For the older supporters…

[Vectis]

Nor in your 70s !

Agree it’s not good for your health at our age! I’m now 70 and did have a serious heart attack 18 months ago and yesterday kept checking my heart rate. I note the much younger and fitter Steve Parish was doing the same! Although I couldn’t get a ticket this time and had to make do watching on the tv, I’m glad I I am still around to witness this magnificent achievement by the team.

I first went to a Palace match in 1967 and was hooked. I too remember Selhurst with one stand and three open sides of terracing with grass banks above. Another world to now. I also was at the 1976 semi, the 1990 final and replay and the 2016 final and thought it was never going to be our day.

In fact I was also at the 1988 cup final. A mate at the time was a Wimbledon season ticket holder and he got me a ticket. At the time I thought Palace were never going to get to a final and it was the only way I would get to see one. In many respects, yesterday reminded me of that game in 1988. Obviously our lads did it with a lot more skill and finesse than the old Wimbledon ‘Crazy Gang’’, but the togetherness, team spirit, camaraderie and determination were similar. Back then they were the underdogs against the mighty Liverpool team and won 1-0 with a tremendous save by their goalkeeper (Dave Beasant) from a penalty. Of course, it all went drastically wrong for the ‘Dons’ thereafter, so hopefully we avoid that sort of fate which similarly befell others such as Wigan, Portsmouth, Leicester after winning the cup.

Now thoughts tun to the Community Shield (still to us old timers the Charity Shield) and European competition plus a 13th consecutive Premier League season. Who could ever have believed such things possible back in 2010 when the club almost folded? Also, a really mad thought. Oliver Glasner has previously won the Europa League. Could he do it again with Palace and if he did then this time next year the Champions League would beckon. Now, I’m really getting ahead of myself, but after what we witnessed yesterday why not dream big?!

 

[Willo]

I have watched our team from all 4 sides of Selhurst Park and remember Mrs Minchella selling peanuts from the Holmesdale Terrace.
The grass bank at the back was treacherous when it was sodden with rain and many took this route to the ramshackle toilets at the bottom.

 

[PatrickA]

I have watched our team from all 4 sides of Selhurst Park and remember Mrs Minchella selling peanuts from the Holmesdale Terrace.
The grass bank at the back was treacherous when it was sodden with rain and many took this route to the ramshackle toilets at the bottom.

I may well have been leaning on a neighbouring crush barrier .
I tried to get behind the goal at the Holmesdale to observe the ball hit the back of the net for us or witness John Jackson pull off dramatic saves to deny the opposition.

 

[Willo]

I may well have been leaning on a neighbouring crush barrier .
I tried to get behind the goal at the Holmesdale to observe the ball hit the back of the net for us or witness John Jackson pull off dramatic saves to deny the opposition.

Leaning on a crush barrier could be dangerous when supporters started the "Knees up Mother Brown" and cascaded down the terrace.
Toilet rolls used to be thrown from this terrace but I never engaged in such an activity.

 

[esox lucius]

I have watched our team from all 4 sides of Selhurst Park and remember Mrs Minchella selling peanuts from the Holmesdale Terrace.
The grass bank at the back was treacherous when it was sodden with rain and many took this route to the ramshackle toilets at the bottom.

Indeed Willo just like you I can recall all that you mention, those open air toilets at the bottom of the Holmesdale terrace were shocking, even if they did give us a ready supply of tracing paper toilet rolls to launch down over the goalposts
My dear old departed dad first took me aged 10 in 1964, I did have a little word with yesterday at the final whistle. I really never thought the day would arrive in my lifetime where we actually won something. A deliriously happy Palace fan

 

[chris123]

Leaning on a crush barrier could be dangerous when supporters started the "Knees up Mother Brown" and cascaded down the terrace.
Toilet rolls used to be thrown from this terrace but I never engaged in such an activity.

No good in I think 1967 when Millwall were in the Holmesdale separated by police straight down the middle, first time I was frightened at Palace..

 

[Brinscalleagle2]

I was 17 when I went to my first match back in 1958 so been through a few ups and downs. I did not think I could beat the experience of the home win against Burnley to take us up but yesterday I found out I could. What a day.COYP❤️💙

 

[nickyf]

I was 15 When palace beat Liverpool to make The 1990 Fa cup final
Have experienced many great games and many great times, finishing 3rd in the old 1st division ,The zds final win , winning the league and promotion back to the premier league under Alan smith, Hopkins winner against Sheffield utd, Ian dowies promotion to the premier league and finally maintaining premier league survival after years of yo yoing between premier league and championship.
just a few great times and many more great games and achievements

much heartbreak missing out on Europe after Finishing 3rd , a few play-off final defeats ,close to administration and going out of business, seeing many of our talented players go to other clubs often through the greed and politics that ruins football ,being the butt of jokes from plastic fans of other clubs, yesterday was reward to those who have stuck by palace through good times and Bad times.

We have now won a major trophy and have Earned our chance to play in Europe no one can cheat or deny us that Through politics and Greed. It's our time to shine.

 

[totoshkin]

In that state of not wanting to forget yesterday - I looked at the north Stand Chat thread on the arch. Truly hysterical.

 

[Zimeagle]

My journey started in 1953 in the Third Division South. From the despair of being relegated to the newly formed Fourth Division it was soon the joy of being promoted following the appointment of Arthur Rowe as manager.
I didn't think I'd ever see Palace win the cup, but after the semi final win I felt far more positive about our chances than I did in 1990 and 2016. I'm so glad I got to see it happen, albeit on the television, and my thoughts immediately went to my Dad and Uncle Les and how they would have felt. I'm sure lots of readers on here would have had the same thought.
One thing I'd like to share is that, as kids, my dad told me that he and my uncle used to buy a platform ticket at Selhurst station on match days. They would go to the end of platform 1 and they could watch the games at the Nest, although the view was limited by the stand.

