September 1 2004

Gareth Williams

Crystal Palace have signed striker WAYNE ANDREWS from Colchester United, in a deal which sees Gareth Williams depart the club.

ANDREWS has already scored 2 goals for Colchester this season, and Dowie was keen to sign another of his previous Oldham Athletic players, who scored 12 goals in 34 appearances for the Latics.

The swap deal has suited Williams who would find appearances very hard to come by, now that Palace are in the Premiership.

Williams has already played for Colchester United on two seperate loan deals last season.

The deal will see a six figure sum go to the U's, plus additional clauses will pay out, depending on the striker's performance at Selhurst Park.

Colchester boss Phil Parkinson told the U's official website: "First of all, we would like to wish WAYNE ANDREWS all the very best for the future.

This is an excellent opportunity for him to ply his trade at the highest level.

We also feel that this is excellent business for Colchester United Football Club. Having signed him for nothing, WAYNE's contract was up at the end of the season and he could have also left for nothing.

Therefore, we feel we have struck an excellent deal, especially due to the fact that we have also gained a genuine goalscorer in the shape of Gareth Williams, who we welcome back to Layer Road."