November 20 2001

Backing Brucey

Palace goalkeeper MATT CLARKE has pledged his support for suspended manager Steve Bruce.

Bruce signed CLARKE from Bradford City earlier in the season, and he holds no grudges for the man who kickstarted his career again.

CLARKE said: "I've spoken to Steve Bruce since he left - he called me to say he felt awkward because I was his main signing. But I told him he had to make the right decision for him, and I'm not going to judge him on that."

He continued: "He gave me a chance and I did him a job. I won't criticise him, he's still a good manager and I wish him all the best wherever he is."