SIMON RODGER

Born:	3/10 1971
Height: 5`9" (1??cm)
Weight: 11st. 9lb (??kg)
Pos:	Midfield
Record:	Year  Club           Games Goals 
        91-96 Crystal Palace    33  2 
        96-97 Man.City (loan)    8  1   

Always overlooked by the media, who tend to focus on better known players, Rodger has frequently been the glue that keeps the Palace side together. He played for England U21s earlier in his career and may yet have an international future ahead of him, though many would laugh at the notion.

Not unlike a poor man's Bryan Robson, Rodger does a little bit of everything, ferocious in the tackle, possessed of abundant energy, but also capable of putting his foot on the ball and then hitting an accurate forty yard pass. Pay attention to Rodger when you watch Palace, and you'll be surprised by just how involved he is. He was unfortunate with being injured during the 94/95 season. Despite relegation he signed a two year contract during the close season. When the 95/96 season began he could not find full fitness and served the reserves well. With the arrival of Dave Bassett he filled in for Ray Houghton when either injured or on international duty and visibly improved with every game. If Rodger can regain fitness and given a good run in the first team, he will continue to learn from Houghton and could be an influential figure this season.

Simon Rodger joined City on a loan spell in november 1996. He picked up an injury against Port Vale at the end of the spell, which meant that his loan period were not extended into a third month.