Excitement is building up in Croydon ahead of Crystal Palace FC’s historic FA Cup Final match on Saturday. The Eagles will be heading to Wembley and Croydon is backing them all the way.
Croydon residents have shared their stories about watching the Eagles over the years and how much the club matters to them.
Debbie Bentley-Ross said she was delighted to secure last-minute tickets for Saturday’s game. She said: “I have supported Crystal Palace since I was a little girl and my dad took a box for me to stand on and I held onto the handrails. I have many happy memories of watching Crystal Palace. Palace deserve to win the FA Cup Final this weekend. Come On Eagles!”
Ayana Williams said: “Our family home is literally across the road from Palace FC and for over 50 years we have seen the highs and the lows. I remember when we were kids, my brothers and I would wait for half-time for the big gates to open just by the Holmesdale/Park Road entrance and us local kids were allowed in to watch the second half of the game from there. Our parents could never have afforded us to buy a ticket in those days, but the memories are still part of conversations.
“It was the best times – we always looked forward to the weekend home games. We love what Palace FC do for the community and we wish them all the best. Come on Palace!”
This is the club’s third FA Cup Final and the Council is working with them to ensure there is as big a celebration as possible for Palace fans if they win.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “As a lifelong Palace fan, I know what this match means for fans. The excitement has been building up in Croydon and we are hopeful they will be bringing home the cup. Whatever happens on Saturday, Croydon is enormously proud of their achievements and of everything the club and Palace for Life Foundation does for Croydon.”
