Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has “trepidation” ahead of the new season, as the Eagles look to establish themselves as a top Premier League side in their first full season under Alan Pardew.
After an exciting start under the former Newcastle boss, Parish is feeling that “there is a bit of expectation that gives me a bit of trepidation,” because of the money spent on new arrivals this summer. Although, the co-owner believes that the squad has prepared well for their upcoming challenges with their pre-season tour of South Africa.
Palace won their opening match of the tour against SuperSport United before losing to Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon in the final of the Cape Town Cup.
Despite the loss, Parish was pleased with the whole team’s performance and felt there were ‘lots of positives’ to take from the 2-0 defeat and that Pardew has learned what he needs to improve before their first Premier League match away to Norwich next Saturday. The Englishman also felt that there is “loads of competition for places” as their third consecutive top flight campaign begins.
