July 2 2008

Crystal Palace

NICKy CARLE has vowed to make up for dumping Crystal Palace out of the play-offs by leading his new club into the Premier League next season.

CARLE played for Bristol City in both legs of last season's Championship semi-final success over Neil Warnock's side.

But City lost the play-off final to Hull and Warnock persuaded CARLE to make a £1m move to Selhurst Park this week.

Now the Australia midfielder, who made his City debut against the Eagles back in January, wants to help erase Palace's play-off hangover.

"I do know quite a bit about the club after playing against them four times in four, five months last season," CARLE said.

"I think all four games were great games and very close. The two teams were very level and on the day Bristol City got up but we will be looking to change that come next season."

CARLE was back in Australia when he heard City had accepted Palace's offer and he had no hesitation in agreeing a four-year deal after speaking to Warnock.

"I think it is a massive club with good ambitions and after speaking to Neil he made my decision much easier," CARLE said.

"He sounded like a real winner and that was very important to me.

"From what I saw last year they have great ability, great talent and a great manager so I am really looking forward to being apart of it next season."