Planet Swans ArchivesAfter some long drawn out contract negotiations the club released a statement today via the official web site which said that the player had exercised his right to move on when his contract expired.
The statement also said that the player had asked for the right to make his decision after Sunday's play off final – in which his new club Leeds will aim for promotion to the Championship – but the club had refused and asked him to make his decision, which he has.
The statement read "Swansea City FC are disappointed with the news today that Andy Robinson is to sign for Leeds United.
Andy, whose contract with the Club expires on 30th June, has invoked his right as a free agent to move onto pastures new. Andy asked the Club to wait until after Sunday's League One play off final for a final decision on whether he would accept our current offer to extend his contract, but the Club felt this an unrealistic request and imposed a deadline of yesterday for Andy to make his mind up. This he did, subsequently deciding to move on.
"Negotiations between the Club and Andy over a new contract began last October/November with a view to agreeing terms before the January transfer window opened. Unfortunately, despite our best endeavours, no common ground was reached. At that point, it was decided not to place Andy on the transfer list as we felt he had a great part to play in our quest for promotion. The prospect of achieving that promotion with Andy as part of the squad far outweighed any financial gain we may have realised should Andy have moved on at that point. It was also felt that having gained promotion, it would be enough to further secure Andy's services.
Negotiations have been ongoing and the latest offer, had it been accepted, would have made Andy one of the highest paid players in the History of Swansea City FC. This Club believes we should set a realistic wage structure without diluting our ambitions to take the Club to the very highest level of football."
Robinson's move comes after a five year stay at the club and Robinson must now wait and see if he will return as a player for a league match next season or whether that privilege will go to Doncaster Rovers.
Good luck Robbo and thanks for your time here
