Football fan name change to show support

By Michael Sami, 3rd March 2010

 

A passionate football fan has changed his name by Deed Poll to that of his beloved club following his side's slip into administration.

Tom Pennington, from Croydon, south London, is now known as Mr. Crystal Palace after changing his name with the help of The Legal Deed Service.

The 21-year-old, who works for Crystal Palace as a club steward, said the name change was his way of showing support to the club during its turbulent season.

Crystal said: "It's something I've been thinking about doing for a while to show my support and what with the problems we're having this season I thought the timing was right.

"I've always wanted to do it but my girlfriend, Samantha, has always tried to stop me. When I told her what I'd done she said I was stupid but I'm delighted with it."

Club bosses said they swelled with pride when hearing the news.

A club spokesman said: "We are delighted to see the efforts that he has gone to as he demonstrates his level of support for a club he so clearly holds in such high regard. His dedication shows what respect he has for the club's name and tradition."

Palace entered administration back in January and the subsequent 10 point deduction threw the team into a relegation battle.

This week their manager Neil Warnock moved to Queens Park Rangers and was replaced by Paul Hart.

Mr Palace said he is now trying to convince his father and brother to change their names too as well as other Crystal Palace fans.

"It's really easy to do, a lot easier than I thought and The Legal Deed Service is cheap in comparison to the others," Crystal said.

"I went onto the website filled out a form and waited for the deeds. I'm going to have everything changed from my passport to my bank details. I've got a Palace tattoo on my chest and I think this now completes the set.

"I'm now trying to get my brother and my dad to change their names too. They have both been Palace fans all their lives so I'm trying to twist their arms at the moment.

"I'd love it if more Palace fans did the same to show that we all support the club through thick and thin."

Jamie Jackson, Chief executive of The Legal Deed Service, said; "We think this is a fantastic way to show that you support your football team no matter what is happening on the pitch or in the board room.

"We are constantly getting crazy name change applications through to us but this is the first time we have had someone change their name to the club they support.

"I think we now need some Portsmouth and Chester fans to come forward to show just how passionate they are, or how about changing your name to England for this year's World Cup?" 

Mr. Jackson who last year changed Christine Hamilton's name to 'Mrs British Battleaxe' by Deed Poll, and changed Big Brother housemates Sophie Reade and Freddie Fishers names to 'Dogface' and 'Halfwit' added, "This new name just goes to show that anything is possible when it comes to name changes by Deed Poll and it is in fact fully legal to change your name to whatever you want."

Text: © 2010, The Legal Deed Service Ltd.

Image: © 2010, Crystal Palace

This page was last updated: 14th March 2010