Scunthorpe Utd: O'Connor contract row - Iron respond to agent talk
SCUNTHORPE United have hit back at claims from Michael O'Connor's agent that the midfield player is being asked to take a significant cut in wages to stay at Glanford Park.
But the two sides seem some way apart as the Iron seek to tie down a new deal for the Northern Ireland international, who still has 12 months on his current contract to run.
A statement issued by United said: "The club have offered an immediate increase in salary in an effort to extend his contract and a further increase if we are in the Championship, which would be an improvement on his current Championship salary.
"The offer was turned down last week by Michael O'Connor's agent."
The midfielder, via social media site Twitter, was coy when discussing the matter.
"I don't want to say too much about that article (from his agent) because I might get into trouble," he said.
"I will leave it at that."
The club's statement is in stark contrast to what the player's agent, Freddie Akehurst, told the Telegraph last Saturday.
Akehurst was adamant the Iron had offered a disappointing deal to his client which involved a drop in salary.
"I empathise with the club because they obviously have other financial constraints," said Akehurst.
"But you are naturally disappointed if you are asked to take a reduction, and quite a significant reduction as well, which is not even attractive if they come back to the Championship.
"I don't think the expectations Michael has are ridiculous."
Akehurst suggested the two sides were on collision course and offered little hope of a settlement unless United came back with a much-improved offer.
Meanwhile, the Iron remain hopeful in their pursuit of Accrington Stanley's Jimmy Ryan.
A week on from when their interest in the versatile midfielder became public, the player is still yet to undergo a medical with United.
After returning from holiday at the weekend, the Telegraph understands Ryan yesterday met Stanley boss John Coleman for talks, with the League Two club desperate to hold on to one of their star players.
Scunthorpe though will hope the lure of League One football persuades the 22?-year-old to instead move to Glanford Park.
5 Comments
by Iron123
Tuesday, June 28 2011, 10:42AM
“SteveOrp - is that really Sky Andrew?
Ha Ha Ha!”
by SteveOrp
Tuesday, June 28 2011, 10:03AM
“Reading between the lines I see the situation as this.
Last season Michael was earning X (let's say £120k). His contract presumably had a clause in it that in the event of relegation his salary would go down to Y (let's say £70k).
Perhaps Scunny have offered him a new two year deal at Z (let's say £90k) with a clause in it saying that in the event of promotion at the end of year 1 the salary would rise to W (let's say £130k).
So the agent can say he is being offered a paycut (compared to last season) whilst Scunny can argue that it is a pay rise compared to what he will actually get this season.
I have no idea what the numbers actually are (how much do League 1 players earn on average?) but these provide a way of showing how different people can use figures to their own ends in arguments - politicians are famous for it!”
by Oldironfan
Tuesday, June 28 2011, 9:53AM
“Its difficult to comment when the facts are so at odds. There is no doubt that a midfielder of O'Connor's calibre will be needed to mount a serious challenge in League 1 but we need to remember that a number of highly paid Prima Donnas who thought more about their flash cars and private number plates than they did about performances ion the pitch, lost us our position in the Championship. The grass is not always greener elsewhere. Ask Williams and Hayes. I'm sure Hayes in particular regrets his move for extra cash. As I renew my season ticket, I hope for a squad with passion for and commitment to our great little club. In these tough economic times, someone needs to make a stand against the outrageous demands of these football agents. It is tough to be prudent when all around you are splashing cash like there's no tomorrow. We need look no further than mess created at Hull City as they tried to spend their way towards ensuring Premier League survival. Caution at any football club will always attract criticism but lets brand ourselves as a club which gives a fair deal for all in return for that cliched 110% on the pitch.
Oldironfan”
by PStoff
Tuesday, June 28 2011, 9:40AM
“Mmmmm - wonder who is telling the truth - there is truth in both camps but it is conjecture. There may well be an improved offer but what was the original offer? Doesn't the club look good when it comes out and says it has considerably improved it's offer but if the offer was derisory one in the first place it is a false offer.”
by thorpe27
Tuesday, June 28 2011, 9:36AM
“When are players going to realise that all agents are parasites who have no talent themselves and have to feed off the backs of other people. If i was a player i would be ashamed of myself if i could not negotiate a deal on my own behalf. If i am wrong someone tell me why.”