GEORGE Donis is looking for a new club after having his contract with Blackburn Rovers cancelled by mutual agreement.

And, in an exclusive interview with the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, the Greek international revealed that he would like to stay in the Premiership.

A parting of the ways has been on the cards for some time, with Donis unable to claim a place in manager Roy Hodgson's 16-man squad this season.

"I spoke to the manager before the Premier League started, because I need to play first team football," said Donis.

"But I haven't had a chance to play, so I requested a free transfer and my agent spoke with Blackburn last week.

"They have said yes.

"Sometimes these things happen in football. Sometimes the manager likes you, sometimes he doesn't.

"When I first signed for Blackburn, I thought I showed the fans that George Donis is a good player.

"I didn't play in the last game for Greece because I am not playing at Blackburn. If we win the final game of our (World Cup qualifying) group against Denmark, we will be top.

"And I need to be playing. I am returning to Greece for a short break but I am also looking for a new club." Donis is concerned that, if Greece make it to France for next summer's World Cup finals, he could be overlooked if he is not playing regularly at a high level.

When he joined Rovers from Panathinaikos in the summer of 1986 - on a free transfer under Bosman - Donis became the first Greek star to appear in the Premiership.

He played the first 11 games under Ray Harford but made only three more starts, in addition to a number of substitute appearances last season.

Since Hodgson's arrival, he hasn't figured at all and the manager made it clear that, even though he was without Stuart Ripley and Kevin Gallacher on Saturday, other midfield players would be given preference over Donis.

Rovers have agreed to let Donis continue training with them until he finds a new club but, if he wants an early move, his choices are limited because of the 'transfer windows' which operate in several countries.

"I think there is only England, Scotland or France," he said. "And my first choice would be England."

Although there will again be no fee involved, high wages could be a problem.

Meanwhile, Rovers today played down a suggestion in a Sunday paper that Jeff Kenna was preparing to leave on a free at the end of his contract next summer.

"Talks have been planned with Jeff and several other players for some time, he is aware of that and it will be done as soon as is practical for both parties," said Ewood chairman Robert Coar. Patrick Valery, sent off for two yellow cards at Spurs on Saturday, will receive a one-match ban and miss the game at Wimbledon on Saturday week.

"I don't think it was a really wicked foul," said Hodgson. "But when you are playing against players like Dominguez and Ginola if you mistime the challenge by a split second you can be in trouble.

"But I certainly wouldn't fine Patrick for that.

"Tottenham must count themselves unlucky not to win but, after letting in four goals against Leeds, I took heart from the fact that we showed the character and courage to keep a clean sheet."

Gary Hamilton (2) and Jon Topley scored in the B team's 3-0 win over Blackpool. The A team lost 1-0 at Bury.

Rovers today won the Premier League award from the Football Trust for their facilities for disabled fans.

Northampton, Crewe and Celtic were also honoured for providing the highest standards of facilities and Minister of Sport Tony Banks MP, who made the presentation, said: "It is a great pleasure to be invited here today to present these awards to clubs who have made such impressive progress in improving their facilities for disabled supporters."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.