U's report Norwich over compensation row

Paul Lambert

COLCHESTER United have reported Norwich City to the Football League after failing to settle compensation claims with the club.

Manager Paul Lambert and his coaching team of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa left the U's for their East Anglian rivals Norwich in August against the wishes of their Essex employers.

The two clubs have been locked in a compensation dispute ever since then but, after failing to reach an agreement, Colchester have decided to report Norwich - as well as Lambert, Culverhouse and Karsa individually - to the Football League.

A statement released by Colchester chairman and owner Robbie Cowling this morning, reads: “We regret that it has not been possible to settle compensation claims with Norwich City relating to Paul Lambert, 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.

“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 from this matter.”

The situation echoes the one which Colchester found themselves in the 1994/5 season when George Burley resigned from the Essex club before joining Ipswich Town just a few days later.

The U's were also unable to settle a compensation figure on that occasion, the figure eventually having to be decided by a tribunal.