Tony – this was such an emotional read. Your love for Palace really hit home. I actually welled up.
I was born in Croydon in ’68 and moved to a brand new council house on an estate in South Norwood in ’77. With Palace quite literally on my doorstep, it was impossible not to be swept up in it all – especially on match days when the streets were awash with red and blue. Despite my dad’s lifelong (albeit not hardcore) Chelsea allegiance, I naturally gravitated to my local club.
I used to go to games with some of his mates from the working men’s club on Enmore Road. I still remember those cold afternoons on the old concrete terraces, warming up with a hot chocolate, soaking it all in. Great memories.
In my teens, as music took hold – and Beano’s record shop became a second home – I drifted a bit from the club. But Ian Wright pulled me right back. Like you, he’s my all-time favourite. His journey into the game, so late, was – and still is – genuinely inspiring. I adore his passion, even if he splits opinion among some Palace fans. To me, he embodies everything beautiful about football.
Now 56, I still play in regular kickabouts arranged through various WhatsApp groups – usually the oldest on the pitch, but I keep showing up. Every time I think, “this might be my last year,” I remember Wrighty and carry on.
I was at the Chelsea game last night and heard the same from every corner: we all want Palace to win today. And me? I’m a secret Crystal Palace supporter…
What a result for your Boys in the FA Cup. Enjoy the victory laps. Well earned!!!
Sorry, are you referring to George Best, the Fulham legend?
Tony – this was such an emotional read. Your love for Palace really hit home. I actually welled up.
I was born in Croydon in ’68 and moved to a brand new council house on an estate in South Norwood in ’77. With Palace quite literally on my doorstep, it was impossible not to be swept up in it all – especially on match days when the streets were awash with red and blue. Despite my dad’s lifelong (albeit not hardcore) Chelsea allegiance, I naturally gravitated to my local club.
I used to go to games with some of his mates from the working men’s club on Enmore Road. I still remember those cold afternoons on the old concrete terraces, warming up with a hot chocolate, soaking it all in. Great memories.
In my teens, as music took hold – and Beano’s record shop became a second home – I drifted a bit from the club. But Ian Wright pulled me right back. Like you, he’s my all-time favourite. His journey into the game, so late, was – and still is – genuinely inspiring. I adore his passion, even if he splits opinion among some Palace fans. To me, he embodies everything beautiful about football.
Now 56, I still play in regular kickabouts arranged through various WhatsApp groups – usually the oldest on the pitch, but I keep showing up. Every time I think, “this might be my last year,” I remember Wrighty and carry on.
I was at the Chelsea game last night and heard the same from every corner: we all want Palace to win today. And me? I’m a secret Crystal Palace supporter…
EEAAAGGGLLLEEESSSSS!
Thanks so very much for this Tom. More later!