Lansdown: City have not had a single inquiry for Maynard
BRISTOL City chairman Steve Lansdown has rubbished media speculation linking star striker Nicky Maynard with Europa League runners-up Fulham.
National newspaper reports this week suggested Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is lining-up a bid in excess of £4 million for Maynard, pictured, who scored 21 goals in the Championship last season.
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Nicky Maynard
According to reports, the Cottagers are looking for a potential replacement for Bobby Zamora, the former Bristol Rovers striker, who is supposedly being courted by Everton and Aston Villa.
A hot property after finishing as the Championship's second-highest goal-scorer, 23-year-old Maynard has also been linked with Wolves and West Brom.
But Lansdown poured cold water on the speculation, insisting City have yet to receive a single inquiry for Maynard, let alone a firm offer.
He said: "This is nothing more than press speculation and, just because something is reported in a newspaper, does not mean it is going to happen.
"I've seen the stories and I can assure our supporters we have not had any contact from Fulham, or any other club for that matter, with regard to Nicky Maynard.
"If Fulham or any other club wants to talk to us about one of our players, then they should contact us directly rather than go through the media.
"At this moment in time, there has been no interest shown by any club in any of our players." He added: "We know Nicky well and we know his agent and have a good relationship with him. He wouldn't be putting these stories about."
Signed from Crewe Alexandra for £2.25 million two years ago, Maynard's value has rocketed in the past nine months. But the player himself has stated his wish to remain at Ashton Gate and help the club try to achieve promotion to the Premier League under new manager Steve Coppell.
Given that Crewe have a sell-on clause, it would take a bid well in excess of £5 million to test City's resolve. But Lansdown has insisted the club is under no pressure to sell its prised assets.
He said: "We are not in a position where we have to sell before we can buy.
"Steve Coppell will look at his squad in July and make an assessment then, and I'm sure he will want to keep hold of a player of Nicky's potential and ability."
5 Comments
by Nick, Bristol
Friday, May 21 2010, 9:51AM
“fan of 4 4 2, I'm well aware that Nicky also scored a goal in the League Cup so my bubble is well and truly in tact thankyou very much.
I was merely pointing out the inaccuracy in the report which you have also noticed but still felt the need to have a dig with no basis whatsoever. What a sad individual you must be.”
by fan of 4 4 2, bemi
Friday, May 21 2010, 9:45AM
“sorry to burst your bubble nick, but nicky also scored in the league cup 1st round against brentford giving him 21 goals, although the article does say '21 goals in the Championship last season' i beleive this cup goal is included”
by Gas Ed, Blue side of Town
Thursday, May 20 2010, 10:15AM
“There may only be one team in Hull, where the BEP website is maintained, but there are two teams in Bristol and this City story is on the wrong page (again).”
by Nick, Bristol
Wednesday, May 19 2010, 9:53AM
“"Maynard, who scored 21 goals in the Championship last season."
"A hot property after finishing as the Championship's second-highest goal-scorer"
Actually he scored 20 league goals and was joint top scorer with Cardiff's Peter Whittingham. Do the BEP journalists do ANY research before publishing their stories?
As for Nicky, I don't think it would be in his best interests to go and sit on the bench for a premier league side.
Although he scored a lot of goals last season, I don't think he's quite ready for the step up just yet. I'm sure he'll make it one day though and hopefully it'll be with City.”
by Simon, Briz
Wednesday, May 19 2010, 9:23AM
“I really hope Nicky stays and signs a new deal in 2 years time.
I hope we can sign a striker who can complement his style. I also hope we can find a leftwinger, because we have 4 right wingers on our books atm. Jamal does a good job there, but I like left-footed left wingers.”