I can't believe I'm writing this at 2 AM with my third coffee, but the Palace ownership saga just got even weirder. And trust me, I've been covering Premier League ownership drama since 2014 – this one's a doozy.

So John Textor, teh 59-year-old American who seemed to be backing away from Crystal Palace a few months ago, has apparently changed his mind. Again. This guy flips positions faster than a politician during election season.

The Textor Rollercoaster (strap in, folks)

Last time I spoke with a Palace insider (over some questionable pub food near Selhurst Park), they hinted Textor was looking to offload his shares and find another football toy to play with. Made sense at the time – he's got his fingers in multiple club ownership pies already.

But nope! Now he wants MORE control at Palace. Classic Textor move.

And here's where it gets interesting. Woody Johnson – yes, the 77-year-old New York Jets owner with more money than sense – might be joining forces with Textor in this venture. Johnson previously sniffed around Chelsea but didn't pull the trigger.

Wait... who's Woody Johnson?

For those who don't waste their Sundays watching NFL like I do, Johnson inherited his fortune from the Johnson & Johnson empire (yes, the band-aid people) and bought the Jets back in 2000 for around $635 million. My Jets-supporting friend Dave still hasn't forgiven him for two decades of mediocrity.

Johnson and Textor would need to convince fellow Americans Josh Harris and David Blitzer to sell their stake. Those two have been linked with other clubs for years – they're like the guys at a party who keep checking their phone to see if something better's happening elsewhere.

Steve Parish, meanwhile, is just... waiting. Poor bloke.

On-field glory, boardroom chaos

It's wild how Palace can look so good on the pitch while the ownership structure resembles my desk right now – absolute disarray with coffee stains everywhere.

But despite this behind-the-scenes mess, Palace's ambitions remain sky-high.

The Rashford bombshell nobody saw coming

Listen. This is where things get properly bonkers.

I've just had confirmation from a source close to the club that Palace are eyeing up Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa don't trigger their £40K purchase option. I nearly spat out my drink when I heard this one.

"Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United," my source told me over WhatsApp at midnight. "There is a good buzz around the club at the moment and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract."

The source added: "They know they would have to keep onto their better players to try and persuade Marcus to move to South London."

Rashford has managed 5 goals and 3 assists in 22 appearances for Villa since January. Not exactly setting the world on fire... but Palace clearly see something worth gambling on.

So what happens next?

Your guess is as good as mine. And I've been covering this stuff for 11 years.

The Johnson-Textor alliance could reshape Palace's future entirely. Or it could fizzle out like so many potential football takeovers do.

I've reached out to representatives from all parties involved. Radio silence so far. Typical.

What I do know is that Palace fans deserve better than being caught in this ownership limbo. They've got one of the most passionate fanbases in London (and I say this as someone who's definitely not a Palace supporter).

Will update when I hear more... if my editor doesn't kill me for missing tomorrow's deadline first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it mandatory for footballers to wear shin guards?

Shin guards should be a part of every footballer's equipment as they protect the lower legs from injury when tackles or collisions occur. They protect the shins by preventing severe injuries like fractures and severe bruising. The football governing bodies enforce the wearing of shinguards to ensure player safety.

Can I wear athletic clothing or only football gear?

Football-specific clothing can be worn, but it's recommended. It is made to increase performance and comfort. Jerseys and pants are typically made with lightweight, breathable material that allows for maximum airflow. This helps to reduce sweating and overheating. The fit also allows for a wide range of motion which can enhance your agility during play.

Should I wear compression clothing when playing soccer?

Compression gear, such as shorts, leggings, or tops, can be beneficial for football players as they may help increase blood circulation, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery post-game or training. It's also thought that the tight fitting material helps stabilize the muscles. It is up to the individual whether they choose compression gear. Comfort should always be the first consideration when choosing this equipment.

How do I know if my football boots fit properly?

In order to get the right fit, the football boot should be snug without being too tight. This allows for a little movement and prevents the foot from sliding into the boot. There should be about a thumb's width of space between the toes and the front of the boot to avoid cramming the toes when running or kicking. You should also consider your foot width and choose a boot that fits narrow or wide feet. To ensure a perfect fit, always try boots on with football socks.

What are the best goalkeeper gloves?

Goalkeeper gloves featuring a palm made of latex offer the best performance under different conditions. The latex palm thickness and density are adjustable to balance gripping power and durability. Gloves that have finger protection systems (including spines and stiffening materials) can help prevent hyperextension of the fingers. Good gloves must also fit and be comfortable to allow the goalkeepers to perform their best.

Statistics

• Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.
• Compression garments are used by about 50% of professional football players during training sessions for muscle support and injury prevention.
• A survey found that nearly 80% of football players believe that high-quality football socks are essential for optimal performance.
• Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
• Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.

External Links

footy.com

• Footy.com

puma.com

• PUMA Football Gear

prodirectsoccer.com

• Pro:Direct Soccer

decathlon.co.uk

• Decathlon

uksoccershop.com

• UKSoccerShop

How To

How to Maintain and Care for Football Equipment

Maintaining your equipment will prolong its lifespan and promote hygiene. Boots should be cleaned after each use and dried naturally; avoid direct heat sources as they can damage the material. Shin guards should be wiped and gloves aired to avoid the formation of odors. Inspect your gear frequently for signs that it is worn, especially on the areas where you play most. When washing clothing and protective padding, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damage or shrinkage.