Lloyds Bank, the owners of Selhurst Park, had set unacceptable conditions for selling the ground. This led to the breakdown of talks on Friday and fears that the CPFC 2010 rescue deal would not go through.
The demonstration was good natured with supporters bringing red and blue balloons and even playing football.
Despite the drizzle fans were optimistic. Brendan Nye of Wallington who had taken the afternoon off from his city job said: “It’s unthinkable the club will fold, it’s not even crossed my mind.”
Steve Phillips of Carshalton said: “Ownership of the ground seems to be the main sticking point. The good news is they’re talking.”
Nigel Mousley of Addiscombe pointed out that the fans were not completely powerless against the bank. He said: “I hope Lloyds fully understand they stand to lose hundreds of millions of pounds of business in the form of closed bank accounts, torn up credit cards and re-designated mortgages.”
Fans were using mobile phones to keep up to date with negotiations. Suddenly a roar went up. Apparently a deal had been done.
The mood of the crowd immediately lifted. They cheered, broke out into song and all started leaping around under the bemused gaze of workers looking out from their offices.
The good natured celebrations were so energetic that one fan cut his head and the police temporarily confiscated the fan’s football because it was bouncing off office windows.
Joe Grech of Thornton Heath, a lifelong fan, said: “It’s great news if the consortium have a deal on the table. It could have been a disastrous day for the club.”
With their objective achieved the streets of the city were filled with the boisterous sounds of South London as the police escorted the happy singing fans to the station.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.