he is gone, it leaves a hole where a talented individual once stood, and Palace haven’t filled it, from within or without, because they had a temporary solution. West Ham may solve their striker problem with another loan, of Armando Broja. Like Gallagher, the only way he will still be there in 12 months’ time is if he doesn’t look good enough for Chelsea. If he does well, he’ll be back at Stamford Bridge and West Ham back to square one.