CRAY Wanderers chairman Gary Hillman has become an associate director at Crystal Palace.

Mr Hillman, who appeared last year on hit BBC show Dragons’ Den and won the backing of James Caan for his novelty car project, is an Eagles fan but will still remain in charge of the Wands.

Palace season ticket holders will now obtain free entry to watch Cray’s home games at Hayes Lane in Bromley.

Mr Hillman will be a Palace associate director until the end of next season and is excited by the role.

He said: “As a lifelong Palace supporter I am obviously pleased and honoured with my new position in the club.

“I have been chairman of Cray Wanderers FC for the last 15 years and hope I can use this to both clubs advantage and build up a good working relationship between us.

“Cray Wanderers play at Bromley FC, have been promoted twice in recent years and currently play in the Ryman Premier League.

“I will still continue my role as chairman and as I know most supporters also have a non league team they support it would be great if Palace fans could adopt Cray Wanderers as their team.

“With this in mind any Palace season ticket holder will get free admission to all Cray home games with immediate effect simply by showing their season ticket at the gate.”

Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander added: “We are delighted to welcome Gary on board.

“As well as the direct benefit to the club, Gary has a wealth of contacts throughout the business community that will be invaluable.

“We still have a vacancy for one more associate director and should anybody be interested they are urged to contact me directly at the club.”

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