Hilaire began his career with Crystal Palace as a 17-year-old in a 3–2 defeat at Lincoln City in March 1977 and the exciting winger went onto to be a regular member of the side at the end of the nineties that was predicted to be the "Team of the Eighties" after winning the Second Division title on that memorable night in front of 52,000 at Selhurst Park. He made over 255 league appearances for Crystal Palace, scoring 29 goals and was named Player of The Year in 1979 and 1980.
His career saw him play over 600 games as he played in every professional division.
His new hugely entertaining autobiography tells the story of Vince’s journey in and out of professional football.
A trailblazer in the professional game, Vince outlines the difficulties he faced as a young black player making his way in football in the 1970s, and the dread he felt playing at certain grounds.
This book offers a fascinating insight into the methods of these managers, from Malcolm Allison and Terry Venables, with their free-flowing football reminiscent of the famous ‘Busby Babes’, to the contrasting rigidity of Howard Wilkinson’s Leeds.
The book is now available in the Club Store.
Vince will be signing copies of the book in the Fanzone prior to the home match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 14th April 2018.