Paterson contract concern was “not about finance”

Russell Martin again found some of his press conference ahead of the Blackburn game focused on the position regards Jamie Paterson with the forward player back in the plans ahead of the weekend game after returning to training yesterday after his absence from the team.

Paterson has missed the last five league games due to his absence but Martin was at pains earlier in the week to ensure that everyone was aware that he had never refused to play for the club and also pointed out that the club had not fined him for his absence from the team.

This time he was now in a stage of giving away more detail on what caused the contract issues and was quick to state that it was not about finance but more about buying into something for the long term.   Martin was asked whether anything was going to change regards the situation that caused Paterson’s and he responded “I think it’s up to him to change it and get what he wants by the summer.

“It wasn’t about finance, it was about long term feeling part of something and I think eventually he will have his say and I’m sure he’ll recognise that there was so many voices and so much noise around that he found it really hard what to actually focus on.

“I think he knows that we have always had his best intentions at heart and that if we could help him in any way we could.

“He needs to come back in and enjoy his football again and the rest will take care of itself, it usually does in football.”

Refreshingly, the players all welcomed Paterson back into the squad killing any fears that some fans had around whether he would be welcome back into the squad and whilst Martin talked about some light-hearted stick he also accepted that all fans may not welcome him back immediately but Paterson will be doing what he does best and that is playing football on the pitch.

“They were all disappointed that he wasn’t playing and I think they have all had chats with him and given their opinion, they are really honest with each other.

“They all understood where Jamie was at and they respected that but I think every one of them to a man is glad he’s back.”

Finally, asked whether Paterson could return on Saturday, Martin was slightly more coy and his answer suggests that a place on the bench is most likely but he wasn’t to be fully drawn on the question.

“He could play some part.  He had his first training session yesterday and it will be a big ask for him.   We will have another chat today and will see where he is at physically after training at a good intensity yesterday.”