Elton's play-off heartache
Don't Go Breaking My Herts ... Elton John is gutted for Watford
James Boardman Press
SIR Elton John yesterday suffered the agony of watching his beloved Watford fail to reach the Premier League.
They lost the £120million Championship play-off final, 1-0 to Crystal Palace in front of nearly 90,000 fans at Wembley.
Former Watford chairman Elton, 66, looked crestfallen as he witnessed the defeat with partner David Furnish, 50, and their son Zachary, two. The I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues singer left early in dismay.
Palace ... Eddie Iz thrilled
Paul Marriott Photography
But Palace associate director Eddie Izzard was all smiles as the Eagles soared into the top flight.
The transvestite comedian, 51, even had his nails painted in his team’s colours.
Holler-way ... boss shouts and jumps
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Palace will get £60million next season alone from TV money.
Straight-talking manager Ian Holloway quipped after the match: “We’re in the Premier League now so God help us!”
Circle of Strife ... Elton leaves early
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But even if they go straight back down, “parachute” payments over four years to soften the blow will bring in another £60million.
Mock-up ... John Terry
It is a far cry from three years ago when the South London club were facing the threat of liquidation. Ex-Watford star Kevin Phillips’s extra-time penalty ended Palace’s eight-year Premier League absence. Phillips, 39, hinted at retirement, saying: “This is a fairytale ending.”
Expected new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was also in the stands and TV cameras appeared to show The Special One snoozing.
But there was no sign of serial glory-hunter John Terry — although this is what he could have looked like in a Palace strip if he had gatecrashed their celebrations.
Wembley heroes
Fan-tastic ... supporters donate
Simon Jones
FOOTBALL fans united yesterday to chalk up a big win for Help for Heroes at Wembley.
They poured money into collecting buckets for the forces’ charity before the Championship play-off final. Page 3 beauties Courtnie and Nicole wore Help for Heroes T-shirts as they helped with the collection.
Nicole, 20, said: “Fans queued to give money. Everyone knows what a great cause it is.” Watford fan Lenny Painter, 27, from Hemel Hempstead, Herts, said: “We all owe a huge debt to our armed forces.”
A £120m... er header
Winning penalty ... Kevin Phillips in 105th minute
TWO moments of high drama secured a £120million Premier League place for Crystal Palace yesterday.
First veteran striker Kevin Phillips blasted home a penalty in the 105th minute.
Then in the 120th minute Watford’s Fernando Forestieri saw his shot dramatically headed off the line by defender Joel Ward.
Saving header ... Joel Ward
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