June 3 2008

Mark Hudson

MARK HUDSON admits he faces abuse from Crystal Palace fans after joining local rivals Charlton.

The former Eagles skipper moved to the Addicks on a free transfer last month after failing to agree on a new deal at Selhurst Park.

Palace boss Neil Warnock claims HUDSON made the wrong decision in going to SE7, while the defender reckons his move came down to the overall package Charlton offered.

"Hopefully the move won't go down too badly with the Palace fans but if I'm honest, it probably will," said the 26-year-old.

"Football is football, though, I wasn't trying to wind them up by coming to Charlton. It was purely a footballing decision.

"It is a really exciting time for me - I can't wait to get in for pre-season training. It was a really tough decision to leave Palace but coming to Charlton is a fresh challenge for me.

"It is such a big club and they have so much ambition. The manager is excellent, the team plays good football and the club just offers me the complete footballing package."