July 28 2002

Simon Rodger

In the build-up to Simon Rodger's testimonial, Raj Johal of the South London Press talks to Jolly...

By Raj Johal, South London Press

SIMON Rodger has proved real value for money - he has cost Crystal Palace just over three pence a game.

The left-midfielder brings the curtain down on 12 years at Crystal Palace with a testimonial against Spurs at Selhurst Park next Wednesday at 8pm. Not bad for a player who cost the Eagles £1,000 from Bognor Regis in 1989 and went on to play 331 games.

Rodger has seen a lot change at Palace since he forced his way into the side as a regular in 1993. He has outlasted 15 managerial reigns since then, up to current boss Trevor Francis, although Steve Coppell was in charge for three stints and Alan Smith two.

And the 30-year-old, who was not offered new terms by current boss Francis this season, has great affection from the Palace faithful despite the fact he comes from Brighton territory and signed schoolboy forms with the Eagles' arch enemy.

"I've come pretty cheap seeing as I've made 330-odd performances," joked Rodger. "You wouldn't get much for a grand in today's market. Alan Smith, who was the youth team coach then, brought me to the club in 1990 and I joined as a second year apprentice.

"I come from Shoreham near Brighton and a lot of mates were Brighton fans. Palace were the enemy so it didn't go down too well with some of them."

Brighton actually turfed Rodger out as a schoolboy telling him he was too small - well, he was 5ft 3ins tall at the time. But Rodger grew both in height and in stature once he arrived at Selhurst Park.

He made his first team debut in the 4-1 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in 1993 and went on to carve out a reputation as a workaholic midfielder with a peach of a left foot.

Rodger said: "When I joined we had just come up to Division One, just after the Wright/Bright days. A lot's changed since then but I've had some great times at this club since. I think the fans will remember me as a hard-working player who they could always rely on.

"I had a great relationship with the fans - but Palace fans will always back someone who gives it 110 per cent for them. They're a great bunch."

Rodger took a couple of seasons to get established in the first eleven, competing with fellow lefties John Salako and Paul Mortimer.

And it was Coppell who gave him his debut. Rodger said: "Steve was probably the biggest influence on my career and the best manager I've worked with in terms of tactics, management and motivation."

Rodger was a part of the 1993/94 Division One championship-winning team which included the likes of Chris Coleman, Gareth Southgate, Chris Armstrong, Nigel Martyn and Salako - many of whom will be paraded at half-time at his testimonial.

Rodger added: "We've had a few decent cup runs but that was probably the highlight of my Palace career. It was definitely the best side I've played in. There was real quality in the side, but the biggest factor was how hard we worked for each other."

When Smith took over after Palace went up to the Premiership in 1994, Rodger was sidelined by a back injury that put him out of the game for a year, restricting his Premiership appearances to only a handful.

But a couple of metal plates fixed the two discs that were troubling his lower back and Rodger was back in business - especially when Coppell returned to the hot-seat.

However, Rodger's darkest hours at Palace came when Dave Bassett was appointed boss in 1996. "For some reason he felt left-back was my best position. I disagreed, we fell out, he farmed me out on loan to Man City for three months and Stoke for a month.

"That was the only real time I've spent away from Palace in my professional career. I didn't enjoy it."

Coppell came back in after Bassett's stint and Rodger was able to play his part in the 1996/97 playoff win over Sheffield United at Wembley, coming on as a substitute.

But Rodger again came to the fore in Palace's worst period - the administration days when the club's very existence was at risk. "I was made captain at that time, which is probably the other real high point of my Palace career," said Rodger.

"But from month to month, the players didn't know whether they were going to be paid or how their mortgages were going to be paid. It was a footballer's nightmare, but in a strange way it united the whole team.

"Most people thought we'd be relegated that season. It was close but the players and Steve Coppell ensured that wouldn't happen."

Ironically, Rodger goes into next week's testimonial without a club.

After being freed by Francis there has been interest but no firm offers for him. He is currently training with Woking and said: "I suppose it's weird.

"I've never been at this stage of a season without a club before, but it's the current uncertain climate. I'm sure something will happen soon. I just hope I get a good turnout on Wednesday."

The fact Rodger has the same financial advisor as Glenn Hoddle ensured worthy opposition for Wednesday. "It should be a great night for everyone.

"With the season so close both sides will field strong teams. I'll start the game and come off just before half-time. Hopefully I'll get a decent turnout and the fans will come out for me."

Tickets are priced £5 for children and £15 adults on the day, £13 in advance. Ring the Palace box office on 020 8771 8841 for ticket details.