We Will Not Stand In Any Player's Way

Last updated : 13 May 2005 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator
In response to speculation that a number of players could be heading out of Dean Court this season - so far John Spicer has been linked with a move away - Phere Phillips has responded by saying on BBC Radio Solent that: "One of the conditions when we signed John was that if a Championship club came in for him, we wouldn't stand in his way. Obviously there's got to be an acceptable compensation package if that's the case but John's an ambitious young man, although we'd like him to stay".

The comments were later clarified in the Bournemouth Evening Echo with Phillips adding: "But it is true of all of our players really. We try to be an ethical club and the same would be true whether it was Wade Elliott, Garreth O'Connor, Steve Fletcher or John Spicer. If there is interest in a club from a higher level then we would always tell the player. As long as we could negotiate a reasonable fee, we would never stand in a player's way. Players know that when they sign for us. It is more of an ethical thing really. If a Championship club comes along who are interested in him, we will not deny him that opportunity".

Meanwhile, James Rowe and James Coutts will be the two players (from the current under 18 second year players) remaining with the club next season. Source: Clubs Official Web Site