Palace's promotion to Premier League is "massive": Ian Holloway

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has claimed the Premier League promotion is “massive” for the club.

“We’re in the Premier League now, so God help us,” Holloway said with considerable pride. “It’s absolutely massive for the club and I’m delighted for everyone connected. I feel very privileged.”

Palace’s last stint in the upper tier of the Premier League was eight years ago, and they were relegated after just one season. The team had their hearts set on automatic promotion during this campaign before stumbling into the play-offs owing to just one victory in their final 10 Championship games.

It was Kevin Philips’ penalty shot during extra time that did the trick and won them a 1-0 victory against Watford in the play-off final at Wembley on 26th May 2013. It was Holloway’s decision to loan Philips from former club Blackpool, and the 39 year old did not disappoint.

“It was magnificent to score the winning goal,” the former England international said. “I have experienced three losses in this game [play-off finals], so it was great to win.

Zaha was the star player from either sides, finally forcing a foul from Watford defender Marco Cassetti in extra-time. The 20 yr old was just happy that he was part of all this excitement. After spending nearly ten years at Selhurst Park, the England international was signed by Manchester United for £15m and loaned back to Palace during the January transfer window.

“I have been at the club for 10 years. I have nothing but love for the club”, he said. “Going to Manchester United is good for me but I had to stay at Palace and get the job done.”