FA charge Witton manager (From Northwich Guardian)

Gary Finley plans to appeal after FA charge him with improper conduct

3:24pm Friday 26th February 2010 in News By Andrew Simpson

GARY Finley has been charged by the Football Association following his dismissal from the dugout at Brigg Town earlier this month.

The game’s governing body accused the Witton boss of improper conduct during the UniBond League Division South encounter, during which he was sent off after colliding with a linesman as he retrieved the match ball.

Albion lost the match 1-0.

“We’ll defend him robustly,” vowed club chairman Mark Harris, who told the Guardian that Witton would request a personal hearing for Finley to put his case.

He has until March 8 to respond officially.

Harris added that Albion may call upon an opposition player to make a statement in support of the former Colwyn Bay manager, who was also sent from the sidelines during Saturday’s home defeat against Glapwell after stepping outside the marked area in front of the bench.

However the referee on that occasion, Brian McGill, has told the Wincham Park outfit he plans to take no further action.

“The club applauds the decision and is happy to let the matter rest,” added Harris.

“I think both decisions were harsh in the extreme and I’m sure other people who were at the games would agree.”

He has promised Witton fans that bad behaviour will not stall the club’s push for promotion back to the UniBond Premier Division at the first attempt.

They finished a league match with 10-men on the field for a second successive week on Saturday after Steve Foster was shown a red card for violent conduct.

Captain Paul Henry had been sent for an early bath at Brigg for the same reason.

Both will serve three-matches suspensions.

“It’s not good for our image,” admitted Harris.

“I reminded the players on Thursday that we have a code of conduct, but more than that they have to recognise that they still have a chance to be part of something successful this season.”

Witton prepare to host Stamford tomorrow, Saturday, just two points off a play-offs position.