FORGET HIM WEDNESDAY team spirit remains high in the wake of the Adam Proudlock affair and players are united in their belief that the club can climb the table. That was the defiant message from Lee Bullen today as the captain made it clear Proudlock's sacking is an isolated case and not a symptom of problems in the squad. The players will close ranks for a big effort in this week's two games - against West Ham in the Carling Cup at Hillsborough tonight and away to thriving Luton on Friday. Bullen and Wednesday refuse to comment on why Proudlock was axed. But it is rumoured the striker did not turn up for training on Sunday - a session ordered by boss Paul Sturrock after the team's defeat by Millwall - and that the club saw this as the last straw after other breaches of discipline. One of them came just over a year ago when the striker was transfer-listed by Chris Turner after going out socialising in the 48 hours before a game. He had gone home to the Midlands on the day before the Blackpool away match and been involved in a car crash when driving to training the next morning. Bullen said: "I cannot comment on the Adam Proudlock situation; it is an internal matter. "With us bottom of the league, having had a disappointing result on Saturday, and having sacked a player, I can understand some people thinking there's a lot of negativity at the club. "But I can assure them that that is not the case: "Obviously there's disappointment about being bottom, but the players are still very buoyant and very confident in their ability to hold their own in this league. "There are no bottom lips coming out. Training is upbeat and high tempo. We've got a big game tonight and, in my opinion, an even bigger one on Friday; I'd rather take three points at Luton than win against West Ham, but of course we will aim to do both." Chairman Dave Allen said on the Proudlock issue: "You have to have rules and regulations in any business, and people have to adhere to them. "Constant abuse of the regulations leads to dismissal." "I hope the boy gets fixed up. I believe he's a talented player. I also think he's a nice a lad. "He needs to look at himself in the mirror and admit that he has made mistakes, and aim to get it right at his next club. I wish him well." Players union the PFA say they are not expecting to take any action and are powerless so long as the club have followed correct procedures. 20 September 2005 « Previous PageNext »Page 1 of 1 More Sport
