Peters slams Asamoah transfer

Shrewsbury Town today spilled the beans on one of the most controversial transfers in their history - as Derek Asamoah's £50,000 move to Nice was finally confirmed.

Manager Gary Peters revealed a deal has been finalised after the diminutive striker effectively went AWOL by going for a trial with the French top flight club three weeks ago - without gaining Shrewsbury's permission.

That has led to Asamoah earning a three-year contract in France, but Peters has confirmed he would have sacked the crowd-pleasing striker had the switch across the channel fallen through.

"I spoke to the Football League, the FA and the PFA and they all said we were within our rights to sack him," said an angry Peters.

"The Football League said we could sack him and withhold his registration - even the PFA who stick up for all their representatives said they would not fight his corner because it was some of the most outrageous behaviour they had seen.

"I had to make a decision and, although it would have given me more pleasure to bring him back and sack him, it wouldn't have been in the best interests of Shrewsbury Town.

"I had to do a deal and get the best we could for him. The alternative was to sack him because he was never going to play for us again.

"I have got 20 players who will die for this club and I couldn't have someone back who had disrespected his contract, the club, the players and the fans.

"I had a great relationship with him. He had free transfers at his four previous club and we got the best out of him.

"I would try and make him feel special and protect him but I feel let down by this."

In a thorough account of the course of events, Peters revealed the saga began after the Shropshire Senior Cup final victory over Market Drayton at Ludlow.

"Derek played in that and picked up a slight knock and came in for treatment on the Wednesday.

"On the Thursday we were due to train at Sundorne but it was so wet we had to switch that to the New Meadow.

"Derek didn't come to Sundorne so I left Pete (Downward, kit man) there in case he arrived late, which didn't happen.

"I tried to ring Derek and got no answer and then received a text message at 11am to say he was down in London, was ill and couldn't get out of bed.

"I didn't hear from him for the next 10 days - despite continually calling him - and his agent couldn't track him down either.

"I then cast my mind back and remembered I had a call two weeks before that from an African agent.

"He said there was interest in Derek from France and asked if I would be prepared to let him go on trial.

"I said there was not a chance of that. Swindon were interested and that was an option because Derek lived down Oxford way but nothing was really happening there because they were waiting for a takeover.

"We started looking through the French bits and pieces and it became clear he had a trial in Nice reserves.

"The day after he texted me to say he would be back but he still didn't show up."

Asamoah was today unavailable for comment.