January 14 2011

Crystal Palace

Dougie Freedman has made his first signing as Crystal Palace manager with the capture of JERMAINE EASTER.

The forward joins from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee and has penned a two-and-a-half year contract.

EASTER, who celebrates his 29th birthday on Saturday, was recalled from a loan stint with Palace's weekend opponents Swansea where he has been since November.

He has also worn the shirts of Hartlepool United, Cambridge United, Boston United, Stockport County, Wycombe Wanderers, Plymouth Argyle, Millwall and Colchester United in a much-travelled career, signing for MK Dons in 2009.

Freedman will be looking to further enhance his squad before the January transfer window shuts at the end of the month with Eagles co-chairman Steve Parish ready to back his new manager.

"We are working on getting players in," said Parish. "If we can do that before the weekend, then great.

"Dougie has given us his targets and we'll do our best to get them in. We need a left back, a striker and maybe strengthening in midfield. We'll be looking to get four or five in before the end of the month.

"We know there's plenty to do but we will be doing our absolute upmost to make this work. And with Dougie in charge I think we'll be alright."