July 1 2009

Scott Flinders

Scott Flinders is the latest player to take a swipe at Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock.

Shefki Kuqi blasted the Eagles manager this week and now out-of-contract keeper Flinders has had a go after sealing his move to Hartlepool.

Flinders, 23, failed to make an impression at the club after his £1m switch from Barnsley three years ago and claims Warnock did not even tell him he was letting him go.

"The manager didn't really say anything to me, even when I left," Flinders said to the Croydon Guardian. "He didn't sit me down and tell me he wasn't offering me a deal, the first I knew about it was on the internet which was disappointing.

"I have had three years where I wasn't playing and had to go out on loan but I'm at an age now where I am getting towards my prime and I need games."

Flinders added: "When you go for that amount of money there is a lot of interest in you and people said a lot of bad things about me but I have come out a stronger person.

"I was only 20 when I came and that is still young for a goalkeeper. I never felt like I got my feet under the table and I have got a lot to prove as I came for a lot of money.

"I was expecting a lot more from my time at Palace and many fans probably think I have been a failure, but I don't think so, I would put it down as an experience where I grew up a lot.

"I know what people are like in the game now, whereas when I first came to London I thought everyone was my best mate.

"I have come down a league to make sure I am playing but I am sure I will come back up and prove myself."