August 29 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace club officials have asked midfielder AKI RIIHILAHTI to change the name on the back of his shirt, because the club shop is running out of letters!

They have asked him to have just his forename "AKI" on his shirt instead of his last name "Riihilati" as they keep running out of the letter "i".

Since his move last season, RIIHILAHTI has proved to be popular with the fans and has already scored two goals this season. He is a regular for the Finnish national side and his shirts are selling like hot cakes in the club shop.

He said: "My name is so long that they told me they are running out of the letter 'i', and could I wear 'AKI' on my back instead!

"I think it's because of all the replica shirts I've been buying for my friends and family.

"I won't change because I am proud to wear the name 'RIIHILAHTI'."