The 2001-02 campaign for Crystal Palace was a turbulent year of drama and goals, culminating in a 10th-place finish in the First Division. The season was infamously defined by manager Steve Bruce's sudden and controversial walkout after just four months to join rivals Birmingham City, a saga that put the club's resilience to the test before Trevor Francis took over. Leading the line through all the upheaval was the talismanic local hero, Clinton Morrison, whose sensational 22 league goals made him the club's top scorer and a constant source of optimism. Alongside the veteran Dougie Freedman (20 league goals), Morrison ensured The Eagles had an electric attack, a highlight of a campaign that proved the fighting spirit of the Selhurst Park faithful and marked the young striker's final season before his lucrative move to the Premier League.