May 1979. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A star is born.
A small matter of 35 years on and we look to celebrate the career of a much loved goalkeeper.
Julian Speroni is one of a dying breed. He has only played for three clubs and while that may change if his playing days at Palace end, two of those clubs will always hold him dear to their heart.
It was Club Atletico Platense in Argentina that he begun his career in the youth set up all the way back in 1997. Unfortunately he only managed two appearances for their first team and ended up with a move to Dundee in 2001. His time in Scottish football was a successful one under Italian manager Ivano Bonetti as he showed what he was truly capable of. The fans from Dens Park still talk fondly of him.
Rave reviews attracted the attention of Palace and he was signed by the Eagles in 2004 after he made a little under 100 appearances for Dundee. More than 350 appearances for the Eagles and still counting, it is time to thank our favourite Argentine and honorary South Londoner.
The date for your diary is Tuesday 26th May 2015. Former club Dundee are the opponents and it says a lot about the man when a little under 3,000 fans of the Scottish club are expected to make the trip down to South London.
We spoke exclusively to Jane Filler, Chairman of the Julian Speroni Testimonial Committee who told us;
The Julian Speroni Testimonial will truly be a celebration throughout the ground. An incredibly popular player for both Crystal Palace and Dundee fans. It is going to be an epic night and I speak for the whole of testimonial committe that we are very proud to be part of this important occasion.
Make sure you get your ticket from the Crystal Palace box office now to avoid disappointment. Having spoken to the one of the organisers I can promise you that it will be a great evening in which we can not only celebrate our current number one goalkeeper but also another great season in the Premier League.
For all the information about the big night make sure you follow @JS_Testimonial on Twitter and check out the Official club website.
