October 28 2003

Crystal Palace

Mark Williams is set to sign for Crystal Palace in a three-month loan deal to help the injury crisis in defence.

The former Wimbledon man was on trial at Palace for three weeks in pre-season but Steve Kember could not afford to offer him a contract.

He has since signed for US Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew, and as they face a winter break, Williams is keen to keep match fit by playing for the Eagles.

Kember needs a short-term replacement for defenders TONY POPOVIC and Darren Powell, who are both out injured.

Williams, 33, said: "I think I'm going on a three-month loan to Crystal Palace. I spoke to Palace on Friday and I spoke to the coach here (Greg Andrulis) and we just have to try and sort it out.

"I've had May, June and July off, so obviously I was playing catch-up when I got here. I had to wait for my work permit to come through so that was a nightmare.

"So I need to keep playing now and that's my aim to go back to the First Division and play there.

"If Crystal Palace can sort it out with the league, then hopefully we can go forward and do it. I'll come back to Columbus Crew and be much better and be ready to go again."