Francis: Palace starting to bloom

Crystal Palace manager Trevor Francis claimed today he is starting to see the fruits of his rebuilding at Selhurst Park.

The former Birmingham manager, who joined the club last November, signed defender Darren Powell and striker Andy Johnson this week, following the transfer of star forward Clinton Morrison to St Andrews. He also hopes to add Dele Adebola.

Adebola, the former Birmingham striker, is available on a free transfer. All three could play in tomorrow's First Division opener at Preston.

Francis said: "It's a tough start. Preston have been a good side for the last two or three years.

"Like us they have lost their best player - in their case Sean Gregan - but I am sure they will adjust.

"I am pleased with the way things are going at Palace. I have got seven of my own players here now and it is starting to resemble my team.

"I think we can have a good season, but I am not going to make any rash predictions because players need time to settle in."

Preston manager Craig Brown, the former Scotland coach, has injury problems already.

Full-back Tyrone Mears, Dickson Etuhu and Michael Keane all face late fitness tests.

Brown said: "We have had a good pre-season gearing up for the game against Crystal Palace and the lads are beginning to get the principles of play."

Preston expect to have new signing Marlon Broomes on the bench.

Manager: Trevor Francis
Final position last season: 10th
New signings: Andrew Johnson (from Birmingham), Danny Butterfield (Grimsby), Shaun Derry (Portsmouth), Darren Powell (Brentford)
First three games: Tomorrow: Preston (A);
Tues: Bradford (H);
17 Aug: Portsmouth (H)