Lay Off Maynard says McInnes

Bristol City boss Derek McInnes wants Robins` fans not to give striker Nicky Maynard any stick as he prepares his side to take on Southampton at St Marys on Friday.

Maynard has refused to sign the contract offered to him and now looks set to leave City in January so that they don`t end up letting him go for free in the summer.

Clubs linked with moves for Maynard are Everton, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.

McInnes told the Bristol Evening Post: 'I can understand the frustration and anxiety among the supporters. There is a lot of emotion in football and that is why we all love the game - but I think Nicky is quite within his rights to see out his contract if that is what he wants to do.

'We still want him to commit to a long-term contract and he has told us he does not want to do that at the moment. That means we have to look after the interests of the football club and try and get back some of the money invested in him.

'I'm disappointed by his decision, but I respect it at the same time.

'Now is the time to draw a line under the whole hullabaloo and move forward.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.