Soccer: Schmeichel to leave Villa
Peter Schmeichel is to leave Aston Villa at the end of the season after the club decided not to take up an option to extend his contract.
Villa manager Graham Taylor held talks with the former Manchester United keeper where he told him the club did not wish to extend his stay at Villa Park.
‘‘When Peter joined Villa he had a verbal agreement that he would be the club’s first choice,’’ said Taylor.
‘‘I was honour bound to comply with this agreement but, as the options on his contract had to be decided by May 1, I thought it was important to sort out this situation as soon as possible.
‘‘There are four games to be played and Peter Enckelman will now come into the side. He has served his apprenticeship under both David James and Peter Schmeichel and deserves his chance.
‘‘Peter Enckelman will play against Leeds tomorrow, with Boaz Myhill on the bench.’’
Taylor has opted not to include Schmeichel in the squad.
‘‘I would not even consider asking Peter Schmeichel to be a substitute as he is a legend in his own right,’’ admitted Taylor.
‘‘Peter Schmeichel has been in a league of his own but Villa now have to look to the future and Peter Enckelman deserves his chance.
‘‘I thought it was very interesting when Villa signed Peter Schmeichel but we are now another season down the line and changes have to be made.
‘‘I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Peter Schmeichel. He is a great character and has been an asset to Villa.’’
