We'll beat transfer ban, vows Vics owner

5:25pm Saturday 10th January 2009

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JIM Rushe plans has vowed to fight a transfer ban stopping Vics signing new players.

The Blue Square Premier club’s owner says he is will do everything he can to get the embargo – made by the Football Conference last month – lifted.

“I’m working flat out,” he said.

“As far as I am concerned we have done everything asked of us in terms of providing the pieces of paperwork that the Conference wants to see.”

He said further talks were planned with league bosses following a meeting at the Football Conference’s Birmingham headquarters on Tuesday.

General manager Dennis Strudwick summoned Rushe to discuss the club’s ongoing financial problems.

“I felt the meeting went ok,” said Rushe.

“It’s very frustrating because we want help the manager strengthen the squad so we can start moving up the table.”

On Tuesday Rushe said he had been asked to hand over documents for the league’s latest quarterly review of accounts, a system introduced at the start of the season in tandem with the Football Association to help teams keep on top of their debts.

A payment schedule to service Vics’ six-figure debt to HM Revenue and Customs, was just one of those items.

Meanwhile the Conference remains tight-lipped on the reason for hitting Vics with a ban – their second of the season so far.

“These matters are private,” Strudwick told the Guardian.

“I can’t therefore discuss any member club’s issues of this kind.”

He also refused to be drawn on what Rushe would have to do in order for the embargo to be lifted or indeed how quickly that could be done.

He added: “The club is working very hard to meet all the Football Conference’s criteria and policies.

“We are pleased to help and advise at any meeting.”

Meanwhile manager Steve King is unable to bring in players he feels can improve a side without a league win since October 18.

Vics lie bottom of the Blue Square Premier, some 12 points from safety.

Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke has made his move from Salisbury City a permanent one since the transfer window opened at the start of the month, a signing not subject to the ban.

Richie Sutton has left the Marston’s Arena to join UniBond Division One North table toppers FC Halifax Town, while shot stopper Michael Jones has joined Welsh Premier League leaders Rhyl on a month-long loan.