August 11 2004

Iain Dowie

Iain Dowie has still not put pen to paper on his new four-year contract, but his management team have signed up until 2008, by Joseph O'Shea.

The 39-year-old Palace boss has agreed a new year deal with chairman Simon Jordan, but contrary to reports, he revealed that he will not actually sign until a few minor "non-football" issues are resolved, and the hectic summer comes to an end.

On joining Palace in December, Dowie was handed an 18-month deal which expires next summer, but soon became a target for Premiership clubs as he guided Palace from the bottom four to promotion.

The rest of "Team Dowie"; Palace's new director of football Bob Dowie, assistant manager Kit Symons, fitness coach John Harbin and goalkeeping coach Mick Kelly, have all signed four year deals.

Dowie said: "John Harbin, Mick, Kit and my brother have all signed contracts I believe. There is no issue with mine, it's a case of just dotting the 'I's and crossing the 't's.

"I have shaken hands with him (Jordan). I am a man of my word, I think he's a man of his word, so unless someone has a massive change of character the contract will be signed."

In a statement to supporters on Monday Jordan claimed Dowie and his staff had all signed new deals.

He said: "The following deals have been concluded:- Iain Dowie, John Harbin, Kit Symons and Mike Kelly have all agreed new four-year deals. All of these deals are done!"

"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."

Jordan also confirmed that right back Danny Butterfield has signed a new four year deal, while top score Andy Johnson is in negotiations to extend his deal beyond the two years left to run.

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE and Danny Granville are also in negotiations over contract extensions.

* Palace captain Neil Shipperley's tendonitis in his knee is not as bad as expected and he is now only expected to miss the first four weeks of the season.

Right-back Danny Butterfield will be out of action for six weeks with a torn hamstring, so new signing Emmerson Boyce, 25, is expected to start against Norwich.

Live Croydon Guardian text commentary