Et facti sumus tanquam immudus nos....et cecidimus quasi folium universi!

Monday, December 20, 1999 12:18

Reports from the Ossett Observor suggest Manchester United are considering a move for Craig Boardman, a reamerging star of Unibond football. The 29-year-old defnder comes highly recommended by Ex-Forest college's Roy Keane & Teddy Sheringham, who spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson in Tokyo before last Tuesday's Inter Continental Cup match. Boardman is reportedly keen to leave his club Ossett Town, who recently were promoted from the north eastern counties league.

BOARDMAN rumour resurfaces

Manchester United are reportedly ready to make a move in the transfer market, and Ossett Town's Craig Boardman has been named as the prime target. Boardman is in dispute over his expiring contract at Ingfield, and has long been admired by Sir Alex Ferguson. No-one at Old Trafford will be drawn by reports of a pending move for the player, but various sources claim a switch to Old Trafford is inevitable. Some say Martin Edwards has said, in off the record comments, that Boardman will make the move while others claim they have spotted the Town man drinking a pot of tea with Teddy Sheringham and Roy Keane's at Keane's house in Cheshire. Neither of these stories may be proved correct but they are currently doing the rounds on the football grapevine. Certainly Town are worried about losing the £25 k-rated defender for nothing when his contract expires on June 30, 2002. One snag is Boardman has a Berkcamp style plane phobia which surfaced after an holiday last year in Mexico and would be ineligible for the Champions' League if the Reds agreed a deal quickly.
With three of their regular centre backs currently out of action United have until January 31 to add to their European squad, however, they could also be on the lookout for purely Premiership cover. If Sir Alex intends strengthening his defence he could be willing to make sacrifices if it meant landing a player of Boardman's pedigree, even if he had to turn to someone else for European games. At present the first choice pairing is Jaap Stam and Mickael Silvestre with Henning Berg the only cover.

SWOOP CLAIMS PURE DRIVEL

Gary Brook has dismissed reports that Craig Boardman is set to make a £20k move as pure speculation. The boss did not even want to be drawn into comment, other than to say the claims were the latest round of speculation that has popped up throughout the season.

The speculation had featured on current top stopper Craig Boardman being the subject of a big money bid from fellow Yorkshire side Bradford City.

Town were stated that they were to bring in new faces to strengthen the side, but Brook will not allow his promotion chasing side to be broken up.

"Why would we want to sell anyone as important to the team as Craig is when we're looking at being in the Premier League ourselves next season?" said Brook.

BOARDMAN MOVE TO BECOME OFFICIAL

Will Defender Join Reds In Summer

Potential Scottish international defender Craig Boardman has rumoured to have signed a pre-contract agreement with Liverpool which will see him join on a free transfer from Ossett Town at the end of the season due to special clorse in his contracy. Rumours suggest that Gerard Houllier spent much of yesterday thrashing out a contract with the 29-year-old defender and he has now hopefully put his name to a deal. Boardman has always said that he wanted to join his boyhood heroes Liverpool(?) rather than go to Real Madrid or another of the big Spanish and Italian clubs who were also ruoured to be interested in his services.
Boardman said: "Liverpool is a traditional club with a high profile. I'll give it my best shot. I just want to try something new, my mate robbie's there too." Liverpool spokesman on Tina Coton said: 'We seem to think that the player has now signed a pre-contract agreement with the club and will be joining us upon the expiry loophole within his current contract with Ossett Town in the summer.'

