Yes- until his testimonial where he got booked

I was at the Astoria in Purley watching the 'Battle of Britain'.
Saw it on the Big Match the next day.

Also his pen at Old Trafford which Stepney saved only for Shovel (not usually thought of as a fast mover) to follow up and score anyway. 1-1 draw if I remember correctly

I got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals.

Not quite. Never booked in English football. Booked once during his later stint in the North American Soccer League. TBF some may argue that a Mickey Mouse league doesn't count!

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I was best friends with his son Howard at Primary School. Took me to my first ever Palace game v Chelsea, 7th February 1970, in his Ford Cortina. Dropped me and Howard off at the Director's lounge for crisps and orange squash before going off to get changed for the match. Different times.

We lost 4 - 1 by the way, some things never change. I still have the black and white programme. Can recall Ian Hutchinson's whirly arm throw ins. Happy days.

True gent was John.

Like previous posters Shovel was the first Palace captain I remember and I too was at that Leeds game.
My mum and dad used to bump into him every few years at Jazz dos in Sidcup when he was visiting family after he moved to the States.
His aunt owned a wool shop just outside Hither Green station,
RIP Skipper.

There's no sun, the shadow of the wizard.......