Heffernan signs for Doncaster

Last updated : 09 June 2005 By Dave Moore

Paul Heffernan has signed for Doncaster Rovers in a £120,000 deal after snubbing the Latics offer. The Latic’s bid had been accepted by Bristol City but Doncaster came in and gazzumped the deal. Alan Hardy was not best pleased that the agreed deal fell through on account of a greedy agent. He said, “There was little trust left in football when verbal agreements cannot be relied upon. I am extremely disappointed with the outcome of this matter. A lot of hard work had gone in to make this move happen. We agreed a six-figure transfer fee with Bristol City last Wednesday and, having received a faxed confirmation, we quickly contacted the player’s agent. Everything was agreed with the agent and plans were put in place for the player to sign a contract following a medical on his return from Ireland. In fact, we tried to get the player back early to try to conclude the deal.”

“Bristol City, however, decided last Thursday to publicise the fact that they had accepted an offer for the player from ourselves. We can only assume this was done to see if there was any interest from other clubs. It obviously alerted Doncaster to the situation and they subsequently also had an offer accepted. We feel that, having agreed a fee with Bristol City and terms on a three-year contract with the player’s agent, basically reaching a gentleman’s agreement, the agent would not have invited any other offers but, unfortunately, this was not the case.”

“Don’t get me wrong, the player is entitled to join whichever club he wishes. It is just the way the affair has been handled that is disappointing. What I do know is that the agent is receiving a bigger fee from Doncaster and maybe this had a major bearing on the matter. However one thing is certain, there is little trust, if any, left in football when verbal agreements can not be relied upon.”

“As I say it is disappointing but it is not the end of the world and we will just get on with the job of helping Ronnie to get another striker signed, one who wants to play for Latics, and build a squad capable of challenging for promotion. It is obvious that the Directors are willing to support the manager with the finances he requires but they will not put the long term future of the club at risk by paying what is considered to be unreasonable fees or wages, a decision which is fully supported by the manager.”