That I first went to see Palace. Family living in Upper Norwood suggested I go with them and I think I went out of politeness. I was 16 years old, living in Hayes in Middlesex and a Spurs supporter. Not a combination that was likely to lead 40 years of supporting Palace.

We stood in the White Horse end and Palace beat Southampton 3-0 in the FA Cup. I can't remember the scorers but it was a cracking cup tie. Something must have stirred within me as I went to (I think)the next home game which was Chelsea in the league. Palace won 2-0, Jim Cannon made his debut and it was the first time Palace had beaten a London team in the top flight. Another great geame with a great atmosphere and shown on the "Big Match" on the Sunday. I was hooked and started going regularly to all home games. It was difficult journey from Hayes - 3 buses and a tube but I loved it. Needless to say we got relegated that season.

The first of my Palace journey. Would I support them in the old division 2? The answer was yes, of course. I went to the first home game of 73/74 full of hope and optimism. We were playing Notts County who had just come up from the Old Div 3. I bought a new red & blue wool scarf that I still wear to home games. Notts County won 4-1 and we didn't win a game until Bristol City away in about mid November. We got relegated again, away at cardiff (I think)on the last game of the season. I was getting used to relegation by now. I also found that friends gave me respect for supporting a less fashionable team. People in pubs in Hayes would come up to me and say "Are you the Palace supporter?" I wasn't considered "cool" but it was probably the closest I have ever come.

In the 76/77 season I only missed 2 games all season, Lincoln and Northampton away. They were both midweek games and I just couldn't get there and back from Hayes. It seems a weak excuse now and I bitterly regret not doing a full season. Maybe when I retire?

The rest is history really. I have done the Wrexham aways, the Goldstones, Wembleys, Stockport, Sheffield Wednesday and the Amex last year. It has been a real roller coaster but I wouldn't want it any other way.

I bought a 25 year ticket for the Upper Holmesdale and then won a 50 year one in a draw. By my reckoning, I could be sat in the Upper Holmesdale until I am about 130 years old. How many promotions and relegations will that involve?

Writing this has made me realise what an important part of my life CPFC is. A bit below family but way up there. My 3 children all support Palace and have been season ticket holders at different times. I am head of a freaking dynasty!

Thank you for reading my story. I just wanted to mark the day in some small way. Plus, forgive me if any of my dates are a bit iffy. This is how I remember it!

Hat's off to you Plumptom, i think you should have a plaque erected somewhere in the Holmesdale.

The only bit that worries me is the bit about Spurs...

The only bit that worries me is the bit about Spurs...

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I was supporting Spurs at the time as, when I was much younger, I liked the name! It was only a phase that I was going through. I eventually moved to the light side!