I've only just heard of the passing of Alex Catto aged 78 last year. He was a Scotsman and an enormously enthusiastic Palace fan for decades and had a seat in the Main/Members Stand until he moved to the then new Holmesdale when it opened.

He was a colleague of mine in IPC/Business Press - now Reed Elsevier - in Sutton until we both moved on.

I don't know why I never knew of his death till now but Alex was literally larger than life and twice as convivial and once seen or met would be difficult to forget.

Jim Cannon was his favourite player and his cries of "Cannon for Scotland" would echo around the ground in the days when crowds were often far smaller and quieter than nowadays.

If any older supporters remember him it would be great to hear of memories and anecdotes.

Jamesey

Nothing is fool-proof - fools are too ingenious

Alex's widow Shona tells me that Alex had a very well-attended send-off in Hastings but she was unaware whether any of his old Palace chums were in attendance. Great pity because the Eagles were so important to him...

Nothing is fool-proof - fools are too ingenious