Crystal Palace were just one step away from Wembley in the previous campaign, knocking out Manchester United at Old Trafford to reach the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. Their league performance was less impressive, however, and they finished off the season 17th in the Championship.
With the new season now in full swing, Sports Mole spoke to 21-year-old Eagles midfielder Stuart O'Keefe – man of the match in last year's famous win - to find out how they're faring this term.
How did it feel to sign a new three-year deal with Crystal Palace in May?
"It felt good. Obviously Palace is a club known for bringing young players through and giving young players a chance. So when [the contract] was offered to me and it was on the table it was an easy decision for me in the end."
You made 19 appearances in the last campaign. What are your individual hopes for this season?
"I just want to play the best games I can, hopefully I can play more than 19 games. As long as I keep progressing then that's all I can do. To be involved in the league is obviously the main thing this year because it was a mixture of cup and league last year, so if I can play more than I did last year then that's a forward step for me."
You knew Dougie Freedman at Southend United before he took over as Crystal Palace boss. What kind of influence has he had on your career?
"He has had a big influence. Obviously I know him from Southend so I know what type of person he is and I know what he thinks of me. He gave me my opportunity last year and that was a massive part of me signing a new deal."
Have you got fond memories of your time at Southend United?
"I loved my time at Southend. I did some growing up there and had some great memories - making my league debut at Leeds United was brilliant. But the situation the club was in financially, it was the right time to leave."
Before signing for Southend United, you were released from Ipswich Town. Was there interest from any other clubs?
"Ipswich, for whatever reason, decided that they were not going to offer me a contract. But Aston Villa had watched me and invited me up there for a trial. I had a great time up there, but unfortunately they were not willing to offer me a scholarship. They were only willing to offer me a one-year contract and I was still at school, so it just was not practical. In terms of Forest, I had a couple of good games up there, but Southend had offered me a scholarship at the time."
What are Crystal Palace's ambitions for the new season? Is there an outside chance of the playoffs?
"I think the playoffs would be an outside chance. We have had a hard couple of years. Since Dougie has come in the club has settled, but we have let a lot of good players go this year such as [Nathaniel] Clyne, [Sean] Scannell and [Darren] Ambrose. It will be a hard season, but the lads back the gaffer and he knows what he is doing. We just want to improve on last year. Anything such as mid-table plus would be a bonus."
What about the overall quality of the Championship with teams such as Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers in the mix?
"You have got clubs like Blackburn Rovers who have gone out and bought players like Danny Murphy, Nuno Gomes and Jordan Rhodes. They will be a tough outfit, as will Bolton Wanderers, who have got Premier League experience in players such as Chris Eagles and Kevin Davies. It will be hard this year putting yourself up against some real quality players."
Tell us about the Carling Cup win at Manchester United last November?
"It was the best experience of my life. When we got them in the draw everyone was over the moon to experience the whole thing - flying up there, then getting the bus to Old Trafford etc. It was unbelievable to walk out at the biggest stadium in the country. To play live on Sky and to get the win, it just does not get any better than that in football, to be honest. It was enjoyable, I absolutely loved it. When you see the likes of Ji-Sung Park, Antonio Valencia, Dimitar Berbatov, you think 'I am actually doing it'. When the game was going on you just had to treat it as normal. Obviously they are quality players, but you have just got to do the best you can and see what happens. Luckily Ambrose got a bit of a worldy and we managed to get through."
Wilfried Zaha has attracted a lot of interest in the past year. Just how good is he?
"He's a top player. He is still very young, his feet and his pace are brilliant, he is an incredible talent and I am sure he will go onto bigger and better things. But I think it's important to keep the reins on him and nurture him and treat him right and keep improving him. Without doubt he is an outstanding talent."
Matt Law
