Scunthorpe Utd: Knill keen for Iron to keep hold of Michael O'Connor
Manager Alan Knill says Hibernian's bid for Michael O'Connor is 'not a particularly good offer'.
And as a result, the Scunthorpe United boss is hoping to be able to call on the services of the Northern Ireland international for at least the rest of the current campaign.
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Michael O'Connor is out of contract in the summer and talks over a new deal are yet to suggest they may reach a conclusion. Picture: David Haber.
The Iron board are today considering a bid from the Scottish Premier League strugglers, for a player who is out of contract in the summer and no nearer agreeing a new deal at Glanford Park.
But United general manager David Beeby last night told the Telegraph he would be 'surprised' if the player departed to Hibs and Knill echoed those sentiments this morning, particularly given the size of the fee currently involved.
"We had an enquiry from Hibs for Michael O'Connor and they've subsequently put in an offer, but it's not a particularly good offer," said the Scunthorpe boss.
"The board are considering it, so we'll see where it goes.
"At the back of your mind, you think with his contract situation there might be a chance he might go, but there has to be a half reasonable offer.
"He's playing in the first team, so you have to be loathed to let somebody go if they're doing that, especially for the amount we've been offered."
O'Connor practically ruled out a move to Scotland last night, writing on Twitter that he would not be exiting Glanford Park.
"I'm not leaving pal," he wrote in response to a question from one fan. "I'm not goin 2 leave with the position we are in."
Knill also said the midfielder, who was the subject of interest from Championship side Peterborough last summer, had shown no signs of being unhappy at United.
"I don't really want to lose anybody, but sometimes, and we've seen it before, players can sometimes dictate what happens," added the Iron chief.
"Michael has known about Hibs, but he's never come to my door and said 'I want to go' or 'I don't want to be here'. Until that changes, I hope he's going to be here.
"You can't put finances aside. At the end of the season, chances are he's walking out of the door for nothing.
"We paid £225,000 for him, so if we can recoup something and someone gives us a decent offer, the club has to look at it.
"That's why January is such a difficult time. It puts a lot of pressure on people."
4 Comments
by brumbyOiron
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 10:58PM
“surprised, but he looks to be staying. good!
UTI, some surprising signings tonight”
by brumbyOiron
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 6:04PM
“I rarely agree with stoffP but think he's right for a change
UTI”
by PStoff
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 1:09PM
“Here we go... the gentle lead into he's off. Why does it always happen this way, forced out the door for a few bob just as Woolford was last season. That was the nail in our Championship coffin 12 months ago and now, to be sure lets ship out, against his will it seems above, our better player. Managed relegation for the second season in a row.
"Until that changes" should read "unless that changes" - many fans have learnt to read into clubspeak.”
by Oldironfan
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 12:56PM
“Based on his performances this season, you can hardly say he has been the king-pin midfielder he is often hyped to be. He can be majestic on his day but those days have been few and far between. Most of his efforts seem to have been directed towards securing a more lucrative contract. Without knowing the offer from Hibs., it is difficult to make any comments but unless the figure is derisory, the better option may well be to let him go.”