Trevor Francis has pledged to continue giving youth a chance, as Dean Austin and Andrew Frampton become the latest victim's of Palace's financial difficulties.

Francis told the Guardian: "Andrew is going on a free transfer to Brentford, and Dean is very close to agreeing a

settlement with the chairman to leave the club."

Left-back Frampton, 23, has signed a two-year contract with Brentford after being told he is surplus to requirements at Palace.

After graduating from the schoolboy ranks Frampton has made 29 first team appearances, but only two substitute appearances this season. Former club-captain Austin, 32, is Palace's second longest-serving player, but has been on the transfer list since criticising chairman Simon Jordan in the summer.

They become the playing victims of the club's attempts to cut the wage bill, which saw coaches Dave Swindlehurst, and Derek Broadley depart recently, following Simon Rodger and fourteen reserve team players last season.

Francis sees the departures as the latest stage in his rebuilding process, and hinted that more players would be coming and going throughout the season.

He said: "I set out on building a squad and changing different players, and that has slowed up a little bit because of the financial situation but there is still work to be done. We are still looking to build the squad and improve it."

But for the moment he will look to Palace's youth academy to fill the vacancies left by departures and a long injury list.

He said: "I am going to continue to give youth its chance. The average age of our team recently has been something like 24.

"In the squad (for Walsall) tomorrow we have got Will Antwi, Gareth Williams and Gary Borrowdale. We have an excellent academy set up and I hope they can follow the excellent example of Wayne Routledge."

After watching his team relieve mounting pressure on his position by thrashing Brighton, Francis has called on the

Selhurst faithful to drive Palace to more victories. He said: "It makes such a

difference to our players to have that good will feeling from our supporters, being so vocal and showing their enthusiasm, plays a big part. I am sure the supporters have gone away thinking why can't they play like that every Saturday?' Well in return we'd like to say why can't our supporters be like every week?'"

"We all hope this will be a launching pad for the season. We haven't won enough games but we are going to Walsall

expecting to win."

"I remain very optimistic about the future because we have played well and we will improve when more players come back to full fitness."

Francis faces a possible fine and three match touchline ban after last week being charged with violent conduct, relating to the Kolinko cuffing' incident in August. But Francis has not yet made up his mind whether to contest the charges. He said: "I need to speak to the LMA to

decide what we are going to do about it, and until then there is nothing to say."