Taylor said, "I am disappointed both by what Steve has had to say and when he has said it.

"Everyone at the club has spoken of the need to all pull together at a time which is difficult for us.

"We have lost eight successive games but now is a time when we should all be working to getting us back on track again.

"The comments which have been attributed to Steve are not particularly helpful to our current situation.

"I certainly do not agree with the points that Steve has made. You would have to ask him exactly what he means by them.

"The decision to leave was Steve's and Steve's alone. He had spoken to me about his chances of first team football and I said that I could not have guaranteed him a place in the team.

"I understood Steve's position and did not stand in his way. Steve has been using the facilities at the training ground since leaving Norwich and we have welcomed him back with open arms."