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Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish praises Sam Allardyce's decision to make Jason Puncheon captain as he underlines importance of 'local lads'

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish believes Sam Allardyce’s decision to make Jason Puncheon captain underlines the club’s commitment to community.

Puncheon has been awarded the armband by Allardyce - who was appointed Eagles boss in December - and played a key role in the Selhurst Park club taking a huge step towards Premier League safety.

Puncheon grew up a stone's throw away from Selhurst Park - as did the club’s talismanic winger Wilfried Zaha.

Jason Puncheon was handed the captaincy when Sam Allardyce took charge of Crystal Palace
Jason Puncheon was handed the captaincy when Sam Allardyce took charge of Crystal Palace

And Parish believes the fact Puncehon and Zaha grew up in south London has been key towards the club’s recent revival.