The clause caused an unbelievable furore, ... but our rationale was that on 30 January he had an offer from Middlesbrough while we wanted him to stay to try and push on to retain the title. Time was running out to find a replacement, so we agreed to the get-out clause. We would be in no worse a position than if he had not signed for us. There are no regrets about the contract, the only regret is that we didn't win the title.
— Peter Lawwell
CausedClauseJanuary