Joel Ward: The Untold Story Behind Palace’s FA Cup Win & What Really Happens When You're Released

On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Chris, and Sids are joined by free agent and Crystal Palace legend Joel Ward. From lifting the FA Cup to living in a Bible college, Joel dives deep into the highs, lows, and surprises of his footballing journey.

The lads chat about Ward’s free agent life, what it’s really like being on the sidelines after a long stint at a club, and how he's mentoring the next generation at Palace. They also get stuck into proper dressing room stories, the real power of player faith groups, and one of the most intense atmospheres in football — Fratton Park on a European night.

Oh, and things take a serious left turn into 18-hour brisket smoking sessions and barbecuing like a pro. Is Joel Ward the best footballing pitmaster in the country? You'll have to listen to find out.

 

Chumbawamba 

00:00:00 – Episode opens: remote setup and Ibiza hangover chat

00:02:14 – Sids explains how bad weather justified a heavier night out

00:03:08 – McDonald's recovery mode: international break confessions

00:04:34 – “Three nights in a row is heavy at this age” – big night consequences

00:06:10 – Fantasy football standings update: Sid storming into the lead

00:07:09 – Cheating Chris out of points?

00:10:17 – Ange & Forest: “It’s not going to end well”

00:12:54 – Arsenal's mental hurdle: “They have to win a league title NOW”

00:19:11 – Crouch’s bet builder: Mo Salah to score first

00:25:11 – Steve Bruce story: “His dad asked, ‘How do you stand in that box?’”

00:30:53 – Joel Ward joins the pod

00:31:15 – Life as a free agent and staying fit at Palace

00:33:13 – Winning the FA Cup: “You couldn’t write it”

00:34:46 – “I knew we were going to win” – the surreal moment before victory

00:35:48 – What it meant for lifelong Palace fans

00:36:03 – How the team mentally prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime shot

00:38:17 – Why the Palace system works, even without stars

00:40:01 – Ward on changing roles and mentoring at Palace

00:42:34 – Coaching, faith, and media aspirations

00:43:24 – Growing up in a Bible college with 30+ residents

00:45:42 – Faith in football: pre-game prayers and support groups

00:49:04 – WhatsApp groups with Eze, Trent, and other believers

00:52:00 – Coming through the ranks at Portsmouth

01:00:00 – Facing AC Milan: “I saw Maldini in the tunnel”

01:04:09 – The great football BBQ debate begins

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