Palace snap up defender

Last updated : 30 January 2004 By Nik Taylor

Iain Dowie has made the first full signing of his Palace managerial career with the arrival of promising Wimbledon youngster Mikele Leigertwood.

Leigertwood is a 21-year-old defender who has made 65 appearances for the Dons over the past couple of seasons.

The highly rated centre-half had established himself as a key part of the Wimbledon back four following a three-month loan spell at Leyton Orient last season. However, the well-publicised financial plight of the Dons means they have been forced to cash in on yet another player. Leigertwood can also play at right-back.

But he will not be making his Palace debut against his former club tomorrow, after Wimbledon boss Stuart Murdoch ensured that was part of the transfer deal.

Meanwhile, the hoped-for transfer of Thomas Myhre from Sunderland looks to have fallen through, amid reports that the player has been unable to agree personal terms with Palace.