WARRINGTON Wolves have released hooker Ian Ure part way through his apprenticeship contract.

The club have paid up the 18-year-old's remaining contract money up front, told him he can continue with his college studies and said they will continue to support him for treatment to a shoulder injury.

But Ure and his parents have been left baffled by the club's decision to let him go.

His mum, Bernie, says: "He has been full-time on the club's apprenticeship scheme since leaving school and as far as we could see he was doing well.

"John Myler was the coach of the Academy team last year and he said Ian always gave 100 per cent. He took part in the schools' coaching and had letters from schools to say how well he had done with the kids.

"He had a dislocated shoulder in June and had an operation in October and was looking forward to getting back into training with the under 21s for next season.

Wages

"But Ian had a phone call asking him to go into the club and he was told the news.

"We've been told there was nothing on the disciplinary side but that it was partially due to money and also the club felt he would struggle in future because of his shoulder injury.

"But the surgeon told us he should be fit for the start of the new season. So, with the club paying his wages up front it seems daft not to have carried on with him playing for them. All in all, it doesn't add up to us and Ian is out of a job and without a team to play for.

"He feels he has given the club a lot but that the club have not given him a chance to prove himself."

Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde highlighted the difficult situation the club was in.

He said: "Ian is a hooker and that is the only position we feel he can play. We already have Danny Farrar in the first team, David Highton in the under 21s and Sean Penkywicz coming through with James Williams also joining the club in May.

"And we don't think Ian is going to go on and attain Super League level. So, we didn't think he would get enough regular football here and we feel it is better for him that he finds another club where he can play regularly."

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