Crystal Palace’s first season back in the top flight proved to be short lived as they suffered relegation on the final day of the season, finishing the campaign of fin 19th position. They enjoyed remarkable runs in the domestic cup competitions, reaching the semi finals of the FA Cup and league cup, suffering defeats against strong football clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool in the last four. Palace came narrowly close to gaining promotion in to the premiership during the 1995 – 1996 seasons as they finished doff in third position, reaching the play offs.
The Eagles found promotion at the end of the 1996 – 1997 campaign as they finished it off in sixth position, and gained promotion via the play offs at the end of the season. The Eagles crashed out of the league cup in the third round as they suffered a 4-1 defeat against Ipswich Town.
Palace found life difficult back in the premiership during the 997 – 1998 season under Steve Coppell as they finished off the campaign in a disappointing 20th position finish. Douggie Freedman and David Hopkin were in magnificent form for the club.