Former Crystal Palace academy trainee Andy Frampton has recalled coming up through the ranks with team-mates Clinton Morrison and Hayden Mullins.
The 33-year-old, who joined AFC Wimbledon last month after turning down a new contract at League Two champions Gillingham, progressed through the Eagles youth system and signed a professional contract in 1998, aged 18.
Frampton went on to make his debut in 1999 and pulled on the red and blue shirt 29 times, before signing for Brentford in 2002.
However, it is the bonds created with fellow trainees that he recalls with most fondness.
"In the time that I was there we had a lot of managers - Steve Bruce, Trevor Francis, Alan [Smith] and Attillo [Lombardo] - and it was quite unstable," Frampton said.
"But I was playing with Hayden [Mullins] and Clinton [Morrison] - Clinton was always such a chirpy chap and I am sure he still is.
"We were all very close, either living in digs or nearby, and were part of a nucleus of the side - that helped during the mangerial changes.
"It was a great experience, good times."
He added: "Palace's academy keeps bringing the players through because they have a great catchment area.
"They are one of the biggest clubs south the of the river, and they can produce player after player."
Chirpy chappy: Clinton Morrison back at the Crystal Palace training ground in 2008 BR10801
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