December 13 2003

Kit Symons

KIT SYMONS has asked supporters to support Julian Gray after he helped Palace to a 1-0 win at home to Forest.

Gray had spent the last two months on loan at Cardiff City and it seemed he would never play for Palace again after refusing to sign a new contract.

But he was a surprise inclusion in SYMONS' team and played well - hitting the woodwork with a long-range effort and forced a good save from Forest keeper Darren Ward from a free-kick.

SYMONS said: "I was pleased with Gray's performance. The chairman told me late on this week that I could play him and I'm grateful to him for that.

"He got a bit of a mixed reception to begin with but shortly into the game everyone got behind him and that was good to see.

"In my opinion, if he's wearing a Palace shirt and he gives it his all out there then he deserves the backing of the supporters, just like anyone else."

SYMONS added: "I was delighted with our performance. After the Crewe game it was good to get back to the sort of displays we produced when I first took over. It was also great to keep another clean sheet.

"Andy Johnson did well with his goal and it was a big boost for us to have him available for selection.

"I think he's been our best player so far this season. He never stops working and that has a positive effect on the other players around him."