James McPake slams Livi board for blocking Coventry move

Jan 8 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

RELEASE ME NOW

JAMES McPAKE has slammed the Livingston board for blocking the chance to push forward his transfer to Coventry early.

The Lions skipper has penned a pre-contract with the Championship side but their attempts to bring him south in the January transfer window have so far been rebuffed by by the club.

And this has left McPake raging and he admits he has been forced to hand in a transfer request as the situation shows no signs of being resolved.

He said: "It's no secret that I've put a transfer request into the club on Friday and I hope they will let me go as I don't want to be here anymore.

"I want to go to Coventry right away as there are things happening here at Livingston which have made my mind up for me.”

Reports the players at the club have not been paid on time has given the skipper — who has been at the club for eight years — further incentive to expedite his transfer south.

He added: "The situation with the wages is one of them.

“There is no point trying to cover up the fact that we have not been getting paid on time. It's not even a couple of days late, the money is a couple of weeks late. It's a big worry for us as we have mortgages to pay so I just don't want to be here anymore.

"Coventry want to take me now so I want to go as soon as possible.

"I don't know what difference it would take to Livingston to let me go now as I only have four months left on my contract. They could make some money on me and help the club back on their feet.

"I've a squad of players I would never let down and a manager I respect so I will continue to give 100% for the club while I'm here.

"But it is on my mind all the time and I feel I can't play to my best.”