NIELSEN EXCLUSIVE

By: Stephen Bateman
Date: 18/12/2000

It now seems highly unlikely that David Nielsen will be signing for Grimsby Town. The Danish striker has told reporters that he will not be intimidated by any deadlines and that he is growing tired of accusations labelling him as greedy.

Last week, Mariners boss Lennie Lawrence had slapped a Monday deadline on the deal, saying "If he hasn't put pen to paper by Monday at the very latest, that is it." It now remains to be seen whether or not Lawrence will stick to his words.

Nielsen seems to have other ideas about the deadline as he told Danish reporters:

"Lawrence is talking about a Monday deadline, but that is crap. It's just complete rubbish that is intended for the press and the sponsors. For me time is not a problem - I have plenty of time."

In light of recent speculation surrounding Nielsen and Aston Villa, the 24-year old's agent Poul Erik Petersen commented: "There are many football clubs in England and it is said that Aston Villa are interested in David."

Petersen then went on to suggest that it could be next summer before his client decides to commit himself to another club:

"David will be out of contract in the summer, and that will give him the upper-hand. By then, FC Copenhagen will be out of the picture and it may well be that he will then move to Grimsby or any other English club."

Once Nielsen is out of contract with Copenhagen, the club will no longer be able to demand a transfer fee for the striker. It is widely reported that a fee of £425,000 has been agreed between Grimsby and the Danish club, but once Nielsen is out of contract, this would mean that the fee is waived and that the £425,000 would most likely be diverted to both Nielsen and his advisors.

Later, the fan's favourite confessed that he was growing tired of people suggesting that he is only in England for the money as he commented:

"I'm really enjoying my time in Grimsby and I would like to stay here, but I'm tired of the press calling me greedy. Lennie Lawrence should just be thankful that I have scored some goals for him."

Thanks to Troels Jerner for help with translation.

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