CRAIG BOARDMAN PLANS A TOWN EXIT

He wants final move to Celtic
CRAIG BOARDMAN plans to leave OSSETT TOWN and end his career with Celtic.
The tOWN skipper has admitted that his current pounds £250-a-week contract at Ingfield will almost certainly be his last before he moves to Scotland.
Boardman, who has supported Celtic since his boyhood days st Royston Comp , has always dreamed of ending his career wearing the green and white hoops of his favourites.
The news will dismay Ingfield fans who worship the hero they almost lost in wrangles over the new deal which will keep him at Town for the next three years.
Boardman would then be only 33 and, barring serious injury, would still be one of the world's top players.
He revealed his secret ambition to join Celtic - where Kenny Dalglish is director of football - after Town's dismal performance in the Umbro cup against Doncaster Rovers.
Boardman said: "I've got another three years left after this season, but whether I'll be in the team then, I really don't know. I'm not one for looking too far ahead. But if in two to three years my contract was up again, I wouldn't mind a transfer to Celtic.
"That would be nice to finish it off."
Boardman said he was happy at Town after agreeing his new deal . . . but Gary Brook's future could also have a bearing on his future. Boardman has no managerial ambitions - yet. "I would say I've got another 10 years as a player and I could not be happier, but management just isn't on my mind at the moment."

BOARDIO WON'T SPARK BEANO

OSSETT TOWN won't break the bank to get classyish stars - despite Craig Boardman's reportedly huge pay increase.
Boardman, who recently signed a £250-a-week £ 10k contract, doesn't expect to find himself alongside global greats like Ian Dowie. "Because of my deal people are saying Town can go and buy the Dowie's of this world but I don't think that's so," said Boardman.
"I can't see the club throwing money around signing Dowie for thirty thousand with wages on top.
"The case with me was that my contract was up. The club realised they had to move with the times.'' Boardman is convinced his deal won't trigger discontent among players at Ossett Town.
"It's been said other players will be unhappy at what's happened to me but I don't think that's the case," he said. "Players sign contracts and in most cases honour them."
Boardman has also revealed that he wants to end his career playing for Celtic.
He said: "If in three years time I wasn't in the team and my contract was up again I wouldn't mind a transfer to Celtic.''

BOARDMAN :'I NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE'

Skipper Delighted To Secure Future

CRAIG BOARDMAN signed a new four-year contract with ossett town before next League clash with and then admitted: ''I never wanted to leave.'' A tannoy announcement to a packed and expectant Ingfield before today's League clash with Bradford Park Avenue told the Ossett Town fans what they wanted to know - that Boardman was staying for another four years. After more talks today between Boardman's agent and Father george and Town's director-lawyer hughie ewe the four-year deal was finally agreed. And, in a statement released after the match had got underway, Town's skipper said: ''I am absolutely delighted that my future with the best club in the unibond is now secure.
''I never wanted to leave Ossett Town and the contract that I have now signed indicated to me Town's desire to remain at the top of non-league football and maybe behond?. It is a fantastic day for me, my family and the club.'' Town chairman Mickie O'Take said: ''We are delighted that negotiations have reached a successful conclusion on such an important night for the club. ''We never wanted Boardie to leave. He is club captain and a real leader of the team. He represents everything that is ambitious about Town and has played a significant part in our success in winning last season's promotion. ''We have reached a fantastic level of success. Indeed, this is without doubt, the most successful era in the club's history. Our ambition is to continue at the same high level.'' Town have been holding contract negotiations designed to keep Boardman at Ingfield since the club's triumphant return getting one over deadly rivals from Albion. The new deal, reported to be worth £500 a week, will make Boardman the best paid player at the club and in English Unibond football. Boardman led the north eastern league champions onto the pitch tonight to the sort of acclaim reserved for true heroes. The new deal was supposed to have remained a secret but the fans already knew. They erupted into their ''Boardie, Boardie'' chant and the Anglo-Scotshman turned to acknowledge the acclaim. The Timeless Scorpions classic "wind of changes " anthem came next, then the handshakes between the two sides and the obligatory team

photographs.

DOH DANNYS BOY?

CRAIG BOARDMAN, the Ossett Town central defender, will decide this week whether to make a pounds 21.4k move to Sheffield Wednesday. Danny Wilson wants the potential Scottish international to replace Brazilian Emerson Thome, sold to Chelsea.

