it says it in the inverness courier today
United rapped by angry Sutherland
Published: 28 July, 2006
INVERNESS chairman David Sutherland has issued an angry response in the wake of Dundee United making a renewed bid to tempt away several Caley Thistle first-team players.
The Tulloch chief stated he was very disappointed by the way the Tannadice club have conducted themselves, before stressing that Caley Jags are not interested in selling any players to United on the eve of the new SPL season.
"United enquired about our players at the end of last season and made an offer, but it was rejected," stated Sutherland.
"That should have been the end of the matter, but what has happened this week is they make a fresh verbal offer and then their manager discloses this to the media saying he will be contacting our club to see what's happening.
"I can tell him what is not happening. Caley Thistle will not be solving any player problems United may have.
"Their chairman made an approach and so did their manager, but it seems that we cannot hold confidential discussions with them. We're very disappointed with such conduct.
"If it's meant to unsettle players and put pressure on us to accept then I can only say that our previous reluctance to sell is now complete determination.
"Manager Charlie Christie wants to keep the current squad intact and it's unfair of United to try and take our players with the first SPL game coming up on Saturday.
"It's also unfair to our supporters who do not know the truth.
"For avoidance of all doubt, and to make any future media leaks futile, we will not be doing transfer business with Dundee United in relation to players who are important to our manager's plans - end of story."
United manager Brewster, however, told the Courier he was not interested in what Sutherland had to say on the matter.
"If the Caley Thistle chairman wants to shoot his mouth off then that's fine, but he's not going to be there much longer," said Brewster, referring to Suthlerland's announcement at the end of June that he will step down as Inverness chairman following next month's annual general meeting.
"As far as I'm concerned the transfer window is open and that means you can put bids in for players.
"I have spoken to the agents of the players concerned about a move, but our latest offer was knocked back by Caley Thistle, so we'll have to see where we go from here."