Gray did not want to play at Coventry

Burnley had reluctantly given him permission when he told Coyle that he wanted to leave and Coyle issued a lengthy statement to the club's web site which reads as follows:

"Burnley Football Club has today reluctantly agreed to give Charlton permission to speak to Andy Gray. This follows a fee being agreed between the two clubs of £1.5 million, with top ups that could take it to £2 million.

"I have to say that we never wanted to lose Andy at any point and that is why we turned down the first bid. However, at that point, Andy came to me and said he wanted to go to Charlton. I think he had been made aware that he could double his salary, but at that time there wasn't a deal that suited this football club. Subsequent to that, Charlton made an improved offer and after receiving that I received a second visit from Andy, reiterating that he wanted to go.

"We had a second offer from another Championship club, involving a lot of cash, plus a player. That club was made aware of the situation regarding what Andy's contractual needs would be and at that point they pulled out.

"This morning, Andy was again waiting to see me when I arrived at the club and when he asked I told him there had been an improved offer that the club were looking at. At that point he asked if I was considering him playing at Coventry on Saturday, which I was. Andy told me that he felt he was not in the right frame of mind and could not do himself justice.

"I feel that players have an obligation that whoever wears that shirt, they do so with pride because our supporters work hard all week and pay good money to watch their team, home and away.

"All I ask is that they give everything they have got to represent those supporters, but after talking to my staff and thinking about it, we felt that we had been backed into a corner and had no option.

"I told Andy to go home and that he wouldn't be training with the lads as I only want players totally committed and focused as we prepare for a big match. At that point he was neither committed nor focused on Burnley Football Club.

"I have to say that since I have been here Andy has worked really well and been terrific for me. I am disappointed at how it all came to an end, but again I say that I only want players who are totally committed to this club and give all they have got."