Campbell-Ryce, who has been transfer-listed at Millmoor at his own request, was the subject of a £100,000 transfer bid by Steve Tilson at the end of the transfer window, but any thoughts of a move had to be shelved when the Yorkshire side refused to allow the youngster, who can play as an out-and-out striker or on the wing, to move to southeast Essex.
The 22–year-old, who joined the Merry Millers from Charlton Athletic in November 2004 after loan spells with Orient, Chesterfield and Wimbledon, is yet another player who has been linked with the Seasiders in the past, albeit briefly during his spell at Brisbane Road. This month he declared himself unhappy in the north of England, and was placed on the transfer list as a result.
Boss Mick Harford stated at the time, “We are obviously disappointed at this request. He indicated during the summer that he was unhappy and I spoke to him to ask him to give it a period of time before he took any further action.” The former Luton Town boss also issued the following warning to any club seeking to acquire his services.
“Unless we receive what we consider to be the true value for his ability, Jamal will have to remain with us. Should a bid be received, we will be looking for a substantial fee in view of the fact that he has two years left on his contract with us.” Further complicating the matter is the clause in Campbell-Ryce’s contract that says that Charlton receive one-fifth of the money received by Rotherham.
Campbell-Ryce has featured on 29 occasions from the start, and a further three times from the bench in the first team for the Merry Millers, and is yet to register a goal for the club. Indeed, his only goals came during his time at Orient, when he netted three times in 19 games.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com