After Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff City for a fee believed to be in the region of £600,000, Cardiff season ticket holder Chris Boodeny tells us what to expect from the new Eagles' forward. 
When Fraizer Campbell signed for City on the 21 January 2013 for £650,000 from Sunderland, I remember feeling slightly underwhelmed. Perhaps this illustrates the "divine right" Ian Holloway criticised Cardiff fans for, following a 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool in 2010. There has always been a feeling at the club that City were somehow a "sleeping giant" with a large potential catchment area, that could rival that of some established Premier League teams.
Fortunately, following a rather public ridiculing from our very own Bond Villian, Vincent Tan and the sacrifice of over 100 years of history and tradition for what has effectively been a failed marketing tool for the Far East - there's a quiet humility in the Cardiff City Stadium now, as supporters have realised just what is important in football - aside from history and tradition, it's hard work, loyalty, it's togetherness - it's the club, it's why we stand (or nowadays sit, unless you're an "Ultra") in the freezing cold on a "school night" in November.
Fraizer Campbell represents all of this.
I knew little of Fraizer Campbell before he signed, I remember he was quick, I remember seeing him on Match of the Day a few times. He was good, but I couldn't see him being the difference. I vaguely remember expecting him to play more on the wing than as an out and out striker.
However, what I'd see unfold over the 18 or so months was a hard-working, team-player who wore his heart on his sleeve. Professional footballers, especially in the top flight, are often criticised for "not caring." What you can expect to see from Fraizer is a fighter - he will literally chase anything down. He will work, and work, and work - and chase and chase and chase. For 90 minutes. Non-stop.
Aside from being a "worker," he has that touch of class, coupled with intelligence. Granted - he certainly won't get you 20 goals, probably not half that.
His intelligence, his positioning, both with and without possession is excellent. On the break, he's got the wit to identify the space, and the pace to beat the defence. Without possession, he will chase centre halves down regularly forcing mistakes, or hapless hoofs upfield - which a Tony Pulis side are more than capable of dealing with.
However, he has proved to us this season, that he can hack it when it counts. We were arguably the least creative side in the Premier League last season - however he managed to score against both Manchester clubs. A goal against Manchester United at home is a particular highlight of a cool, calm, calculated finish and the talent and finesse he does possess. The header/shoulder against Manchester City at home evidences the never say die, do anything for the cause attitude - which he has consistently displayed. I cannot remember a game where I thought he had not put a shift in, where he hadn't chased something down, nor when he had made clever diagonal runs into the box.
Tactically - I believe he will suit Palace, and think it's a rather shrewd signing. Under McKay - City played with strict, disciplined positioning - keep the shape at all costs, coupled with a relatively high press. From my limited observations of Palace, and Stoke before, Pulis applies the same disciplined approach - though arguably more able to deal with playing deeper.
What Fraizer will give you is a tireless, higher press, while defensive shape can be maintained. He played as a lone striker, for the majority of the season - and was able to chase down effectively - forcing mistakes, scraps and the aforementioned "hoofs" playing into your hands. Tireless.
As a person, he certainly appears to be a good body to have in the dressing room. Always with a smile on his face (unless giving the odd linesman a berating), a good sense of humour (please refer to the trousers up to his nipples celebration, mocking Vincent Tan) popular, a family driven young man, who's efforts, rub off on his teammates. On a few occasions you can also expect to see something, out of nothing. He genuinely seems to empathise with supporters - when things aren't going your way, your struggle will be his - you'll see this. He's not a stereotypical badge-kisser, he cares.
Though initially underwhelmed, I'm very sad to see him go. I was even going to name my terrapin after him. I suppose Dikgacoi the terrapin has a nice ring to it.
But I am glad to see his efforts rewarded with a Premier League contract. Palace will not go down, not under Pulis - and with Fraizer, you'll have another tool in your arsenal, with and without the ball. He is a fantastic team-player, and I hope he does well for you. Enjoy the Premier League - you deserve to be there, football should be about passion, hard work, belief and determination - not for advertising a Malaysian fast food chain called Kenny Rogers' Roasters.
Side issue - quick hats off for the efforts re: the atmosphere at Selhurst Park and on the road (I believe you were voted the best away following at the CCS this year), critics say it's a bit contrived - but like the Woody Allen film, Whatever Works - and it works.