When Ruben Loftus-Cheek joined the Eagles on loan in 2017/18, however, Cort's links with Palace grew even deeper and even more fascinating.
In the second edition of 90+7, Crystal Palace's innovative digital magazine which you can read here, Cort delves not only into the remarkably harsh dressing room which damaged on-pitch performances in 2006/07, but also the incredible tale of how he and England international Loftus-Cheek discovered they were related.
"It’s crazy," Cort says in a staggering understatement. "I’d actually seen him play when he was much younger but I didn’t even know he was my brother.
"I was just watching the game in the crowd like anyone else, saw this guy and thought: ‘He’s a good player. He’s going to go far,’ not knowing he was related to me."
Cort's discovery came in remarkable circumstances, and he and brother Carl grew close to Loftus-Cheek over time. Cort reveals the pair discussed Palace and explains what he told Loftus-Cheek when he joined the Eagles and how the on-loan No.8 found his time at the club.
You can read it all and more in 90+7, which is easy to buy and read on mobile by clicking here. Gold, Junior Gold and International Members, you can enjoy everything inside at no extra cost as part of your package!
Issue 2 of 90+7 also features Dave Bassett's feature-length inside story of his spell in south London, Mark Hudson explaining how he missed the play-off final and Chloe Morgan detailing her remarkably busy life as a lawyer, goalkeeper and sporting ambassador.
🗣 Dave Bassett on the highs and lows of his Palace career
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) October 9, 2020
👀 Why Mark Hudson left for Charlton
👊 How Leon Cort found out he and RLC were brothers
📖 The second issue of 90+7 is out now as part of your Gold, Junior Gold or International Memberships or for £1.49!#CPFC
