Transfers - Good news and bad

14 August 2002

In an eventful day, "utility player" Lee Marshall has completed his move from Leicester City for a fee of around £700,000. Although he can play in defence or midfield, it is the latter role that the club seem to expect him to make his own.

The downside is that one of the stars of last season - Andy Johnson - has requested a transfer, according to an exclusive report on Central News. Johnson says that he took a large pay cut to come to Albion, on the understanding he would get a better deal if the side won promotion - and they did, but he didn't. It may be that the original bonus scheme was enough to make up for the difference - but now that it has been replaced with a new one that is less attractive, Johnson is not happy with the revised terms he has been offered. According to further reports, Johnson is unhappy that the players brought in so far - Wallwork, Gregan and Marshall - are being given Premiership wages while the ones who achieved promotion have stayed at Division One levels.

Hopefully it will turn out to be the opening shot in the negotiations, as it turned out for Scott Dobie. Johnson's departure would leave a large hole in the midfield, even with the arrival of Marshall.

Previous Stories:

  13 August 2002:  Hreidarsson declines offer

  12 August 2002:  Hreidarsson bid accepted

  11 August 2002:  We love you Bradford...

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