Bye Bye Byfield
Last updated : 20 July 2004 By r o b
The 28 year old former Rotherham and Sunderland man today signed a two year deal with Gillingham. He had been training with Paul Merson and his Bescot squad and was scheduled to feature in our friendly away at Chester City on Saturday. Walsall are thought to have matched the striker’s contract demands only for Byfield to enter talks with Gillingham. "He should at least be big enough to ring me and say he doesn't want to join us.” said an angry Paul Merson.
Preston and Bristol City were also said to be interested. It is a blow to Walsall, whose attacking options – Gary Birch, Jorge Leitao and Matty Fryatt – lack pace and consistency. Hopefully Merson will be able to use the funds set aside for Byfield to sign a young Premiership striker on loan – Villa trio Luke and Stefan Moore and Stephen Cooke have all been linked.
Merson meanwhile is unlikely to offer a contract to Danish trialist Kofi Dakinah.
