Richard O'Donnell: Decision wasn't about the money

Goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell insists his decision to leave Walsall was not motivated by money - after revealing he has turned down offers from the Championship.

The 26-year-old has rejected the chance to join two clubs from the second tier and is determined not to pick up cash for sitting on the bench.

O'Donnell hopes to resolve his future in the next two weeks and could well remain in League One after receiving interest from Bradford City and Doncaster Rovers.

But wherever he goes, he wants to be playing.

"That is the main thing I am telling people," he said. "I want to go and play.

"I played every game during my time at Walsall apart from the last two and even then when I had to sit there and not play, I wasn't happy.

"I'm not leaving for financial gain.

"I've had offers to go to the Championship and probably not play but I'm looking for somewhere I can be settled.

"I'm not against moving my family if it is the right thing to do."

Doncaster boss Paul Dickov confirmed their interest in O'Donnell, describing him as a player they have been watching "for some time".

Talks between the keeper and the Saddlers had been ongoing since November, with improved terms offered in February.

O'Donnell claims he informed manager Dean Smith he would not be accepting the new deal more than a week-and-a-half ago, information which prompted some supporters to criticise the club when it emerged yesterday, after chief executive Stefan Gamble had earlier this week discussions talks were not over.

But O'Donnell defended the Saddlers, claiming they could have done no more to keep him.

"The club have been brilliant, they wanted to keep me and I don't think they could have done any more," he said.

"It is my decision and I have taken a lot of time talking to family and friends about it.

"I told the gaffer ten or 11 days ago and I was expecting it to come out any day after that.

"When I saw stories earlier this week, saying it was still ongoing, I thought it was best to get it out there.

"I wanted to make sure everything was done in the right way."