Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Paul Devlin (footballer)" in English language version.
'Paul is a valuable member of my squad and I want him to stay. He is a good player and can get better, and it is my aim to help him progress.' Devlin's contract runs out next summer and he says he has refused new terms, not because of the money but because of the football situation. He claims: 'I don't think the manager truly rates me. I am the one who always seems to be substituted or left out, even when I have scored. I really feel I am being made the scapegoat.'
Paul Devlin, Birmingham City's £2-million-rated striker, is facing the threat of disciplinary action after launching an amazing attack on manager Trevor Francis. Devlin was dismayed and disgusted by his treatment during the 1-0 win at Port Vale. Francis sent Devlin on as a first-half substitute but hauled him off again in the closing stages prompting a furious reaction from Devlin. Francis said: 'I cannot tolerate individuals behaving in that manner. I want to consider what has happened and I will decide on Monday what to do.' Devlin, who has insisted that he will not sign a new contract with Birmingham, said: 'I am totally devastated and from a personal point of view I don't know where I go from here.'
But Paul Devlin, who also scored in the Pontins League match, is not even in the frame after finding out this week that the manager had further slashed his sale price from £600,000 to £400,000.
Indeed, the most successful player this season has been Paul Devlin, who was signed by Barry Fry from Notts County for £225,000. Devlin was considering his own future at the start of the season when Francis signed Paul Furlong and Mike Newell to lead the forward line at a combined cost of £2.275 million. Neither comes close to matching Devlin's 16 goals.
Stafford Rangers boss Chris Wright has turned down a £100,000 plus offer from Liverpool for former Armitage '90 striker Paul Devlin. Four other first division clubs are believed to be interested in the player, who scored the winner for Liverpool Reserves last week against Albion. As revealed by the Mercury last week Rangers will have to pay Armitage 40% of the transfer fee they get for Devlin. And the money will go towards more expansion plans at the Rugeley Road ground. The Midland Combination Club plan to build a stand in honour of the 18-year-old, whom they sold to Rangers for £2,000 last season. Rangers couldn't afford the fee Armitage were asking for Devlin and so agreed the 40% share terms.
