January 16 2008

Crystal Palace

Clint Hill has joined Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee after impressing on loan.

The defender joined from Stoke City in November as a direct replacement for Leon Cort who went the other way on loan.

He was the type of physical presence Eagles boss Neil Warnock prefers and has been instrumental in Palace's 14-match unbeaten league run.

The 29-year-old, who has scored three goals, signs a two-year deal and Warnock is thrilled to capture his man.

"I'm delighted to finally welcome Clint Hill on board permanently," said Warnock. "He may not be the type of player who catches the eye of many opposition teams but he is a manager's type of player.

"He is always one of the first on the team sheet and his overall contribution during his loan spell has been a big factor in our climb up the table."

Hill began his career as a trainee at Tranmere before moving onto Oldham for £250,000 in 2002 and joining Stoke a year later in a £120,000 switch.