AJ agrees new Palace deal

Last updated : 19 August 2004 By Nik Taylor

Palace fans can breathe a sigh of relief – top goalscorer Andy Johnson has agreed a new five-year deal that will keep him at Selhurst until 2009.

The 23-year-old hitman has thrashed out the details of the contract with Iain Dowie and Simon Jordan and will put pen to paper within the next few days.

Speaking to the Croydon Guardian, Johnson said, "It’s all agreed in principle, it’s now just a matter of it being drawn up and putting pen to paper.

"I sat down yesterday with the gaffer and the chairman who has been very fair. He has rewarded me for what I did last year and I am going to sign a five-year contract and commit myself to Palace. I am settled here and it’s the place I want to be. I’m very happy.

"It brings security for me and my family, and I am very pleased with it. The chairman has been brilliant, and the gaffer has been top class and has backed me all the way since he came to the club. I want to play for him."

The futures of two more Palace stars have also been secured, with Danny Butterfield and Ben Watson both penning new four year deals. Wayne Routledge is also in talks with the club to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.