Crystal Palace returned to the Premiership a year after leaving it, and, over the next few months, they would experience one of the most unusual seasons in their history. They were the division's lowest scoring team with just 34 goals, but reached the semi-finals of both cup competitions. They also finished fourth from bottom in the Premiership, which – due to the streamlining of the division to 20 clubs – cost them their top flight status. Manager Alan Smith was sacked just days afterwards, with Steve Coppell returning to the manager's seat two years after handing the reins over to his former assistant Smith.
The aftermath of Palace's relegation saw the sale of numerous players including Richard Shaw, John Salako, Chris Armstrong and Gareth Southgate. A barely recognisable Palace squad would kick off the Endsleigh League Division One campaign with one of the youngest-ever squads to be faced with a challenge for promotion to the Premiership.
^Young was born in Singapore, but qualified to represent any of the home nations internationally as a British passport holder and made his international debut for Wales in May 1990.
^Dyer was born in Redbridge, England, and represented them at U-21 level, but played a friendly game
for Montserrat against Ashford Town in September 2007.
^Salako was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, but also qualified to represent England internationally and made his international debut for England in 1991.
^Ndah was born in Southwark, England, but also qualified to represent Nigeria internationally and was called up by Nigeria in 1999, but was prevented from playing due to injury.
^Boxall was born in Croydon, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and would later represent them at U-21 level.
^Quinn was born in Bexley, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and would represent them at U-21 and B level.
£1,830,000
£740,000