Mifsud not in my plans, says Coleman
Malta striker maintains silence over botched transfer
Michael Mifsud - not in Chris Coleman's plans at Coventry.
Michael Mifsud seems to have no future at Coventry City this season after manager Chris Coleman yesterday told the club's website that he had no intention of welcoming back the Malta forward into his first-team squad.
Last week, Mifsud reportedly handed in a transfer request to Coventry City and was on the verge of joining fellow Championship side Bristol City after the two clubs agreed a £1.5 million fee for the former Lillestrom forward.
However, early this week Bristol City manager Gary Johnson pulled out of the move after he described Mifsud as "not the right player" for his club.
"It's a shame because Michael stated very clearly that he did not want to play for Coventry City any longer and felt his career would progress elsewhere. I was disappointed that he wanted to leave because he is a capable player but he's his own man," Coleman told the club's website yesterday.
"Bristol came in and the two clubs agreed but he couldn't agree. Gary Johnson became quite vocal about that and I can't say I blame him because obviously I know what went on and I am not happy about it myself.
"It's up to Michael and the people who work for him but I only want players who want to play for Coventry City, who want to come along for the ride, fit in with what I want and do their best for the club.
"I don't care how good a player he is - if he doesn't want to play for the club then the team is going to suffer for that.
"So he is still a Coventry City player and we are still paying his wages but he is not part of our squad," Coleman said.
Mifsud's collapsed move to Bristol City has triggered a backlash in the English media but the Malta striker has so far kept his cards close to his chest.
In light of the criticism he has received from Johson and Coleman, journalists and fans, especially those in Malta, are interested in hearing Mifsud's side of the story but the Malta forward has remained silent since news about his potential move to Bristol City first emerged.
Haber in Sheffield United squad
While Mifsud is at a crossroads, his Malta team-mate, goalkeeper Justin Haber is over the moon after completing his switch to Sheffield United on Thursday. The two Maltese internationals are represented by Carly Barnes.
The 27-year-old Haber was included in Sheffield United's squad for last night's friendly match against Alfreton.
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Robert Mead
Aug 3rd 2008, 01:57
As a Coventry fan based in the UK and a big supporter of Michael, I am surprised that some of the Maltese are questioning him and his advisors. Michael has never given less than 100 per cent and his advisors can't be that bad if they got Justin Haber into Sheffield!
It is quite obvious to me that Michael has never publicly stated that he wants to leave Cov and therefore I don't believe he has handed in a transfer request. I think the reason the deal with Bristol fell through was simply because it wasn't the right move for him!
I sincerely hope that he will get back in the Cov team asap because, quite frankly, we need such a good player!
Get behind your man Malta!
Most uk football stories are just made up by people with their own agendas.
Raquel Camenzuli
Aug 2nd 2008, 21:06
I would just like to say that I think Carly Barnes and her team have done a wonderful job with Justin and after knowing her and her team I am a hundred percent sure that there are two sides to every story... I think we should wait and see what Micheal has to say about this and not jump to any conclusions.
Justin had a very good second half with the Blades yesterday evening and has left a good impression. Let's keep our fingers crossed that Justin will get the chance he deserves!
philip pace
Aug 2nd 2008, 21:05
I am sorry to say that Michael has been wrongly advused to make a quick buck so that his agent/manager would reap the profits as well.
He has foolishly shown his cards and no manager would like to have him in the team.
It is another example that the god of money is still rampant and adored by those who do not know what loyalty is.
Coleman though no wonder manager must be right in this.
Michael Mifsud you have messed yourself up if only you were a bit patient.
Let see how this story shall develope.
Michael Andrews
Aug 2nd 2008, 17:42
Well,we shall have to wait to hear what Michael and his managers say then figure out what went wrong.I hope he wasn't getting to big for his own boots.He's not a bad player but he is no Gerrard or Ronaldo for sure.
Hector Gatt
Aug 2nd 2008, 15:56
So far we only heard the Bristol City's manager's reasons for not signing Michael Mifsud. The other side of the story (Michael Mifsud's) has yet to be made public and so far what we know is pure speculation. It is therefore unfair to place labels on Michael Mifsud and his management team without knowing the whole story.
As for Chris Coleman, the truth is that Michael Mifsud WAS NEVER in his plans right from the start. Let us not forget that before Coleman's appointment as Manager, Michael had scored 18 goals in all competitions. Then Coleman was appointed and had the brainwave of moving Michael to the wing and the goal drought took place! No wonder Michael wanted to leave Coventry! It was definitely not for greed!
Ivan Attard
Aug 2nd 2008, 15:14
Greed devours you. You have found 2 managers who know a thing about loyalty in a player and you Michael do not even know what the word means. I say: Serves you right for being big-headed and pig-brained!
K. Vella
Aug 2nd 2008, 14:05
Well done Justin!!!
Christopher Briffa
Aug 2nd 2008, 12:53
I think that Michael`s advisors especially his pretty manager are not up to the job, assuming that it was she who advised Michael to hand in a transfer request at Coventry City. Such a request should always be used as a last ditch resort and when everything is practically tied up at another club. In Michael`s case the fact that the reason why he wants to quit Coventry, as stated in the press, is because Coventry bought two new strikers may be interpreted as a lack of commitment from his part. If you look at the much publiscised Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Barry sagas, even though both these players have publicly stated that they want to move to move to Real Madrid and Liverpool respectively, both these players are yet to hand in a written transfer request, because once you hand in a transfer request in writing obviously there is no point of return. On the other hand Chris Coleman should realise that Michael was the star in last year`s mediocre Coventry team and it was mainly thanks to Michael that Coventry are still in the championship and had good cup runs culminating in that historic win at Manchester United.
Marco Borg
Aug 2nd 2008, 10:11
come back to Malta and play for Hamrun Spartans!
we will glady have you in our first team and together with Ronaldo up front we'll score a 100 goals and win the league