King Couldn’t Compete

King: "I Could Not Match Swansea Offer"

Swindon manager Andy King has explained to his supporters the reasons behind the shock move of ever present Andy Gurney to the Vetch yesterday.

King explained via the official Swindon web site that the offer put on the table by Swansea was too good to match although the three year deal reported yesterday is dependent on a specified number of appearances in Gurney’s second year at the club.

King said “I don’t find it big news, other people leave and nothing gets said about it.

“In the end it was just a choice. He felt that at this stage in his career it was the right decision.

“Andy Gurney had an offer of three years and it was simply too good to turn down.

“I couldn’t match the three years; I couldn’t even match a contract for another year let alone even discuss it until the end of the season.

“There was no fee involved, he is 31 years of age and it was a decision that had to be made.

“I shook hands with him and wished him all the best when he made the decision.

“I think the decision is a greater plus for the football club and the team because the necessity I need at this moment in time is a striker and not necessarily a right back.

“I am the first to admit that I don’t want to lose Andy Gurney; everyone knows I am a big fan.

“He is a lovely player but at this moment in time for this football club it will hopefully release funds to bring other players in”.

There was much speculation on the Swindon web sites last night as to the reasons behind the move with the message board on the Swindon Advertiser site locked from 7pm onwards last night after several allegations were made against the player.

However, anything that has been said about Andy Gurney is now in the past and from now on in he is a Swansea City players and there can be little dispute that he has added to the strength of this squad.

Gurney is expected to make his Swans debut against Yeovil on Saturday, possibly in place of Kristian O’Leary in the Swansea midfield.

Swindon’s loss is our gain?

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?