The Crystal Palace FC history reflects the resilience and growth of the Crystal Palace football club. Founded in 1905, the Crystal Palace FC team has become a respected name in English football, known for its passionate fan base and thrilling style of play. Over the years, they have built a legacy that continues to inspire football supporters worldwide.
Founded
1905
Location
Selhurst, South London
Team History
1905 - Present / Crystal Palace Football Club
Nickname
The Eagles, The Glaziers - Crystal Palace Football Club, or known as Crystal Palace, is a professional football club based in South London. Founded in 1905, the Eagles have played in the Premier League since 2013 and are one of England's most successful clubs. But what many fans may not know in the Crystal Palace FC history is that their nickname has an interesting origin story.
Crystal Palace FC Origin
The original Crystal Palace was built for The Great Exhibition of 1851, and it was located on Sydenham Hill near Croydon - just a few miles from Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace plays today! It was designed by Joseph Paxton, who had previously worked at Chatsworth House (the Duke of Devonshire’s estate). So he used some elements from there to create his design for this incredible building made almost entirely out of glass and steel frames – hence why it became known as ‘The Crystal Palace.’
When Arthur Wait founded the football team in 1905, they named themselves after this famous landmark that still stands today – albeit with some modifications over time to keep up with modern standards! This also explains why their logo features an eagle perched atop two crossed swords, initially part of Paxton’s design but later removed when alterations were made during World War II; however, they remain part of the club crest even now!
So next time you watch your beloved Eagles take flight onto another victory, remember how far back their name goes - thanks to The Great Exhibition Of 1851 & Joseph Paxton's iconic vision for 'The Crystal Place.'
Championships
Premier League / 0
FA Cup / 0
Premier League - FA Cup Double / 0
Stadium
1924 - Present / Selhurst Park
1918 - 1924 / The Nest
1915 - 1918 / Herne Hill
1905 - 1915 / Crystal Palace
Current Owner
2010 - Present / Steve Parish, Joshua Harris, David S. Blitzer
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1905
- 1969
- 1994
- 2004
- 2013
- 2014
Crystal Palace Formation in 1905
The professional Crystal Palace club was formed on 10 September 1905 under the guidance of Aston Villa assistant secretary Edmund Goodman. Palace applied for election to the Football League, but were rejected and the club found itself in the Southern League Second Division for the 1905 – 1906 seasons. The club was successful in its inaugural season and was promoted ...
Crystal Palace Arrive to First Division 1969
Palace stayed in the top flight from 1969 until 1973, and achieved some memorable results, arguably the best was a 5–0 home win against Manchester United in the 1972 – 1973 season. Arthur Wait stepped down as chairman during that season and was replaced by Raymond Bloye who appointed Malcolm Allison as a manager in March 1973, with Bert Head ...
Crystal Palace Premier League champions 1993–94
Crystal Palace bounced back to the Premier League as champions of the First Division in 1993–94 under manager Alan Smith.
Crystal Palace won promotion to the Premier League
Crystal Palace won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs for a third time in 2003–04 under manager Iain Dowie, after beating West Ham United at the Millennium Stadium.
Palace wins promotion to Premier League
Crystal Palace won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs for a fourth time in 2012–13 under manager Ian Holloway, after beating Watford at Wembley Stadium.
Tony Pulis – Premier League Manager of the Season award
Crystal Palace FC consolidated their Premier League status for the first time by finishing 11th in 2013–14 under manager Tony Pulis, who won the Premier League Manager of the Season award.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Crystal Palace FC History
The Crystal Palace FC history dates back to 1905 when the Crystal Palace football club was officially formed. The club was originally based at the famous Crystal Palace exhibition site, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, before moving to Selhurst Park Stadium in 1924, which remains the home of the Crystal Palace FC team today. Over the decades, the club has become a vital part of South London’s football culture and identity.
During their early years, Crystal Palace football club competed in the Southern League before joining the Football League in 1920. The team faced multiple challenges, including relegations and financial instability, yet always managed to rebuild with determination. By the late 1960s, their progress was evident, and the Crystal Palace FC team achieved promotion to the First Division for the first time in 1969, establishing their place among England’s elite clubs.
Throughout the 1970s, under manager Malcolm Allison, Crystal Palace FC history saw key developments, including the introduction of the now-famous red and blue kit and the eagle crest that inspired their nickname, “The Eagles.” Despite ups and downs, the Crystal Palace football club continued to strengthen its reputation as one of England’s most spirited teams.
Crystal Palace Achievements
A major turning point came in the 2013–14 Premier League season when Tony Pulis guided the Crystal Palace FC team to an impressive 11th-place finish, avoiding relegation after a difficult start. The following years under managers like Alan Pardew and Roy Hodgson saw the club become a consistent mid-table Premier League competitor, earning respect for their resilience and strong performances against top clubs.
In terms of achievements, Crystal Palace football club reached the FA Cup Final twice, in 1990 and 2016, narrowly losing both times to Manchester United. These runs showcased the club’s determination and ability to compete with England’s biggest teams. Players such as Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze have become fan favorites, contributing to the club’s exciting, attacking style.
Today, the Crystal Palace FC team continues to build on its proud legacy. Backed by passionate supporters and steady leadership, the club remains a symbol of ambition and perseverance within English football. With a solid foundation, the Crystal Palace football club aims to achieve even greater success in the Premier League while honoring its rich history that began over a century ago.
