Martin withdraws contract offer to Sawyers

Jul 1 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

RAGING Paul Martin has blasted junior football ace Willie Sawyers and accused him of using Albion Rovers for his own ends.

The Cliftonhill gaffer offered the Maryhill striker a one-year deal in April and spent three months trying to coax him to the club.

But Martin was stunned to see a picture of Sawyers taking part in the open training sessions at Clyde - after being told by the hitman that he wouldn’t be going on trial with anyone.

Now the manager has had enough of the 22-year-old, who scored 44 goals last season, and told him the contract offer made to him has been withdrawn.

He told the Advertiser: “We were prepared to give him a platform in the senior game.

“I was the only manager to offer him a contract. I put my cards on the table and gave the guy a chance but he threw that chance back in my face.

“He has used our offer to self-promote himself. He told me that if no-one else came in for him, he would be a Rovers player.

“He also said he wouldn’t be going to any senior club on trial so you can imagine my surprise when I pick up the papers and see him training alongside John Brown at Clyde.

“When I called him and asked what was going on, he said he couldn’t knock back the opportunity to go on trial with an Ibrox legend which says it all for me.

“I have told him that the offer we have made has now been withdrawn and I am now looking for another big striker.

“ I feel that the decision I have made is in the best interests of Albion Rovers.”

Martin has added to his squad in the past few days after completing the signing of former Montrose player Paul Stewart.

Full-back Alan Reid has finally put pen to paper on a one-year deal but Michael McGowan and Ciaran Donnelly have yet to do so.

“Paul is very enthusiastic, has great energy and is a valuable addition to our pool,” said Martin.

“Alan has now signed with us but Michael has indicated a willingness to take part in open trials in England and Ciaran has gone on holiday and will speak with us in a fortnight.”

Rovers will play their first pre-season friendly this Saturday when they travel to Alloa Athletic which is now a closed-doors affair.

Martin added: “We will be training hard in the morning before the game as we want to get to July 25 the fittest we have ever been.”

lROVERS have announced their season ticket information for the new campaign.

Adults can book their place for next term for £120 with concessions priced at £70. Youths aged between 13-16 will be able see the action for just £30.

Kids up to and including the age of 12 can get a free season ticket providing they are accompanied by an adult on matchdays.