August 6 2010

Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett has signed a 6 month loan deal with Crystal Palace.

George Burley has been keen to add more players to his squad before the start of the Championship season, and Bennett, 25, was targeted as a suitable replacement for Clint Hill who left for QPR in the summer.

Bennett started his career at Forest as a 14 year old before moving to Walsall where he played 57 times. He then returned to the City Ground in 2006 and was a key player for Forest when they won promotion from League One in 2008.

Speaking on his own personal website at www.julianbennett.com Bennett said: "It is an amazing feeling to finally be back in full training and I'm just hoping that I get the chance at Selhurst Park to get as many games under my belt as possible.

"I've already had a few messages from Palace fans wishing me luck so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them - I’ve only been here for 24 hours and the welcome that I have received has been amazing!

"I am extremely excited for the game against Leicester tomorrow and just hope we can kick off the 2010/11 season with three points."