Shipps refutes weight claims
Crystal Palace striker Neil Shipperley says he is not overweight.
Crystal Palace striker Neil Shipperley has hit back at chairman Simon Jordan's comments regarding his weight.The former Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Wimbledon hit-man has rarely featured for The Eagles this season, despite scoring the winning goal in last season's Division One play-off final over West Ham United.
His lack of first team action with the Selhurst Park club prompted Jordan to suggest that Shipperley returned to pre-season overweight.
The 30-year-old, however, replied to his chairman's comments by saying that a knee injury has kept him sidelined for much of this term.
"I don't appreciate people talking about me like that," Shipperley said.
"I couldn't train on my knee for the whole summer because I had to rest it.
"I put on just over two pounds and just one percent of that was body fat.
"If that's unacceptable, I will accept it."
Despite being linked with Championship sides Gillingham and Reading, Shipperley is looking to extend his contract with Palace.
"I've always been looking to stay," he added. "I know the club are trying to bring in new strikers, but we'll have to wait and see."
