Football - Bradford put striker deal on ice (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Football - Bradford put striker deal on ice

10:09am Saturday 8th November 2008 in Sport By Gazette Sports

A WRANGLE over the release of Kendal Town signing Stuart Rudd means that he will be unavailable to play against his former club Bradford Park Avenue in Saturday's Unibond League Premier Division clash at Parkside Road.

Behind the scenes moves this week to try to secure Rudd's availability have failed.

Kendal Town secretary Craig Campbell said: "The situation is that Bradford still hold his contract and he is not going to be released until Monday."

Despite last Saturday's 4-1 defeat against Guiseley, Town are still third in the table, seven points adrift of current league leaders Hednesford Town with a match in hand.

Sixth-placed Bradford are pressing to get into the play-off places and obviously not too keen to have their former disaffected striker pitted against them if they can avoid it.

Town player-manager Lee Ashcroft is still suspended for Saturday's match as are midfielder Ian Kilford and defender Jimmy Williams. And there is another blow with centre-back George Melling picking up five bookings and out for the regulation one match.

Kilford will be available for Wednesday's Lancashire Cup match away at Padiham, with Ashcroft and Williams returning in time for the trip to Hednesford on Saturday, November 11.

The Nantwich Town fixture on November 22 will have to be rearranged as the Cheshire side are involved in an FA Trophy tie on the same day.

Meanwhile, the club has announced they have dispensed with the services of coach Ged Starkey.

Club secretary Mr Campbell said Mr Starkey's departure was an internal matter and said the club was making no further comment.

n Kendal Ladies team are home to Abbey Town on Sunday (1pm kick off), weather permitting.