Murty holds Saints hope
Graeme Murty is hoping to convince Southampton boss Alan Pardew to offer him a new contract.
Last Updated: 22/05/10 4:23pm
Veteran full-back Graeme Murty is hoping to convince Southampton boss Alan Pardew to offer him a new contract in the summer.
Murty made just nine appearances for Saints this season after suffering knee and ankle injuries, and he has been sidelined since early December.
He has been provisionally released by the League One club, but has been invited to take part in pre-season training by Pardew.
The 35-year-old is grateful for the opportunity to work on his recovery and is keen to prove he could be worth a contract for next season.
Difficult decision
Murty told the Daily Echo: "He (Pardew) said 'it was a difficult decision (to release me) but because we don't know what's going to happen regarding your ankle we are not in a position to offer you a contract at the moment.
"'But you are more than welcome to do your rehab at the training ground over the summer and come and join us for pre-season. We will see what happens from there'.
"He (Pardew) just said 'we will have a chat over the summer to see how you go. If things go well we will have another discussion'.
"That's more than I could have asked for and I'm grateful he has given me the opportunity to do pre-season and try and get myself in good condition.
"In football you never know. It might just happen that someone needs a right-back. It may be Southampton or it may be somewhere else."
