Fenton disappointed by Dawson snub (From Bury Times)

Fenton disappointed by Dawson snub

1:20pm Thursday 17th December 2009

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SHAKERS director Brian Fenton believes Stephen Dawson’s ambitions to play at a higher level could be realised with Bury.

The influential midfielder turned down a new contract at Gigg Lane earlier this week, stating he wanted to test himself in the divisions above League Two.

Fenton, however, is upset that Dawson did not believe he could move forward with the Gigg Lane outfit.

“I am disappointed and I don’t think Stephen could get much more money in this league,” said Fenton.

“It was a fantastic offer from a financial point of view, but he said it’s not about money and more about wanting to have the chance of playing at a higher level.

“I am sad that he doesn’t think he can do that with us. If you look at our progress in the last couple of seasons, I think we are realistic in believing we can get promotion.

“We were one goal away from going up automatically last season and we on the edge of the play-off places this season with half a squad.

“Once all our injured players return, we will be even stronger. We told Stephen we wouldn’t stand in the way of him or any other player if a club from a higher division came in for them, and we have always let our players progress.

“Bury have a long history of letting players move on — just look at David Nugent and Simon Whaley in recent years.”

The club now have to make a decision on whether to let Dawson leave on a free transfer in the summer, or cash in on him during the January transfer window.

“We have not decided what we are going to do yet,” said Fenton.

“We have to talk with the manager and then sit down as a board and discuss it.

“Between now and the end of the season we will consider talking to other people about new contracts because we know there are players that Alan wants to keep.”

Manager Alan Knill, who believes Dawson is one of the best midfielders in League Two, is also disappointed with the end result of weeks of negotiations.

“It was an unbelievable offer that was on the table,” said Knill, who brought the Irishman to the club from relegated Mansfield 18 months ago.

“He did say he wanted to stay a couple of weeks ago and now he said he wants to play higher.

“He has obviously taken advice from somebody, but I think it’s a big risk.”

Fenton also revealed the board had sanctioned a deal for the club to retain on-loan striker Daniel Nardiello for another month until he was recalled by Blackpool on Monday.

“We wanted Daniel to get us through the Christmas period and then our other injured players would have returned,” said Fenton.

“Now we will have to manage and see what our options are in January when the window reopens.”

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