In the world of comedy, people often talk about the well-known "rule of three”, with the payoff punchline being something unexpected after two set ups which are expected.
This will be my third trip to Wembley from foreign lands to see us in an FA Cup Final and I’m hoping desperately for the payoff punchline this time with "the unexpected” (yes, Manchester City ARE the favourites) after two previous exciting Wembley finals but with “expected” results against Manchester United (okay, four if you count the dull replay in 1990, but I wasn’t there at that game).
If that happens, and we win a major trophy for the first time in the six decades I’ve supported Palace – and in the club’s 100-plus year history – I don’t think I can express in words the absolute heights and complete depths of elation I’ll feel.
This is almost certainly the best Palace squad I can ever remember us having, who on their day are capable of beating anyone with or without the help of good fortune... but winning a trophy like the FA Cup always requires a bit of luck along the way, so here’s wishing Oliver and the whole squad all the luck in the world.
And, of course, we all know what the other well-known “rule of three” is? THIRD TIME LUCKY.
Bring it on home, boys!
Bill Wyman
Born in Lewisham, Bill Wyman is a musician best known as the bassist for the Rolling Stones for 31 years, from 1962 to 1993, performing on their first 19 albums. He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Rolling Stones in 1989, and briefly returned to recording with them in 2023.
Although best known for his music, Bill has pursued many other interests since leaving the Stones in 1993, and is an avid archivist, collector, photographer and author.
