Championship man makes ‘pushed out’ claim in response to club statement

Sheffield Eagles have released a statement to confirm James Glover’s immediate release, with the Championship club revealing he has agreed a deal elsewhere.

The club claim to have ‘mutually agreed’ to release Glover to allow him to move on to his new side before the end of the campaign. The Eagles have also outlined how Glover’s departure means they bring in new faces with a view to the the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

The decision brings an end to Glover’s time at Sheffield, where he has had two spells as a player after returning to the club from York Knights in 2023. The centre leaves the Olympic Legacy Stadium having scored six tries in seven games for the Eagles this season with his last effort coming last weekend in the win over London Broncos.

The statement read: “Sheffield Eagles has been informed that James Glover will be joining another club at the end of this season having agreed a contract with them.

“The club can confirm that we have mutually agreed to release James Glover from his contract to allow him to move to his new club with immediate effect, and to allow us to source replacements who are committed to Sheffield Eagles beyond the end of the 2025 season.

“The club would like to place on record their thanks to James for his commitment and effort to Sheffield Eagles over two spells with us and wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”

Championship man responds to statement

However, after seeing the Eagles post such a statement, Glover commented on Facebook to dispute the club’s claims that he mutually agreed to be let go. The 31-year-old went on to say he would have been happy to stay at Sheffield until the end of the Championship season and outline his belief that he has been ‘pushed out early by certain individuals’.

“Just to clarify I never mutually agreed to be released from my contract,” Glover wrote in the comments under the Eagles’ Facebook post. “I was told that because I’d signed elsewhere next season I was free to leave now.

“I was still under contract until the end of the season and I was happy to stay and see my contract out just like anybody else does in sport.

“I love the lads and would’ve never chosen to let them down, I’ve always loved what was made of the club previously, but I’ve got my family to think about and when my presence isn’t valued and I am being pushed out early by certain individuals, I have no choice but to walk away. Hope all the fans understand.”