Colchester United have demanded that the Football League deduct points from Norwich City over the recruitment of Paul Lambert.
No compensation has been agreed between the two clubs following the move for the former Celtic captain who quit Colchester United for Norwich alongwith his management team of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Carsa.
Colchester are currently one point above Norwich in third place in League One with both clubs looking to be involved in the battle for automatic promotion or play-off places.
Adding extra irony to the situation is Colchester’s opening day 7-1 win at Norwich which earned Bryan Gunn the sack and clearly brought the then Colchester boss Lambert to Norwich’s attention.
With the quirky way that football loves to operate it would be no surprise if those three points on the opening day of the season turned out to be highly significant at the end of the campaign.
COMPENSATION
Colchester hardly seem to have suffered with the appointment of Aidy Boothroyd as Lambert’s replacement but that hasn’t dampened the Essex club’s desire for compensation, or revenge as it’s better known.
“A few points could be the difference between them and us come the end of the season and, if that means the difference between promotion and not going up, that could end up costing us millions of pounds,” said Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling.
“I think football should now take a stand and set a precedent by deducting Norwich points.
“We regret that it has not been possible to settle compensation claims with Norwich City relating to Paul Lambert, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa and therefore we have had to report all four parties to the Football League for breach of Football League Regulations and misconduct.
“The Football League will set up a Football Disciplinary Commission (FDC) to hear Colchester’s complaint. The FDC has power to award Colchester compensation and deduct points from Norwich, a remedy which we are advised might be particularly relevant in this case.
RELATIONSHIP
“In the past the two clubs have always enjoyed an excellent relationship and, during the time they were at Colchester United, I had a first class relationship with Paul, Ian and Gary who did a wonderful job for us.
“We have genuinely tried to preserve those good relations and it therefore saddens me that we feel compelled to take this step. However, no one should doubt the resolve of the Colchester United Board to seek a fair outcome.”
Cowling claimed that he has been unable to have a meeting with Norwich chief Alan Powkett to discuss compensation since Lambert moved.
Norwich responded to the move by saying: “City can confirm they have been informed Colchester United have made a formal complaint to the Football League against the Canaries and three members of our management team, Paul Lambert, Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa.
“The matter is now in the hands of our legal representatives and the two clubs will be called to a hearing of the Football Disciplinary Commission to resolve the matter.”
Lambert’s side travel to face Southampton today on the back of three straight wins.