Arthur Wait
Arthur Wait | |
|---|---|
| Born | Аrthur John Wait 5 April 1910[1] |
| Died | 27 June 1981 (aged 71) Sutton, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation(s) | Builder and football club executive |
| Years active | Circa 1930–1981 |
| Known for | Construction industry Chairman and Life President of Crystal Palace F.C. |
| Notable work | Arthur Wait stand at Selhurst Park, London SE25 |
Arthur John Wait (5 April 1910 — 27 June 1981) was an English builder and life president and former
chairman of Crystal Palace F.C.
Wait was a local builder who joined the board of Crystal Palace F.C. as a director sometime between 1948 and 1950.[3][4] In 1958 he became the Chairman, before being replaced by Raymond Bloye in 1972,[5] and he then became Life President of the club, a position he held until his death in 1981.[6] The Arthur Wait Stand at Selhurst Park is named in his honour.[7] Wait was a lifelong Palace supporter who used to sneak into the ground as a schoolboy.[4]
During his time as chairman he oversaw a successful period for the club, gaining promotion to the
floodlights at Selhurst Park. Wait and the board initially wanted to invite a famous club from the north of England, but after discovering the fee demanded, Wait declared: "If that's what they are going to do to us, we might as well try to get Real Madrid." Wait secured the services of the Spanish giants for a fee of £10,000 and expenses. On the evening of 18 April 1962, the Spanish Ambassador switched on the floodlights and Madrid secured a first half lead of 3–1 and then held on to win 4–3.[8]
References
- ^ England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
- ^ 1911 England Census
- ^ Matthews, John (August 1972). "Behind-The-Scenes Shuffle At Palace". Croydon Advertiser.
...whose board he joined in 1948
- ^ a b "New Man Bloye Kills 'Moneybags' Tag", Croydon Advertiser, Oct 27 1972, p.58"
- ^ "New chairman ends freeze at Palace." Times [London, England] 27 Oct. 1972: 10. The Times Digital Archive. Web. 29 May 2013.
- ^ "Stanley Stephenson". Croydon Advertiser. June 1994.
- ^ "Wait Quits - After Twelve Days As President", Matthews, John, Croydon Advertiser, November 10, 1972, p.54.
- ISBN 095010390X.