January 27 2016

Scott Dann

Here are the 10 best Crystal Palace January signings since the winter transfer window first sprang open in 2003.

Will new signing Emmanuel Adebayor end up making this future list?

10. Mikele Leigertwood (from MK Dons, 2004)

Manager Iain Dowie paid a mere £155,000 for the utility player and his energy in midfield helped drive Palace up the league to an incredible sixth spot. He dropped back to defence with ease in place of Mark Hudson for the play-offs and was a mainstay of the Premier League the following season.

9. Shaun Derry (from Leeds United, 2008)

The midfielder transferred for £150,000 after wowing the Palace fans during his two-month loan spell. Back at the club for a second time, Neil Warnock named him club captain and he led the team to fifth before the team agonisingly lost out to Bristol City in the play-offs.

8. Clint Hill (from Stoke City, 2008)

The defender had been on loan at Selhurst Park and boss Warnock made the move full time after a string of impressive and committed performances. A direct replacement for Leon Cort, the 29-year-old played an important part in the run to the play-off semis.

7. Mark Hudson (from Fulham, 2004)

Incoming boss Dowie brought the Surrey-born player in on loan after the pair had worked together at Oldham. The centre half tightened up a porous defence as the Eagles lost just twice in his 14 games, embarking on an amazing run to the play-offs.

6. Pape Souare (from Lille, 2015)

Manager Alan Pardew snapped up the Senegal international for a reported £3.4m to finally solve the problematic left-back position. After settling into the rigours of the Premier League, the pacey, attacking defender has become an ever present.

5. Joe Ledley (from Celtic, 2014)

Wales international made an instant impact by scoring on his debut following his £700,000 switch. Showed his versatility by featuring in midfield, left-back and even the no.10 position, playing a major role in the Premier League escape act under Tony Pulis.

4. Kevin Phillips (from Blackpool, 2013)

Signed on loan for the second half of the campaign, the 39-year-old was reunited with old boss Ian Holloway. He netted twice in his first three games and etched himself into Palace folklore for his winning penalty strike against Watford in the play-off final.

3. Wilfried Zaha (from Manchester United, 2015)

The tricky winger made his move from the Red Devils permanent for £3m, after playing the first half of the season on loan from the Red Devils. Palace got him back on the cheap after selling him to United for an initial £10m in January 2013.

2. Jason Puncheon (from Southampton, 2014)

The midfield schemer initially joined on a season's loan for Palace's return to the Premier League. Pulis then shelled out £1.75m for him the following January and his vital assists and goals were a major factor in the Eagles' safety.

1. Scott Dann (from Blackburn Rovers, 2014)

Joining for a bargain £1.5million, the imposing centre back shored up the back line and was a key component in a reformed defence that kept Palace up. Lethal at set-pices, he has gone from strength to strength and is tipped for an England call-up.

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