NEWQUAY manager Glynn Hooper has hit back in the row over their controversial signings of Wayne Quinn and Jamie Devine – by agreeing that there needs to be a change in CCFA rules.
The Peppermints have come under fire from rival clubs after exploiting a loophole in a league ruling, which has allowed them to sign Quinn and Devine from Falmouth Town.
Falmouth joint-manager Robbie Stephens has accused Newquay of "underhand" tactics after the pair signed for the Peppermints this week.
League rules state a club can only sign one player from the same club during a 28-day period.
But having already signed Mark Vercesi from Falmouth, Newquay were able to sign Quinn and Devine after they briefly registered with Exmouth and St Dennis respectively.
It's a move that has sparked much debate on the Cornwall Soccer Forum website, with Godolphin manager Derek Martin also hitting out at Newquay's conduct.
But Hooper has reacted by actually agreeing that the process isn't something he was comfortable with and admitted that it was with reluctance that they explored this avenue to strengthen his squad.
Approached
He said: "This goes against everything we want to do.
"A couple of players (Quinn and Devine) approached me and wanted to sign for us.
"But having already signed Mark Vercesi we were unable to do that straight away.
"By them joining Exmouth and St Dennis we were then able to sign both players.
"It's a loophole that we have taken advantage of, and I agree, it needs changing.
"I've said for a long time this seven-day approach rule is an absolute farce."
Following the news of Quinn and Devine's moves to Falmouth, Stephens took to the Cornish Soccer Forum to vent his disapproval.
He said: "If Hoops wanted these guys, why not just ask, instead of doing things in a sneaky underhand way. I thought we are all football people and could talk?
"Mousehole recently put seven days in for one of our Combo players, but we know it was really to move him to another club.
"The CCFA need to look at a number of issues, none more so than instances like this.
"I'm not saying players shouldn't be allowed to play for whoever they like, but most have been well looked after by the clubs that they turn their backs on, total lack of loyalty and respect for those clubs."
Martin also joined the debate by accusing their local rivals of making approaches for his players.
Underhanded
He said: "I for one am not the least bit surprised by these underhanded tactics used by Newquay in relation to the Falmouth players, because earlier in this season they already appeared to be a law unto themselves.
"We at Godolphin had to put up with persistent illegal approaches for many of our players over a period of two months earlier this season."
Hooper, however, has shrugged off the accusations and revealed Newquay, themselves, have been on the other end of approaches from other clubs.
He said: "It makes me laugh when people come out accusing you of all sorts. It's happened to us as well.
"Robbie Stephens approached Ollie Deadman after he took over, while Derek Martin has done the same at Godolphin.
"As a club we have not broken any rules. It's up to the CCFA to change them to prevent this from happening."
