January 31 2013

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have snapped up forward Stephen Dobbie from Brighton in a loan deal moments before the transfer window shut.

Like fellow deadline day signing Kevin Phillips, Dobbie has worked with Eagles boss Ian Holloway when he was at Blackpool.

Dobbie told the official Palace website: "I know Ian really well and I'd heard there was a little bit of interest and when that became concrete there was no doubt in my mind to come and play for him.

"I've played for him twice at Blackpool and he gets players playing for him, and he's a great man and a motivator, and I just enjoyed working with him every day."

Dobbie, 30, helped fire the Tangerines to the Premier League via the play-offs in 2010 with eight goals after joining for the second half of the season.

The Scottish striker, who has scored two goals in 15 games for Albion this term, is set to make the move permanent in the summer.

Crystal Palace confirmed the transfer on Twitter: "The club are pleased to announce the signing of Stephen Dobbie on an emergency loan from Brighton.

"Stephen Dobbie's deal is an initial emergency loan with a view to a permanent transfer on 1st July 2013."

Brighton boss Gus Poyet said: "It's about playing football for him. I would say it's a situation like Steven Pienaar.

"He's a terrific player and did very well at Everton but when he moved to Tottenham it just didn't work, for whatever reason. He returned to Everton and he's a fantastic player again.

"Sometimes it's not about the player, the manager or the way the team plays, there is just something that didn't click and didn't work. We wish him well during the time that he is at Crystal Palace."

Keep up with the ins and outs at Selhurst Park with our transfers page.