In a recent Crystal Palace programme in March, Bill Wyman shared the story of how his lifelong support for Crystal Palace F.C. began – with a single match in 1946.
On 26th October 1946, just after his tenth birthday, Bill’s father took him to Selhurst Park for his first Crystal Palace game. It was the first season after the Second World War, with Palace playing Port Vale in the Third Division South.
The result was a 2–1 defeat, and on the journey home, his father joked that Palace “couldn’t beat the blind school.” Despite the disappointment, the experience left a lasting impression. As Bill recalls, he had been “stung for life.”
From that point on, he followed the club closely. In the years that followed, Palace were relegated to the Fourth Division before rising again with two promotions to reach the Second Division. As a young supporter, Bill would walk from his home in Penge to Selhurst Park, paying sixpence to stand behind the Holmesdale Road goal. He would also attend reserve matches when the first team were playing away.
Among the players he watched, his early hero was the right half Terry Long, who played for Palace for 15 seasons. During that time, Bill also recalls the impact of Johnny Byrne, who scored freely and was selected for England while still playing in the Third Division, as well as the influence of Steve Kember.
After living in France from 1971 to 1982, Bill returned to London and resumed attending matches regularly. During the 1989/90 and 1990/91 seasons, he became friends with players including Ian Wright, Mark Bright and Andy Gray, and remained connected to the club during a period in which they finished third in the First Division under manager Steve Coppell.
Bill also recalls missing the FA Cup Final against Manchester United, as he was rehearsing in Amsterdam with The Rolling Stones. Unable to attend, he arranged to return to London for dental treatment before the tour began.
Back in London, he attended the FA Cup Final replay, describing it as an “amazing game,” with Ian Wright coming off the bench to score twice in a 3–3 draw. A few days later, he reconnected with the players, receiving Ian Wright’s boots from the match and Mark Bright’s shirt – both of which he still owns.
Over the years, his connection to Crystal Palace extended beyond matchdays. He formed friendships with figures including Mark Bright, Dougie Freedman, chairman Steve Parish and Roy Hodgson, and continued to attend games regularly.
Reflecting on that first match in 1946, Bill notes that you never know what a first game will bring. For him, it marked the beginning of a lifelong connection to Crystal Palace.
The original programme from that day – featured here – holds particular significance. It was recently given to Bill by his daughter, Jessy, who purchased it from a collector, bringing his story full circle nearly 80 years after his first visit to Selhurst Park.
