Bees report Rangers over ‘illegal’ approach

The Bees allege Collins was the subject of an approach by the West Midlands League Premier title-chasers after a Sunday league match at the weekend, even though they had not made a formal seven-day request talk to him.

This is not the first time that Studley claim they have been victims of such a breach of FA rules and they want to send out a clear message that the Warwickshire outfit are not easy pickings for clubs who covet their players.

“We are absolutely furious that this as happened,” fumed Knight.

“We’ve had no communications from Black Country Rangers or received a seven-day bid for Matty, but according to the player they approached him on Sunday.

“That is completely out of order and I want to send out a clear message that clubs cannot use these tactics to sign our players.

“We’ve had enough and are reporting them to the Birmingham County FA to let them sort it out.

“I consider myself an approachable guy, any manager who wishes to sign one of our players can give me a call but I’ve never spoken to anyone at Rangers.”

Meanwhile, the Bees are set for a tough test when they return to action in the Midland Alliance against Causeway United on Saturday.

The Bees have not kicked a ball in anger in the league since January 12 hopes are high Saturday’s away clash will go ahead (3pm ko).

They are sixth from bottom and five points ahead of the relegation zone, so Knight wants his team to push on and start moving up the table.

They face a Causeway side who have improved since Andy Mole took the reins a fortnight ago.

With Studley’s attempt to rearrange their league trip to Ellesmere Rangers failing last week, Knight had a free weekend and saw Causeway defeated Alvechurch 3-0.

Studley, who were playing Sutton Coldfield at Coles Lane in the Birmingham Senior Cup last night, suffered a setback as Halesowen have recalled defender Joe Hull, who had been a month’s loan.