Stubbs 'extremely hurt' by contract clause

Sunderland defender Alan Stubbs was “extremely hurt” by Everton’s insistence on inserting a contractual clause which allowed them to end the agreement should his cancer return.

The 33-year-old was initially presented with a one-year contract containing the clause, which the club described as a “special notice condition”.

The player objected to the clause, having been in remission for testicular cancer for a number of years, and by way of compromise Everton offered to remove it if Stubbs submitted to an examination by an independent consultant and received the all-clear.

The Toffees insist that examination never took place because Stubbs wanted a two-year deal, but the former Celtic and Bolton player was nevertheless hugely disappointed by the way the club treated him and insists the cancer clause contributed to his departure.

A statement on Stubbs’ behalf released to the Press Association from his management company read: “Alan Stubbs wishes to make it clear he stands by the comments he made regarding his reasons for not signing the one-year contract he was offered by Everton Football Club.

“Alan and his family were extremely hurt by Everton’s requirement to initially include a clause in his contract which could terminate the agreement should his testicular cancer return and then insisting on him visiting a consultant for examination before considering removing the offending clause.

“At the time Alan had served the club as a player and then as captain for four years and made 142 appearances. During that time Alan’s illness did not cause him to miss a single training session or match.

“When Alan captained Everton he fulfilled a boyhood ambition and he remains proud of his and his team-mates’ achievements during his time at the club.

“Following the successful 2004-05 season when Everton finished fourth in the Premier League it is also true to say that Alan felt he deserved the offer of a two-year contract.

“For Alan, this is now in the past and he is delighted to be part of Sunderland Football Club where he has an excellent relationship with the manager and hopes his experience will contribute to a successful season for the club.”