Kuqi-gate

Thanks to Rich at CCN for bringing my attention to this story about Shefki Kuqi. He's never been the most popular of players at Palace and it seems the barracking he's received finally got to him at the weekend. Whilst I might be similarly annoyed with a Fulham player reacting that way, it did give me a chuckle that our temporary target man managed to upset most of the Crystal Palace support and Neil Warnock in one foul swoop. Nice one Kuq.

It also reminded me that I hadn't got around to writing a suitable farewell to the flying Fin. He was never going to be the greatest player to wear the white shirt but I felt he did a decent job at what he was asked to do. His biggest contribution was his appearance from the subs bench in the home win against Reading. He arguably made the difference and certainly contributed as much as anyone towards that precious 3 points. I think he only started in three games, and whilst we lost all three, they were possibly the toughest set of matches we'll play all season (Liverpool, Man Utd & Everton - all Away). He gave his all whenever called upon, and looked like a player who wanted to impress. That Roy Hodgson, who probably knows as much about Shefki as anyone, didn't see fit to keep him says quite a bit, but I'd like to thank him for his hard work. When I look back on this season I think one of the few highlights I'll remember fondly will be Shefki chasing every ball he could in that game against Reading, and smashing a towering header towards the ground for Dempsey to slot home.

New Signing - Shefki Kuqi

Don't worry he's only on loan! The 30 year old "Flying Finn", Shefki Kuqi, has been brought in for four months, from Crystal Palace, to cover for Brian McBride's absence. Kosovan born Kuqi is a Finnish international with 5 goals in 49 appearances. He had a poor season for Palace last year and has subsequently been used mainly as a substitute so far this season. That's not a great recommendation it has to be said. However, Kuqi does have Premiership experience making 34 appearances for Blackburn in 2005/06 and scoring 7 goals. Prior to that he had played for Ipswich Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport County following his arrival from his adopted homeland where he played for Mikkelin Palloilijat, HJK and FC Jokerit in Finland's Veikkausliiga.