Witton Albion vow to support Jamie Tandy after he escapes jail sentence (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion vow to support Jamie Tandy after he escapes jail sentence

3:33pm Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in

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WITTON Albion say they will stand by Jamie Tandy despite a judge telling the footballer he should be in jail.

The former Manchester City trainee escaped a prison sentence at Bolton Crown Court yesterday, Monday, after admitting he had beaten up his former girlfriend.

But the Northwich club will not tear up his contract.

“We’ll support him in whatever way we can,” said chairman Mark Harris.

“It’s never nice for supporters to read about their club or one of its players in the national press in this way but we are acutely aware of what he has been going through in his private life.”

Tandy, who cleans windows when he is not in red and white, admitted common assault and battery for which he was given a 12-months sentence suspended for two years and a two-years community rehabilitation order.

He was also ordered to pay Sian Heron £1,000 in compensation and £150 court costs.

The couple have now split up.

Harris told the Guardian that he met the 25-year-old, currently out injured, before Saturday’s UniBond League Division One South clash against Glapwell.

Manager Gary Finley was there too.

“We felt it was right to let him know where we stand while being mindful of our overall responsibilities and regretting the circumstances that have brought about the publicity,” added Harris.

“There can be little doubt about his abilities as a player and we’re looking forward to seeing him back doing what he does best, which is playing football.

“We feel our supporters will echo these sentiments.”

Witton were so impressed with Tandy’s form in the early weeks of the current campaign that they offered him a contract in November to stay at Wincham Park until the end of the season.

He has made 32 starts in league and cup this term, scoring one goal.

Newspaper reports today, Tuesday, have made much of the fact that the midfielder blamed his behaviour in part on former teammate Joey Barton.

The pair were playing for the Premier League giants when Barton stubbed out a cigar in his eye at the club’s Christmas party back in 2004.

Tandy later sued the Newcastle United star for £65,000 in damages.

Sentencing, Recorder Francis Davis said: “I'm conscious of the misfortune that struck you with the destruction of your football career which caused you as a young man considerable difficulties.

“That part of your life is gone.

“You need to grow up and you need to start thinking of other people for once.”