Boro accused of lack of respect over Dawson bid

May 30 2010 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

MIDDLESBROUGH have been accused of a lack of respect surrounding their pursuit of Rochdale defender Craig Dawson.

The Teessiders last week had a £400,000 bid for the 20-year-old rejected by Dale, who want £1 million for the League Two Player of the Year.

And after Dale chairman Chris Dunphy told Boro to up their offer, manager Keith Hill – whose club owe 15 per cent of any sale to Dawson’s former side, Radcliffe Borough – has added: “It was done very disrespectfully.

“I think what everybody has got to respect and realise is the fact Craig Dawson has signed a three-year contract.

“We would not stand in anybody’s way of developing, but there has to be respect and a valuation met on this club’s behalf.

“There is no way anyone is going to prise a lever between ourselves and Craig Dawson.

“The chairman will not stand in his way if the financial valuation is met, but I feel Middlesbrough have been disrespectful.

“It’s often the case that the bigger fish feel they have a divine right to acquire players for whatever sum they expect to pay.

“We’re talking about business here and there is a lot of skulduggery, things not done in quite the proper manner.

“Craig is a hell of a talent, he is level-headed and very professional.

“Whatever the time-frame on Craig Dawson’s future Rochdale career, I’m sure he will serve well.

“But sometimes you have got to take advice from footballing people – and non-footballing people should not be offering advice on career decision opportunities.”