Soccer: Fulham defend Phelan letter

Fulham have insisted they were acting according to Football League regulations by informing Terry Phelan he was being released by post.

Phelan was reportedly furious with the way in which the club wrote to him to announce their decision not to renew his contract at Craven Cottage.

But club spokesperson Sarah Brookes explained the Cottagers were simply following League guidelines and said: ‘‘It’s a Football League requirement we write to the players before the third Saturday in May to explain the club’s position regarding new contracts.

‘‘It was the club’s obligation to write to Terry to inform him.’’

The 33-year-old former Wimbledon, Manchester City and Chelsea defender joined the club in February 2000 on a free transfer from Everton following a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

He made 16 appearances last season, but after the arrival of Jean Tigana as Craven Cottage boss the former Republic of Ireland international was restricted to just three first-team appearances last season.