Parish: Crystal Palace can win league in next 15 years

Mark Holmes
Steve Parish: Has high hopes for Crystal Palace

Steve Parish: Has high hopes for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish believes the south London club can win the Premier League title in the next 10 to 15 years.

Palace are set to receive a cash boost, with American businessmen Josh Harris and David Blitzer on the verge of sealing a deal which would see them hold equal 18 per cent stakes in the club with co-owner Parish.

Parish said: “I’m not saying this investment will see us lift the title next season, but in ten to 15 years we can win the Premier League.

“I remember watching us play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 1995 in the Premier League and the gate was 14,130.

“Ten years later they won the title and have gone on to win the Premier League four times, become European champions and grow into one of the world’s biggest clubs. They’re even now planning to increase their stadium capacity to 60,000.

“Look at Manchester City too. They were in English football’s third tier in 1999. Yet 13 years later they were Premier League champions playing in a new stadium.

“We can’t match the money these clubs are paying now but must get into a position where we also can go for the title. What’s the point of being in the game if you’re not trying to win things?

“It might not be with this ownership group. We may just progress it enough for someone else to take it further.”

Parish believes that key to Palace achieving the sort of growth he believes is possible will be the expansion of Selhurst Park to a 40,000 capacity.

Parish said: “The stadium is essential. It’s not just the stuff like more fans and revenue. It’ll change the perception of the club — how people feel and talk about it when they visit or play there or talk about our chances of winning a match.

“It’ll improve our recruitment opportunities and our top players will want to stay.

“You cannot just carry on punching above your weight year in, year out with a sub-standard facility.”