Shakers exit stuns Casper
21 Dec 2006 - 10:57:50
Bury manager Chris Casper is devastated after learning that his club have been kicked out of this season's FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player.
The Shakers have appealed against the decision, after loanee Stephen Turnbull played in the second round replay win against Chester City.
Casper told the club's official website: "First of all I'm deeply upset by the decision.
"Obviously everyone was looking forward to the FA Cup third round and all I can do is apologise to the supporters, especially those that went to the game at Chester City and backed us with their magnificent support.
"I promise the fans that I'll do everything within my power to make this season a success and I'm devastated for the fans and the people of Bury. I realise I've let a lot of people down.
"It was a genuine mistake. I spoke to (Hartlepool boss) Danny Wilson looking for permission to play Stephen Turnbull at Chester and got verbal permission to do so. I saw no other reason for him not to play.
"Danny Wilson told me that he would get the secretary at Hartlepool to send through the necessary paperwork, but that never came. Under no circumstances do I blame Hartlepool United, but these are the facts.
"I was under the impression that he could play because he was signed before the first game. All my info was that Hartlepool didn't want him cup-tied and, as we'd signed him before the first game, he was eligible to play."
