Crystal Palace 1987–1991: Coppell, Wright & Bright, and the Cup Final Run

How did Steve Coppell’s Crystal Palace rise from the Second Division to the 1990 FA Cup final and create one of the most iconic strike partnerships in English football?

Episode Summary

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by London regular Stuart Burgess to revisit the brilliance of Crystal Palace between 1987 and 1991.

Guided by Steve Coppell, Palace rebuilt with smart recruitment, including scouting non-league gems like Ian Wright, whose late-blooming rise to stardom transformed the team. Alongside Mark Bright, Wright formed one of English football’s most effective and culturally significant strike duos — “Wright and Bright.”

The conversation relives Palace’s thrilling run to the 1990 FA Cup final, including their shock win over Liverpool and their dramatic showdown with Manchester United, a match that cemented Coppell’s reputation as one of the brightest young managers in the game. Beyond results, the episode explores how this Palace side reflected a changing England — diverse, resilient, and unafraid to challenge tradition.

Style of Play

Coppell’s Palace combined resilient defending with direct, powerful attacking football. They thrived on pace, energy, and the strike force of Wright and Bright, who blended speed, flair, and aerial power. This balance of grit and creativity made Palace unpredictable and dangerous, particularly in cup competitions.

Takeaways

Steve Coppell’s innovative management and eye for non-league talent
The rise of Ian Wright and his partnership with Mark Bright
Palace’s thrilling run to the 1990 FA Cup final
The cultural impact of a diverse and fearless squad
How Coppell’s Palace helped redefine the club’s identity in English football

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Listen now and relive Crystal Palace’s late-80s golden spell — a story of resilience, flair, and one of football’s great strike duos.

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Steve Coppell

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