Former Bracknell Town manager and Wokingham Town player Phil Alexander has left his role as Crystal Palace chief executive after 26 years at the Club.
Phil had a career in both professional football and American football.
Having been born in Slough, Alexander came through the youth ranks at Reading FC.
He then joined Wokingham Town in 1980, before playing for Norwich City and Miramar Rangers. He also made five appearances for England U19’s.
Alexander returned to Wokingham Town for four more years in 1986 and then joined Bracknell Town in 1992 as a player.
He went on to manage Bracknell Town for two years from 1992-1994
After leaving Bracknell, Alexander joined Crystal Palace in 1996.
He led the Club through two periods of administrations in 1999 and 2010, as well as experiencing relegation twice and promotion to the top-flight three times.
He became the longest-serving Premier League CEO and was a member of the FA Council, representing the Premier League, and sat on the FA’s Professional Game Board.
Phil was presented with a gold watch by chairman Steve Parish on Selhurst Park pitch last Sunday after the Club’s final match of the season against Manchester United, in which Patrick Vieira’s side came out with a 1-0 victory.
After a short break, Phil will be engaged by the Club from April 1t as a special projects consultant.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Phil for his outstanding contribution to the Club for well over two decades,” said Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish.
“He has been a fixture at Selhurst Park for as long as any of us can remember and has always put the Club’s interests first.
“We owe him a debt of gratitude for his loyalty to the Club, even at the most challenging periods in its history, and we have benefited greatly from his experience.
“I am delighted that we will be able to work with Phil in his forthcoming consultancy role as we embark on several significant projects that will shape the Club’s future.”
Phil Alexander said: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Crystal Palace for 26 years.
“ I am proud of all the Club has achieved during my time at Selhurst Park, from the tumultuous early days, when our survival was under threat, to our status today as a respected, long-established Premier League club, known for its community ethos.
I want to thank all my colleagues who have helped me over the years and the supporters, who make Crystal Palace a unique Club.
“I look forward to continuing my association with the Club in a new capacity”.
