August 9 2004

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie has commited himself to Crystal Palace by finally signing a four-year contract, according to chairman Simon Jordan.

However, Dowie has yet to confirm the news. He was only given an 18-month deal when he joined Palace in December but soon became the hottest managerial property in the game after working wonders to get the Eagles promoted to the Premiership via the play-offs.

Many supporters feared Dowie could be tempted elsewhere when his current deal expired next summer. He had been stalling on a new contract since June, insisting for weeks he had "just a few I's to dot and t's to cross".

And he finally put Eagles fans' fears to rest after chairman Simon Jordan confirmed that Dowie had put pen to paper.

Jordan said: "We have, in my opinion, one of the best if not the best young manager in the country, a man with huge ambition and drive. Obviously, Iain will need the right players and facilities to work with and I will ensure that he is given them."

Assistant manager Kit Symons, director of football Bob Dowie, fitness coach John Harbin and Mike Kelly have all too signed four-year deals.

It follows the re-signing of players Tony Popovic, Aki Riihilahti, Michael Hughes and Danny Butterfield over the summer.