The years rolled back yesterday as Ian Wright and Mark Bright both attended Trevor Francis' first training session.

Despite retiring from football in 1999, Wright looked as sharp and as fit as ever. He is linking up with Palace as a part-time coach and will work particularly with the forwards.

Assistant manager Steve Kember believes the goalscoring legend can pass on valuable advice to the players. He said: "I spoke to Ian and he said he was delighted to help Palace. He will be a great source of inspiration to our younger players who still remember what he has achieved at the club."

* Selhurst Park has been chosen as the venue for a special Football Forum which is to be broadcast on TalkSport radio and is being held at Selhurst Park in conjunction with John Smiths, sponsors of the station's breakfast show.

The event is being held on Thursday, December 13 and you can be there by taking a seat in the audience which will be in The Holmesdale Road Stand while the panel will be in a specially constructed stage on the pitch. The doors open at 5.30pm and the special guests will be the breakfast show's hosts MIKE PARRY and ALAN BRAZIL with ALVIN MARTIN, JOHN SALAKO, GARY O' REILLY and our very own SIMON JORDAN, STEVE KEMBER and TREVOR FRANCIS.

The evening is sure to be full of some great football chat and you can put your questions forward by being part of the exclusive audience on the night. Tickets cost just £2 (proceeds to the Mayday Hospital Maternity Unit) and are available from the Box Office on 020 8771 8841.

* Supporters who buy a mid-season ticket now will benefit from great low prices and exciting offers.

Palace fans are encouraged to take advantage of the Early Bird Offer'. If you buy your mid-season ticket now you will also receive a ticket for the home match against Man City completely free.

The fixture this Saturday is one of the biggest of the season and already promises to be a sell-out. The generous deals for mid-season tickets include a Junior price of just £15.

By purchasing now you also have the option of guaranteeing your seat for season 2002/2003. For more details call the Selhurst Box Office on 020 8771 8841

* Don't forget that you can buy all your Palace Christmas presents from three club shops: Sutton, Croydon and Selhurst Park. All three of these shops are open Sundays. Check with your nearest shop for special Christmas opening hours.

TERRY BYFIELD

Communications manager