At half-time on February 9th, the PA system at Selhurst Park announced an appearance on the pitch by the Crystal Palace FC International Supporters Association (CPISA). This was the association's first assembled public appearance at the stadium. A number of CPISA members attend the matches weekly, but this occasion was memorable for the supporters club in that all of the worldwide membership was represented in this official showing.

The event at hand was the presentation of the 1996/97 CPISA Player of the Year award (sponsored by TOFFS) to Carlo Nash. Two English members, Mike Dack and Ian Monk, made the presentation to the goalkeeper. Both Mike and Ian had relatives with them to help with the occasion and to step out onto the pitch that such names as Queen, Rogers, and Wright have also walked upon.

Carlo, the current reserve team keeper, well deserved the attention and also took to the occasion, receiving an overdue calling. CPISA selected the keeper on the basis of his actions on and off of the pitch last season. The association believes that our promotion to the Carling FA Premiership was set on his commanding performances in the goal for the Eagles. Carlo's story last season is also one for all time. From non-league side Clitheroe to winning the Nationwide Division 1 Playoff Final in a one season span shows the courage and dedication that this tall keeper possesses. Carlo was most gracious to accept the honour from CPISA.

Mike and Ian presented Carlo with a custom made scarf to commemorate the event. The scarf was designed by CPISA Co-Chair Jonathan Collura and was made in the United States. The design consisted of the Palace change colours and was 48" in length! One side had his name with Player of the Year and the other had CPISA stitched into it. The other item that was presented to Carlo was a TOFFS classic Palace shirt. As noted, TOFFS sponsored the event and our presenters were provided with their own classic Palace shirts for their part in this event!

The TOFFS shirt that we gave Carlo was the same that Eagles great Don Rogers sported on the Selhurst pitch. This shirt was chosen, due to Rogers' heroics and success with the club and we at CPISA believe that the Player of the Year award represents the qualities that he possessed. Ian explained this to Carlo as he presented the token of our gratitude to him.

When it was over, the presentation to Carlo had lasted about 10 minutes and was a moment to remember for Carlo and the members of CPISA present. Those in attendance at the match learned more about our growing membership around the world and our ties with the club in an article that appeared in the matchday magazine. The Eagles lost the match to tenants Wimbledon, but one person in attendance called the presentation, "the highlight of the evening." As the presentation was a complete success, we will return to Selhurst next season to present another Player of the Year award.