Hands off our Andy!

Last updated : 23 April 2009 By Stuart Gillespie
Anyone who wasn't sure we had a big game on Saturday against one of the Old Firm will have had all doubts removed by the fact our star player has been linked with both Rangers and Celtic in the past few days. Rumours suggest both clubs are preparing bids of around £750,000 for him.

First of all, if they think they can get him for such a measly sum of money they can forget it. Goalscoring midfielders are extremely hard to come by - no Old Firm midfielder is anywhere near Dorman's tally of goals for the season - and you are not getting him on the cheap. We are not some diddy SPL club in desperate need of cash. We are a diddy SPL club in a decent financial position. Considering what the Bigot Brothers have wasted on certain players in the last few years, a seven figure sum is the least we should be expecting.

Secondly, Dorman is not your average player in Scotland, in that a move to Rangers or Celtic is not a boyhood dream for him as some papers would have you believe. Dorman is English (although he considers himself to be Welsh) and supports Liverpool. Coming to Scotland was a move of convenience to boost his profile after his time in the US. I'd bet he'd far, far rather try his luck in the Championship down south, or even a club at the bottom end of the Premiership, than move to the Old Firm. Bolton, Sheffield United and Plymouth have all been linked with him in the past and, when you consider the amount of money teams of that level throw about (£2million for Robbie Earnshaw anyone?), we would easily be looking at £1million for Andy's services.

It seems to be yet another example of the Old Firm trying to hoover up the best talent in Scotland for buttons. If they get him, they'll probably put him on the bench. And watch out for the media outrage if we turn down an offer from Rangers or Celtic that's half of what other clubs are offering.

So, to the Old Firm (and their pals in the media) - leave us alone to finish our season in peace. We know we won't have Andy for long - but he's here until the summer at least. Stop interrupting our preparations for the semi-final and the relegation run-in - and be prepared to pay far, far more than the paltry sums being mentioned.