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Allott: Why I quit Latics
Reporter: Tony Bugby
Date online: 18 May 2009
MARK ALLOTT has been explaining why he has left Athletic after rejecting the offer of a new, improved contract.
The 31-year-old midfielder turned down a 12-month extension which would have given him a substantial pay increase.
“The only reason I turned down the offer was because I was looking for the security a two-year contract would provide for me and my family,” explained Allott, who is leaving after a second spell at Boundary Park.
Allott (pictured above) has two young sons and admitted it is a gamble as he has yet to find a new employer for the 2009/10 campaign.
He said: “There has been a little interest from one or two clubs, but nothing more than that at this stage.”
Allott confessed to having no desire to depart after two seasons in which he made exactly 100 appearances and scored seven goals.
He explained: “It is quite sad because I would have liked to stay, but it was not to be.
“I have really enjoyed my two years back at Latics and I would like to thank everyone, especially the fans who have been great since I came back.
“I knew a few people inside the club from my first spell, but I have made some good friends since I returned. I will be sad not to be going back.”
Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy said it was an indication of the club’s desire to keep Allott that he was offered a “generous” pay increase.
Allott was a product of Athletic’s centre of excellence and made his first-team debut in 1996 when he scored at Bolton Wanderers.
He joined Chesterfield on a free transfer in 2001 and it was during almost six seasons at Saltergate that he made a successful switch from striker to midfield man.
John Sheridan brought Allott back to Boundary Park two years ago and in the 2007/08 he was named the fans’ player of the year.
Allott’s spectacular strike at Huddersfield Town in January was voted Athletic’s goal of the season.
Nine of the 10 out-of-contract players have now left Athletic. The other player, Matty Wolfenden, is considering a short-term deal.
The injury-plagued striker has been given the chance to prove his fitness during pre-season.
o FORMER Athletic manager John Sheridan is being linked with the managerial vacancy at Blackpool.
Caretaker Tony Parkes has quit after rejecting the chance to remain at Bloomfield Road.
Sheridan is also a leading candidate for the manager’s job at Chesterfield, where Athletic legend Andy Ritchie is also in the frame.
Comments
the club should be ashamed of themselves - how can they let the most consistent performer of the last 2 seasons go? the team could do with 3 or 4 mark allotts. a local lad who cares for the football club more than most there. its not like he doesnt deserve a 2 year contract. infact he would be my choice for the captaincy after gregan left. disgrace
Mr. Allott, you like many others are in privileged positions, many like myself are unemployed and can't get a job and you need to wake up to what is going on in this world. I know many Latics fans will be sad to see you go. I don't, we need players who are going to put themselves up for the fight and not line their pockets.Latics fans dig deep into their pockets week in week out to pay the players a wage it's time to smell the coffee and wake up.
I am gutted he has left.
hoodwinked - if he had wanted to line his pockets he would have taken the deal as it was an improved contract. Allott just wanted the security of a 2year contract for his family. Think we need to remember here that League 1 players arnt on premiership wages and they have the same money worries as the rest of us.
Its a disgrace we offered him only a 1year contract after the commitment he has shown to the club.
I am gutted he has left.
hoodwinked - if he had wanted to line his pockets he would have taken the deal as it was an improved contract. Allott just wanted the security of a 2year contract for his family. Think we need to remember here that League 1 players are not on premiership wages and they have the same money worries as the rest of us.
Its a disgrace we offered him only a 1year contract after the commitment he has shown to the club.
Another pathetic chapter in Latics season, I believe allott would have stayed with the same pay deal if offered over 2 yrs. Again short sightedness by the board and the cronies running this club. and this is no slur on Mr Penny i believe he is just following orders. And i whole heartedly agree with Mark, at this stage of his career he has to look for security first for his family.
In the current economic climate, Mark should have took the improved offer over 1 year, then looked at his options.
He's had no firm offers and could be out of a job or be forced to take less money. Exactly the opposite of "security" for his family.
Stupid decision, Allott, plain stupid!
i doubt he would have rejected contract unless he was sure he would get a 2yr deal somewhere else. To me it sounds like he was already aware of another deal as you would think it would be too risky if not.
Have Your Say
Gutted.
Out of all players departing BP this season Allot's the one I feel we'll miss most.
I think we should have offered the 2year deal he so dearly wanted for security. At only 31 I still believe he had 2 seasons left in him to drive us forward.
Dissapointing, but I just hope we can coup someone to fill his boots!
Things are looking VERY interesting for the 09-10 season!
By smoothie501 @ 18/05/2009 12:07:36