18/07/2008 - Alex could face tribunal over Fon Williams fee
by Gwyn Griffiths
CREWE may have to rely on the goodwill of a Football League transfer tribunal to recoup compensation for Owain Fon Williams, who has joined League One rivals Stockport.
So far County appear resistant to fork out a fee believed to be in excess of £100,000 for the keeper who never made a senior Alex appearance.
The 21-year-old turned down a three-year offer, citing disillusionment over a lack of first-team football before he signed for Stockport.
Despite his lack of exposure, Fon Williams still attracted interest by becoming a regular with the Wales under-21 side last season. During last January’s transfer window, he was even linked with more glamorous moves to the likes of Blackburn and Bolton.
Crewe could well cite that at any hearing as they attempt to extract as much compensation as they can for the free agent. But their failure to play the keeper in the first team, as well as his shorter stay at the club compared to some other Academy graduates – he joined as a scholar at the age of 16, could count against them.
Meanwhile, Jake Buxton’s trial has been extended for a further week, so the centre-half can be assessed in next Tuesday’s warm-up clash at Wrexham.
The former Mansfield captain showed up well in the midweek win at UniBond outfit Quorn and is still in line to earn a contract.
“Steve was pleased with Jake at Quorn,” said assistant manager Neil Baker. “He is decent on the ball and a good competitor, who played 40-odd games for Mansfield last year. He did well enough and we should learn a bit more about him in the Wrexham game.
Cypriot defender Nick Gkionis, who featured in Tuesday’s win at Biddulph Vics, and an Italian winger have been released from trial stints.
IPSWICH Town’s pursuit of Nicky Maynard could rest on whether they can land Nuremberg’s £2.5m-rated Greek striker Angelos Charisteas.
Boss Jim Magilton signed Kevin Lisbie from Colchester this week and is likely to draw a line on his striker numbers.
Maynard sat out this week’s friendlies after picking up a shin injury along with George Abbey (back), but both should be available for the short trip to Wales, while striker Calvin Zola is expected to shrug off an Achilles strain.
