August 21 2002

Trevor Francis

Trevor Francis said his much-publicised spat with Alex Kolinko has been settled amicably and it's the press who won't let the matter lie.

He added that the incident should prove to supporters how passionate he is about Palace.

He told the Croydon Guardian: "Really the press have continued to write about it, not through the chairman or myself but mainly through Alex and more so his agent.

"I had a long discussion with Alex after the game and a meeting with the chairman, so it was all done very amicably internally.

"By training at 10 o'clock on Thursday morning, everything that needed to be done had been done.

"I have had many Palace supporters showing support for me over what happened. I think they fully realise now that they have a manager who's got Palace in his heart.

"I am a fierce competitor and that I am very passionate towards my football team. I think one or two supporters have now changed their opinion of me as a manager."