Livingston veto Hoolahan Blackpool deal
Scottish side Livingston have vetoed the proposed move of former Ireland under-21 international Wes Hoolahan to Blackpool because the Seasiders failed to comply with the terms of the loan agreement during the season.
Hoolahan, who helped ‘Pool to promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship, agreed a two-year deal at Bloomfield Road at the weekend after the club triggered a purchase clause in the loan agreement.
However, Livi are adamant that the agreement is void after the English outfit missed several deadlines for payments during the season.
A Livingston statement read: "Livingston notified Blackpool at the end of the season that as the club had repeatedly breached the terms of the loan agreement, namely in the payment of sums due to Livingston, that an option to sign the player permanently has therefore been lost to them.
"This follows repeated late payments of loan sums due throughout the period of the loan, 9 out of 10 of which were paid late despite our repeated efforts to ensure prompt payment within the original terms of the loan deal.
"We could have recalled the player to Livingston on these grounds during last season, but to do so would have meant he had no right to play for Blackpool or Livingston, because a recall would probably have taken place outside the transfer window. Blackpool were therefore informed about their breach of conditions formally at the end of the season, although their accounts department will have known for many months that their payments were late, in some cases way beyond the terms of the deal.
"Our new manager, Mark Proctor, wishes to consider Wes Hoolahan’s position meanwhile, but it is quite clear that the player remains with Livingston until and unless a settlement is reached. Wes had a successful year with Blackpool, helping them win promotion, but the club have only themselves to blame for the situation that has arisen.
"The situation is now being dealt with by the clubs as well as the Scottish Football Association and the Football Association in England.”
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