Football fan changes name to show support

Online, April 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Tom Pennington, from Croydon, south London, is now known as Mr. Crystal Palace after changing his name with the help of The Legal Deed Poll 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.

Last month 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 Poll 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 Poll 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."

Notes to editors

About the Legal Deed Poll Service
The Legal Deed Poll Service is registered as a limited company in England and Wales under number 06560160*. The head office is registered at 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London, EC1V 4PY.
The Legal Deed Poll Service only issue tailored deed polls, which are delivered via Royal Mail. They do not issue instant templates or downloads, moreover, they do not advise that you use one. A strict turn-around policy operates whereby applications received before 3pm are dispatched same-day.

Contact Information
Michael Sami | Public Relations
The Legal Deed Service Ltd
2nd Floor | 145-157 St John Street | London | EC1V 4PY
Tel: 0800 612 68 24
Email: [email protected]