Hangeland makes Eagles move
Crystal Palace have announced the signing of former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland on a one-year contract.
The 33-year-old Norway international’s six-and-a-half year stay at Craven Cottage came to an end after the Whites decided not to offer the defender a new deal following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
#CPFC are delighted to confirm the signing of central defender Brede Hangeland on a free transfer pic.twitter.com/PvZXdnHzHP
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) August 1, 2014
Hangeland, who claims to have been informed of his release by e-mail, played over 200 league games for Fulham and will provide stiff competition to the likes of Scott Dann, Paddy McCarthy and Damien Delaney for a place in the heart of Tony Pulis’ defence.
He becomes the third new arrival at Selhurst Park following deals for Blackpool goalkeeper Chris Kettings and striker Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff.
Pulis, who took over at Palace in November, guided the Eagles to 11th place and became the first manager to keep the south London club in the Premier League beyond a single campaign.
Hangeland was replaced at half-time in Fulham’s 4-1 win at Palace last season, a result which saw Ian Holloway leave the Eagles.
But the ex-FC Copenhagen man was suitably impressed by the support at Selhurst Park to be excited about turning out for his new side.
“I’m delighted to be here. I look forward to helping out and doing the best I can for this club,” he told Palace’s official website.
“It’s a traditional club with a big following. I thought the atmosphere here was fantastic and obviously the fans had a lot to be happy about come the end of the season.”
“If we can do something similar to that this season, that would be great. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of those fans as soon as possible.”
