July 18 2003

Crystal Palace

Wimbledon striker NEIL SHIPPERLEY should complete his move to Crystal Palace today after a transfer embargo threat was lifted by the Football League.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) suggested the embargo after Palace had allegedly failed to pay Alex Kolinko and Dele Adebola bonuses.

But Football League spokesman Ian Christon said: "There was a request for an embargo from the PFA but that has been withdrawn."

SHIPPERLEY has been omitted from the Dons pre-season tour and has flown out to Spain to meet up with Steve Kember to agree a deal.

As cash-strapped Wimbledon owe Palace £800,000 in unpaid rent, the Eagles have agreed to wipe the debt clear in exchange for SHIPPERLEY.

This would help the Dons' financial situation as they will play the first part of the new season at Selhurst Park while their Milton Keynes home is being prepared.

Palace reserves, who are scheduled to play at Selhurst this season, have been given their first eight matches away from home to accomodate this.

SHIPPERLEY told the South London Press: "Wimbledon have been in a horrible situation and if my deal goes through then at least I can feel a little happier in that I have helped the club.

"Nobody knew if Wimbledon would start the season at all because of the uncertainty of where they would play. I am very sad about how things have happened there, but hope they can resolve their problems."

Meanwhile, Danny Granville has been placed on the transfer list and ex-Wimbledon midfielder Michael Hughes has been working on his fitness this week and is to discuss a move to Palace. Kember has ruled out a move for Yeovil's Michael McIndoe.