Nicked from Avftt. This was from a recent Crewe fans' forum...
“There were numerous bids put in by Blackpool. It was shopping money really, they were derisory. They didn’t even represent the compensation value of players that have been with us for a period of time. The fact is, towards the end, Blackpool were qute determined and we agreed what would have been a very good contract.
“It was all signed. Unfortunately, at quarter past ten, he failed a medical. So, what was decided was best for Blackpool, Crewe and the player as well, was we would put him on loan, while he was in his (medical) boot, until he got fit again, and then they could take the player when he was fit.
“What was agreed was something that suited all parties, a deal that Blackpool and we were happy with and had moved on significantly from the early days.
“ Owen obviously wanted to play at a higher level, get a higher salary, etc, and the whole thing was almost put asunder at quarter past ten. So, the compromise was to sign an option now and, when he is fit again, Blackpool will take him on. They may turn him down of course but given they have been after him for the best part of 12 months, I presume they won’t.
“So, there is risk in everything but, more importantly, there is common sense and we have got to a point which is acceptable to all parties. It may not be palatable all the way around but it is acceptable to all parties.”
