CHERRIES’ wantaway defender Rhoys Wiggins explained his decision to hand in a transfer request and pointed the finger at the Dean Court club.

Wiggins yesterday formally expressed his desire to leave following interest from Watford.

Chairman Eddie Mitchell confirmed the Championship outfit had submitted two firm offers, both of which were turned down.

Wiggins, who signed a two-year contract when he joined Cherries on a permanent basis in July, last night insisted a move to Watford would give him the chance to further his career.

He also suggested he had been assured Cherries would not block any potential move to a higher level and that he had been told team-mates would not be sold, only to see them subsequently head through the exit.

The left-back claimed: “I was told early on that if ever a club from a higher league came in, Bournemouth wouldn’t stand in my way.

“I was told, more or less when I first came down, that other players wouldn’t be sold and would be kept, and a few players have gone.

“After a few players did go, in January I went in again because I had interest from another club, not Watford, and was told nobody else was going anywhere, so I accepted that. Then another player departed.”

The Echo was last night unable to contact Mitchell or chief executive Neill Blake for a response. But discussing the Wiggins situation earlier in the evening, Mitchell said: “You know where we are in the league and you know we are in a position to push for at least the play-offs and that is one of the reasons we declined them. The other reason was the offers were miles away from what we value him at.

“The offer was too light and we want to keep him anyway. We couldn’t replace him for what they offered us so what is the point in selling him?

“We are an ambitious club and we want to be challenging Watford next season, not selling them our players now.”

Wiggins added: “They are in a good position where they can get promoted – I understand that – and that is what their aim is.

“But at the same time, it is a chance for me to further my career and I think Watford is the sort of club that ticks all the right boxes for me.

“It is close to home and they are going for promotion themselves and are in and around the play-offs. That is why I did it.

“I think they are fair offers, otherwise I wouldn’t be kicking up so much of a fuss. It is a good opportunity and I have got to do what is best for myself.”

With the loan window due to shut at 5pm today, Watford could come back in for Wiggins ahead of the deadline, with a view to making the deal permanent in the summer.