Dowie's double signing

Last updated : 13 August 2004 By Nik Taylor

Palace have completed the signings of keeper Gabor Kiraly and defender Fitz Hall.

Both transfers have been bubbling away for weeks, but have now been finalised on the eve of the new season.

Hungarian goalkeeper Kiraly joins the club from Hertha Berlin, and will link up with fellow countryman Sandor Torghelle.

Iain Dowie told the official Palace site how pleased he was with the signing. "He’s an international keeper who has played a huge amount of times for Hungary," said Dowie. "He’s a great athlete and very, very competent on crosses and a good shot-stopper."

Meanwhile, Hall joins the Eagles for £1.5 million on a four-year deal from Southampton. The Saints had wanted to keep hold of the highly rated defender, but the promise of first-team football and the prospect of working with former boss Iain Dowie convinced Hall to make the switch.

"I’ve worked with Fitz at Oldham and I’m delighted to add him to the squad," said Dowie. "Fitz can play at the back or in midfield and I know he will be a top-class player for Crystal Palace Football Club for many years to come."