The 1997-98 campaign was a turbulent year of ultimate heartbreak and unfulfilled promise for Crystal Palace, as The Eagles finished a crushing 20th in the Premier League and were relegated. The season was defined by the sensational arrival of Italian star Attilio Lombardo, who, despite his influential early form, could not prevent the slide. Amid constant managerial turmoil, including Lombardo and Tomas Brolin briefly becoming joint player-managers, the team famously struggled for eight months to record their first home league win. Talismanic forward Neil Shipperley led the league scoring with 7 goals, but the poor form saw relegation confirmed in April, marking a deeply frustrating but unforgettable chapter in the club's history.