Crystal Palace journey ends but have they potential to compete long term?

Palace are pretty much the only side worth speaking of in South London so that's a catchment area of, what, four million? Imagine a super new stadium packed with 50,000 screaming Eagles?

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira applauds the fans after the final whistle in the Emirates FA Cup semi final match at Wembley Stadium, London. John Walton/PA Wire.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, or so they say. Although in this case it's actually buy 'em.

Josh Harris and David Blitzer, the Americans who part own Crystal Palace, spent most of the run up to the FA Cup semi-final trying to wriggle into a position to take over the opposition.