October 14 2018

The way we were... the Holmesdale when everybody stood and sang...

Jamesey joins in the melee concerning the proposed 'singing section' in the Holmesdale and finds his sympathies are very much with the loyal supporters who feel betrayed by the club.

My friend and fellow HOL commentator, Wilf King, recently contacted me to say that he and his group of close friends will all be affected by CPFC’s intention to create a 'singing section' – there’s a strange piece of terminology. I always thought anyone could sing at a football match without needing a section?

The issue is really about the Holmesdale Fanatics who have occupied Block B for many years but wish to move into Block E directly behind the Holmesdale goal.

The nearest I have ever come to the HF is to watch them from my seat in Block W of the Arthur Wait and undeniably they have made a massive contribution to home support and atmosphere with their organised singing and general enthusiasm (not too keen on the drum myself – it’s usually a sign of weak support when you need artificial noise to boost the decibels).

It is also undeniable that like or loathe the HF, Palace’s home record has not been boosted by their activities, as a glance at the statistics will reveal.

Anyhow, knowing I was sympathetic, Wilf asked me to write a piece from a non-HF perspective and without banging on any longer, I have run his own eloquent views on the situation which I feel put the case with great fairness and clarity without any tinkering from me.

What price loyalty from CPFC?, writes Wilf King. Well not a lot.

A group of long-standing Palace supporters, who sit in Block E of the Holmesdale, have been informed by the club that their seats for the 2019/2020 season will not be available.

Why? CPFC want a "new singing section in the Holmesdale lower tier" which means fans who have held their seats for between 10 to 20-plus years are being forced to move without any indication of where the club may find them new seats.

Outrageous? Worse than that. Steve Parish, the Palace chairman, states: "Whilst we believe this will be a great benefit to the atmosphere and is supported by the vast majority of fans, I completely understand that this is probably very upsetting and disruptive to you, as one of our most loyal and longstanding supporters."

Mr Parish is not wrong there. I have supported CPFC for 60 years and occupied my seat in the lower Holmesdale for 21 years. I am being made to move without any consultation and minimal compensation.

Myself and my friends will not know until at least April 22, 2019 (Easter Sunday) whether the club have seats for us and where they may be. This is what we get for supporting the club through thick and thin.

What is more insulting is the belief that Mr Parish, or his associates, have held meetings with the 'Fanatics' who used to occupy Block B. When they were informed they would not be allowed into Block E this season what was their response? Most did not renew their season tickets.

It seems the club would prefer these "fans" rather than those who are consistent, loyal and "LOUD AND PROUD".

It would be interesting to know how this proposal is supported by the vast majority of fans.

Where were the Fanatics when we were struggling in the Championship year after year, had 12,000 gates and we were turning out in the cold and wet to watch teams like Barnsley (home and away)?

The group of fans that I meet up with at every home match are angry, disappointed, frustrated and will be seeking an audience with Mr Parish to let him know the depth of feeling he has created in the Holmesdale lower.

Email Jamesey with your comments to jevans3704@aol.com

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