Iain Dowie finally ended months of speculation about his Crystal Palace future when he signed a new four-year contract at Selhurst Park last Friday.

The 39-year-old had been linked with managerial vacancies at Southampton and Blackburn in recent weeks as he delayed signing the deal agreed with chairman Simon Jordan in the summer.

But a Wednesday night meeting with Jordan resolved outstanding minutiae', believed to be a compensation clause, and he finally joined his brother Bob, assistant Kit Symons and fitness guru John Harbin in committing his long-term future to the club.

Dowie said: "It was never a problem. We had good discussions that killed off the last few bits of it between myself and the chairman."

Compensation terms certainly played a part in delaying the deal, but Dowie also sought assurances about transfer funds from the chairman, who has stated his intention to quit if a suitable buyer comes along.

Dowie said: "There were a few reassurances about where we are going as a club. We want to take this club forward, leave a legacy and make it a club we can be proud of whenever I leave or anyone else takes over.

"He gave me assurances about what he wants to do and by no means did I get the impression he wants to bail out."

After months of uncertainty about their manager's future, the players responded to a rousing dressing-room speech with their best performance of the season at Villa Park.

Striker Andy Johnson summed up the mood: "It means everything to the players. He announced it before the game which gave everyone a lift. Look at what he's done for the club, all the players are delighted he has signed."

Buoyed by Dowie's renewed commitment and breaking a run of five defeats, Palace are looking for three home points against Fulham on Monday. But Dowie may be without several defenders.

Darren Powell faces at least six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a depressed fracture of the cheekbone against Hartlepool. Fitz Hall had a scan on a bruised foot on Tuesday and is doubtful; Mark Hudson is still out with an ankle injury; and fit-again Mikele Leigertwood (knee) is short of match fitness. Gonzalo Sorondo who was outstanding for the reserves against Chelsea on Monday stands by. Dougie Freedman did not travel to Villa because of a groin strain and will not be considered.

l Meanwhile Dowie said there was no truth in stories he is trying to sign free-agent Emmanuel Petit, but Palace are thought to be chasing 31-year-old Greece's Euro 2004 midfielder Vassilis Tsartas who is free to quit AEK Athens.

The free-signing of 20-year-old Australian midfielder Anthony Danze has hit a snag, because his former team, Perth Glory, are seeking compensation.

Dowie added: "Some compensation clause has come up which threatens the deal. We don't think it will kill the deal but it may do."