Illegal Approach?

Vice Chairman Dave Smith issued the following statement on behalf of Port Vale Football Club.

‘We believe an illegal approach has been made by agents to two of our senior players, in a bid to persuade them to leave the club. We have taken advice at the highest level from football authorities to discuss the matter with the players concerned.


We are now considering making an official complaint in the strongest terms to the Football Association. This type of illegal behaviour unsettles players and disrupts preparations for games.


The manager is under no pressure to sell and will only do so if it’s in the interests of the club. We want to hold on to our best players and strengthen the squad in a bid to get promoted this season.’

According to the Vital Plymouth site:

Plymouth have reportedly had two bids turned down for Billy Paynter and Sam Collins. They wanted to sign the duo on loan until January when they could make the deals permanent.

Smith told the club’s official website: ‘We believe an illegal approach has been made by agents to two of our senior players, in a bid to persuade them to leave the club. We have taken advice at the highest level from football authorities to discuss the matter with the players concerned. We are now considering making an official complaint in the strongest terms to the Football Association. This type of illegal behaviour unsettles players and disrupts preparations for games.’

Adding: ‘The manager is under no pressure to sell and will only do so if it’s in the interests of the club. We want to hold on to our best players and strengthen the squad in a bid to get promoted this season.’

Tony Pulis meanwhile has said the club have done nothing wrong explaining to the Plymouth Evening Herald: ‘I have spoken to Foyley and told him about my interest in them. He told me they would be available at the right price. It’s now down to the two chairmen to find out what that price is, and if they want to sell. But, as I have said before, I have made a lot of inquiries about players at other clubs.’

Sounds like a storm in a tea cup to me!