Is Elding in trouble at Stockport?

Stockport County striker Anthony Elding has been suspended by the club for seven days whilst they investigate a potential breach of contract and a potential breach of Football League Rule 66.4 that prevents a player from directly, or indirectly, approaching another club with a view to instigating a move.

"We have to take difficult decisions as we protect our integrity and our contractual rights," said Mark Maguire, the Stockport managing director.

"We hope this matter is resolved as quickly as possible and we would ask all our fans to get right behind the team in Saturday's important Cheshire derby against Chester City."

Elding didn't travel for Darlington last Sunday 'for personal reasons' said the club. Stockport lost 4-0.

He was in line for the Powerade player of the month for September which was won by Hereford United's Trevor Benjamin.

25 year old Elding used to play for Boston then moved to Stevenage but reportedly fell out with chairman Phil Wallace and manager Graham Westley and was sent to Kettering before returning to Boston. He moved to Stockport at the beginning of 2007.

The 'transfer' of Elding to Kettering from Stevenage was well reported at the time. It emerged that Westley refused all offers from League and Conference clubs and accepted a lower offer from Kettering.

"There is much for our youngsters to learn in Anthony's departure from the club though. Although he was under contract to Stevenage, it became clear during last season that other people were putting offers to Anthony to move elsewhere. Some numbers were quoted publicly. And I was told that he was being offered the chance to treble his money. I made it clear to Anthony that he would not be leaving Stevenage for a higher level. He had to see out his contract," said Westley.

"Anthony fought for what he wanted. He continued to strive to leave. It became one thing after the next. He became virtually unmanageable. But I meant what I said. No matter how hard he fought, I refused to allow him to leave Stevenage for the Football League."

Hereford United travel to Stockport on November 17th for a League Two match.

---