Palace keeper Matt Clarke has confirmed his retirement from the game due to persistent injury.
The 30-year-old goalie has made just ten appearances for the Eagles in the past two seasons, after severely damaging ligaments in his knee.
Last year, Clarke had surgery to repair the damage and it was hoped he would be able to return between the sticks for Palace. But after just four games of the season, his knee gave out once again. The keeper was left with the choice of undergoing further surgery, or giving up the game.
"Two or three surgeons said I could have another operation. But that would mean being out for another couple of years, taking me towards the end of my contract," Clarke told the Croydon Guardian. "I had to take the decision to call it a day."
The former Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford keeper has now decided to return to the north of the country to concentrate on his business interests.