October 8 2003

Julian Gray

Julian Gray's return to Crystal Palace is unlikely to feature a first team recall, after Steve Kember said he doesn't think he'll play for the club again, writes Joe O' Shea.

Kember was reacting to comments by Palace chairman Simon Jordan in the Sunday People, where he launched a scathing attack on Gray's loyalty to the club.

Kember told the Guardian: "Julian Gray is back training with us but the chairman has expressed his opinion and I don't think he will play for the club again to be honest."

The out-of-contract winger rejoined Palace on a £4,000 weekly contract last week after moves to Leeds, Charlton and Blackburn collapsed because they would not meet Palace's £500,000 compensation valuation.

Gray refused to sign a contract extension in July believing he could secure a move to the top flight, but the chairman is holding out for the £500,000 he paid Arsenal in July 2000.

Jordan told the People: "He doesn't want to be with the club and I don't want him here. He thinks he's too good for us but, if he is, I don't see too many clubs queuing up to sign him.

"I can't even stand the sight of seeing him after everything I've done for the kid. I've looked after him and his family ever since he signed for the club and then he treats me with utter contempt.

"We have to carry on paying him if we want to get a transfer fee."

Jordan did leave the door open for Kember to recall him to the first team, but barring a change of heart his loyal manager has now slammed that shut.

Jordan added: "I suppose he is available for selection, but I would be surprised if the manager picked him. He thought he was too good for us and the only reason he's back is because we are his meal ticket for the time being."

"I don't think the fans would be too impressed to see him in a Palace shirt again".