Sestanovich to Leave?

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 15/01/2005

RUSSELL Slade has admitted that Ashley Sestanovich's sending off on Tuesday night may be the final straw as far as he is concerned with the on-loan Blade. In an interview with Radio Humberside, Slade conceded that the 23-year-old may have played his last game for the Mariners.

"We can't tolerate as a team and as a football club the way he remonstrated with the referee and he's been fined heavily. He's done himself no favours", said the Town boss, who went on to say that the matter was still being dealt with internally but it was possible Sestanovich would leave the club as a result.

The London-born midfielder, who is on a season-long loan from Sheffield United, was dismissed less than five minutes after coming on to the pitch as a substitute for foul and abusive language towards the referee. Had Michael Reddy not intervened, it could have been a worse offence, for "Stan" seemed to be about to strike the official, who had made several controversial decisions against the Mariners during the 2-1 defeat.

Town fans have been treated to both sides of the temperamental midfielder since his arrival at Blundell Park in the summer. Sestanovich's solo goal at Yeovil was one of the greatest in recent years by a Grimsby player. His petulance on and off the pitch however, which first really came to light when he refused to play as a substitute against Swansea, have lost him many admirers. Were Sestanovich to leave, few tears would be shed, despite his undoubted technical ability.