February 1 2001

Fan Zhiyi

The official Crystal Palace web site reports that Chinese international Fan Zhiyi has signed a new contract with the club. The defender signed a deal that keeps him at Selhurst Park until the end of the 2002/2003 season.

Fan Zhiyi was linked to a couple of Premiership sides the last couple of days after he and the club failed to agree a new contract.

However, today club and player agreed a one year extension to his contract keeping him at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2003.

"I want to finish my career at Palace because of the fans, manager, chairman and other players. I am delighted to have extended my contract," the popular Chinaman said.

Also today, Crystal Palace have announced they have extended their shirt sponsorship deal with Churchill Insurance for a further two seasons.

Eagles chairman Simon Jordan said: "We are delighted with the relationship we have with Churchill and their continued support is very much appreciated. This is yet another indication of the growing confidence in the future of Crystal Palace Football Club and a further endorsement of the direction we are taking."

Martin Long, Chairman of Churchill, added "We are delighted to continue supporting Crystal Palace with the extension of our sponsorship for the next two years. Our partnership so far has been extremely successful and we will be working closely together to ensure that this success continues."