July 30 2002

Andy Johnson

Palace have finally completed the signing of Andy Johnson from Birmingham City.

The deal which takes Clinton Morrison the other way, was announced officially at a press conference this afternoon.

Simon Jordan said: "We are delighted to have Andrew Johnson here at the club. He is a young, exciting player with a very enthusiastic attitude and will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.

"The transfer was never a financial investment for this football club and we were more than willing to hold on to Clinton Morrison, but after he expressed a desire to move on we had little choice but to respect his wishes."

Andy Johnson was more than happy about the deal. He said: "I’m happy to be at Crystal Palace and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their goal of playing in the Premier League."

Trevor Francis, who has worked with Johnson in the past at St Andrews, said: "Andrew is an exciting, enthusiastic player who I have had the pleasure of working with in the past. I am certain he will be a real asset to this squad."

During the press conference at Birmingham City, Morrison said: "When the chairman told me that Birmingham City were in for me I asked him to seriously consider their bid as it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League.

"I am very grateful to Crystal Palace for giving me the opportunity to play and develop over the past three seasons, the fans have been great through some really rough times at the club, but their support for me personally and the team has always been magnificent.

"However, I feel that now is the right time for me to move on and test myself at the top level, I have confidence in my ability and can’t wait to learn more and become a better player by playing in the Premier League."