Crystal Palace legend Roy Greenwood laid to rest

A FORMER Crystal Palace legend who endured a long battle with Alzheimer's disease has been laid to rest.

Roy Greenwood was a fearless left back for the Eagles between 1954 and 1959, playing 116 games for the club.

But the 80-year-old died on December 30 having suffered from the condition for 17 years.

The dad-of-two was known as "Chopper Greenwood" for his tough tackling during his career.

Son Gary, 47, said: "Dad was a bit suicidal with his heading and if the ball left the ground six inches or six foot he would go for it.

"He was a character – if the fans gave him grief he would give it back. One woman once said to him 'why don't you do something with your hair?' and he replied 'why don't you do something with your mouth'."

Roy married Doreen in June 1957 and, aside from football, forged a career as a draughtsman.

The family think the first signs of Alzheimer's came around 17 years ago when he started getting forgetful, though he was officially diagnosed with it in 2004.

Roy's older son Alan, 50, said: "Alzheimer's is a terrible thing. You lose the person a long time before they physically go and dad had a long progressive route to dementia.

"He and mum had really planned their retirement, but it never materialised because Alzheimer's robbed them of that.

"That was the saddest thing. It's a terrible thing for any family to go through.

Roy was a former pupil at Stanley Technical High School, now the Harris Academy South Norwood, where he captained the football and cricket team.

Alan added: "He had a great sense of humour and loved words.

"He was strong on discipline, behaviour and manners."

And fan Peter Oxlade, who has been watching the Eagles since 1938, recalled a player who would always give 100 per cent effort.

During a cup game, Roy broke his nose challenging for a header and against the same team in a different match it was knocked back into place.

A spokesman for Crystal Palace Football Club said: "The club were sorry to hear of the passing of Roy Greenwood.

"He was a tremendous servant for the club playing just over 100 games for us and we were all saddened to hear of his battle against Alzheimer's and more recently pneumonia."

The family wished to thank the Tupwood Gate Nursing Home in Caterham where Roy had lived for the past three years.

Anybody who wishes to make a donation can do so to the Alzheimer's Society and send it to A & D Pink Funeral Directors, 72 High Street, Caterham on the Hill, Surrey, CR3 5UD.