Huw hits out over Bodde saga
SWANSEA City chairman Huw Jenkins has compared Derby County's pursuit of Ferrie Bodde to the summer transfer sagas of David Bentley and Cristiano Ronaldo – and says he is prepared to force the player to stay at the Liberty Stadium.
Jenkins spoke out after suggestions from Rams chairman of football Adam Pearson that Bodde was desperate to come to Derby and had been looking at houses in the area.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who still has two years left on his contract, has twice made statements on the internet declaring his desire to move to Pride Park and has had a transfer request turned down.
Derby had two bids for Bodde knocked back last month, with the Swans slapping a £2m price-tag on the midfielder.
The Rams appear to have come close to that valuation with a third bid last week but a defiant Jenkins is reluctant to do business.
“We can certainly keep a player,” he said.
“There's nothing new to comment on, we're in no rush. He's our player, he's under contract and we're quite happy to sit and wait.
“Comments from Derby and from Ferrie are out of our control. As far as we're concerned, we want Ferrie to stay and we're working towards that goal.
“That's the nature of football in this day and age, it's not unique to us.
“Look at Manchester United and Real Madrid who are arguing about one of the best players in the world.
“Then there's David Bentley, who wants to leave Blackburn, that's just the way football goes.”
He added: “I think Manchester United have gone on record saying Ronaldo will stay come what may and I think that's what stance clubs should take.”
Bodde joined Swansea a year ago from Dutch side ADO Den Haag for £80,000 and has been capped by Holland at Under-23 level.
He was one of the Swans' star performers as they won promotion to the Championship last season and was named in the League One team of the year.
“It does make you wonder what's the point of having contracts at all,” said Jenkins.
“Are they there for the clubs or are they there for the player?
“When a player puts pen to paper the contract should be honoured in the same way that if a player gets injured the contract is honoured.”
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by Wilf, Farnborough
Wednesday, June 18 2008, 5:17PM
“tangle foot - I am getting used to a very irritating new system of input and I still do not fully understand it. Railways - a different matter - 84% distinction. Thanks for remembering - that is impressive.”
by John, Derby
Wednesday, June 18 2008, 3:23PM
“Rambo - You are spot on mate. Bodde hasnt been with them long enough to trigger that contract buy-out loophole. Considering the situation, if he was able to do it im sure it would have been done by now. At end of day Swansea are eventually going to have to sell, they will not want an unhappy want-away player *cough* Miller *cough* and even if they did decide to keep him they would eventually have to let him leave for either a Bosman or a ridicolously lower price than the currently quoted £2m!”
by Rambo, Derby
Wednesday, June 18 2008, 2:42PM
“Jonathan - I think under article 17, players can buy out of there contract after a "protected" period - which I understand is 2 years of their contract. I think as Bodde is only 1 year in he has no rights under this article. I could be wrong though.”
by Jonathan, Derby
Wednesday, June 18 2008, 12:12PM
“I think it is article 17 of Fifa's transfer regulations”
by Jonathan, derby
Wednesday, June 18 2008, 11:45AM
“doesn't a new rule stipulate that players can if they wish buy out their own contract at a club?.... i'm sure he could buy his way out of his contract for a lot less than 2million. what ever it costs derby could give extra as a signing fee to ferrie”