Anthony Gerrard hands in transfer request at Walsall
Aug 27 2008 By Roger Clarke, B'ham Mail
WALSALL star defender Anthony Gerrard, player of the year twice in three seasons, today handed in a written transfer request throwing manager Jimmy Mullen’s defensive plans into disarray.
According to the club the Liverpool born central defender, cousin of Stephen, wants an immediate move to play at a higher level and the request has been granted with all Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premier League clubs informed Walsall are open to offers.
But Chairman Jeff Bonser said: “ Let me assure supporters that, as Anthony Gerrard is under contract until the end of the 2009/10 season, unless a substantial offer is received from a Championship or Premier League club, he will not be sold.”
There were rumours last week that Blues were interested in the defender, denied by both clubs but the club today confirmed that they had had an offer for the player from a Championship club which is believed to be from outside the Midlands.
Bonser said: “This seems to be a trait of the modern game. Players’ agents are pro-active in trying to broker transfer deals. This is how they make their money.
“Quite clearly Anthony Gerrard’s representative has been actively trying to stimulate the interest of other clubs regarding the transfer of the player.
“Only last week we turned down an offer from a Championship club for him.
“However, such behind-the-scenes activity is bound to have an unsettling effect on the player and this, it seems, has led to Anthony Gerrard handing in a written transfer request.
“Our policy has always been not to keep players who do not want to play for Walsall Football Club. This is the stance in this case.”
|
Site Navigation
