Lombardo was named caretaker manager of the Palace on this day in 1998.

On this day (March 13, 1998), Attilio Lombardo was appointed Player-Manager,

perhaps the most notable managerial appointment in Crystal Palace history.

The well-liked Italian, who in SE25 added “The Bald Eagle” to his long list of nicknames,

which also included “Popeye” and “The Ostrich,” filled the vacuum left by Steve Coppell.

He was only 32 years old when he took over, having only relocated to south London the summer before.

Prior to moving to south London, Palace supporters were already familiar with Lombardo

because of Channel 4’s Football Italia, which featured his lanky gait, deadly instincts in goal,

and trophy-filled stints with Sampdoria and Juventus.

That reputation was only strengthened after coming to Palace in the summer of 1997.

Some have hailed Lombardo as the club’s most thrilling transfer ever. The Italian did not let them down,

scoring in a 2-1 victory over Everton on the first day of the 1997–98 season at Goodison Park.

Lombardo gave his team several moments of inspiration on the field throughout what ultimately

turned out to be a chaotic season back in the Premier League. He scored goals at Leeds United and,

of course, Wimbledon, helping his team finish tenth in November.

Speaking on Palace TV in 2018, Lombardo grinned and said, “Everything is a good memory.”