January 11 2004

Crystal Palace

Oldham fitness conditioner and sports psychologist John Harbin has joined Iain Dowie at Palace.

Australian Harbin rejected a new contract at Boundary Park to become part of Dowie's backroom staff.

Dowie brought Harbin to the Latics from rugby league side Oldham Roughyeds 18 months ago and he has implimented a number of fitness and psychology initiatives which improved the side's fortunes on the pitch.

One of Oldham's potential new owners Simon Blitz said: "We are obviously sorry to see John leave Boundary Park, I think he has had a tremendous influence on the players during his time at the club and I would like to thank him for all his help.

"We offered John an improved contract in an effort to keep him but we could not match the offer made by Crystal Palace."