Greatest Crystal Palace Players Ever – Top 10 Legends
3. Ian Wright
Crystal Palace signed Ian Wright from Greenwich Borough and sold him to Arsenal. In between, he netted 117 times in 277 games for the Eagles.
That notwithstanding, Wright correctly goes down as one of Palace’s best ever players. No one has scored more post-war goals for the club. The fact that they came during Palace’s glory days of the early 1990s only strengthens his case.
Many of his strikes were of huge importance. His stunning brace in the 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United is one of Palace’s greatest moments. Like Mark Bright, Ian Wright spent six glorious seasons sporting an Eagles shirt and is considered by many to be the best Palace striker ever.
2. Geoff Thomas
Geoff Thomas spent six years in south London and won nine England caps, evidence of his great ability. As captain and leader, Thomas made a huge contribution to Crystal Palace during their greatest years. Thomas was a huge influence in the centre of the park. He could pass, tackle and get up and down the pitch. He was the perfect all-rounder.
The midfielder was a success in each of his six seasons. In his debut campaign, he won the Player of the Year award. The following term, he played an integral role in the club’s promotion to the First Division.
1989-90 was the best yet, as Thomas skippered the side to the FA Cup final against Manchester United. He won the Player of the Year trophy again the next season as Palace finished third in the top-flight, their best ever league placing.
1. Jim Cannon
Mr. Crystal Palace Jim Cannon signed as an apprentice in 1970 and the Scottish defender went on to make more appearance for The Eagles than any other player, with over 660 appearances during his 15 seasons at Selhurst Park.
A rugged and reliable centre-back, Cannon made his debut against Chelsea in 1973 aged 19. He was commanding and fearless, and he even scored the second goal in a 2-0 win. By 1974, he was a regular. He would not give up the position until 1988.
Cannon played under seven managers in three different divisions. He was employed as left-back and central midfielder as well as centre-back. Cannon represented stability and continuity as an ever-present figure at the club.