September 1 2009

Claude Davis

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Claude Davis on a free transfer.

The former Derby County defender, 30, has penned a two-year contract after his work permit was finally approved.

He impressed in seven appearances while on loan from Derby in the second half of last season and Palace boss Neil Warnock did not hesitate in bringing him back to Selhurst Park.

"Since I was on loan there last season I always wanted to go there permanently," he said.

"My agent was speaking to some people but my concentration was always on Palace as I wanted to work for Neil Warnock again.

"As soon as news of the embargo came out I spoke to him and he said there was nothing to worry about and it would be gone before the deadline and I believed him because I trust him.

"It's good to get it sorted though and I can concentrate on playing football now."

Davis started his career with Preston in 2003, before Warnock brought him to Sheffield United three years later for £250,000.

But after 22 league and cup appearances, the Jamaican transferred to Derby a year later for £300,000 where he played 31 times over two years.

He fell out of favour at Pride Park and hopes to resurrect his career with the Eagles.

Meanwhile, Kieran Djilali has joined Blue Square Premier side Crawley Town on loan for a month.