April 27 2006

Wayne Andrews

Wayne Andrews has admitted he would love to stay at Selhurst Park but admits there are factors which may influence him when signing a new contract at the end of the season, by Stuart Pink.

The 28-year-old's contract expires after the play-off final and Crystal Palace director of football Bob Dowie has stated that the club will be offering the ex-Colchester and Oldham man a new deal.

But Andrews, who hopes to figure in the play-offs after returning to training on Monday following a hernia operation, is remaining cautious before he puts pen to paper, despite having his heart set on staying with the Eagles.

"I'm happy at Crystal Palace and want to stay but in the same vein my whole situation and the club's could change if we get promoted," said Andrews.

"If we go up the boss might want to bring in bigger name players or players with Premiership experience. I'm not doubting my ability to play in the Premiership, but I'm realistic to know I will fall down the pecking order and I don't want a third season in a row where I am not playing regular first team football."

As well as his desire to play regular first team football, the length of the contract also weighs heavily on the frontman's mind: "The other qualm would be if it's only a year. At my age a one-year contract is no good. I'll be 29 soon and I have a family to look after. I'll need security."

Since his move to Selhurst Park in August 2004 from Colchester, Andrews has become an important part of Iain Dowie's squad. Joining the club as a striker, Dowie moulded Andrews into a right winger for the first team, while scoring regularly for the reserves as a striker.

His positive attitude and honesty has made him a real hit with the fans, which Andrews says is why he would like to remain at Selhurst Park.

Andrews added: "I have got a bit of a rapport with the supporters and I haven't really done anything yet. They have seen me in patches but they haven't seen me in a block of games and I want to show them what I can really do.

"I have been at the club for two years and I haven't played three games in a row. Players need a block of games to get into their rhythm and that is what I hope to achieve in the future."

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