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SHEFFIELD UNITED: I need to play, says departing David Cotterill
DAVID Cotterill today set the record straight about the reasons behind his departure from Sheffield United.
The winger, whose transfer to Swansea City was set to be completed last night, dismissed reports that personal problems had prompted his return to Wales.
Instead, Cotterill told The Star: "I just want to make it clear that this has got nothing to do with anything other than the fact I haven't been playing.
"I've heard suggestions that my wife couldn't settle up here and that there were things going on with my family but nothing could be further from the truth.
"We moved from Manchester to Yorkshire and, in fact, my wife couldn't be happier.
"We've made a lot of great friends both inside and outside the club. But I need to be playing, especially at this stage of my career, and obviously I wasn't doing much of that.
"I've got my place in the international team to consider as well and it's a very important time.
"So if people are hearing anything different then I just want to let them know that it's wrong."
Cotterill, who first joined United from Wigan Athletic in February 2008 watched his new employers beat Derby County before putting pen to paper on a temporary contract which will be made permanent in January."I wish things had worked out differently at Bramall Lane," he added.
"I know wingers can be frustrating at times but the fans have been really good to me and that's something I'll always appreciate.
"I realise I need to get more consistency into my game and hopefully I can do that by playing more.
"I've not been consistent of late but, I think as everyone knows, there have been reasons for that.
"If I can do it and start playing regularly then hopefully I can eventually get back up the Premiership."
Cotterill, who was born in Cardiff, links-up with former team mates
Nathan Dyer and Craig Beattie at the Liberty Stadium.
He is understood to have learned that United had accepted an undisclosed offer from their Championship rivals before Wales' recent friendly against Scotland.
Cotterill said: "I've phoned everyone at United, including the lads, to wish them all the best for the future. I sincerely mean that. It's a great club, a massive club to be honest, and the boys are a great bunch. The support base is huge and I hope they get into the Premier League as well."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
