August 19 2011

Anthony Gardner

Crystal Palace have signed Anthony Gardner on a one-year deal.

Gardner had a successful loan stint from Hull City last season, forming a solid partnerhsip with Paddy McCarthy at the heart of the defence.

He shored up the backline, making 29 appearances and scoring one goal, helping the Eagles avoid relegation from the Championship.

The former Tottenham defender attracted the interest of a number of clubs over the summer but saw moves to Birmingham and Nottingham Forest fall through.

Palace boss DOUGIE FREEDMAN did not give up on Gardner believing he would be the perfect fit for his team.

He said: "We've had to be patient. But I have with a lot of my signings. Anthony decided to go and have a look at some other clubs, but sometimes you realise the grass is not always greener.

"I understand that Anthony is the right character and right player to come in and helps us defensively."