At Last! United's Djeeyte Success

by Ryan Bangs

Sunday, November 2, 2008

FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has had his appeal for Home Office action answered after Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte was finally given clearance to play for the club.

Djeeyte was set to make his debut two weeks ago after impressing during a trial and receiving approval from the Senegal Football Association.

But the Home Office said Djeeyte’s work permit only allowed him to play in League Two or above.

Marginson was refused a face-to-face meeting with Home Office officials, but eventually they admitted the ruling was in error.

“It ended up just being a misunderstanding on their part,” he said. “When I was told the situation I immediately got on the phone, but you know what it’s like, you end up getting passed around.

“I went down a different route to try and arrange a meeting, but it never came through.

“It was ludicrous that he wasn’t being allowed to play. He is married to a British girl and has a fully eligible work permit. He is just someone who wants to make a living and play football on the side.

“I just had to bide my time and keep bugging them until it got sorted – which it finally was.”

But while Marginson has been boosted by the arrival of Djeeyte, United were dealt a blow when striker Danny Williams suffered a broken leg in the game with Whitby Town.

However, Marginson is expecting the 20-year-old to make a swift recovery.

“Danny has been fantastic for us this season and it’s a shame to have him out,” he added. “But he is only young and I expect him to be back before we know it.

“For a guy who has played in the North West Counties League for the past three seasons, his progress has been really good.

“And I’m sure he will have the same positive attitude during rehab as he does on the pitch.”