Central defender Mark joined the club from Fulham in the summer of 2004, after impressing while on loan during the 2003/04 promotion push and he has since proved to be a worthy addition to the Eagles squad.

Mark played a key role in helping Palace get into the play-offs during that first loan spell, but unfortunately he had to return to Fulham before the final at the Millennium Stadium and missed out on the glory of that win over West Ham United. Once promotion was secured though, Palace went straight back in for the Guildford born player and signed him on a permanent basis in July 2004. 

During his time at Craven Cottage, Mark found first team opportunities limited after coming through the junior ranks with the Cottagers, but he first came to the knowledge of then Palace boss Iain Dowie whilst on two separate loan spells with Oldham Athletic in 2003, when Dowie was in charge at Boundary Park.

His 14 appearances for Palace during that promotion run-in made him a popular figure within the Selhurst Park squad though and with time still on his side, he will be looking to make his name with the Eagles.

After finding first team chances few and far between in his first two seasons at Selhurst Park, it was during the 2006/07 campaign that he really established himself in the side.

Alongside Leon Cort, Hudson formed a reliable defensive unit and they were the back-bone of the team on a number of occasions to help keep a clean sheet.

By the end of the season, Hudson was challenging with his defensive partner for the Player Of The Year trophy, but Cort just edged him out in the end although it wouldn't have been a surprise had Hudson been chosen himself.

Strong in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Hudson built on those performances in the 2007/08 season and was handed the captain's armband.