January 31 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace boss Alan Smith has dismissed talks of a bust up between him and veteran defender NEIL RUDDOCK. Smith left RUDDOCK out of the side that lost 5-0 against Liverpool at Anfield last week.

Palace were missing important players like Fan Zhiyi and Hayden Mullins for the Worthington Cup semi-final 2nd leg at Anfield, but Alan Smith chose not to field NEIL RUDDOCK.

There have been a few minor clashes between the former Liverpool man and the Eagles boss the last couple of months, but Smith is trying hard not to add any fuel to the fires.

Smith commented: "I will manage this club as I want and it won't look right if I get drawn into a conversation about NEIL RUDDOCK. He is contracted to this club like any other player."

Meanwhile, Tranmere boss John Aldridge has denied reports about Jason Koumas leaving his club to join Crystal Palace or Fulham.

Midfielder Koumas has been in good form lately and has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Palace.

Aldridge said: "I've never spoken to anyone at Fulham regarding Jason. The speculation comes with good results, you just have to put up with it."