December 19 2008

Clint Hill

Crystal Palace defender Clint Hill has been given a 12 month extension to his contract.

The tough-tackling Eagles star secured the extra year after triggering a clause when he reached a certain number of appearances - inserted due to a history of injury problems.

Hill joined from Stoke last November and he's impressed with a number of swashbuckling displays in the Eagles' rearguard, making 54 outings.

He explained: “Because I’ve had a history of injuries, the club offered me a two-and-a-half year deal when I joined, but I had to reach a certain quota of games this season to secure that extra year.”

Manager Neil Warnock added: “We have taken that clause out of Clint’s deal and handed him another year anyway. He’s been superb for us and deserves it.”

Hill began his career as a trainee at Tranmere before moving onto Oldham for £250,000 in 2002 and joining Stoke a year later in a £120,000 switch.