November 6 2003

Crystal Palace

Eagles' caretaker-boss Kit Symons has announced his number two - former Southampton manager Stuart Gray.

Gray took over from Glenn Hoddle and managed the Saints as caretaker for seven months in 2001.

Gordon Strachan replaced him before he went off to Aston Villa as first-team coach before acting as caretaker again for two games after John Gregory was sacked.

He became a member of Graham Taylor's backroom staff before moving on when David O'Leary arrived in May.

Gray said: "I'm really pleased that Kit has been given this chance with Palace and I'm delighted he has taken me on board.

"Kit rang and asked me to come in and pass on my experience. I took training this morning and all the lads seemed to enjoy it. Everything is now geared towards Preston on Saturday."

Symons added: "I'm delighted that we've been able to bring Stuart in. He's got a lot of experience and is a great addition for us."