I remember it like it was yesterday. There I was, lying on my twin bed, tears streaming down my face with my dad's caring hand rested firmly on my back. His kind words, usually so soothing, unable to release me from my current teenage pains. It was supposed to be my special day. I had arranged for all my "friends" to come round and play at my house for lots of fun events. But they were all an hour late. Confused, I decided to walk to one of their houses round the corner. What I found when I arrived was all the kids I had invited to mine kicking footballs in HIS front yard with absolutely no intention of coming to mine. I was distraught and ran home to cry. It was at that point that I truly believed that I would never have any good friends. A residual feeling from this has lingered with me throughout my adult life. That was until May 24th, just a week before my 39th birthday. Crystal Palace played Swansea in the last game of the 2014/15 season and a surprise party was planned for me. Each and every one of you who turned up, and those who sent good wishes, I thank you from the bottom of my red and blue heart. I was truly touched by the gathering. You guys are great. To appreciate this, I have attached a few pics from the event. A special thank you goes out to my wife Heather, organizer this shindig, who will always be my best friend and who I am pretty sure would never stand me up to go play with another friend's balls.
Crystal Palace FC had their most successful season for almost 30 years and it was mostly down to you, my Austin Eagles. Without you they may have dropped to joint 11th instead of 10th; a catastrophe as I am sure you will agree. You all made a difference, even if you only read the emails (Merri-Gale is added back in on this one). I am truly excited to see you all back ready for the action to begin again on August 8th for the new season.
Come on you Eagles!