November 15 2002

Steve Kabba

STEVE KABBA has joined Division One rivals Sheffield United for £250,000.

After only a few substitute appearances for the Eagles, he had his first real taste of first team action while on loan at Grimsby this season since moving through the Palace ranks.

He scored six goals in 13 matches and was an instant hit with the Grimsby fans. He also scored the winning goal in Palace’s opening game of the season at Preston.

The 21-year-old was recalled by Trevor Francis last week as cover for the injured Dougie Freedman and came on as sub against Nottingham Forest.

KABBA told the club's official website: "It feels great, this is a new start for me and hopefully I can score some goals. I'll do my best, work hard for the team and the fans will also see that I have some ability as well."

Without any real chance of getting a regular place in the Palace side Simon Jordan has cashed in on the youngster which will help the club’s financial worries.

Trevor Francis said: "We had plenty of calls about STEVEn this week but the player was only interested in a permenant move.

“Late on Thursday night Sheffield United contacted our chairman about STEVEn and he travelled to Yorkshire to complete the deal on Friday morning."