Gulliver not named for Rushden friendly

Phil Gulliver is not in the Rushden and Diamonds squad that is due to play Peterborough United in a friendly tomorrow according to Rushden Today.

The paper suggests that Gulliver is expected to know where he will be playing this coming season 'early next week'.

"I contacted him once after speaking to him as I came into the job. But he didn't want to come here," Paul Hart, the Rushden manager told the paper.

"Because we offered him a new contract and he's 23, we are still entitled to compensation. He's back for the next couple of days and we will see what happens."

Interestingly the paper had a report dated June 1st about the retained list at Rushden together with comments from manager Paul Hart. Below is part of that article:

Diamonds' retained list was revealed yesterday with just 11 players staying at Nene Park.

Last season's player-of-the-year Phil Gulliver, experienced left-back Ronnie Bull and young defender Magnus Okuonghae are among 13 squad members to leave along with five scholars.

Hart also explained some of the factors behind decisions to let players leave Diamonds after relegation back into non-League football.

"Gulliver decided to go elsewhere. We wanted to keep him and obviously we are a little bit disappointed.

"Of course, I fully understand his desire to stay in the League. His deal ran out and he had a right to look at other clubs."

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