James Tomkins has announced this morning that he has retired from playing professional football.
The former West Ham and Derby centre-back joined Palace in the summer of 2016, and went on to make 136 appearances for the club in all competitions over the course of eight seasons.
That total includes 30 appearances in the 2018/19 season, when Tomkins helped the club to equal its joint-best Premier League points tally.
The defender also scored 10 times for the club, most memorably on two separate occasions against Brighton at Selhurst Park, before departing at the end of 2023/24.
“Thank you to my amazing family for making my career even possible and their continued support over the years,” Tomkins wrote on Instagram. “Also thank you to all the brilliant coaches and players I have worked with throughout my career.
“I was lucky to play for three clubs, all with amazing fans who make football what it is. I will miss the game, but it’s time to announce my retirement.”
Everyone at Crystal Palace wishes James well for his next chapter.
