Craig Westcarr

Stevenage deny Kettering claims

Blue Square Premier club Stevenage Borough have denied allegations by Kettering Town that they have made an illegal approach for striker Craig Westcarr.

The 23-year old is reportedly being tracked by a number of teams but has already been spotted at Stevenage's Broadhall Way stadium.

Westcarr's appearance at Stevenage did not sit well with Kettering chairman Imraan Ladak, who claims that football clubs aren't allowed to talk to Wescarr.

Ladak says that Westcarr's deal will only expire on 5th June while Stevenage Chairman Phil Wallace claims that his deal already expired on 3rd May.

"Under very basic FA rules, which all clubs are aware of, no club is currently allowed to speak to Craig Westcarr," Ladak told his club's official website.

"We were advised that Craig Westcarr would be signing an undated contract with Stevenage Borough at 10am on Friday at Broadhall Way.

"Had a reporter/photographer not been there, we wouldn't have been able to prove the meeting took place - and it is unlikely that Stevenage would confirm it for us."

Wallace believes that the Poppies are trying to boost Westcarr's value ahead of an impending tribunal valuation.

He told Stevenage's official website: "We're told he's declined their offer of re-engagement and therefore he's free to talk to any club he wishes.

"We saw him on Friday but we also know that he's seen other clubs too, which is his right if he's refused re-engagement.

"It seems as if this has been contrived by Kettering to try and influence a Tribunal valuation but the people who serve on them have seen it all before.

"If we sign Craig and he's under 24 then Kettering are due compensation.

"There's a procedure for that and the fee is based on certain facts and precedence.

"Kettering trying to influence that with blokes jumping out of bushes and references to Ashley Cole won't make any difference to the outcome.

"I'm even more surprised because on several occasions in the past Imraan has called for my advise on different issues."