Former chairman to take on Eagles

9:05am Thursday 10th July 2008

IT IS 10 years since Mark Goldberg became chairman of Crystal Palace but this Saturday he will face his former side again in a different capacity.

Goldberg's spell at Selhurst Park proved short-lived after he purchased the club from Ron Noades in the summer of 1998.

The Eagles had just been relegated from the Premiership, but Goldberg signalled his intent to make an instant return by appointing former England and Palace boss Terry Venables and backing him heavily in the transfer market.

However, a poor start on the pitch, coupled with mounting financial problems off it for Goldberg, saw the lifelong Palace fan see his dream reign at Selhurst Park end almost as soon as it had begun.

Crystal Palace were forced into administration as the very future of the club was placed in doubt, prompting supporters to come together and attempt to raise enough money to takeover the Eagles themselves.

It didn't come to that in the end as Simon Jordan saved the day in June 2000, but the uncertainty which beset Palace remains fresh in the memory for many.

A decade on, Goldberg is into his second stint as manager of Blue Square South side Bromley and will be in the dugout this Saturday when the Lillywhites take on Palace in a pre-season friendly.

He is the first to admit there are things he could have done differently, but also points out his motivation at the time was built on a genuine love of Crystal Palace FC.

Goldberg explained: "Saturday will undoubtedly be a special day for me because of my own history.

"I've got fond memories as a supporter, but less fond memories as a chairman.

"Simon Jordan is a good friend of mine and I have nothing but admiration and respect for what he has done at Crystal Palace.

"I've never allowed myself to look too far back in my life, so I don't really think about it as being something which happened 10 years ago."

He added: "Crystal Palace is part of my history, but I'm also really excited about my role as manager of Bromley.

"Of course there are things I would have done differently. For the Palace fans who know what really went on there, they know my heart was in the right place.

"I'm still a big supporter and it is great to be the manager of a side taking them on this weekend."

Explore News Shopper