Steve Kember walked out of the Selhurst Park tunnel on Saturday as manager of the Crystal Palace for the first time since 1982, and despite his caretaker role, he is fully committed to making this spell in charge a success.

Kember and coach Terry Bullivant have been handed the first team reins until chairman Simon Jordan can find a suitable replacement for managerial chameleon Steve Bruce.

Bruce wants to join Birmingham City and his future may be decided in court on Thursday, November 22 where Jordan is seeking an injunction to hold him to his contract.

In the meantime, having signed improved contracts to stay at Palace, Kember and Bullivant are preparing the side for a crucial run of three league away games at Gillingham, Preston and Coventry.

He said: "We'll take it as it comes but ideally we'd like to get five or six points out of the three games."

Kember who has served Palace for nearly forty years, is enjoying the responsibility of management, especially after the 4-1 win against Crewe.

He told the Guardian: "It's twenty years since I've been the manager at Selhurst Park. The last time was back in the 81/82 season, so it was nice on Saturday, I really enjoyed it.

"We completely battered them first half and although the second half was an anti-climax, I was pleased, because we were a lot more professional and didn't let them back in the game."

And the chants of One Stevie Kember' didn't go unnoticed.

He said with a wry smile: "It was nice but I get a bit embarrassed at times. No, it was a good crowd and I like to think we gave them something to cheer about."

Since taking charge two weeks ago the duo have overseen two solid Palace performances and have even begun strengthening the squad.

Nottingham Forest defender Christian Edwards, 25 has joined the club on a month's loan and made an impressive debut against Crewe on Saturday.

Kember told the Guardian: "We got Christian to give us a bit of cover and we've now got four central defenders. I was told he was just a header and kick it away man, but on Saturday he played better than that. He passed the ball well and brought it out."

And the Welshman, who has one full international cap, could secure a permanent move to Selhurst Park.

Kember added: "We've got him on a month's loan with a view to buying him but the indications are that he could be a free transfer which would be an excellent bit of business."

Palace have also brought French duo goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso and defender Richard Martini back from Marseilles on trail, after rejecting Carrasso in the summer. They will be in action for Mark Bowen's reserve side when they play Latvian side Skonto Riga at the Beckenham training ground on Thursday.

Kember said: "They've both played in the Champions League for Marseilles so they come here with a bit of pedigree. The Skonto Riga game will be a good chance to have a look at them."

November 21, 2001 14:30