My father took me on my 10th birthday to my first Crystal Palace football match on 26th October 1946 – the first season after World War II. They were playing against Pert Vale in the 3rd Division and lost 2-1.
From that day they became my team, and I have followed them and seen them rise from the 4th, to the 3rd divisions into the 2nd and then the 1st division, and finally into the Premiership, where they are now an established team.
After the first FA Cup Final that I attended – thanks to manager Steve Coppell at the time – it was a 3-3 draw, and my friends Ian Wright gave me his boots while Mark Bright gave me his shirt.
I’ve waited 78 years for this momentous occasion to happen – and it finally did on Saturday – third time lucky.
Long Live the Eagles – with Europe next season!
A fan forever
Bill Wyman
Watch an exclusive video from Bill below on celebrating the victory!