Grays boss Woodward forced to pay up in Sestanovich case

4:02pm Friday 16th May 2008

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GRAYS Athletic have been forced to pay almost £14,0000 to convict footballer Ashley Sestanovich after losing their second appeal against an FA ruling.

The club sacked the player after his arrest following the murder of a man in a robbery that went wrong.

Several months later Sestanovich was jailed for his part in the planning of the raid, but he claimed the money Grays he said Grays owed him between his arrest and the trial.

The FA backed his case and ordered Grays to pay up, threatening them that if they didn't they would be suspended from football.

Following a second hearing between the Football Association and Grays Athletic the FA have once again demanded that Grays Athletic submit full payment (less tax & National Insurance) by next Thursday, May 22, or face full suspension from all football.

Chairman and manager Mike Woodward said that he was bitterly disappointed in the FA's decision and cannot see any justification for paying the player.

However, he said the money will be paid to The FA. "We will be drawing a line under this bitter experience as we concentrate on building for the future," he added.