Former England U21 international and long time Palace left back Dean Gordon has joined Bryan Robson's Middlesbrough for £900,000.

A former youth team product, Deano, 25, made his debut in 1991 and barring injury has been a first team regular. His departure follows end of season speculation and last week's £800,000 signing of Israeli international left back David Ansalem.

The 27-year-old Israeli joins former Tottenham star and Venables protégé Dean Austin as Palace's first summer signings.

Meanwhile, inspirational Palace skipper Marc Edworthy and striker Neil Shipperley have firmly pledged their future to the Eagles.

The pair told fans this week they are fired up for the new season and both have described press speculation about Diego Maradona's future with Selhurst Park "laughable".

Shipperley said: "It's absolutely pathetic. God knows where these stories come from. As for me, I've got two years on my contract and I intend to see them through. No-one's come in for me and I'm looking forward to the new season."

As manager Terry Venables at last jetted in from the World Cup to take charge at Palace, a refreshed Edworthy told the Guardian Sport that he was relishing the start of the new season.

"We all know what we've got to do this season," he said. "It hasn't exactly been ideal with Terry over in France. Most of the players have yet to meet him. But he's back now and the work starts here," he added.

Hopes are high among Palace supporters that a string of new names will be attracted to the club, complete with its new manager and new training facilities at Streete Court in Godstone.

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