Matt Jones answers back after Hammam comments

Last updated : 05 June 2003 By Michael Morris
Sam Hammam yesterday said that Matt Jones had no channce of playing for Cardiff City after turning down the Bluebirds last season. Jones today gave his side of the story.

"At the time it was simply not the right move for me.

"I had just recovered from a major injury and wanted to fight my way back into first team contention, like any other professionalwould.

"I thought I owed that much to Leicester at least. They paid my wages for the best part of a year while I was injured.

"Things have changed now as the club have put me on a free but I don't want to just turn up and take the money for the next two years, I want to earn it.

"I have total respect for Sam Hammam and for what he has as achieved at Cardiff City - it's great news for Welsh football in general.

"Promotion this season to Division One will be an education in itself and hopefully there are more exciting times ahead for the club.

"But I can't understand why he needed to have a go at me, I'm not the first, or the last, player to say no to another club.

"There are players at Cardiff, who I would call friends, but to pick up the paper and read those comments was disappointing.

"I have to do what is best for my career, as does every player that has kicked a football for a living.

"Nobody was more pleased to learn of the news that Cardiff were promoted than me.

"My first thoughts and images were the smiles on the faces of Earnie, Gabbs and Rhys Weston."