Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Departures the spur for Rhoys's request
CHERRIES' wantaway defender Rhoys Wiggins explained his decision to hand in a transfer request and pointed the finger at the Dean Court club.[LNB] Wiggins yesterday formally expressed his desire to leave following interest from Watford.[LNB] Chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed the Championship outfit had submitted two firm offers, both of which were turned down.[LNB] Wiggins, who signed a two-year contract when he joined Cherries on a permanent basis in July, last night insisted a move to Watford would give him the chance to further his career.[LNB] He also suggested he had been assured Cherries would not block any potential move to a higher level and that he had been told team-mates would not be sold, only to see them subsequently head through the exit.[LNB] The left-back claimed: I was told early on that if ever a club from a higher league came in, Bournemouth wouldn't stand in my way.[LNB] I was told, more or less when I first came down, that other players wouldn't be sold and would be kept, and a few players have gone.[LNB] After a few players did go, in January I went in again because I had interest from another club, not Watford, and was told nobody else was going anywhere, so I accepted that. Then another player departed.[LNB] The Echo was last night unable to contact Mitchell or chief executive Neill Blake for a response. But discussing the Wiggins situation earlier in the evening, Mitchell said: You know where we are in the league and you know we are in a position to push for at least the play-offs and that is one of the reasons we declined them. The other reason was the offers were miles away from what we value him at.[LNB] The offer was too light and we want to keep him anyway. We couldn't replace him for what they offered us so what is the point in selling him[LNB] We are an ambitious club and we want to be challenging Watford next season, not selling them our players now.[LNB] Wiggins added: They are in a good position where they can get promoted I understand that and that is what their aim is.[LNB] But at the same time, it is a chance for me to further my career and I think Watford is the sort of club that ticks all the right boxes for me.[LNB] It is close to home and they are going for promotion themselves and are in and around the play-offs. That is why I did it.[LNB] I think they are fair offers, otherwise I wouldn't be kicking up so much of a fuss. It is a good opportunity and I have got to do what is best for myself.[LNB] With the loan window due to shut at 5pm today, Watford could come back in for Wiggins ahead of the deadline, with a view to making the deal permanent in the summer.[LNB]
