The following statement has appeared on the Offical Rushden and Diamonds website:
Following press speculation yesterday Rushden and Diamonds can confirm that Philip Gulliver has returned for training at Nene Park after the collapse of his transfer to Hereford United yesterday.
Club Secretary Matt Wild commented "When we heard reports that Phil had signed for Hereford United last week we were surprised that no-one had been in touch with us to discuss a possible compensation agreement.
"The FA rules for players under the age of 24 clearly state that should a club make an offer of re-engagement to a player on not less favourable terms than his previous contract and the player rejects that offer then the club is entitled to compensation should he sign for another club.
"We went to Hereford with a compensation proposal which was made up of a nominal fee upon them signing Phil with the remainder dependant on appearances.Phil had been an influential player for us over the past two seasons, having made over 85 appearances, and he was very much part of the manager's original plans for the forthcoming campaign.We were therefore disappointed that Phil rejected our contract offer and believe that the compensation fee asked for was justified.
"However, Hereford have refused to negotiate on compensation as they were under the impression that Phil was a free agent. He has therefore returned to us until the matter is resolved.
"We are in talks with Hereford over the player's future and the manager will be sitting down with Phil today to discuss the situation further. We are confident of reaching an agreement that is beneficial to all parties."
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