Crainey's 'Please Release Me' Clause

Blackpool could be forced to allow Stephen Crainey to talk to Burnley FC because of a release cluase in his contract.

It has emerged in the media that left back Crainey may be able to leave Bloomfield Road should another club offer a basic £250,000.

This is the exact amount that the People last Sunday suggested we had bid for the player, hinting that the deal had almost been completed. Neither Blackpool nor Burnley though have denied or confirmed the link to date.

Crainey signed for Blacpool a year ago and was given a one-year contract. It is understood there was an option in the contract for a second year but only if he played a certain number of games. That part of the negotiated deal meant that in return should that not happen, Crainey would be given a release clause believed to mention the figure of £250,000

He had been injured whilst at his former club, Leeds which is why the contract specified the terms of the second-year.

Crainey appears to be a controversial enigmatic figure, hated by Leeds fans and a butt of their jokes yet adored and loved by the Tangerine fans. It is not the first time also that we have been linked to the player. Stan Ternent was understood to be close to signing the player but that fell through when it was decided not to offer the gaffer a new contract.

The Glasgow born,26 year old Scottish International started his professional career with Celtic before signing for Southampton in 2003. He was then signed by Leeds for £200,000 in August 2005 after they were impressed by the player following a loan spell at Elland Road.

A bad injury to Crainey and being out of favour under new Leeds gaffer, Denis Wise kept him sidelined.

Crainey was eventually released at the end of his Leeds contract in May 2007.

Blackpool signed him in July 2007 on a one-year contract with an option for a further year as discussed above.

He seems to have impressed at Blackpool winning a number of awards including BBC Radio Lancashire player of the season, Blackpool Supporters Association player of the season, Player's player and the John Schofield Memorial Trophy Blackpool F.C. player of the season.




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