Prop forward Lea Tichener today broke the silence on his request for a transfer from York Rugby League Club.

Tichener told the Evening Press he requested a move after becoming disillusioned with events at Huntington Stadium.

The 26-year-old was last week suspended from the club, reportedly for his part in moves to raise a vote of no confidence in coach Dean Robinson.

Sources close to the club claimed that Tichener's team-mates declined to support the vote and the long-serving player was subsequently disciplined by Robinson.

Tichener has enjoyed a consistent, injury-free season so far but has found himself in and out of the side.

The lack of a run in the first team is believed to be at the heart of his grievance with Robinson.

The coach, meanwhile, said team selection was based purely on footballing decisions and that other players who were dropped had "bitten the bullet".

Tichener declared he would agree to play while on the transfer list but admitted his long-term future appears to lie elsewhere.

"I am quite happy to continue playing for the club but remain on the transfer list and hope that somebody may come in for me," said Tichener, who has made more than 50 appearances for the Wasps.

"I cannot go into the reasons why but just that I am unhappy with the situation. I feel that I was unfairly treated.

"It is a shame and I am very upset to be leaving the club when they are doing so well but it is a matter of how I feel now."

Tichener, a popular figure with the York fans, added that he was grateful for the support he received when he attended Sunday's game with Doncaster.

"I wanted the public to know because a lot of supporters had a word with me on Sunday and I said I am just not happy anymore. I think I would like to try somewhere else," he said.

"I have been there six years and I want people to understand that I have got York Rugby League at heart but I have been upset by circumstances at the club which have touched a nerve. That has forced me to look elsewhere.

"I feel that I have been playing the best rugby I have played since I joined York and I believe that, at 26, there are still a good four or five years left in me yet and hopefully someone will benefit from that.

"I have kept clear of injury but what disappoints me is that I have worked so hard to try and prove myself on the field to gain myself a shirt week in and week out, not to be in one week and out the next."I had enough time off last season through injury. I do not want to be missing games. You train all week to play the game."

Robinson revealed that the unrest followed Tichener's omission from the team to face Bramley on June 21.

"Unfortunately Lea didn't take kindly to that decision and went the wrong way about addressing that situation, seeking allegiance elsewhere to condemn that decision," said the coach, who has yet to speak to Tichener about his future at the club.

"I was very disappointed in his actions and subsequently he was suspended. I feel Lea has been playing some of the best rugby of his career and it is rather disappointing that this situation has arisen.

"I am more than happy with my decision making and any action that I took. Players in the same situation as Lea have bitten the bullet and tried to get back in the week after."

He added that he would listen to "sensible" offers for the prop forward and would also consider allowing him to go out on loan.

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