Never mind Manchester United’s tedious pursuit of a sulky Bulgarian - a new Eagles striker was what everyone was waiting for last night.

But, after hours of watching irritating Skysports News presenters prattle on about their “exclusive” pictures of Berbatov at Old Trafford and then waking up early this morning to check for last minute deals, all Palace had to show for their efforts was the sale of Tom Soares and Dougie Freedman.

There was no new 20-goal a season machine, just a slightly lighter wage bill.

Of course there was last Friday's signing of Alan Lee, who looks like a more mobile and inventive form of James Scowcroft. But, with all respect to him, he wasn’t the name many Palace fans wanted to see.

I trust Warnock enough though for him to use the loan window next week to try and find that elusive striker, but fans simply shouldn’t brace themselves for a David Nugent or Collins John.

On the sale of Soares, there is no doubt he can be a great player but, too often, he didn’t show it. As for Freedman's departure, it is the end of an era.

Palace without Dougie is like tea without biscuits and only time will tell if Warnock has made the right decision there.

I wish Dougie every success at Southend and there is even a small part of me that would want to hear the Who Let The Doug Out song again should he ever score against Palace.