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David Gold is again at the centre of some banter – friendly this time after his week on Twitter – from his mainly Crystal Palace-supporting workforce.

The co-chairman’s offices are deep in Palace country and he told ClaretandHugh: “All the scarves were out this morning when I walked in and shouts of ‘We’ll have you tomorrow Chairman.’

There was slim chance at one stage that Gold and David Sullivan could have taken over Palace after being approached by former oner Simon Jordan but once West Ham came onto the market there was only one club for us.

Gold said: “I looked at the books and whole situation but once the Irons was available that was it for both of us.

“I get the same banter every year from the fans and it’s just down the road for me to get to. I always look forward to my day at the Palace!

“What makes it so much better is that this season we are going everywhere expecting to win. It is a great game at this stage of the season and a good test for us but I expect a result.”

The only doubts are Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid expected to be on the bench as the manager sticks by the team which drew at Sunderland – injuries permitting.”