Speroni’s Honour At 389

With goalkeeper Julian Speroni setting his appearance record of 389 in the weekend’s FA Cup draw with Bolton Wanderers, putting him in top spot in the charts now one ahead of John Jackson, he had quite a few things to celebrate at the full time whistle.

With Crystal Palace now set for a home replay as we couldn’t find the breakthrough in the game, that was the only real disappointment as Speroni spoke of his achievement in his post game interviews as he met with the media and Crystal Palace FC.

‘Say that again, because I can’t believe it! It’s an honour for me. I never thought I was going to get to this number back in 2004 when I signed for this club – the fact that I’m here now is just amazing. I’ve been blessed. I’ve said it before I’ve been blessed with the people who work at the club, with teammates, and I couldn’t be happier.’

With the scoreless draw it obviously meant Speroni ended the game with the clean sheet and it was his 108th which only added to the occasion.

‘It was even better, it made the day perfect. Sadly we couldn’t win it late on, but we’re looking forward to the replay at home. It’s always a boost in confidence when the team keeps a clean sheet, not only for the back four and the goalkeeper but the whole team. We keep a clean sheet as a whole team and that helps us to move on to the next game, hopefully we’ll get more clean sheets and that’s what we need, that’s what our focus is on and I’m looking forward to that.’

With the away fans in full voice and continuing their support of him, he had words of praise for them.

‘I can’t thank them enough. I just don’t know what to say. They keep amazing me. The love I get from them every time I step on to the pitch. I threw my gloves into the stand and I wanted to throw my shirt, then I remembered my wife wanted my shirt and I thought ‘I better not do it because she’s going to be mad!’ I want to give them everything. Every time I step on the pitch I want to give them everything, because that’s what they deserve.’