May 26 2003

Ade Akinbiyi

Ade Akinbiyi's future at Crystal Palace has been thrown into doubt after new manager Steve Kember revealed he doesn't fit into his plans.

Speaking at the fans' forum, Kember said he will impliment a passing style of football and has ruled out playing high balls up to Akinbiyi - a tactic favoured by Trevor Francis.

But he admited offloading Akinbiyi will be a problem as it will be difficult to find a club who will match the Nigerian's wages.

He said: "Looking at the way I like to play the game, I don't think he fits into that. But he's on a big contract and the problem might be getting rid of him.

"We will play to our strengths and not worry too much about the other side. Last season we paid too much attention to the opposition and what they would do.

"We will play a passing game and make the other sides worry about us, not us them, which was too often the case last season."

Kember wants to build his team around a fit Dougie Freedman and instill a bit of passion in the side - something which was missing from last season.

He added: "I always gave 100 per cent when I played and I assure you the players will next season. If they don't, they won't be in the side."

Julian Gray has rejected an improved new contract and Simon Jordan said that if he doesn't accept that deal, he is happy to see him leave. Money from his transfer will go on strengthening the squad.

Jordan said he was in a no-win situation with Hayden Mullins. He said he respected Mullins' ambition to play in the Premiership and wasn't sure whether to sell him now and get a good transfer fee or get another season out of him and see him walk off on a free transfer.

Either way, he said whatever decision he makes will be criticised by the supporters.

Jordan said: "I have a difficult choice. Do we hang on to a player that we have developed and invested in and let him go for nothing. Or do we sell him and get the best return for the club. It's a real conundrum.

"We've offered to improve his contract but he isn't looking to stay at the club, and he has a right to develop his career."

Kember said he will play Mullins in a back three where he says is his natural position - not as a "manufactured midfielder".

ALEX KOLINKO has left the club to return home to Latvia and possibly onto Spartak Moscow.

George Cooper is implimenting a fitness programme used by Arsenal last year in injury prevention and is confident the huge number of injuries will not happen again. The players will be a lot fitter for next season as it was noted the team conceded a lot of late goals.

Palace will play PSV Eindoven, on July 30, in a pre-season friendly, and Chelsea on August 2, which will be combined with the annual open day.

The club are in talks with Lille and Royal Antwerp about visiting Selhurst Park in the close season. The squad will travel out to the Marpafut training complex in Marbella, Spain, during the summer as they did two seasons ago.

Admiral has been confirmed as new kit manufacturers and will produce a Brazil-style away strip.