Iriekpen Hands In Transfer Request

Swansea City have relunctantly accepted a transfer request by defender Izzy Iriekpen.

The former West Ham centre-back has found first team opportunities limited recently and Jackett has placed on the bench most of the time since the trouble he caused outside a nightclub a few months ago.

Despite these off-the-field incidents, Izzy says it's purely footballing reasons.

He said: ''This is purely a footballing decision,''

''I feel that I have done well in the last few games I have played but I haven't kept my place.

''To be fair to Kevin Austin he has been doing well, but at 24 I don't won't to be sitting on the bench.''

''I felt that my performances have justified my place in the team but I haven't kept my place. I feel that I have to look after myself and find a new challenge.

''This is my fourth season at Swansea and I have loved it here.

''I don't really want to go but I have to play football.''

Chairman Huw Jenkins also added: ''Since Izzy handed in his transfer request he has seemed totally committed to Swansea,''

''But he feels that he is not getting enough first-team opportunities.

''There are eight or nine players who are out of contract this summer but there will be no negotiations between now and May with any of them.

''Izzy has exercised his right and I suppose it does show ambition on his part.

''He has got the courage to stand by his conviction to look after himself and that is to be admired.

''But, hopefully, Izzy will be here until the end of the season at least.

''There is no doubt he has been a good player for Swansea City since he joined.''

Manager Kenny Jackett will also be dissapointed to see him, he said: ''I have played Izzy from the start for the majority of the time that I have been here,''

''I feel I have got three good centre-halves in Dennis (Lawrence), Kevin (Austin) and Izzy.

''I'm happy with that and I want that to continue.''

Southend have been rumoured to have made a move for Iriekpen in the past and I wouldn't be surprised if they'll show their an interest again before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

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