EDDIE McGoldrick is fondly remembered by Crystal Palace fans as an exciting, talented winger and all-round nice guy.
But if you asked Eagles diehards to identify one feature about the former Republic of Ireland international, most would say one thing – his legendary moustache.
Now, to raise funds for Help for Heroes in honour of the tragically murdered soldier Lee Rigby, Eddie is growing his 'tache back.
And the Advertiser can reveal another little-known fact about Eddie - the Palace legend is currently living above a Selhurst pub.
The 48-year-old was convinced to bring back the 'tache by best friend Danny Foley, landlord of The White Horse, Selhurst - Eddie's current home during the week.
The former wing wizard told the Advertiser: "I only had the moustache for about 18 months but for some reason, people seem to think I had it my whole career.
"I played all those games for Palace and I seem to be synonymous with a bit of facial hair.
"Big perms and dodgy moustaches were the fashion at the time but people seem to remember mine more than most. The Holmesdale used to have chants calling me Charlie Chaplin."
Eddie, who has already started growing his facial fuzz back, will shave it off on Armed Forces Day on June 29 in front of a crowd of servicemen at The White Horse.
Eddie added: "Me and Danny concocted this plan when we saw the horrific news from Woolwich.
"We thought we should do something and decided that if Palace won the play-off final, then I would do it.
"I only started growing it this week and you could already call it a moustache but by the time Armed Forces Day comes around it will be a proper bush.
"I don't think the missus will be too happy and it's going to take a bit of getting used to but it's a very small price to pay."
Eddie lives with his family in Corby, Northamptonshire, but spends the week at Selhurst Park teaching at the CPFC Study Centre.
While in Croydon he stays with his mate Danny, who he first met when the pub landlord carried him off the pitch after setting up the winning goal in the 1988 play-off final against Blackburn.
McGoldrick spent five years at Palace and scored 17 goals in 189 appearances for the club, before moving to Arsenal in 1993.
Danny is holding a host of activities for Armed Forces Day at The White Horse and says there will be a big crowd to cheer on Eddie's moustache-shaving ceremony.
He said: "Palace fans come in here and I say to them 'aren't you going to say hello to the Palace legend in the corner?'
"They haven't got a clue who it is until I say he used to have a moustache. Then they immediately shout 'Oh! Eddie McGoldrick!'"
Donations for Eddie's moustache can be made before or on the day in The White Horse. Visit croydonadvertiser.co.uk or the pub's Twitter and Facebook accounts for more details.
