Players demands too high says Westley

Graham Westley, the Stevenage manager, has admitted that he could not compete with Exeter City to sign midfielder Matthew Gill who has joined the Grecians from Notts County.

"Financially, we just can't afford the players' demands. I haven't got the money available to compete with what others are paying. I couldn't afford to compete with the first Exeter offer let alone the final deal", said Westley as reported on the Official Stevenage Website.

"This year, I am working with less money in my budget than last year. And although gates are up, the club has expended on the new academy so these gate revenues and funds like the Elding fee are already committed. The Chairman is clear about that.

"My message isn't one of gloom. We finished higher in the league table than in the budget expended table last year. And there are lots of reasons why we can over perform again.

"If I can complete some really smart transfer business in the next 10 days then our chances of maximising that will be even greater. But if not, and I cannot guarantee it, we still have an ace squad. We will just need key players to stay fit and youngsters to really kick on".

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, appears to agree with some of what Westley says.

"We just get this impression that players are sitting tight. Agents know how keen clubs are to strengthen their squad and that has put a lot of power with the players again," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester recently.

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