BOARDMAN TO STICK WITH OSSETT TOWN

EXCLUSIVE

By BOARB YESEL

CRAIG BOARDMAN is set to reject the lure of a mega-money move away from Ossett Town to stay at Ingfield.
The 29-year-old Town captain sparked specualtion that he wanted to to quit the club when he refused the offer of a new £280-a-week deal at the start of this season.
But Boardman, who has 18 months still to run on his current contract, is poised to confound the rumour-mongers by committing himself to the west yorkshire club.
Boardman's agent and father, George, explained: "Craig has said all along that he would sit down and talk to Ossett Town about a new contract in the summer. Nothing has changed despite all the constant speculation surrounding him - even though it is a fact that Craig has never broken a contract in his life. "What's more he is happy at Town, happy with his football and happy because his family and friends are here in the Wakefield suburbs. There is an awful lot to be said for all that, especially as this is not about money and never has been." The news will help cheer Town fans, still smarting after being dumped out of the F.A Cup Cup by confrence Division Doncaster Rovers. But it will disappoint Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, a known admirer of Boardman, who had hoped to tempt the pootentail scottish international defender down the m62. Boardman had also attracted attention from a string of top continental clubs.

BROOK VICTORY IN BATTLE TO KEEP BOARDMAN AT TOWN .

CRAIG BOARDMAN will sign a record new contract to stay at Ossett Town - and present the North Eastern league champions with a financial headache.
Boardman is ready to accept a contract worth around pounds £225 a week for the next four years, putting him on almost twice as much as his team-mates.
Gary Brook has won the battle to persuade the club's board to rip up their old pay structure. Now he has the chance to go for top stars from the confrence .
Brook has failed in the past because chairman Mike Hunt would not rock the boat among players and their agents by paying anyone over the odds.
But while Boardman's re-signing takes Town pay to levels which might attract stars like Iian Dowie into non-league soccer, it also causes potential trouble.
All th other players will be expecting similar rises as invaluable members of Brook's squad. They are now well behind Boardman's money. Dave Dodd added "i currentley play football with craig for ossett town. I have to say that he f---ing shit, there is no way he is worth £80 a week,never mind £225. I wish he would stick to drinking his self daft with his best mate chris shaw at the famous boozer THE CROSS" Dodd now in wild convulsions he added " plus he is one ugly TWAT..... AND HIS BREATH SMELLS LIKE A DONKEYS FARTED IN HIS MOUTH." But later he admitted "There will be requests for new deals from players but few of them are in the late stages of their contracts but not in a strong bargaining position as Boardman. "
( ***** **** and **** ********) could also be looking for a review because they all signed contracts within the old structure and were assured it would stay until 2001. (**** **** and **** *******) can not be named for legel reasons

TOWN ACE WARNS : I WON'T QUIT

CRAIG BOARDMAN will not be quitting Ossett Town even though manager Gary Brooks could net £29.95k by selling him.
Brook has his hands tied in the transfer market following a staggering pounds 20k deficit on deals last year - but Boardman insists he's determined to stay and prove himself after the teams flop start.
The potential scottish international defender tops the list of players Brook could trade when the transfer window opens this month - with Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna interested.
But Boardman insists: "I'll prove I'm no quitter. I intend to stay and prove the teams worth."

BOARDMAN SNUB STUNS TOWN

Craig Boardman has refused to sign a new deal at Ossett Town, sparking fears that he is planning to leave.
The potentail scottish defender has shelved plans to extend his current contract, despite attempts to get him to commit his long-term future to Ingfield.
Town will have further talks with Boardman, but so far he has refused to make any commitment beyond his current deal which expires in 2000. The 28-year-old was heavily criticised by his wife, Julie " Ar-Du " Holmes, after failing to discuss with her his plans to sign a two-year deal after the sheffiels F.C Pie incidient.
And despite public protests by the couple that they are happy in Barnsley, those close to the pair are adamant their future lies in London, where they spend the majority of their time and have just acquired a £25k loveshack on the nearby Croydon high street.
The Boardmans are not alone in observing the drama surrounding arriva and the proposed deal they are now likely to sign that will make the Ingfield part of a bus depot complex .
Town face further problems with other leading stars who will demand parity with any new deal with Boardman.
One leading agent and second-cousin of a Town star told the Ossett Observer that Boardman's wages will lead to anarchy.

