Crystal Palace Mourns the Passing of Defender Mel Blyth
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Crystal Palace is deeply saddened by the loss of defender Mel Blyth, who passed away at the age of 79.
Originally starting his career in the Third Division with Scunthorpe United, the Norwich-born Blyth was brought to Palace by manager Bert Head in the summer of 1968. Initially playing as an old-style left-half, he later transitioned into a towering centre-back.
In his debut season, Blyth made 31 appearances, quickly becoming a vital player in the historic 1968/69 Palace side that secured promotion to the First Division for the first time in the club’s history.
Blyth continued to make significant contributions, scoring Palace’s first-ever top-flight goal with a controlled header against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park on the opening day of the 1969/70 season.
Throughout the club’s initial spell in the top division from 1969 to 1973, Blyth, known for his indomitable qualities as a centre-back, formed an iconic partnership with John McCormick. He made 151 appearances, second only to goalkeeper John Jackson during that period.
After experiencing successive relegations and facing injuries that led to losing his spot in the team, Blyth joined Southampton in September 1974. In his first season, he won the Saints’ Player of the Year award and secured an FA Cup winner’s medal a year later.
Blyth returned briefly to Palace during the 1977/78 season on a short-term loan, adding six more games to his total of 254 appearances in Palace colors, placing him 37th in the club’s all-time appearances list.
His career extended beyond England, with spells at Cape Town City, Margate, Millwall, Houston Hurricane, Bulova SA, and non-league Andover. After retiring from playing, Blyth returned to live in south London, where he pursued various roles, including working as a driving instructor, serving as a director of a building company, and later becoming a schoolboy coach at Palace’s Academy.
The entire club extends its heartfelt condolences to Mel’s family and friends during this difficult time.
