Pahars distraught at exit

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Marian Pahars has been left distraught at manager George Burley's refusal to even discuss offering him a new contract with the club.

The 29-year-old has suffered from injury for the large part of his last two seasons at St Mary's and as a result has played just six games under Burley.

'I was expecting to at least talk about a new deal'

Despite all the problems, the Latvian international had been hoping to have his contract renewed for next season.

The emotional striker even revealed that he was willing to take a severe cut in his wages just to stay on the south coast.

"I was expecting to at least talk about a new deal," he told the club's official website.

"I was expecting I would have to cut my salary by two or three times.

"I thought I would have to sign for a year or even six months and prove myself, but there was nothing at all.

"I was crying when the manager told me. I did not agree with his decision, but there is nothing I can do about it.

"I would have done anything to have stayed - I am shocked. I am not going to blame anyone, but it is very hard to accept," he said.

Pahars made 156 competitive appearances for The Saints, scoring 44 goals in his seven years with the club.