Robins fined for illegal approach (From Worcester News)

Robins fined for illegal approach

10:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN #WENsport

EVESHAM United have been fined £100 after they were found guilty of making an illegal approach for striker Ben Pugh.

The Robins signed Pugh from Nuneaton Town in December but the Blue Square Bet North club claimed Evesham had not given the required seven days’ notice of approach.

United pleaded their case to a Worcestershire FA commission but were found to be in the wrong and handed the financial penalty. The club will not appeal the decision.

Evesham can retain the services of Pugh, who has scored three times for his new club, but he will miss tomorrow’s trip to Stourbridge (3pm) with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Jack Winter (hamstring) is also doubtful for the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division match.

Following last Saturday’s 4-3 home defeat to basement boys Swindon Supermarine, Robins manager Matt Clarke has called on his players to prove it was a one-off.

After winning six out of 10 games under Clarke’s leadership, Evesham trailed 4-0 after a shambolic first-half at St George’s Lane.

Clarke said: “I didn’t see it coming and am still shell-shocked. Disappointing would be an understatement.

“The players let themselves, the club and myself down. They restored some pride by having a go in the second-half but we could have been seven or eight down – we were that bad.

“It was unacceptable and I am looking for a response because some players are fighting for their futures at the club.

“ I will give them the opportunity to prove it was a one-off but they have to bounce back.”