 

[blackheatheagle]

My ST seat neighbour in Selhurst Park had told that he has been attending games since 1957 and i do not recall if i saw his seat empty or occupied by someone else.

Already messaged to him that he deserved this gift and will happily share the same tomorrow at Wolves game.

 

[Sansbup]

In that state of not wanting to forget yesterday - I looked at the north Stand Chat thread on the arch. Truly hysterical.

There's some very salty seagulls on there since Saturday. They're hurting. Poor luvs.

 

[markltcpfc]

Deep joy and delight to read through this thread.

I remember so much of what has been posted and would add in no particular order....

Finest goal i've ever seen anywhere at any time: Jim Cannon v Ipswich, 1979.
The joy that was Rachid Harkouk.
The trickery of Vince.
Kenny on the lefty.
Wilf one side and Yannick the other.

Bring on Europe.

 

[Pete53]

I have watched our team from all 4 sides of Selhurst Park and remember Mrs Minchella selling peanuts from the Holmesdale Terrace.
The grass bank at the back was treacherous when it was sodden with rain and many took this route to the ramshackle toilets at the bottom.

I used to go back then but I don't recall ever finding toilet

 

[Wisbech Eagle]

I am now 80 and went to my first game with my older brother at around the age of 10. Stood on the Holmesdale terrace and went to just about every home game from then until I moved out of London with work. Season ticket holder in old stand in my late teens. So can relate to many of the stories and emotions expressed in this thread.

I continue to follow every game and have done wherever I am in the world, getting up in the middle of the night in some places. It’s actually easier today than it was when all we had was updates on Tele Text.

I was one of the kids banging the hoardings to match Glad All Over. We made it our song. I got to know Brian Lewis and then Terry Long was a neighbour after he retired. I saw so many of the names mentioned here. Saw Ian Wright make his debut.

Finally winning the cup has been the best. Coming from the 3rd Div South, via the 4th Div, to be an established Premier League side is a huge achievement. Winning the cup goes a step further, because this team are special. They are a genuine team in which the spirit of togetherness and friendship is obvious and they are greater than the sum of the individuals. We are now so well respected across the football world that it makes me feel very proud.

My brother died 3 years ago. He would have loved seeing this.

 

[PatrickA]

Deep joy and delight to read through this thread.

I remember so much of what has been posted and would add in no particular order....

Finest goal i've ever seen anywhere at any time: Jim Cannon v Ipswich, 1979.
The joy that was Rachid Harkouk.
The trickery of Vince.
Kenny on the lefty.
Wilf one side and Yannick the other.

Bring on Europe.

Your finest memories in lots of ways mirror my own.
I remember Sansom’s outstanding debut as a teenager like it was yesterday, Hilaire’s balance and ability to seemingly take a tumble and yet emerge the other side of a defender with the ball at his feet.
Harkouk had one of the hardest shots I’ve observed from a Palace player and was a true maverick.
Great memories.

 

[Gary St.Andrews]

My first match was 71 and we lost, for a 7 year old at the time it seemed strange that the crowd got louder as we kept conceding. I was at the back of the Holmesdale and I was hooked!

What does it feel like to win one of the big ones?

Well it feels like something has been completed and it really does bring it home to fans that I know (have known) that have never witnessed it and it’s for them as much as he rest of us. You know Big Mal would have backed us after beating Millwall “ Palace have nothing to fear, they are strong at the back and have players that can counter as good as anyone” I can hear him saying it now.

After 2 weeks of winning it I’m still in cloud cuckoo 😜 land!

 

[BR6]

Blimey - 1943. I thought I was doing well with my first match in 1954. I am of course thrilled to bits by yesterday's achievement, but for me April 1969, when we won promotion to the top division for the first time, will always be the biggest day in my Palace "career". My granddaughter was out and about in the Palace triangle last night and sent me some pics of the revelry, which took me straight back to that evening in 1969. I remember the "Palace dollies" (dreadful name) were out in the pubs, and according to my memory were in a very friendly mood. 😀

My father in law went in the 50s- he said that Johnny Byrne used to comb his hair throughout the match! He also refers to the Holmesdale end as Bungalow Road- anyone else call it that?

 

[Lanzo-Ad]

My memory’s include some more obscure ones, Jim Cannons bizarre testimonial, Peter Taylor’s goal at Selhurst for England U23, Clive Allen’s non goal at Highfield road, The coppers helmet being knocked off, in the Loftus road warm up, Chas and Dave giving palace fans the finger, after we drowned out their pre-match songs at white hart lane, Sideburns, big Dave, Joyce the voice, Len Chattertens Beatle roller, Brian Huggett, the golfer, bringing his clubs out at halftime, Whitehorse road end walls, Power to the Palace playing and many more great memories.

 

[Badger11]

My memory’s include some more obscure ones, Jim Cannons bizarre testimonial, Peter Taylor’s goal at Selhurst for England U23, Clive Allen’s non goal at Highfield road, The coppers helmet being knocked off, in the Loftus road warm up, Chas and Dave giving palace fans the finger, after we drowned out their pre-match songs at white hart lane, Sideburns, big Dave, Joyce the voice, Len Chattertens Beatle roller, Brian Huggett, the golfer, bringing his clubs out at halftime, Whitehorse road end walls, Power to the Palace playing and many more great memories.

I'd forgotten that good call.