When Palace Do Well, South London Feels It

A love note to the club, the community, and a Cup Final to remember...

After our son’s Cup Final win, I didn’t think Saturday could get better.

Then, Crystal Palace won the FA Cup Final at Wembley - and the celebrations skyrocketed.

This wasn’t just a win for the club — it was a win for the fans. For the families. For the red-and-blue beating heart of this very special community.

Actor, rapper, producer (and more) Doc Brown said, “South London isn’t always easy - but it’s ours, and it’s real. We’re used to being overlooked, judged before we’re heard. Called trouble. Called lost. But that’s not who we are.”

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South London can get a rough ride. Often portrayed as ‘rough’ or ‘gritty’ in the media.

Not as connected, not as ‘classy’.

Rooted in class divisions, it’s an outdated stereotype - not the truth.

They don’t get it - and that’s fine. Because we do.

Crystal Palace isn’t just a football club. It’s a community. Big hearts and loud voices. Tifos and tears. Tributes and chants.

Pub screens and back gardens.

Decades of memories, all tinged with red and blue.

When that final whistle blew at Wembley, I immediately FaceTimed my Mum and Dad from the pub.

I’ve been thinking of my sisters, my nephews, family, friends and extended Palace family ever since.

All the people who made CPFC a part of me, and there are so many. Those who are no longer with us, but are always with us in spirit.

Each one a thread in the beautiful tapestry of this club.

As Doc Brown also said, “When Palace do well, South London feels it.”

And, my goodness, we’re feeling it now.

I am, and always will be, South London and proud.

❤️💙🦅