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We won't be cannon-fodder - Jordan
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan insists the club have no intention of being cannon-fodder to the Premiership's bigger teams.
Manager Iain Dowie and his backroom team of John Harbin, Kit Symons and Mike Kelly have all been awarded new four-year deals and Jordan was adamant that no-one at the club felt reaching the top flight alone was mission accomplished.
"When I first bought our club, I promised that we would be back in the Premiership within five years," the chairman said.
"We have achieved that aim in just four years and whilst both Iain and myself recognise the tremendous quality within the Premiership and the challenge that brings to bear, we are returning with serious intent.
"Neither one of us is grateful to be in the Premiership - we achieved promotion on merit and we have no intention of being cannon-fodder or candidates for immediate relegation.
"The playing squad has been invested in and we will continue that policy. We have, in my opinion, one of the best - if not the best - young managers in the country, a man with huge ambition and drive.
"Obviously, Iain will need the right players and facilities to work with and I will ensure that he is given them.
"We go into the season with optimism, self-belief and - of course - awareness, but those who know anything about Iain and myself will know that we are up for any challenge and will have a real go during the forthcoming season. The players and the mentality of all those behind the scenes at the club is exactly the same."
Dowie's contract is reward for his spectacular success with the club following his move to Selhurst Park last December.
The Eagles were in danger of relegation to Division Two but Dowie turned their fortunes around, helping them reach the play-offs and beat West Ham in the final at The Millennium Stadium last May.
Jordan confirmed that three of last season's squad - Tony Popovic, Aki Riihilahti and Michael Hughes - have all agreed new contracts while the club are close to reaching agreement with star striker Andrew Johnson.
He was also insistent that more new faces could arrive before the end of August, adding on the club's official website: "We have tried as much as possible to keep our transfer dealing low-key so as to operate with a degree of stealth but be under no illusion that we have been very busy and will continue to be prior to the transfer window closing on 31 August.
"We currently have offers on the table for various players for varying amounts totalling many millions and are hoping to complete these signings during the course of this week."
Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan insists the club have no intention of being cannon-fodder to the Premiership's bigger teams.
Manager Iain Dowie and his backroom team of John Harbin, Kit Symons and Mike Kelly have all been awarded new four-year deals and Jordan was adamant that no-one at the club felt reaching the top flight alone was mission accomplished.
"When I first bought our club, I promised that we would be back in the Premiership within five years," the chairman said.
"We have achieved that aim in just four years and whilst both Iain and myself recognise the tremendous quality within the Premiership and the challenge that brings to bear, we are returning with serious intent.
"Neither one of us is grateful to be in the Premiership - we achieved promotion on merit and we have no intention of being cannon-fodder or candidates for immediate relegation.
"The playing squad has been invested in and we will continue that policy. We have, in my opinion, one of the best - if not the best - young managers in the country, a man with huge ambition and drive.
"Obviously, Iain will need the right players and facilities to work with and I will ensure that he is given them.
"We go into the season with optimism, self-belief and - of course - awareness, but those who know anything about Iain and myself will know that we are up for any challenge and will have a real go during the forthcoming season. The players and the mentality of all those behind the scenes at the club is exactly the same."
Dowie's contract is reward for his spectacular success with the club following his move to Selhurst Park last December.
The Eagles were in danger of relegation to Division Two but Dowie turned their fortunes around, helping them reach the play-offs and beat West Ham in the final at The Millennium Stadium last May.
Jordan confirmed that three of last season's squad - Tony Popovic, Aki Riihilahti and Michael Hughes - have all agreed new contracts while the club are close to reaching agreement with star striker Andrew Johnson.
He was also insistent that more new faces could arrive before the end of August, adding on the club's official website: "We have tried as much as possible to keep our transfer dealing low-key so as to operate with a degree of stealth but be under no illusion that we have been very busy and will continue to be prior to the transfer window closing on 31 August.
"We currently have offers on the table for various players for varying amounts totalling many millions and are hoping to complete these signings during the course of this week."
