In our Fan of the Week feature, Advertiser Sport caught up with Palace fan Matt Maltby, who discusses his most memorable game, his funniest moment supporting the club and his end-of-season prediction.
How long have you been an Eagle?
I've supported Palace the majority of my life. My uncle had his wish when I started showing an interest in football as a youngster and after experiencing the play-off final defeat of West Ham, I began going on a regular basis.
Do you watch Palace regularly? If so, where do you sit?
I work at the club on match days, selling tickets and sometimes working in the ticket collections office. Therefore, I am at every home game, sitting in the Holmesdale upper tier.
Most memorable game?
Although there are many highs and lows affiliated with supporting our club, I'd have to say the 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday three seasons ago is the most memorable match. There was a lot at stake, all the fans knew we didn't deserve to be in the situation we found ourselves in and the emotions I experienced that day are something of a rarity. The performance summed up all the reasons we love Palace.
Funniest moment supporting Palace?
I once was asked to step in and be mascot Alice the Eagle in last season's league cup victory over Crawley Town. It was a late decision, someone needed to step in and I was more than happy to be that person. It was a memorable experience and I'd happily do it again.
Favourite current Palace player?
The current team is one of the best I've seen in a long time, with attacking football something Palace fans haven't seen for a while. I'm a massive fan of Julian Speroni but I'd have to say Mile Jedinak is my favourite current player. He's a tidy player who does the simple things and has been a superb.
All-time favourite Palace player?
I don't have to think twice about it, it's got to be Andy Johnson. I haven't got enough time to go into detail why, but his hat-trick against Brighton and his instinctive header against Liverpool are the main reasons. I would love to see him back at Selhurst Park.
If you could bring one player to Palace, who would it be?
Any one player, it'd have to be Lionel Messi. But realistically, I wouldn't mind a proven goal scorer to support Glenn Murray. Someone like Billy Sharp as I've always rated him.
Match prediction versus Huddersfield Town?
I'll go with a 2-0 victory in front of the Sky cameras.
Where will Palace finish this season?
It's hard to say. Before the season, I would have happily said a playoff place, so I'll say we'll finish fifth.
