Crystal Palace made their first signing of the close season on Friday, when they snapped up Grimsby's right-sided utility player Danny Butterfield on a free-transfer.

Butterfield, 22, came through the ranks with Grimsby and in five seasons made 124 first team appearances, mainly on the right side of midfield, scoring three goals.

The cash-strapped Mariners were unable to offer Butterfield a new contract last year and Francis stepped in under the noses of Cardiff City to secure his services.

A delighted Butterfield told the Guardian: "My contract expired this summer and I wasn't willing to take reduced terms at Grimsby so it was time to move on.

"Palace are a really big club and when they showed an interest in me last week, I had no hesitation in accepting a move down here." Eagles manager Trevor Francis moved for the defender after full-back Jamie Smith's recurring knee problem required another operation this summer, ruling him out for the start of the season.

Francis told the Guardian: "Danny is a player I have known about for the last two or three, and I have kept an eye on him. He is young, versatile and he can improve. He will strengthen the squad because we needed to bring in someone who will give us a bit more strength down the right, especially as Jamie Smith is out."

Right midfield is Butterfield's preferred position, but he can also slot in at right back.

He said: "I'd describe myself as an honest up and down right midfielder, who likes to get forward, but I don't shirk my duties and help out the defence."

Most Palace fans will eagerly await his debut, knowing that the right side of midfield, where David Hopkin often made lumbering appearances last season, has been a key problem in Francis' 4-4-2 formation.

But Butterfield will be happy to bide his time and wait for his chance.

He said: "Initially I am trying to get into the first team and stay there for as long as possible. There are a lot of quality players here and the strikers Clinton Morrison and Dougie Freedman in particular played brilliantly last season, so I am really looking forward to playing with them."

And unlike the Mariners, Butterfield beleives Palace should be pushing for promotion this season.

He added: "With the players we have got at this club I don't see why we can't get into the top six and with a bit of luck the top two!"

***** FACT FILE *****

Name: Daniel Butterfield

Height: 5.09

Weight: 11.08

Signed for Palace: 05-07-2002

D/O/B: 21-11-1979

Grimsby Career

Signed as pro: 01/08/97

League apps: 100 (24 as sub), 3 goals

FA Cup: 5 (2 as sub) 0 goals

League Cup: 13, (1), 0

July 10, 2002 10:30