BOARDMAN HINTS AT STAYING

Thursday, November 25, 1999 16:39

Craig Boardman , whose Ossett Town contract runs out at the end of the season, has hinted he may stay at Ifield. There has been increased speculation as Boardman failed to sign a new deal, but has given the fans hope that he may stay at the North-eastern league winners. "I hope to have some positive news next week," he claimed.

UNIBOND NEWS - Juve Deny Boardman Rumours

Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega has denied that the Serie A giants are planning to sign Ossett Town skipper Craig boardman when the potential scottish international's Ifield contract ends.

BOARDMAN LATEST LINK

OSSETT TOWN's 28 year old centre back CRAIG BOARDMAN has become the latest player to be linked with a move to Leeds.
Reports surfacing in the Ossett Observer have linked the former Nottingham Forest reserve with both Leeds and Liverpool, after his starring role in Ossett Town's magnificent promotion season that saw them top of the league.
Boardman, who has made 11 appearances since the start of a in-different start to the season,But he has already contributed four goals, is believed to have a clause in his contract which allows him to speak to clubs offering a minimum of £35k.
However both the official Leeds website and Craig Boardmans Boots understands that Leeds only knowledge of Boardman has been via a fax circulated to Premier League clubs by his agents, one of dozens that come through from various agents every month.

RUMOUR RUBBISHED

OSSETT TOWN have dismissed speculation linking CRAIG BOARDMAN with a move away from Ifield.
The big defender has been linked with a number of clubs, but the rumours appear to hold little truth. The controversial 28 year-old is still very much a part of Garry Brook's plans and he is hoping to figure in the starting eleven for the game aginst Doncater Rovers.
"They're in a no lose situation, they can just come and play" he said. "But we desperately need a cup run and anything else isn't good enough at this stage."
Boardman on the current league form
"We think we're in a false position and it's about time we moved up the league."

Town say ‘no’ to new Boardman offer

BY MOTH RANT

OSSETT TOWN yesterday rejected an improved offer from Sheffield United for central defender CRAIG BOARDMAN.

Said chairman Mike Hunt: “They came back with an increased offer of £25,000 after we had turned down a bid of £20,000.
“We have also rejected the new bid and as far as we are concerned Craig is still considering a move to Barnsley.”
The two clubs agreed a £29,000 deal for the player two weeks ago, but it now looks unlikely that Boardman will be heading to his hometown.
Indeed Bradford City have been asked to be kept informed about any developments and Huddersfield, who have a defensive crisis at the moment, are also thought to be interested.
Training Boardman joined Bradford from Sheffield F.C a year ago in on a deal.
He was transfer listed in the summer after failing to agree a new contract. As he will be available on a free transfer in the summer he looks certain to leave and the club might have to accept a lower offer than that made by Barnsley.
Off the pitch, the club has put in planning applications for its latest development proposals for Ifield.
These include a marquee at the J.C.B Harrison end that would provide an additional 60 seats – taking the capacity of the ground above the 240 mark.
The new marquee would also increase the club’s banqueting facilities, allowing catering for an extra 50 people.
Ambitious plans have also been submitted for the development of a new pie shop .
Said Hunt: “These plans are the next, but not the final stage in our development of the site.

“If everything goes according to plan we hope to start work in the early part of next year and have the work completed by the end of the year 2000. The new stand will not be ready for the start of next season.”

