Club Statement Regarding Shuker

TO put the record straight after reading the article in today's 'Star', Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Chris Shuker was offered a new contract in writing on 16th May which meant, in accordance with Football League rules, Chris had until the 16th June to respond.


By that date the Club had heard nothing from Chris or his agent and there were strong rumours circulating that Chris was considering several alternative options which of course he was perfectly entitled to do. A few days after the expiry of the prescribed official time scale, and by which time we had still heard nothing from Chris, an assumption was made that he would probably elect to leave the Club and pursue his career elsewhere.


A letter to clearly finalise the position was therefore sent to him by the Club's General Manager officially withdrawing the offer, thanking him for his services to the Club and wishing him well wherever he went.


Only after that letter had been received by Chris on his return from holiday did his agent telephone the Chairman at the Club saying that Chris wanted to stay. Unfortunately, by that time, we were considering our other options. It was something of a surprise to read therefore that Chris had desperately wanted to stay at the Club because, if so, why did he not accept the Club's offer prior to going away, surely that would have been the logical thing to do. He could then have gone on holiday with a settled mind could he not?


Actually, his agent told the Chairman that he had gone away to consider his future plans which hardly fits with the inference that he was committed to a future with Barnsley Football Club. Furthermore the Chairman was told by the agent that he had not spoken with any other clubs which does seem to be somewhat at odds with the statement in The Star that he had received offers from elsewhere.


Since the end of last season the Club has been actively pursuing potential new players and several have been identified. In the absence of the Manager this work has been mainly carried out by our Chief Scout Martin Wilkinson but clearly nothing could be finalised until approved by Andy Ritchie on his return from his well-deserved holidays. Andy is now back and is pursuing these options personally which makes a complete nonsense of the claim that the Chairman or the Board are selecting the players.


The Board can confirm that offers have been made for players, one was Jay Tabb who elected to join Coventry City and another was a cash offer for an ex Scottish under 21 international which was rejected by his Club. Andy has the Board's backing to bring in new players which he is actively trying to do but only with players who will augment our current squad.


July 5, 2006

I think we should support the club who did what is best for the club has it should be. Shuker only as himself to blame for this whole sorry mess.

 

Why would he sign 16th May?

We didn't know which Division we'd be playing in so surely no-one would sign at that stage. Then he went on holiday. Why cut your nose off to spite your face? Ritchie wanted him, Shuker wanted to re-sign. He then went on holiday leaving it in the hands of his agent. Surely someone could have phoned up and said "Last chance mate, sign today or it's off" Instead he gets sent a letter saying tara and thanks for the service. Did Ritchie want to re-sign him or not? If not, why not just release him at the end of the season? I agree with Shukes - he's been sh*t on and someone is acting like the almighty headmaster (Allegedly)

 

forget notts county and dean windass

I think Tufnell is about to steady himself in front of goal

 

I think I said something along those lines about 3 weeks ago

you would have thought a quick phone call to his agent or Shuker himself would have made everthing much easier.

 

Well Done To The Board....

He should have signed earlier. He did the EXACT same thing last year. He knows after playing in the play-offs, little time is left to sort out new players etc.

Sorry, but although I might have left it a while, I would still make sure that I sorted it all out. Seems to me the club has called his bluff. BUT this isn't a surprise, as most at the club know he's a bit dopey at times.

HOWEVER, if he'd kept his mouth shut, the board may have let him sign after a bit of pleading, think he may have blown it now - step up McParland...........

 

and who is to say

such discussions have not taken place or that Richtea has other ideas now he has not got a fully committed player??</p>

Personally I back the club on this one. Shuker and his agent have played a game and lost.</p>

Cannot cross a ball, not looked good since Christmas.</p>

End of.</p>

 

So its the clubs fault then!

It was his responsibility to respond, not for the club to go wiping his arse. Thats the trouble nowadays, its always somebody elses fault.
I can't get my breath!(furious) (furious) (furious)

 

RE: Definitely no way back now

Shuker, just been reading everything and... Teletext Page 473 ITV, this aload of ballocks then?

 

I Wonder....

which four teams are after him and where he will go out of them....