Blues secure Bees youngster

Crystal Palace captain Mile Jedinak has been announced as the club's player of the year.

The 28-year-old Australia midfielder, who has scored three times this season, pipped 30-goal top scorer Glenn Murray to the award.

Jedinak told the club website: "It's been a really tough season, I can say that safely. A rollercoaster, but one that I've thoroughly enjoyed.

"To be recognised in this way is a huge honour."

Jedinak will lead out the Eagles against Brighton on Friday night in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

Boss Ian Holloway added: "It's hard to put into words what this man brings to our club. Have I seen anyone like him in my time? No.

"I totally believe he will lead us, with the other lads, to an unbelievable end to this season.

"We are desperate to give these fans a place at Wembley and to win there."

Rovers are looking for a successor to Brian Flynn, who guided the south Yorkshire club to the League One title this season after taking over from Dean Saunders in January following his departure to Wolves.

Flynn was handed the reins on a caretaker basis before being given a contract until the end of the campaign and the former scout will now revert back to that role under the new manager.

Chairman John Ryan expects to have a shortlist drawn up by Monday, with the interviewing process to begin later next week.

He said: "We have already had some high-quality applicants and we will sift them down and have our shortlist by Monday. We will then interview the best candidates and then hopefully, there will be an appointment.

"It is a case of the sooner the better, really. But it depends who it is going to be and if he is in or out of work.

"We have already had some high-quality applicants and I am confident that myself and my two other major shareholders - Terry Bramall and Dick Watson - will continue our good track record of picking good managers."

The 21-year-old has penned a one-year contract, with a further one-year option, having spent the last six weeks with the Blues on loan.

During that period, the former West Ham trainee has captained Blues' under-21s and made an appearance on the first-team bench for the final Championship fixture of the season against Blackburn.

Lee has previously had loan spells at Dagenham and Gillingham before signing for Barnet last summer.