March 12 2002

Simon Rodger

SIMON RODGER has denied rumours that he is to retire at the end of the season.

He has rubbished the talk, despite suffering ankle and back injuries, and will carry on playing when his Palace deal expires in the summer either at Palace or elsewhere.

He said: "A friend of mine saw a story on the internet saying I was retiring because of my ankle injury. I was a bit upset about that.

"It couldn't be further from the truth. I've missed a few games this season, but I'm back in full training now and the injury is not bothering me. I'm tip top in that respect.

"I've loved it here at Palace, and I've got my testimonial against Spurs in the summer. Ideally I'd like to stay longer. My agent has talked to Palace, but we'll have to see what happens.

"Trevor Francis may want to bring people in. As the manager, that is his choice. If I have to move on then so be it. I'm willing to move on to continue my career."

Palace lost 2-0 to Watford on Saturday and the fans booed the team off the pitch.

RODGER added: "I understand the fans frustrations, but no-one is more frustrated than I am. I want us to get promotion as much as they do, and when we don't win games the supporters are entitled to show their disapproval."

"It's going to be very difficult now to make the play-offs, but you can never say never. The sides around us are not all winning games, so we're still in with a chance."