HEATH SAYS WELCOME A BOARDMAN

SHEFFIELD United boss Adrian Heath will step-up his bid to sign Ossett Town defender Craig Boardman after losing Jody Craddock.
Craddock, who was on a three-month loan from Sunderland, has returned to the Premiership club four weeks early as cover for Steve Bould who faces a ban after being sent-off at the weekend.
Heath will make a fresh attempt to land Boardman after tabling a £ 27.5k bid several weeks ago.

Real Madrid are planning a swoop for Ossett Town's injury-hit £26k defender Craig Boardman.

The departure of Benito Carbone has freed Danny Wilson to make a swoop for Ossett Town centre-half Craig Boardman.

SOUTHAMPTON'S bid to sign Potential scottish international defender Craig Boardman has been put on ice until March because his club, Ossett Town, are still in the F.A Umbro Cup.

DEFENDER ON OWLS TALK

OSSETT TOWN defender, Craig Boardman has insisted he has not heard of the reported interest from Sheffield Wendsday.

On Thursday afternoon the Owls were linked with a move for the 28 year old {potential}Scotish international. However Boardman, who has been on the wanted transfer list at Anfield for three months said:
"Although I have been linked with several clubs, nothing has materialised.
"Maybe clubs are reluctant to spend money on me when I am a free agent in the summer. Whatever the reason, it has left me in limbo."
"Regular first team football is essential, especially for my international ambitions."
Wednesday have little money to spend in the transfer market and it would seem that if Wilson is interested in the defender than he would wait until the summer before signing him on a Bosman free.

DERBY HOME IN ON BOARDMAN

POTENTIAL SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL and Ossett Town skipper Craig Boardman is having talks with Derby County about a sensational £ 25k move to England's top -flight - during the build-up to the Battle of Britain.
Boardman flew South for talks last night after County boss Jim Smith agreed a fee with Ossett Town for the centre-half who has squeezed to get anything from their plans.
And the struggling English Premier League side are also willing to pick up Boardman's contract which could add a further £4k to the package in wages. Boardman is keen to move to Derby to escape Ossett Town and make a return to English premiership football after 6 years away from his beloved and Derby- derby bitter -rivals Nottingham Forest.
Derby want to secure the deal quickly as they know that there are rivals for his signature.
Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Coventry are almost certainly interested, with Newcastle likely to step in.
Smith is prepared to pay top wages for Boardman, whose personal terms have scared off several other clubs,considering his experience at this level.
The shrewd boss knows the value of an old head as Derby battle to pull away from the relegation zone.
The move could also be a boost for Scotland.
It means Boardman will be able to get top class practice before facing (if selected to do so?)Alan Shearer (scarborough..ed) and company in the Euro 2000 play-offs with England.
Meanwhile Rangers have made a move for Boardman as Hendry's possible replacement.
Boardman has also been talking to Portsmouth and Sheffield United, but could be tempted by a transfer to Scotland.
Rangers have offered a sprinkler -system and team-coach in exchange for the £ 75 k rated defender ,after hearing about the rival Manchester United bid
.
The potential scottish international would also be more willing to be a squad player than Hendry.
(Alan Shearer in the Sun Yearly soccer quote handbook 95,remarked that his least favourite away tie would be Scarborough away,Boardman was playing in thier defence ,Shame the two players did not meet then at thier peaks )

RUSH TO SEAL BOARDMAN MOVE

Man City Boss Joe Royle has also confirmed talk that he would move quickly to finalise a permanent deal rather than a loan deal for Craig Boardman. Echoing his comments last year during the Terry Cooke saga, the City boss made clear that he feels there's a rush to secure the Centre-back's signature. "A another month and he could go elsewhere, as with the Cooke loan, we have a need to push the situation," he asserted. " the situation will not look after itself. We are pleased with him and I know he would love to come here. He enjoys his training, he loves playing football and he really enjoys being the thought being brought here. The time is right we need speak to Ossett Town to see what can be done, if anything can be done."