Cliff Jackson scored 30 goals for Crystal Palace. Pic: CPFC
Former Crystal Palace centre-forward Cliff Jackson has died at the age of 76.
Fans have reacted to the news on Twitter today.
Cliff Jackson RIP. A #CPFC forward who I remember from the first ever season in the top flight.
— John Richardson (@1953eagle4ever) May 24, 2018
May he rest in peace#CliffJackson #cpfc 🦅
— Jonsta (@Jonsta1990) May 24, 2018
Jackson became a legend for the Eagles, as he was essential in getting Crystal Palace promoted to the first division in the 1968/69 season.
This was the first time in the club’s history that they had reached the top division, and Jackson helped by scoring 17 times in 40 matches.
Palace’s promotion was sealed when Jackson scored the winning shot against Fulham in April 1969.
Crystal Palace told ELL Jackson was “noted for his gladiatorial salute after each successful strike.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Sheila and his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Cliff Jackson helped take Crystal Palace up to the first division. Pic: CPFC
Jackson started his professional career in 1959, playing for his hometown club of Swindon Town and managed by Bert Head.
Head, who later became manager of Palace, signed Jackson from Plymouth Argyle in 1966 as a left-winger.
Jackson then changed his position to centre-forward while at Palace, and he would finish his time as an Eagle with a total of 30 goals in 120 appearances.
He then left the club in 1970 and played for Torquay United. Torquay were in Division 4 and to make up for the decrease in wages, Jackson bought and rented caravans to tourists.
Jackson finished his professional career in Devon and after retiring he played non-league football with Cambridge City.
Jackson later worked with community focused sports groups and moved to live in Spain.
