January 26 2004

Iain Dowie

IAIN Dowie has little time for any players who mope about because they may not be getting their contracts renewed with the club, writes Chris Fidler.

So far those coming to the end of their deals have stayed focussed and “responded brilliantly” to the new regime says the manager.

But Dowie added that it shouldn’t be viewed as the end of the world if players end up clubless in June.

He told the South London Press: “It’s the modern game. My point is, and it’s not meant to be churlish, I never earned the money they earn, and that was when I was playing in the Premier League.

“But then again there was a little bit more security then. I never went on a free - it never really happened then. Sure, they all want to get security for their families, that’s the way it is.

“It’s the same for me. At the end of 18 months my deal ends, so there isn’t built-in security after that. But I won’t let that change the way I work and the players here haven’t let their situations affect theirs.

“Their response has been excellent and contracts are an issue we will address in the months and weeks to come.”

One of those players who are out of contract in the summer is Aki Riihilahti, pictured right. He wasn’t rated by last Palace manager Steve Kember and his days at the club looked numbered.

But Dowie has liked what he has seen of the Finnish international midfielder, who has played a major part in Palace’s three away match-winning streak in the league.

Dowie said: “People told me Aki does this, Aki does that, but I see him in the role he played on Saturday at Watford, sitting in front and shielding the back four. He’s very, very competitive, has great energy and can use his physical size and has done very, very well for me. I like his attitude and he’s bought into what I am trying to do with the training.”

And Dowie also has respect for Kit Symons, who has reverted back to being just a player since stepping down as caretaker manager.

Symons has said he would like to pursue coaching after getting a taste of it, but Dowie says the Welsh international, who is out of contract in June, needs to concentrate on playing first and foremost.

He said: “Kit needs to be a player here. And I’m not sure a renumeration fee for a coach’s salary rather than a player’s would be so lucrative, so he’d be better off staying a player for now.”