• Premier League

Odemwingie blames West Brom for QPR move failure

Peter Odemwingie endured a difficult deadline day © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Redknapp rejects overspending suggestions
  
• News: Odemwingie arrives at QPR without Brom permission
  
• News: QPR sign 'monster' Samba
  

Peter Odemwingie has pointed the finger at West Brom for his failure to secure a move to Queens Park Rangers.

The striker was involved in the most extraordinary incident of the January transfer window, as he pitched up at QPR's Loftus Road ground on Thursday night - pitches broadcast on television - which prompted West Brom to issue a statement saying he did not have permission to speak to the R's.

The January window closed without Odemwingie securing a move and he has since returned back to West Brom and reported for training on Friday.

It is a remarkable turn of events and Odemwingie claims some bridges have been burnt over recent days - as he claims West Brom were ready to deal but, according to the player, they did not get a replacement on board.

"It takes more than two or three people to create something extraordinary," Odemwingie told Sky Sports News. "Clearly, there were no children involved and somewhere there was a big misunderstanding.

"I have learned that the role of the technical director is not superior to the chairman. As far as I am concerned, it takes two hours to drive to London and I had to be there as we were 90% there and the deal did not happen because of a player West Brom was expecting.

"Our technical director is way too good to make that mistake and not get a replacement for me. His last words to me were 'sorry Peter we did not get the replacement'. But I do not think that was what did not make this transfer happen."

On whether he was allowed to speak to QPR, Odemwingie said: "They did not give me permission but in England and when you are gentlemen, you understand each other."

Odemwingie claims he even said his goodbyes to players and staff at West Brom before heading down to London.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp has had his say on events, confirming Junior Hoilett was the player West Brom wanted to sign.

"I was just disappointed with the Odemwingie situation," Redknapp said. "I was disappointed for the boy. It was a bit of a mess. I felt genuinely sorry for him. He travelled down and I think he thought the deal was done and that's why he turned up.

"He thought that he'd have a medical and get the forms signed. It was just a mistake. He's now got to go back to West Brom and get on with his life. He's not a bad lad. That was what disturbed me last night.

"He felt the done was done. I think the deal wouldn't have been a problem - it was just a player [Junior Hoilett] was going to go the other way on loan and decided he didn't want to go."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.