Michael, whose underhit back pass on Wednesday for Palace allowed Jermain Defoe to nip in and score the opener, still has a soft spot for the club and admits:
"West Ham is still my favourite club of the lot and it was great to come back and nice to see them doing so well although it was at the expense of us, unfortunately.
"I was very surprised that West Ham went down, but, hey, we have all been surprised before.
"They have let a lot of players go and judging on what I have seen it is going to be a struggle for every team in this league - including West Ham.
"There are about six or eight teams that could easily go up so it is a battle, and I don't think they are a nailed on certainty to go up by any stretch of the imagination."
After a contractual dispute concerning his old club Wimbledon and Birmingham, where he had been on loan, Michael went the best part of a year without playing.
So why didn't he pop back to Upton Park, where he was a popular figure?
"They didn't want me!" he smiles.
"Palace were the only ones that showed much of an interest really, so I went there and I am enjoying it.
"I am glad to be playing again and that is the main thing for me.
"In another 10 games I hope to be back to at least half of what I can do; I still don't feel quite right but I am getting there and that is the main thing."
A lot has changed since Michael was at the club, but he says:
"Lomy is here, big Pearcey, and that is about it of the players but people like John Green are still here - and I saw TC and Kenny Brown so it was nice to catch up with everyone.
"I would like to see West Ham, Palace and Wimbledon go up - that would be nice!"