Post by leedstillidie on Aug 13, 2006 6:47:41 GMT -1
Chelsea involved in new Leeds tapping row
Leeds United are set to report Chelsea for tapping up a 10 year-old superkid.
The News of the World says the Elland Road club have already called on soccer chiefs to investigate the way Chelsea lured two 16-year-olds, Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo, from Leeds.
And now Leeds are also concerned about a 10-year-old on their books, Lewie Coyle - and allegations by his father, Chris, that Chelsea tried to entice him to move his family to London.
At the centre of the poaching storm is Leeds' former assistant academy director Gary Worthington, who now works for Chelsea.
He is already being investigated for the role he played in encouraging Woods and Taiwo to Stamford Bridge - and is now accused of meeting Coyle's father in a motorway service station to try to persuade him to move his family down south.
Chelsea strongly deny the allegation with a spokesman last night insisting: "There is no truth in the allegations whatsoever.
"There was no meeting between the father and Gary Worthington.
"And Chelsea is not interested in and has not approached any other player at Leeds.
"Everyone is aware of current dispute between Chelsea and Leeds over the other young players. And this is an entirely separate issue."
Leeds, whose chairman Ken Bates was already furious over claims that Chelsea poached Woods and Taiwo, are now ready to demand an investigation into the Coyle allegation.
A spokesman last night confirmed they will hold their own internal probe immediately: "We are extremely concerned about the matter involving one of our academy players, particularly against the backdrop of the current allegations made against the same club involving other players.
"On completion of our inquiry we will take the appropriate action."
Leeds United are set to report Chelsea for tapping up a 10 year-old superkid.
The News of the World says the Elland Road club have already called on soccer chiefs to investigate the way Chelsea lured two 16-year-olds, Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo, from Leeds.
And now Leeds are also concerned about a 10-year-old on their books, Lewie Coyle - and allegations by his father, Chris, that Chelsea tried to entice him to move his family to London.
At the centre of the poaching storm is Leeds' former assistant academy director Gary Worthington, who now works for Chelsea.
He is already being investigated for the role he played in encouraging Woods and Taiwo to Stamford Bridge - and is now accused of meeting Coyle's father in a motorway service station to try to persuade him to move his family down south.
Chelsea strongly deny the allegation with a spokesman last night insisting: "There is no truth in the allegations whatsoever.
"There was no meeting between the father and Gary Worthington.
"And Chelsea is not interested in and has not approached any other player at Leeds.
"Everyone is aware of current dispute between Chelsea and Leeds over the other young players. And this is an entirely separate issue."
Leeds, whose chairman Ken Bates was already furious over claims that Chelsea poached Woods and Taiwo, are now ready to demand an investigation into the Coyle allegation.
A spokesman last night confirmed they will hold their own internal probe immediately: "We are extremely concerned about the matter involving one of our academy players, particularly against the backdrop of the current allegations made against the same club involving other players.
"On completion of our inquiry we will take the appropriate action."
