Palace co-owner spoke to McNeil's partner before move

Crystal Palace co-owner and chairman Steve Parish personally contacted the partner of midfielder Dwight McNeil prior to the player's transfer to the club. The communication took place during the prelude to McNeil's move to Crystal Palace, highlighting the direct involvement of the club's leadership in securing the player's transfer.

The disclosed interaction underscores the proactive approaches modern club executives sometimes take in player acquisitions. By engaging directly with a player's family or partner, the club's leadership participated in the personal elements of the negotiation process leading up to the finalization of the contract.