FA 'reflect' on Newell discussion

The Football Association are to “reflect” on their meeting with Mike Newell after the Luton manager was summoned to Soho Square to explain his claim that a ’bung’ culture still exists in the game.

Newell revealed last week he had been offered cash by agents and club officials as an incentive to buy and sell players.

He also declared he would be stunned if former Arsenal boss George Graham was the only manager to have accepted a bung in the last 11 years.

The FA called the meeting with Newell to discuss the comments but a statement released this afternoon gave little indication of what was said.

“Football Association officials met with Luton Town manager Mike Newell at Soho Square today,” read the statement.

“This followed allegations Newell made last week about financial irregularities within the game.

“Chief executive Brian Barwick met with Newell but did not take part in the formal part of the meeting.

“The FA will now reflect on the private conversation with Newell. No further comment can be made at this time.”

Newell arrived for the talks at 11am but made no comment to the waiting press as he left FA’s headquarters through a back door.

The meeting lasted over two hours with Newell giving evidence to support his remarks, although he had nothing that had been recorded in writing.

The Luton boss had also insisted he was prepared to reveal the identity of those who had offered the “sweeteners”.

“It’s word of mouth. It’s in my head, so I don’t know if it will be any use at all,” he said last week.

“I have no problem substantiating what I have said – and I have no problem digging people out.

“I received a fax from the FA, and I am quite happy to meet people and talk to them.

“I can back up everything I have said and I can sleep well at night.”

Leading football agents voiced their fury at Newell, describing his assertions as without “foundation” and hinted they could sue.

Newell has had no public support from fellow managers with no-one prepared to back up his claims on the record, although former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale confirmed on Sunday he had turned down a transfer bung from an Italian agent while at Elland Road.