ABERDEEN have hit out after a confidential meeting between Andy Considine and Jim Goodwin was leaked.
The club blasted reports that emerged over Considine's future at the club - and have now moved to clear the situation confirming the defender will leave at the end of the season.
In the scathing club statement from Goodwin, he claims he and the club were "thrown under the bus" by the leak that Considine would depart Pittodrie at the end of the season.
Goodwin - giving his side of the discussion - claims Considine was offered a "guaranteed six-figure deal" for a further year at Aberdeen alongside progression into a youth coaching role.
But he claims Considine's representatives responded with a counter-offer over 50 percent higher than the guaranteed wages and on a two-year deal.
Goodwin's comments go on to suggest a meeting between Considine and the club was scheduled for Thursday to agree a joint statement on Considine's departure.
But the club have now cleared up the situation over Considine's future after the leak from the meeting.
In a statement on the club website, Goodwin said: "I feel compelled to let our supporters know the facts after my meeting with Andy was leaked which I feel has thrown myself and the Club under the bus.
“On 10th February the Club offered Andy a new one-year contract, rewarding him with a six-figure guaranteed deal, and furthermore offered him the opportunity of a pathway into coaching with our Youth Academy, where the Club would continue to invest in his future including his coaching badges.
“Andy’s agent on 23rd March sent in a counter-offer which was over 50% more than our offer in guaranteed wages, and for a two-year contract.
“During my confidential talks with Andy we discussed the parties being too far apart financially and the reality is that I cannot guarantee him playing time next season. Ultimately, and understandably Andy wants to play.
“We were to meet again on Thursday to agree a joint statement on Andy moving on after a sterling career and service to Aberdeen. Unfortunately, this discussion was leaked, but not by the Club, and shouldn’t have been in the public domain until it was agreed by both parties. I would prefer to handle these sensitive discussions in-house and not have them played out in the media but feel it is important to now provide an insight into the situation.
“I have to make these difficult decisions and take the emotion out of it. This is entirely a football decision and as manager of this Club it is my job to ensure we have a dynamic squad fully equipped for the challenges of the new season.
“It goes without saying that everyone at the Club thanks Andy for all his efforts over many, many years at Pittodrie and we wish him all the very best for the future when he does leave.
“The focus now has to only be about trying to win the game against Ross County on Saturday.”
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