The Fishy - Grimsby Town FC

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Coyne's Agent Replies

By: Bill Osborne
Date: 11/10/2002

STEVEN Firth, Danny Coyne's agent, has responded to my story regarding Coyne and in an exclusive interview with Planet Football gave his version of events.

Mr Firth said: Coyne rejected an offer to move to another Division One club.

He told Planet football that the Welsh international intends to see out the remainder of his contract at Blundell Park after turning down a proposed move to an unnamed side.

"There has been a proposition for the player to move to another club within the same division. The fact of the matter is that the deal that was offered to him represented further contract time but at half the current salary which is being paid to him by Grimsby Town Football Club."

"Danny felt this was not a good offer and that he would be better to serve out his contract with Grimsby."

Firth added that speculation that Coyne's decision to reject a move away from The Mariners would put the club into administration is completely inaccurate.

He stated that the alleged financial problems at Blundell Park are matters that are out of the hands of his client. "That is a matter for Grimsby Town Football Club and not a matter for Danny Coyne."END


In a letter to me, Mr Firth asked me to reveal my sources and said: "The information (in the report) is incorrect in its detail and frankly, demeans the player by suggesting that his sole interest in accepting a move is purely financial. This is absolutely not the case."

"Danny Coyne is a player who throughout his career has always acted correctly and is a very honourable young man. He is one of the most popular players in the history of the club and would not wish to be perceived by the fans of GTFC as well as your readers as " just another mercenary " or to be without feeling or concerns for the clubs current plight. There are only a limited number of people know the facts."

"I have spoken today to Danny Coyne in respect to the statements made. He wishes to make it clear to your readers that in this case and specifically this article, your understanding as you put it is wrong."END

I first heard the news about the Coyne proposal almost two weeks ago and acting on that, I contacted a number of sources including sources at two football clubs.

One source informed me that "Hull are interested in Danny Coyne and they are talking with Grimsby Town." That statement was later confirmed in substance by another source.

Another source informed me of the first division club and the details of the offer. I again confirmed that through another channel.

I did not at any time suggest that Coyne was a mercenary. Just the opposite. I gave my view that he was foolish to turn down an offer from a higher profile club.

Mr Firth says that the offer was at half his present wages. The information I have and which I quoted was that Coyne was offered a total package that amounted to almost twice his current package.

I cannot accept the statement: "Suggesting that his sole interest in accepting a move is purely financial. This is absolutely not the case."

Players always want the best deal that they can get. Coyne is no different in my opinion. There is nothing wrong in that. Players have a short working life and have to get what they can. Nobody blames them for that.

Danny Coyne has been a good servant to the club and is very popular with the fans. Few will want to see him go but I stand by my view that as the club cannot afford to pay his high wages, he should accept any reasonable offer and leave Grimsby

Billo




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