DELANEY HITS OUT AT CONTRACT OFFER

By Ryan Ghee
February 25 2006

Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney has hit out at the club's board for only offering him a one-year deal and has admitted that he will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

After month's of deliberation over whether to offer Delaney a new contract, O'Leary and the Villa board yesterday excercised a clause in the Welshman's contract to kepp him at Villa park until the summer of 2007.

However, Delaney has made his feelings clear to the board, saying, "I'm deeply disappointed the manager and the board haven't seen fit to offer me an extended contract.

"It is quite clear to me that the manager does not see my long-term future at the club and he has told me that if the right offer comes in, I would be allowed to leave in the summer."

An displeased Delaney continued, "I will do everything possible to fight for my place and convince the manager and the board that they have made the wrong decision.

"But I have to be realistic and face the facts that I will be playing my football elsewhere next season."