July 21 2004

Michael Hughes

Crystal Palace's out-of-contract midfielder Michael Hughes will put pen to paper on a new deal this week, even though it is not the two-year contract he wanted, by Joseph O'Shea.

The 32-year-old Northern Ireland international was outstanding last season after joining Palace on a free transfer from Wimbledon, but has only been offered a one year extension by the club.

On Palace's recent tour to Northern Ireland, the former Manchester City and Strasbourg man didn't figure either against Glentoran or Crusaders, because he was out-of-contract.

Aki Riihilahti, 27, and 31-year-old defender Tony Popovic's deals also expired on July 1 but both recently signed new two-year-deals.

Hughes told the Guardian: "It has dragged it's heels for a long time now and I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed.

"I would like a two year contract but I don't think I am going to get that, so I'll settle for one year and take it from there."

Hughes has had several offers from clubs outside the Premiership, but will opt to stay at Palace for at least one more year. Having scored the winning penalty to get Palace to Cardiff and been named man-of-the-match in the final, he is understandably upset that Palace wouldn't stretch to two seasons.

Manager Iain Dowie said: "Michael needs to make a decision. The contract offer has been made and I expect him to sign that today (Tuesday). We have made it clear we want to keep Michael with the offer, and we do. I hope he has a much longer association with the club but that's in Michael's hands."

The prospect of testing himself in the Premiership again has convinced Hughes to

stay despite the apparent snub.

He said: "I want to stay here and play in the Premiership. I have had a number of other offers that I haven't explored really because I want to stay here. The contract is almost over the line and hopefully we can get it done this week and then get playing a few matches.

"Palace is a great club and I have enjoyed my time here immensely."