Palace striker Tommy Black signed a new four-year contract last week, ending months of speculation he would leave the club this summer, writes Joseph O'Shea.

The 23-year-old, signed from Arsenal in July 2000 for £500,000, has finally put pen to paper on an improved deal which was originally offered by chairman Simon Jordan in February.

Black's reluctance to sign after falling out of first-team favour with Trevor Francis, had prompted fears he would see out the remainder and leave via a tribunal.

But Francis' departure and Black's continuing status as a fans' favourite, have convinced him to stay at the club until 2007.

Black said: "I'm happy because it gives me another chance with maybe a new manager or Bully (Terry Bullivant) and Kember coming in to show what I can do.

"It's an improved contract to what I signed last time, it's longer and it takes me up to 27. I am getting paid to do my hobby, and I am where I want to be, so it is great for me and I am glad I am going to spend my best years at Crystal Palace."

His manager Steve Kember hopes the next four years will see Black show more consistency.

He said: "It's pleasing for the coaching staff because Tommy still has a lot more to offer. He's a crowd favourite and hopefully we can make him better for next season.

"He still has certain aspects of his game to work on. He sometimes goes missing and doesn't contribute as much as he should do with his ability, but he's acknowledged that and if he does work on it we will have a more consistent Tommy Black."

Kember is also aware that Black's signature stopped the club losing part of the £500,000 they paid three years ago, a prospect they now face with Julian Gray who has yet to sign an extension.

Kember said: "Obviously we would have got some sort of compensation back via a tribunal and it's the same situation with Julian. I spoke to Julian at the weekend and he intimated that he wants to sit down with the chairman and discuss his contract as soon as possible."

But after his best-ever season as a pro, scoring 11 first-team goals, Black is hoping a new summer fitness schedule will help Palace's squad make a genuine promotion push.

He said: "It's been a good season for me but a bit of a roller coaster ride, with a really good middle, but a little sour towards the end, because the squad has under-achieved again. Hopefully we can put that right next year and we will work throughout the summer to stay fit and start on all cylinders next season."

May 29, 2003 14:00