Dean Austin

Although released by Crystal Palace on a free transfer at the end of the 1999-2000 campaign, Dean found himself back at Selhurst Park with a new two-year contract at the start of last season. His rehabilitation was complete when he was appointed club captain in succession to Neil Ruddock and he went on to become a regular in the Eagles' starting line-up. He appeared both at right back and as a right-sided central defender and netted three important goals in the springtime when the Palace forwards were struggling to find the net.