Sports Letters: What about the player's rights?

Sir: I read Steve Coppell's defence of the 'manager' (1 November) with some interest, especially his comments with regard to Tim Flowers, and his agent, Jerome Anderson. As one who earns part of his living representing footballers I was amused to learn that 'a transfer was finalised and everyone was reasonably happy'. Everyone apparently does not include the player - the person concerned in the deal, who according to Coppell's philosophy is not to be consulted. How sad for all concerned, especially Southampton, who wish to break the player's contract, that Flowers should choose to exercise his right to say no.

If the player decided that it was not in his interest to stay at Southampton, or to wait until a more suitable move was arranged, then that is his perfect right. As a disinterested observer, I understand that Flowers did not ask for a transfer, and if Southampton wish to cash in on his contract to their own financial advantage and convenience, then perhaps they would have been better advised to have discussed the matter with the player beforehand.

As for Souness, if he thought he was improving his chances of signing the player by berating Anderson, then it seems, thus far, to have been a mistaken policy.

Yours,

JON HOLMES

Nottingham