Palace stars in their Christmas jumpers Pic: Crystal Palace FC Twitter
Members of Crystal Palace’s first team were greeted by a roaring welcome from club fans yesterday evening at the Whitgift Shopping centre.
As part of the club’s annual roadshow, first team stars such as Connor Whickham, Wilfred Zaha and Jason Puncheon signed posters and match programmes as well as posing for photographs with wide-eyed young fans.
Michael Tavers, 48 from Morden, said “I think it’s really important and good that [the club] do this, for all the kids. They’re doing pretty well in the league as well so that should help with the crowds.”
ROADSHOW: Hundreds of #CPFC fans attended yesterday’s Christmas event! Read more here – https://t.co/ZNNeYdO1nJ pic.twitter.com/6STjQHdM4S
— Crystal Palace FC (@CPFC) November 13, 2015
The main hub of the Whitgift centre was filled by queues of exited fans ranging across all ages.
Mary Shields, 66 from Croydon, said “I have been a palace fan all of my life, and I love seeing the players. I come here every year.”
Club mascots, officials and members of the clubs cheerleading team The Eagles joined the players at the shopping complex in East Croydon.
The roadshow included a club shop and sound system which created a party-like atmosphere.
The players left the centre at 6.30pm, having donned their Christmas jumpers for one last picture.
The next premier league game for Crystal Palace is an 8pm kick off against Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on Monday November 23.
By Charlie Fahie
