Wes gets green light!

Today is what many see as the dawning of a new era for Blackpool FC and what better way to start it off than with the massive news that Wes Hoolahan has been cleared to play in the season opener today at the Leicester Crisp Bowl.

For over two months this transfer saga has been disputed – yes, that’s longer than Carlos Tevez’s move to United…but don’t expect the major news stations to acknowledge that fact!

Livingston argued that ‘Pool were late in their loan payments for the player last season, thus rendering the £75,000 agreed fee void, resulting in the Scottish club holding out for an increased fee due to his massive impact on the English game and their precarious financial situation.

Club Secretary, Matt Williams explained the situation to the official Blackpool FC website this afternoon;

‘We received notification late on Friday night from FIFA that the Single Judge of the Players Status committee had rejected the request from the Scottish FA to register the player back to it’s affiliated club. As a result the English FA accepted the player’s registration for Blackpool FC and has given permission for the player to be involved in the game against Leicester City.‘

While the Irish wiz-kid has been cleared to play for ‘Pool today, the dispute remains far from over, as Williams explained;

‘I think the most important issue is the fact that Wes can play. There are other matters that Single Judge could not make a decision on and these have been referred to Players Status Committee and Dispute Resolution Chamber and they will pass their judgement in due course, but we are delighted with this decision. The club maintain their position against Livingston and insist they are not in breach of the loan agreement.’

For those fans who have made the trip to Leicestershire today, it will come as a bit of a surprise to see Wes warming up wearing the ‘Pool colours and take his place in the starting line-up should rumours be believed.

Check back later on this evening for a full match report from our man at the game, Toronto_Pool.