Angry Lansdown Blasts Reading

Last updated : 01 July 2003 By Rob Cooper
The Royals may sign Scott Murray for £650,000 this week but in Steve Lansdown they do not have a new found friend.

The Bristol City chairman is angry that financial details of how Reading will pay for Murray have been revealed.

Yesterday the Royal's official website revealed exact details of the payment. Lansdown was trying to avoid this scenario, knowing he will get an angry backlash from the Ashton Gate faithful.

A fuming Steve Lansdown told the Western Daily Press: "I am very annoyed they have put that out - that's not what should happen."

To put Bristol City's disheartened supporters to rest he added: "It's based on appearances and the appearances will take place. It's worth £650,000."

It emerged that the Reading will pay just £400,000 up front, with a further £250,000 to be paid depending on appearances and results. In practice, the deal could prove to be worth much less than £650,000.

City's profits on the transfer will be cut still further as they will have to pay 25% of the fee to Murray's former employers, Aston Villa.

The Robins have, however, included a sell on clause in the transfer. Should the Royals ever wish to sell Murray then a proportion of the fee will never see the Madejski Stadium coffers but will instead be destined for Bristol.

Despite this revelation Scott Murray is expected to be confirmed as a Reading player later this week, providing negotiations over personal terms and a medical produce satisfactory results.