Nathaniel Clyne makes Crystal Palace return on short-term deal

BY SAM SMITH

Nathaniel Clyne has returned to Crystal Palace on a short-term deal until January.

The right-back joins on a free transfer having spent the last few weeks training with Palace’s first team. He provides competition for Joel Ward while Nathan Ferguson continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Clyne made 137 appearances for the South Londoners after graduating from the club’s academy. The 29-year-old made his debut under Neil Warnock in 2008 but signed for Southampton four years later.

He then moved to Liverpool in 2015, making 103 appearances for the Reds – but the latter part of his spell was blighted by injuries and he missed the whole of their Premier League-winning campaign.

Clyne told Palace’s website: “I’m a London boy, this is where I grew up. I’m back home and all my family and friends are here.

“It’s surreal being back, [I am] enjoying it and hopefully I can just crack on and enjoy my football again.”

The Lambeth-born defender’s last senior appearance was a 5-3 defeat by Palace while playing on loan at Bournemouth in May 2019. He recently appeared in a Palace U23s defeat against Aston Villa.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “Nathaniel is a fantastic character to have around this squad and we are delighted to secure his services for the upcoming period.

“He is a first-rate professional, just as he was when I first met him more than a decade ago. His presence and experience will be invaluable.”

PICTURE: CPFC