Andy Monkhouse insists that he wanted to stay at Bristol Rovers and is “disappointed” that his time at the Memorial Stadium had to come to an end after only 12 months. Monkhouse, 34, who arrived on a free transfer after being released by Hartlepool last summer, finally turned down the offer of a new deal last week after failing to thrash out agreeable terms. The versatile left-sided winger was travelling to and from Leeds – where his wife and young family are based – for the majority of the season, but he insisted: “That really had no bearing on my decision to turn down the offer that was on the table. Being so far away from my wife and two kids was difficult for me at the beginning but it was something that became easier to deal with as the season went on. I always said that I was willing to do it because I felt there was a great chance of being successful at Rovers and it probably worked out even better than I thought it would. I spoke to my family throughout the season and my initial plan was to stay on at the club if we managed to get promoted at the end of it. I was willing to do another year at least, but, unfortunately, after speaking to the gaffer on numerous occasions, we couldn’t come to an agreement. I wanted to stay and I was ready to come back in July to go again and make a go of pushing the club on in League Two, but it came to a point where I had to make a decision. I was disappointed because I really loved my time at the club, but I suppose that is one of those things that happens in football from time-to-time. The consolation for me is that we had a great season and it ranks as one of my major career highlights. It was a big disappointment to lose out on the title but to win promotion on that special day at Wembley more than made up for that. The way the fans got behind it as the season unfolded was incredible and I feel privileged to have played for such a big club. I will look forward to going back to the Mem at some time in the future if I ever get the chance. I think people maybe thought that I was only signed because I was a friend of the gaffer. I was also 33 going on 34 and that may have led people to question my motives. I’d hope that any people who doubted my reasons for coming to the club will recognise that I did make a worthwhile contribution across the season. I probably wasn’t the flying winger that many people were hoping for, but, in the end, I hope I may have changed some people’s opinions of me.” Rovers are currently well-fancied with bookmakers to secure back-to-back promotions, and Monkhouse added: “They are a great bunch of lads so Rovers will probably be the first results I look for on a Saturday afternoon next season. A lot of the lads that are left haven’t played at that level before and it may take them a bit of time to adjust. The big thing they have is momentum and that can be really important for newly-promoted clubs if they can carry it into the new season.” Monkhouse, meanwhile, has been in talks with several clubs in a bids to secure a deal ahead of the new season and he added: “I’ve got a few days to mull over the options and would anticipate making a decision next week.” From the Post.
I wouldn't be sorry to see him back here. He did a great job and his experience would surely be invaluable.
Just shows that you can't believe anyone theses days! DC made a great play of AM wanting to move back close to home. Another pinch of salt please!
