Football: Whitburn ready to name clubs for tapping up their players

WHITBURN are threatening to report fellow East Region clubs for tapping players as rumours circulate about the magnitude of their financial problems.

Raymond Wallace, the Whitburn secretary, is furious that players are being approached illegally at a time when it has been claimed the whole squad are about to become free agents due to contracts not being fulfilled.

"The players met with the committee last week when the financial position was outlined to them," said Wallace. "A new contract was negotiated between the players and committee with the proviso that come the end of the season every player would be free to leave should so wish.

"Virtually all the squad accepted the proposal put to them, thus knocking on the head these rumours. Whitburn will have a full squad of players for tomorrow's Fife & Lothian's Cup tie against Thornton Hibs."

Wallace added: "A more worrying aspect of the situation is the wholly illegal tapping of our players directly by other Junior clubs in the Region.

"Other clubs are phoning our players directly and that's against the rules as laid out by the SJFA.

"Whitburn are looking at these approaches and believe these clubs will have to answer to the SJFA.

"We are in a mind to report them for these indiscretions.

"We are not alone in this financial climate and other clubs should bear that in mind when discussing our players.

"The grass is not always greener on the other side. They, too, could have players unsettled at their club."