Pardew: Palace have lost one of their ’smallest fans’ after Corbett’s death

Crystal Palace have lost one of their "smallest fans" following the death of Ronnie Corbett, manager Alan Pardew said.

Pardew paid tribute to Corbett at his weekly press conference following the comedian’s death at the age of 85.

"We've lost one of our smallest fans," the 54-year-old said. "It's a sad day. He contributed so much to light entertainment in Britain. When I was growing up, him and Ronnie Barker had us in stitches with four candles etc."

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Corbett, who had said he was “very interested” in football, attended matches for many years at Selhurst Park, the nearest Premier League ground to his Croydon home. He was also a fan of Hearts in Edinburgh, where he was born.

The Scottish club tweeted: “The club is saddened to hear of the passing of Ronnie Corbett. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time #JamboForever”

Pardew added: “Such a shame for his family and as a representative of the club. We hope they are bearing up and we send our love to them.”

Pardew also lamented that he had never had the honour of meeting Corbett, who adopted the Eagles as his English team despite his Scottish origins.