Colchester United could get tough on Norwich City for luring their ex-manager, Paul Lambert, across East Anglia, by applying for a points deduction.
The saga over how Colchester say Chief Executive, David McNally, tried to appoint the Scot began when he telephoned Chairman, Robbie Cowling, on August 15.
Norwich were asking permission to hire the man responsible for co-ordaining a 7-1 defeat against them just seven days before, without prior consent or even an interview.
In previously unpublished full quotes from the Dream 100 FM Col U Live show, Chief Executive, Steve Bradshaw, recounted later that week: “The first thing that happened is we got a phone call Saturday night to say that Norwich has been in contact with Mr. Cowling to say that they wanted to appoint Paul Lambert – not to interview, speak or talk to him.
“I`ve got to say, we thought it was very strange because it would be difficult to make an appointment without ever speaking to somebody but, hey you know, that`s the way it is.“
“Sunday we spent some time with Paul speaking with him, also trying to make sure we were set for Monday. We had to speak with Norwich about a level of compensation to allow them to speak to Paul; they weren’t going to offer anywhere near our proposed figure so we refused,” he continued.
As the two sides struggled to agree potential remuneration the following day, Lambert expressed his frustrations by ultimately resigning. He then completed a shock unveiling north of Colchester next morning.
Bradshaw explained:” On Monday Paul came in and we was distracted and I understand that.
“He was frustrated the clubs couldn`t get together about it so Mr. Colwing very generously allowed him to go up to Norwich as long as he wasn`t induced in any way to leave the club. He went and spoke to Norwich and resigned Monday evening.
“Mr. Cowling didn`t accept his resignation but Paul had made up his mind and his two members of staff, Gary Karsa and Ian Culverhouse, who I`ve a tremendous respect for, resigned Tuesday morning. So that`s where we were and we had to deal with it.”
Cowling`s commitment to sealing both compensation and a possible deduction is affirmed in today`s Colchester Daily Gazette. His stance has long been that the manner of Lambert`s departure contravened an article in Football League rules. The club are, however, hoping to resolve the matter of compensation for Lambert first, without need for a tribunal or F.A. intervention.
“We are looking for a point deduction as well as a fine, because we feel the rules have been broken,” said the U`s dual Chairman-owner.
So what do you think?
Let us know with a comment below, or chat about this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don’t panic, click on the banner below to join in.
We want to know YOUR thoughts…
VITAL COLCHESTER; YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE!
VITAL COLCHESTER IS 100% UNOFFICIAL – FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS!
I’m looking for a word, I’ve got it – Blub.
Don’t have a lot of sympathy for the way Norwich snared thier man, so if the U’s are looking out for their best interests then it will only be a case of them doing exactly what Lambert did when he left for a bigger club earlier in the season.
Go for it Robbie – that’s what I say! Make them suffer as much as possible! Points deductions, large compensation package…