LAWRENCE HITS OUT AT COLLY TREATMENT

BRADFORD CITY winger Jamie Lawrence has hit-out at the club for the way they have treated controversial striker Stan Collymore, saying that his team-mate should be given a second chance to prove himself at Valley Parade.

Lawrence himself has had a troubled time at The Bantams this season, having a transfer request accepted by the club in the summer, but he feels that while the club have supported him, they have turned their back on Collymore.

The former Leicester City, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker was one of three players told that they would be allowed to leave Bradford this week, with Benito Carbone and Dan Petrescu, who has since joined Premiership rivals Southampton.

"I know all about being given another chance after what happened to me. I got one and Stan deserves one too," said 30-year-old Lawrence. "He shouldn't just be thrown away like rubbish.

"Beni, Dan and Stan are all good professionals and it is a shame that they have to leave Bradford, but it has got nothing to do with their commitment to the cause.

"The problem is they are too good for this club. That is why I feel really sorry for Stan and the way he has been treated.

"It is terrible that someone as talented as Stan is being driven out of English football. I know what it is like with people on your case all the time - it is hard to deal with.

"What has happened at Bradford is an absolute joke and Stan deserves better."