I've seen some crazy football fans in my time, but this takes teh cake. Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this level of dedication.
When New York plans crash into Wembley dreams
Mark and Anna Newlands had it all sorted. A lovely 10-day holiday in New York to celebrate a cousin's birthday. Flights booked. Accommodations arranged. The works.
Then Crystal Palace went and did something they've only managed twice before in their entire history - they only went and made it to the bloody FA Cup final!
Problem is, the May 17th showdown against Manchester City falls smack in the middle of their American getaway. Most people would just shrug and say, "Ah well, we'll watch it in a New York sports bar."
Not these two.
Twenty. Thousand. Pounds.
That's how much this pair of absolute Palace diehards are spending to fly back from New York for the match, then return to continue their holiday. I had to double-check that figure when I heard it. £20,000! I spent less on my first car!
Mark, a 61-year-old retired risk manager from Newbury (ironic job title given this financial decision), put it simply: "The club is in my DNA. We have to be there. I'm not bothered if this is sensible or not. It'll be worth every penny."
His wife Anna, 62, apparently didn't even flinch when he suggested this bonkers plan. Talk about relationship goals... or financial madness, depending on your perspective.
Sorry cousin, football comes first
The birthday celebrations that prompted the NY trip in the first place? Yeah, they're missing that part now. Mark mentioned the relatives understand, which makes me wonder if this isn't the first time Palace has disrupted family gatherings.
Back in 2016, my mate missed his sister's wedding for a regular season match. His explanation: "There'll be other weddings." She still brings it up at Christmas.
The transatlantic football pilgrimage
Their itinerary looks exhausting. Fly to New York. Spend three days there. Fly back to London for the match. Then immediately return to New York to finish their holiday.
I'm jet-lagged just writing about it.
Their son James (also a season ticket holder, naturally) will be at Wembley too, though he's sensibly skipping the New York portion. Their daughter Alice is staying in the Big Apple throughout.
Third time's a charm?
The Newlands were there for Palace's previous FA Cup final heartbreaks. Those scars run deep... Palace lost to Manchester United in both 1990 and 2016. Now they're up against the footballing juggernaut that is Manchester City.
God. The emotional investment here is off the charts. Imagine spending £20K to potentially watch your team lose a third final.
But that's football, isn't it? The hope that kills you, the memories that sustain you, adn the occasional financial decision that makes your financial advisor weep quietly into their calculator.
I asked my Palace-supporting colleague about this story. His response: "Completely reasonable. Would do the same if I had the money."
Football, bloody hell.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Premier League determined?
The Premier League's winner is the club that accumulates the greatest number of points during the season of 38 games. For a win or a draw, teams earn three points. Losses are not worth any points. In the case of two teams having the same total of points for the entire season, the winner of the league is determined by goal differences and, if necessary, number of goals. If the teams still are level, then a game at a neutral ground may decide the title. But this scenario is not known to have happened in Premier League.
What is Premier League football?
Premier League is a top-tier English football league. It's also one of most popular and highly competitive domestic leagues. It is played by twenty teams and follows a system of promotion/relegation in conjunction with the English Football League. The teams compete annually, with each team playing 38 matches (home and away), and the season typically running from August to May. The Premier League is known for its high-quality football, international array of star players, and significant global following.
How has Premier League evolved from its creation?
Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has undergone significant evolution. It began as a breakaway division from the Football League. This was done to take advantage a lucrative deal for television rights. Since then, they have grown into a global sport phenomenon that attracts talent from all around the world. They have undergone branding changes and seen massive revenue increases. The league also saw advancements in training facilities, stadium technologies and sports science.
Can you explain what the Premier League's 'Big Six’ are?
The term 'Big Six" refers to the Premier League clubs that have been most influential and successful in recent years. Manchester United and Manchester City are often included in the list. Other clubs include Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. These teams have a reputation for a consistently high performance, a huge fan base and financial strength, as well as qualifying frequently for European competitions.
What happens to the Premier League teams that finish in the bottom half?
At the conclusion of every Premier League season, those teams that finish at the bottom of the table in the league are relegated from the Premier League to the Championship. In their place, two of the top teams from the Championship and the winner of Championship playoffs will be promoted to the Premier League.
Statistics
- In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.
- Manchester United holds the record for the most Premier League titles, having been crowned champions 20 times.
- Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
- The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
- Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
External Links
How To
Fantasy Premier League - How To Play
Playing Fantasy Premier League begins by creating an account on the official Fantasy Premier League website. You will be given a budget once you have registered. This allows you to "buy" a team of players that score points according to their on-field performance. Strategize your selection based on player form, fixtures, and price. Manage your team throughout the season by switching players, choosing your captain to earn bonus points, or using special chips during key moments in the Premier League.
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