Crystal Palace chairman confirms Chelsea gazumped Michael Hector deal

Quite a few Chelsea fans were left scratching their heads when the links to Reading's Michael Hector first emerged on Tuesday, especially following the signing of Papy Djilobodji. The Blues weren't the only club interested in the defender, though, and Crystal Palace in particular thought they had a deal for the 23-year old wrapped up.

Club Chairman Steve Parish spoke about the last-minute gazumping with Holmesdale Radio on Wednesday, and had the following to say about the situation:

"We had a deal for Michael Hector at Reading and that was a done deal. We thought we had that one."

"Unfortunately the might of Chelsea came in and the player chose to go there. But at least we’re getting the right targets, aren’t we? Our scouting set-up must be doing the right thing."

"You don’t win them all. We live to fight another day. I’m sure he’ll do very well at Chelsea. We don’t hold any grudges. I think he supported them as a kid."

At least we managed to beat them at something this week. Take that, Alan Pardew.