Simon Rodger is still looking for a new club but he is looking forward to his testimonial against Tottenham this month and the chance to say thank-you to Eagles fans after 11 years at the club.

Spurs visit Selhurst Park on Wednesday, July 31, just a week before Palace kick off their league campaign against Preston on August 10, and Rodger will play his last game in a Palace shirt.

Rodger, 30, joined Palace from Bognor Town in 1990 for £1,000 and made nearly 300 league and cup appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Last season he started 29 league matches and came on as substitute seven times but injury and the arrival of Trevor Francis saw his opportunities limited and he was not offered a contract extension in May.

Rodger told the Guardian: "I didn't really want to bow out at Palace yet because I thought I had a couple of years left at this level. But the manager didn't think so and it was time for me to move on - that's football."

Even though he has not yet found a club for next season, "Jolly" feels no bitterness towards Francis or the club and is looking forward to his last hurrah.

He said: "It's going to be a very emotional night for me because I have had so many good times at the club and been through some difficult times with administration and relegation. I am really looking forward to what should be a great night. It will give me a chance to say a big thank you to the fans for the tremendous support over the years."

The Palace fans will want to thank Rodger and a packed house looks likely, with a large Spurs contingent expected, eager to see new signings Acimovic and Redknapp.

Francis confirmed he will be treating the penultimate pre-season ficture game as a competitive warm-up for the season ahead.

He said: "It will be the strongest side that I can possibly put out, out of respect for Simon. Spurs are an attractive side who have started to bring in one or two players and it should be a good game.

"I would say to the supporters come and support Simon. I can assure them that it won't be like some testimonials played at half-pace, it will be a proper competitive game."

For ticket information call 020 8771 8841.

July 17, 2002 12:00