From Sheffield United Website...........

Koz could have stayed
The Blades have spoken out against criticism that they missed out on the chance to retain Rob Kozluk who joined Barnsley on a two year deal.

Chairman Terry Robinson and the player's agent, Lee Payne, felt compelled to issue a joint statement after radio comments by the former defender suggested that United had dragged their feet over the issue.

The previous management team released the player but when Bryan Robson was appointed and conferred with Brian Kidd they agreed to make an approach to Kozluk with a view to agreeing a new contract.

"I spoke with Rob's agent around six weeks ago and told him we wanted to keep Rob, with a starting offer the same as that he was on in the Premiership," said Robinson.

He added: "I told the player the new manager wanted to keep him around three weeks ago and that I had made an appointment with his agent for today (Wednesday 4 July).

"I received a message from Lee Payne on Monday, telling me that I needed to speak with Kozzy quickly because Rob had decided to go to Barnsley for talks with them.

"As a result I contacted the player to tell him we were still keen on him and to remind him that I was due to talk to his agent on Wednesday, as arranged.."

Lee Payne takes up the story: "Barnsley then made him an offer on Tuesday morning which I relayed to Rob. Like most clubs, Barnsley wanted a quick answer and Koz rang me to say that he wanted to accept.

"When I reminded him about the proposed meeting with Terry he conceded that it was too good a deal to turn down.

"Sheffield United, and Terry in particular, did everything by the book and made the right moves to Rob, there is no doubt about that.

"But Rob, at 29 years old and with a young family, felt he needed to make his own decision."


Doesn't it sound like Rob as burned some bridges

 

they offered him the same as his premiership wage and our deal was too good to turn down!!!!

we must be chucking around some serious cash

All creit but where's that come from ?

 

Dont Sheff Utd use bonuses to bump up wages,

low basic high incentives.

 

perhaps

and as he is one league down if the bonuses are based on position in the football league + premiership can be same deal but he will earn nowhere near as much

 

Got a txt from a sensible (hard to believe) blades fan last night

Kozzie - a very good signing for you.We should have kept him.Experienced,fast,loyal and dressing room joker although he is prone to the odd lapse

My other mate who i was out drinking with last night basically said same

 

RE: perhaps

What was length of deal offered by Sheff Utd?

Wouldn't be surprised if it was a 1 year deal whilst we were offering a 2 year deal.

 

Sounds like we have a replacement for Kay then!! nt