Don over: Lee Hendrie is upset after his move to Aberdeen unexpectedly fell through because of Paul Hartley's signing. Pic: ©SNS Group
Lee Hendrie will not be offered a contract by Aberdeen, following the signing of Paul Hartley. The Evening Express reports the English midfielder, who looked close to agreeing terms last week, will be outwith the confines of the Dons’ budget.
The former Aston Villa player, available on a free after leaving Derby County, had given the SPL side a deadline of Friday afternoon to offer him a contract.
But the newspaper say Mark McGhee will allow that to lapse, happy to partner Hartley and another of his signings, Yoann Folly, in the middle of the park.
Hendrie played as a trialist in Aberdeen’s friendly defeat to Dunfermline Athletic last week, his performance prompting McGhee to enter talks with the 33-year-old over bringing him north of the border.
The player claims he had expected to sign on last Thursday after the match against the Pars, only to be left without a contract after it became apparent a move for Hartley could still be on the cards.
“I was under the impression that I would sign last Thursday,” Hendrie told the Daily Record. “It was pretty much agreed after the game at Dunfermline.
“But I haven't heard anything at all and am completely in the dark. I am frustrated because I thought it was done and since then it has all gone quiet. When I went to Aberdeen it was not so much a trial but more for me to have a look round the place.
“The gaffer and lads were great but a week later I am in limbo. It feels it has fizzled out and I don't know why. Of course I would still like to move to Aberdeen. I hope the same deal is there and hasn't changed but I'll cross that bridge if it comes to it.
“I want it sorted out and if a move to Aberdeen doesn't happen then I will need to look elsewhere.”
ABERDEEN SWAP HENDRIE FOR HARTLEY
Hartley had been expected to rejoin Hearts following his release from Bristol City, ending the Dons’ hopes of taking him to Pittodrie. But a disagreement between Hartley and the Edinburgh club gave McGhee a second opportunity to pick up the former Celtic midfielder, securing him on a two-year contract.
“Aberdeen have always been a massive club and the challenge is to get them back up there,” Hartley said after completing his move. “Hopefully I bring in a winning mentality. The big thing is to challenge for honours.It's been far too long since Aberdeen won any silverware.
”People talk about the top six but we have got to aim higher than that. Hopefully we can look for silverware.”
Hendrie, who finished the season on loan at Brighton after an injury-laden spell at Pride Park, will now be left to find a new club before the season’s start.
Queens Park Rangers had taken a look at possibly signing Hendrie in June, while the midfielder may also hold out hope of an offer of a return to Brighton.
