By Neil Ravenscroft
January 30 2003

The strangest twist of an already strange season is being reported today by the Express & Star. Junior may not be able to play for Walsall again this season, if his International Clearance is not sorted out. The story in the paper has taken everyone by suprise, considering we all thought that the transfer window did not apply to Walsall and other Nationwide clubs, but the Express & Star are suggesting that this is not the case.

Junior, who has been sensational for Walsall in the first part of the season, returned to Brazil last week to complete the formalities after agreeing to extend his Saddlers stay until May.

The Star goes on to say:-

"He has only until tomorrow and the closing of the English transfer window to gain the green light with manager Colin Lee admitting he is sweating on the player cutting through the red tape.

"Junior has signed a contract with us until the end of the season and that has been registered with the FA and Football League," said Lee this morning.

"That means he can't play for any other club, but we are still waiting for the necessary international clearance which we applied for on January 7."

This is one that I don't understand, unless it is something to do with the normal maximum loan period being three months, so this counts as a second loan. I'd appreciate it if someone could explain what is going on here! Is there something in this, or has the Star messed up the story completely?

The Evening Mail certainly seem to suggest the latter is the case. They are saying:-

"Walsall are hoping to end the wrangling over Junior's international clearance this week when their joint leading goalscorer returns from his native Brazil today.

The 26-year-old, who has scored nine times this season for the Saddlers, committed himself to Walsall until the end of May on loan from Brazilian side Trezze at the beginning of January, but he is still not eligible to play.

The player is due back today after having to return to Brazil to gain international clearance and manager Colin Lee is furious about the situation".