Arthur Wait

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Arthur John Wait (5 April 1910 – 27 June 1981) was an English builder who became a long-serving Crystal Palace Football Club director, chairman, and life president. He joined the club’s board around 1948–1950, became chairman in 1958, and later served as Life President from 1972 until his death. The Arthur Wait Stand at Selhurst Park is named in his honour.

A lifelong Palace supporter who once sneaked into the ground as a schoolboy, Wait oversaw a successful era, including Palace’s promotion to the First Division in 1969. He also helped bring Real Madrid to London to celebrate the new floodlights at Selhurst Park. After deciding Real Madrid would be a better choice than a northern club, he secured them for £10,000 plus expenses. On 18 April 1962, the floodlights were switched on, and Real Madrid won 4–3 after leading 3–1 at halftime.