Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson on demotion to the Conference League, his ‘magic cap’ and England’s number one chants | OneFootball

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson says demoting the club to the Conference League risks devaluing the FA Cup.

Palace qualified for the competition by winning last year’s FA Cup, only to be demoted to the Conference League because of a breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.

Former co-owner John Textor also owns Ligue 1 club Lyon, who also qualified for the Europa League with the place going to them because of their higher domestic league finish.

Palace appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who sided with UEFA over the matter.

It means, barring any late changes, the Eagles will be playing in Europe’s third tier competition next season and Henderson says it is a kick in the teeth.

“As players we win it on the pitch and we expect the authorities to deliver what we’ve won,” he said, speaking after Palace’s Community Shield win over Liverpool.

“I think every mutual supporter would agree with us and you don’t want to devalue the FA Cup as well at the end of the day.

“It’s a tough competition to win and you should get what you deserve from it.”

Despite the disappointment of missing out on a Europa League spot, spirits remain high at the club with Henderson helping his side to a penalty shoot-out win at Wembley over the reigning Premier League champions.

And the 28-year-old joked it might have something to do with his lucky cap.

“The magic cap, as people sometimes say to me, so when it was on I knew we had a chance.”

Henderson’s jubilant post-match celebrations in front of the travelling supporters were followed up by chants of “England’s number one” and while he still has some work to do to replace Jordan Pickford, he says it is something he is working towards.

“I’ve got to keep delivering in the key moments and have a fantastic season this season and see where it takes me,” he said.

“It’s just about putting one foot in front of each other and training well every day and trying to be the best I can be.”