Warne explains Millers snub

Last updated : 12 July 2007 By Millersmad Staff
Warne scored 11 goals for the Latics and was named player of the season in an unsuccessful play off campaign last term but despite the promise of a new contract, he was uncerimoniously dumped by Oldham chief John Sheridan.

Warne, talking to the PFA website spoke of his shock. "It was a massive surprise to leave Oldham. In January I was told I was going to be offered a new two-year deal by the manager and the owners of the club.

The owners of the club said that even if I broke my leg the contract would be there for me. I thought I would concentrate on my football and leave all the negotiations until the end of the season because I was just happy to know I had the security for my family."

Despite mass squad overhauls with fewer and fewer contract renewals being a modern day risk for a lower league footballer, Warne admits that Oldham's decision to release him hit hard. "I walked into the office one day still not even thinking that I wasn't going to get a contract and John (Sheridan) just turned around and told me he was releasing me.
No Millmoor return

I was sick to my stomach and drove away from the club to the B&Q car park and just cried my eyes out. It was a massive shock and it wasn't until a week after, when a few clubs started to show an interest in me, that I began to come to terms with it."

Warne left the Millers in 2005 following six years at the club where he was an integral part of the double promotions and followed former boss Ronnie Moore to Oldham commuting every day from his Rotherham home. With the former Wigan man reportedly offered a one year deal at Millmoor, the odds looked set on a return to Rotherham after just two season's absence.

But Warne decided that he needed to play at a higher level. "When I left Oldham I didn't want to leave for a club below them because then it would look like that decision to release me was justified.

It is a good football decision for me because it would have been easier to sign for the clubs that were interested in Yorkshire."

The Norwich born player, now 34, was very impressed by Russel Slade and is looking forward to his time in the South West. "I spoke to Russell on numerous occasions and his charm and persuasion encouraged me to come and have a look around. I liked the look of the club and the way Yeovil play the game suits my style.

Signing for Yeovil is brilliant for me and I think a lot of Oldham fans are surprised that the club has let me go. I am hoping that I can be involved in a similar season to the one Yeovil had last year. I wouldn't have signed for a team that I didn't think was going to do well. That makes me feel good about myself and coming here is like a new chapter in my life."

MillersMAD wishes Warney all the best at his new club.

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