Palace chairman blasts Blues

CRYSTAL Palace chairman Simon Jordan has scoffed at Ipswich Town's plea of poverty during their attempt to land Shaun Derry on loan, writes Derek Davis.

Midfielder Derry was part of the Palace reserve side that beat Ipswich 1-0 at Selhurst Park last night, just a week after the Blues were knocked back in a bid to land him.

Jordan revealed he was not impressed with Town's claims that they could not afford to make the move permanent and that he was prepared to let the player go to Leeds United for £250,000, but that deal fell through when United could not guarantee payment.

He said: "Shaun is not going on loan. Either somebody comes up with the right deal for him or he stays with us.

"Ipswich wanted him on loan and were pleading poverty but, if they are so poor, why didn't they accept the £3million they were offered for Darren Bent?

"As for Leeds, the way they messed Shaun about was a farce."

It would be interesting to see if Jordan is quick to sell his star asset, Andy Johnson, if Palace fail to survive in the Premiership and find they need to add to their squad – unless Jordan carries out his threat to quit Palace.

Another available Eagles player, Tommy Black, also played against the Blues second string and Jordan is ready to listen to offers for the attacker, who was handed a four-year deal last season.

He said: "Tommy was flying back then but, whereas the club has progressed, he has seemed to regress. He needs to kick-start his career and it now comes down to who wants him, and the player has to be sensible about it."

It is unlikely, though, that Black would be the sort of player Ipswich boss Joe Royle wants.

The Town manager, and chairman David Sheepshanks, seem convinced that all the time Town stay at the top, and have 11 just about healthy players, they don't need to dip into the market.

If the time came where a couple of players – for example, Drissa Diallo and Kevin Horlock, who are one booking from suspension, were banned, and one or two get injured, they would be able to spirit up top-quality replacements at a few hours' notice.

Sheepshanks last night confirmed there are no imminent signings and added: "Happily, there is no need to bring in anyone at the moment.

"Joe is a discerning buyer and we will only bring in players on deals that we can afford."

Pablo Counago, Matt Richards and Dean Bowditch all played a part in a very good Ipswich performance that unfortunately didn't get its just rewards, losing to a goal from Hungarian striker Sandor Torghelle.

Palace keeper Lance Cronin made good saves from Counago and substitute Billy Clarke, who had an effort scrambled away off the line.

The kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes after a hold-up on the M25 caused the Town team coach to arrive just 10 minutes before the scheduled 7pm kick-off, even though it left Ipswich at 3pm.

Crystal Palace: Cronin, Butterfield, Hudson, Leigertwood (Togwell 56), Borrowdale, Lakis, Soares, Derry (Black 56), Danze, Shipperley and Torghelle. Subs not used: Banks, Grabban and Fray.

Ipswich Town: Supple, Atay (Craig 51), Sobers, Mitchell, Collins, Richards, Murray (Knights 72), Manning, Garvan, Counago (Clarke 72) and Bowditch. Subs not used: Patten and Flack.

n The Blues' Championship clash with QPR at Loftus Road is close to a 19,000 sell-out, with 10 days to go. All of Town's ticket allocation was snapped up days ago, and now only restricted view seats remain for home fans.

n Brighton manager Mark McGhee has been charged with making abusive and/or insulting words to a match official during the 1-0 Coca-Cola Championship defeat by Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday. The former Reading, Wolves and Millwall manager has until December 14 to respond.