Last week, I had the privilege and honor of being asked to be the photographer for opening event of Julian Speroni’s testimonial year writes Michael Hulf.
I am very pleased to be doing all the other testimonial events throughout the year as well. I am lucky enough to do quite a bit already with Palace by covering youth, ladies and the foundation teams, but this was something special, something that would stay in the minds of people for a long time.
I arrived at the theatre around 1.30pm to get an idea of lighting, shooting spots and a view on how the night would pan out. Being a smaller venue with not the greatest lights, it was essential to plan ahead. Even hours ahead of people arriving there was already a sense of excitement and anticipation. The committee had worked hard long hours in advance to make sure everything went to plan without a hitch and that everyone had a truly memorable night.
Jules arrived a couple of hours before the event and wasted no time in heading to the stage. He cannot help but show his delight in seeing how the stage is set out and watching the video packages. I do not think he truly grasped how appreciative the fans are towards him for everything he has done with and for Palace over the years.
The last couple of hours before the doors open are used to rehearse how the night will unfold, final checks and change of outfits.
Time goes by and the doors finally open, the first few people come in with a buzz and excitement, a night that all fans have been waiting for for some time. The crowds slowly build and the talk amongst everyone is nothing but the great man, tales and stories of anything and everything related to Jules.
Personal stories, games, saves, promotions, relegations. Everybody has a story, never two the same. The one common factor, how much he is loved by all, what a lovely and friendly guy he is, a true stableman and legend for the club.
While the crowd is building, backstage Jules is gleaming from ear to ear, still not prepared for just how the turn out will be and how the night would go along.
Finally! The stage doors open and the fans begin to flood in, filling seats left, right and centre. It is only a matter of minutes before most of the seats are filled and by the time the night begins there is barely an empty seat.
Mark Williams comes out to kick off the night, thanking the crowd for being in attendance and for doing their part in starting the special year for the man of the night. After introducing the hosts of the night the man himself comes out to a standing ovation, not a single person remains in their seat and everyone cheering and singing his name. Jules clearly taken back by everyone.
The first half of the show was a great interview with Jules, covering his career in depth, a nice insight into the thinking of the club’s greatest ever keeper. He is joined on stage by James Scowcroft and Paddy McCarthy, both getting a good reception from the crowd, especially Paddy. The crowd love how they all reminisce about everything Palace, specific moments getting great cheers and applause.
Then the surprise admission and talking point of the night with Paddy finally and unexpectedly talking about the infamous ‘poogate’ incident at Brighton a few years back. The crowd are a mix of laughter, tears of joy, shock and amazement. It is only a matter of minutes before social media has exploded with the hashtag #poogate quickly trending.
After a brief interval, the audience venture back to their seats, still in awe of the surprise ‘poogate’ revelation. The second half sees a more personal touch between Jules and the paying audience, with a question and answer session with individual fans. Pre-picked and on the night questions for Jules such as best games, moment, manager among others.
The one question he enjoyed answering was best goal conceded. Not one in the room disagreed with the Kasami strike last season for Fulham at Selhurst Park. A few fans were lucky enough to win a signed glove and be on stage. There were a few laughs when none other than Pete The Eagle was randomly picked by his seat to win one. There was a nice relaxed feel about this part of the evening with it being more personal with the fans. Jules could sit back and take in everything and enjoy the moment.
As the night came to an end, the opponents were announced for the testimonial in the shape of Scottish side Dundee. The outright best choice for the game with the history they have with Jules.
The night ends with Jules holding aloft one of the testimonial scarfs along with a standing ovation for the great man. The night is a all round success with laughter, cheers, celebration and joy shared amongst everyone.
Now with the testimonial and other events announced, it looks set to be an amazing year for Julian and the devoted fans that follow the special club and players involved.
You can browse Michael’s back catalogue of snaps on his own website at Michael Hulf Photography.
