MARK Roberts was free to sign for Accrington Stanley, according to chairman Eric Whalley.

The League Two club announced that the 23-year-old defender had left Vics to play for them yesterday, Tuesday, only for Northwich to say they knew nothing about it.

But Stanley say the FA gave them the go-ahead.

"When we got in touch with them the FA about the transfer, we were told Mark Roberts was a free agent," said Whalley today, Wednesday.

"They said as of May 5 there hadn't been a retained list from Northwich Victoria."

Vics disagree.

Former manager Steve Burr and chairman Mike Connett met on April 24 to decide which players they wanted to keep and Roberts' name was top of their list.

The FA needed to see it by May 1, but now the game's governing body are saying they didn't have a copy when Whalley came calling.

"We will find out next week if it has to go to a tribunal," added the Stanley chairman.

Roberts made 26 appearances for Northwich after switching from Crewe Alexandra at the start of the year.

Accrington boss John Coleman is just happy to have his man.

"Mark's a good player," he told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"He's someone we've had a few calls about and so we've decided to sign him.

"We're a bit light on central defenders so he's a good addition."