Tribunal for dispute

GAINSBOROUGH Trinity and Lincoln City have failed to agree a fee for centre-half Andy Boyce, and an FA tribunal will settle the dispute.

Boyce was signed by the Imps at the end of a season that saw the Blues fall at the final hurdle in their promotion bid.

But because the defender is 22, the Conference Premier club will have to pay compensation.

Blues chairman Peter Swann confirmed to the Standard that no fee had been agreed, and said the Imps didn’t get close to what he wanted for Boyce.

“We wanted a certain amount for him and they weren’t willing to get anywhere near that. We’ve tried to negotiate but it’s been impossible,” he said.

“They value the player to come and get him but don’t want to pay much for him.”

“It’s a little bit of a slur.”

“There are values out there for players, and while I understand their position and we’ve tried our best, we will just have to see how we get on at a tribunal.”

“Boyce was one of our most important players and we’ve had to replace him with quality.”

That quality is new signing Grey Young, from Alfreton.

The 29-year-old counts York City and Altrincham in his former clubs, having started his career at Sheffield Wednesday.

Swann added: “(He’s) an excellent replacement for Boycey, with a huge amount of experience. He promises to be a great asset for the club.”

Trinity hope to add to their squad next week, according to the chairman.

No one from Lincoln City was available for comment.