Gradi calls off McAuley transfer

By Nathan Jackson
January 30 2006

Crewe manager, Dario Gradi has lost patience with Lincoln City defender, Gareth McAuley after the player and his agent delayed the transfer. McAuley looked destined to join the struggling Championside side but the £150,000 move fell through but Gradi was still hopeful of a deal but has now given up

Gradi was very keen to sign the defender but after nearly 3 weeks since the transfer deal fell through due to the two parties failing to agree personal terms, the longest serving manager in the football league has finally given up waiting for McAuley and his agent to finalise a deal.

"I'm not expecting anything further from him now, if he and his agent are waiting for the last minute then the last minute has gone." Gradi told the Sentinal.

This means that the chances of the Imps bringing in more player's before tomorrow's transfer deadline, are now slim at best. Jude Stirling and Simon Yeo are the only players to sign during the transfer window whereas Peter Folkes, Omari Coleman and Simon Raynor have all left via one method of another.

If City are to bring anyone else in, they have until 5pm on Tuesday evening to do it and the outlook doesn't look good.