It was so very sad, Craig, to read of your having to retire from football after your tragic injury. It would be very difficult for any of us to even begin to comprehend how devastating this news must have been for you, particularly for someone as young as you are.

Many of us, not just as Palace fans but as football fans, grew up dreaming of one day playing this great game professionally, proudly pulling on the shirt of our club and giving our all in front of thousands of adoring fans. For the vast majority of us - those who lack the ability, fitness and dedication to succeed at professional level as you have - that will always remain an unattainable dream; but for you, however brief your career may have been, that dream was a reality, the memories and experiences of which are ones you can always look back on with tremendous pride.

As one of life’s doors closes, so another door opens, and I’m sure we all sincerely hope that you can still find great happiness and fulfilment in whatever career you choose to pursue.

Best wishes, and keep smiling.

Dan

Good luck for the future Craig.

Sorry not to have seen you play again.

Go and earn a fortune in your new career.

Aki Bumayee