8 Players Who Probably Regret Leaving Crystal Palace

Nigel French/EMPICS SportFor so many years, Championship staples Crystal Palace were doomed to be a feeder club. While Championship football is obviously nothing to be sneered at, all too often an in-form player at Selhurst Park would get lured away by the bright lights of the Premier League. Players departing the Eagles often fit into the two categories of either being a veteran who has suddenly experienced a surge of good form with the south east London club or €“ most frustratingly €“ when a talented youngster feels like they're ready to make the transition to the top-tier of English football. The phenomenal academy of Crystal Palace would produce exciting prospect after exciting prospect nurtured from the surrounding areas of Croydon, Norwood and Carlshalton and eventually more affluent Premier League clubs would flash their cash and add the young talent to their ranks. Sometimes the talent would thrive under the increased challenge €“ for example Wayne Routledge and Nathaniel Clyne €“ while on other occasions they would crumble under the pressure and eventually lose all confidence and momentum. After an incredible 2013/14 season which shocked Premier League viewers around the world, Crystal Palace not only managed to avoid relegation but actually did it with points to spare and are now in a position where they can actually establish themselves as a legitimate force in the Barclays PL. This is excellent news for those who stuck it out through the hard times at Selhurst Park but it must surely make many of those who jumped ship wish that they stayed an Eagle. Here are the 8 players who regret leaving Crystal Palace: