Simon Russel has been transfer listed by Cambridge United

By Matthew Gooding
Thursday, July 7, 2011
9:18 AM

SIMON RUSSELL has been placed on the transfer list by Cambridge United but will train with the U’s while he seeks a new club.

Russell, whose previous contract was thought to include a clause entitling him to a new deal, had been offered fresh terms by United at the end of last season, but manager Jez George said the club had now planned for life without the 26-year-old.

“The way Simon Russell and his agent have handled the well documented situation regarding Simon’s contract has put us in a very difficult position,” said George.

“The club offered him the maximum weekly salary that it could under the board’s newly imposed wage ceiling. Simon’s agent reasserted his position in all our conversations throughout the summer that he felt Simon was entitled to an increase that took his salary considerably above our wage ceiling.

“We made our position clear throughout that we would not break the wage structure for any player so it was mutually agreed that the best option was for Simon to look for another club.”

However George said that the midfielder’s agent had shown a greater willingness to negotiate since the player’s contract expired on June 30 and it was “obvious that he had no other options”.

He said: “In the meantime we had moved on and signed players that were available and within our wage constraints. Therefore, in good faith we have agreed a short-term compromise so that Simon can train with us whilst being placed on the transfer list as he and his agent continue to look for another club.”

Russell made 31 league appearances for the U’s last season, scoring six goals. United have signed eight new players this summer, including five midfielders.

Sign in to have your say

0
comments