News  RSS feed | About

Brought to you by Bromsgrove Advertiser

ROW: Steve Ball admitted taking equipment from the club, after claiming he is owed money.

A ROW over missing physiotherapy equipment has erupted between Bromsgrove Rovers and their former treatment man Steve Ball, who says he is holding the club to ransom over unpaid wages.

Ball departed the Victoria Ground last week after three and a half years, following talks with caretaker manager Duane Darby.

However, the story took a bizarre twist after Ball left with some of the Greens' physiotherapy equipment.

The club say the goods had still not been returned, despite numerous promises.

Ball admitted taking the equipment, and said he would return it when he receives two weeks money he claims he is owed.

He said: "I'm just holding them to ransom as they owe me two weeks money.

"I am going to speak to Tom (Herbert, Rovers' chairman), and they can have their stuff but I want my money.

"People get paid for what they have done and you shake hands and say thanks very much, but that is not the way it has worked out."

But Rovers' director of football Steve Daniels insisted the former physio would be paid his money.

He added that Ball had failed to turn up at the club on several occasions when he was expected to collect his wages and return the missing equipment.

"He will get what is due to him when we see him," said Daniels.

"His money is here for him when he comes to collect it, regardless of whether he brings the stuff back."

Rovers have had a torrid time with injuries in recent weeks, and Darby believes that his players were not returning to fitness quickly enough.

The Greens boss said: "I felt that players weren't getting back quickly enough from injuries.

"We had a few words and decided we just couldn't work together.

"If the club wants to go forward they want the best players playing.

"He took all of the physio stuff that the club paid for so we can treat players.

"He promised to bring it back three times but he hasn't.

"To take all of the equipment that doesn't belong to him is an absolute disgrace."

Meanwhile, after just three appearances for Rovers, midfielder Alex Cowley has rejoined Halesowen Town.

As part of the deal an unnamed striker from the Yeltz is likely to be heading the other way.

Darby has also struck a deal with Solihull Moors striker Gary McPhee, and he is in line to make his debut against league leaders King's Lynn at the Victoria Ground on Saturday.

McPhee was Darby's team-mate during a spell at Nuneaton Borough.

"Gary will bring us experience and firepower up front," said Darby.

"I had a phone call this morning (regarding Alex Cowley) and we are trying to take someone from them. It is going to be a striker."

Rovers have announced that they will be holding another soccer week during the Easter holidays.

The soccer week, running from Monday March 31 until Friday April 4, allows children to take part in high quality training sessions For more information contact the club on 01527 876 949.

Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters Club are holding a quiz night on Friday at the Victoria Club.

The event starts at 8pm and costs £6 for a team of four.

3:15pm Wednesday 12th March 2008

Print   Email this   Comment