Jean Tigana delighted to get Harley
last updated Tuesday 07th August 2001, 4:43 PM
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Jon
Harley
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Fulham boss Tigana expressed his delight at
signing Harley, especially after having previously encountered difficulties
in trying to bring young English players to the club.
Tigana said in a club statement: "I am very happy that Jon is joining
us at Fulham. He is a very skilful young player with proven tactical ability
and we believe that he will be a valuable addition to the squad.
"I have tried since I have been at Fulham to sign young English players
but it has proved very difficult. I am happy now that we can welcome this
player to the club."
Harley added: "I am really pleased to have been given the opportunity
to join Fulham as I have huge respect for the manager, Jean Tigana, and
I'm looking forward to being able to play football in the Premiership with
Fulham this season.
"I have happy memories of my time at Chelsea and have many friends
there who understand that this is a great chance for me to improve as a
player at the highest level."
Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson explained that the deal, which
guarantees the Blues 25% of any sell-on fee, had come about due to Harley's
growing frustration at a lack of first team opportunities.
Hutchinson said: "Jon became frustrated last season so he came to see
Claudio Ranieri and myself over the summer.
"We established that he wanted to play as a left-back rather than being
pushed on into midfield. We said that we would review the position towards
the end of the pre-season.
"However, as there was no change in the competition that Jon faced
at left-back, with Graeme Le Saux and Celestine Babayaro both offering the
club strong options.
"Jon therefore wanted to leave and we reluctantly agreed. He's a lovely
lad, has a lot of promise and we wish him well - but to have stopped him
moving would have blocked his career." |
Source BBCSport
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