D-day looms for Mapal’s move

9:34am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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YORK City Knights would prefer a deal for want-away winger Lee Mapals to be concluded this week – but no club has yet made an approach.

The transfer deadline for National League One clubs this season is 5pm on Friday, and if no agreement is reached by then, it rules out a cash or player exchange at that level.

The NL2 transfer deadline is Friday, August 8, so there would still be time for a switch. However, the number of potential suitors and the player pool available in return would be significantly diminished.

Player-boss Paul March said: “I would like to think something will happen sooner rather than later. It’s keeping Lee out of the game as well, and a player of his ability should be playing.”

Top try-scorer Mapals, who had been dropped from the first team for failing to attend training several times, was put on the transfer list at his own request last week after showdown talks. However, the Knights are holding out for a transfer fee or player exchange in return.

Mapals himself is also hopeful of moving up to NL1, but the clock is ticking on those wishes.

His agent had suggested Featherstone and Batley, both of NL1, were interested. However, The Press believes Rovers are highly unlikely to make a move for the player, while the Bulldogs were waiting to see how recent loan signings performed before deciding whether to make a move or not.

NL2 high-fliers Oldham were also reported to be interested, but it seems they too have ruled themselves out. The Press understands Doncaster, fellow big-spenders in NL2, have made enquiries about the player’s position, but these were only tentative and no follow-up offer has been forthcoming.

March said Mapals would continue to play in the reserves under the terms of his contract, unless a suitable deal was forthcoming. The 22-year-old would then be a free agent at the end of the season.

“Nobody has made an approach to us,” said March. “He’s contracted to York City Knights and he’s expected to train on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and play at the weekend (for the reserves) when they play.”

He added: “It comes down to who wants him. He’s made his decision. He knew the consequences if he could not get another club.”

March was delighted with the two recent acquisitions that debuted on Sunday. Stand-off Adam Mitchell kicked nine goals in the 62-6 thrashing of Blackpool while centre David Clayton, on loan from Dewsbury, was a try-scorer.

March, who partnered Mitchell at half-back, said: “He played very well. He organised that left-hand side very well. A couple of passes went astray but that timing comes with playing regularly. If he can get that regular run, I’m sure he will offer a lot more.”

He added of the former Keighley player: “It’s our gain and Keighley’s loss I believe. Once he plays more he will get more confident.

“He’s a ball-playing stand-off – he’s not just got a kicking game, but he also carries the ball and puts people into spaces. Hopefully he can build on that performance.”

Sunday’s game was Clayton’s full National League debut. He has played only twice for Dewsbury since leaving Bradford’s academy in the winter, but both appearances were as substitute.

March said: “It was his first full outing in a first-team squad. He came to the club wanting first-team football and he took his chance with both hands.

“I thought he made Blackpool’s centre look a bit silly a couple of times and as for scoring on his debut, he must be pleased with that.”