Whitby Town turn down offer for wantaway goalkeeper Shane Bland

(Picture: Digital Image)
By Matt Bishop
Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Whitby have been rocked by the news goalkeeper Shane Bland has handed in a transfer request.
The request comes after interest, and a subsequent offer, was received from an unnamed club higher up the footballing pyramid, for the shot-stopper who signed a new two-year deal in the summer.
Bland is highly regarded at Whitby, who are currently 18th in the NPL, and the club's hierarchy turned down the transfer offer this morning, but the ‘keeper is adamant he wants to play at the highest level.
A club statement read: “When a two-year contract was signed in the summer, it was agreed that the club would keep the gloveman informed if any such offers were received.
“Bland is highly regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the area and these developments do not come as a surprise to the club.
“A meeting was held earlier today with Shane, who is adamant that he wants to play at the highest level possible and would like to speak to the club concerned.
“Unfortunately, the offer received fell substantially below a realistic valuation, so the club has refused that request.
“After lengthy discussions with Shane, he made it clear that he wants to explore opportunities higher up the ladder. Therefore, the club has reluctantly agreed to his request and has placed him on the transfer list.
“We would remind interested parties that Bland is a contracted player with Whitby Town Football Club and should not be contacted directly. Any enquiries should be made through first-team manager Chris Hardy in the first instance.”