THE Football Association is investigating the circumstances surrounding Ben Gerring’s recent appearances for Bovey Tracey despite still being under contract with Weymouth FC.
The central defender, who recently rejected re-engagement terms at the Terras, turned out for the Moorlanders twice last week in a 1-1 draw with Dartmoor and a 3-1 victory over Witheridge, where he netted a brace.
Those two results have helped the Devon outfit secure survival in the Carlsberg South West Peninsula League Premier Division but Gerring’s inclusion could bring about repercussions.
Terras’ associate director Nigel Biddlecombe, who carries out all the administration duties at the Bob Lucas Stadium, said: “Ben’s contract with WFC is valid until May 7 and the FA is investigating the fact he has played for another side.
“I have since spoken to the secretary at Bovey Tracey who has apologised for the error but any penalties administered by the FA will lie at their door and not ours.
“There is also the possibility the player could receive a fine as well.”
Biddlecombe went on to add: “I did not agree to Ben playing for Bovey Tracey and I am confident that no one at WFC made an agreement with them either.”
However, it appears Gerring did ask Weymouth boss Martyn Rogers whether he could turn out for Bovey after the Terras’ last game of the season at Truro City on April 25.
Rogers said: “Ben did ask me about it after the match at Truro and I said I did not have a problem with it.
“However, I did also tell him to check his contract first as I had never seen it before.”
When contacted by Echosport, Gerring refused to go into details about the investigation and also stayed tight-lipped over his future.
He said: “It (the investigation) is in the process of being sorted out and as we speak no one is at fault at the moment.
“As for where I will be next season, things are changing every day and I am not prepared to talk about it at this stage. If anything changes I will let you know.”
In a bid to explain Gerring’s current predicament at the Terras, Biddlecombe added: “As Ben is under 24 we are entitled to offer him re-engagement terms.
“He signed that letter but refused to agree to the same terms as last season, which he is entitled to do.
“What it does mean though, is that if another club comes in for him we will be entitled to compensation. Either that or we could renegotiate with Ben over re-signing him for next season.”
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