Goldberg professed to be a Palace fan from boyhood and achieved every fan's dream - owning the club he supported. He had ambitious plans to transform the Club into a European Contender, and announced his infamous 'Five Year Plan'.

From the outset, one or two supporters were sceptical of him and his methods. By the time two-thirds of the 1998/9 season had passed, they had been proved right.

His Chairmanship was marked by mis-timed press announcements and (in retrospect) somewhat reckless signings and appointments - including the return of Terry Venables to Selhurst Park.

Just prior to the takeover Mark gave an interview to the Palace Internet Group through Peter Leonard, who fielded questions sent in by Palace supporters from all over the world. That interview is available HERE

By the end of 1998 Palace had not claimed a place near the play-off positions, there were rumours of Venables' methods not being effective, and above all, talk that Goldberg did not have the money or resources to fulfil the purchase of the club. It soon transpired that he had not bought either Selhurst Park or the training ground, and by March 1999 he was forced to call in Administrators amid players and staff salaries not being paid and demonstrations among the supporters.

The exodus of star players like Jansen and Lombardo to raise funds, did little to settle the situation. Terry Venables too was to go, revealing details of an exuberant salary package which further compounded confidence in the chairman's abilities. With injuries and high player salaries preventing the transfer of the more valuable players, receivership seems certain. The ominous spectre of ruining the club he purported to love, now haunts Mark Goldberg.

By mid-August 1999, Goldberg finally agreed to step down as Chairman of the Club. Rumours persist that he will, one day, return - but in the meantime the former Company Secretary, Peter Morley, has been appointed as Chairman in his place.