February 9 2001

Jordan - Ruddock to blame

Chairman Simon Jordan said today that Neil Ruddock has himself to blame for being told that there is not future for him at Selhurst Park. The veteran defender can leave the club on a free transfer after having had talks with Alan Smith earlier this week.

Ruddock, who earns around £7,500 a week, wanted to have a meeting with his agent and Alan Smith about extending his contract but instead he was told that he wasn't wanted at the club.

The 32-year-old has been fined several times because of weight problems and has been sent off twice already this season.

Jordan said: "I just think that we've given Neil every opportunity and more then enough financial investment to prove his worth to us but we've not had enough back from him."

"I signed him for a reason but I knew when I bought him it was a risk. Either he was going to be an inspirational leader for the club's younger players or he was going to go the other way.

"I like Neil and there was no animosity in our talks this week. Neil has an in-ordinate amount of talent as a footballer and he'll look back and say 'I could have achieved more'."