April 9 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have officially released Neil Ruddock today. His contract has been terminated by mutual consent. The former England international had fallen out of favour at Selhurst Park earlier this season and hasn't played a game since.

Ruddock tried to battle his way back into the team after rejecting a number of offers on dealine day, but Alan Smith made it clear to him that there was no way back.

Ruddock, who was signed from West Ham United last summer, spent the last few days discussing a settlement with the club and it has finally been completed.

Meanwhile, Jamie Smith looks set for an early return to action after undergoing a knee cartilage operation.

The defender has been out for almost a month after the operation, but he could be back in the first-team squad for the clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday.