The story of a legendary goalkeeper who was driven to kill himself at his home ground Selhurst Park by the death of his fiancée has been published.

Life-long Eagles fan James Wright, a former teacher at Cumnor House School, Croydon, has set out the tale of Billy Callender, who killed himself in 1932 following the death of the love of his life, Ella Leslie, of polio.

The goalie, whose record of 200 appearances as a Palace keeper is only surpassed by Eagles greats Vic Rouse, John Jackson and Julian Speroni, was found hanged in the club dressing room on the first day of summer training, aged 28.

Mr Wright, 62, said: “I heard about his story in the terraces and it struck a chord. I did a lot of my research in Croydon Library as well as in Northumberland where he was from.”

The book, called The Sad Story of Billy Callender, tells how the miner travelled south after impressing as a teenager playing for his local team Prudhoe Town and by 1924 had broken into the first team.

Ian King, Crystal Palace historian, said: “His story is still known by those interested in the club’s past. He was popular at the time, playing in third division south. He had a tribute game the year before his death due to long service but was injured so ran the line instead.”

Mr King added he was unaware of anyone else dying at Selhurst.

Ella Leslie, a clerk working with the Board of Guardians which supported the needy in society, was diagnosed with polio in 1930 and just two years later died aged 23.

Within two months Callender hanged himself.

Mr Wright, who grew up in Upper Norwood said: “It is impossible not to be moved by what happened. They were obviously a devoted couple but fate dealt them a cruel hand.”

Do you remember Billy Callendar or Ella Leslie?

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